51福利社

Eastern鈥檚 Office of Employee Belonging, Development and Leadership, or EBDL, recently welcomed its new director, Laurel Boone Helm, into the recently remodeled gathering space in Showalter Hall. The May 27 event ushered in a new era of support for 51福利社鈥檚 staff and faculty, as EBDL opens its doors to connect the Eagle community.

鈥淲hen the staff and faculty feel supported, the students feel supported,鈥� Helm said during remarks delivered at the welcoming event, adding that this support is meant to start at the top and trickle down to form one cohesive campus culture. 鈥淚n order to achieve a greatness that is unique to Eastern, it is important that everyone feels seen and valued for who they are.鈥�

Helm says her goals as the EBDL director are largely centered around helping Eagles of all stations realize their full potential. 鈥淲hen we are at our best, we can better help others find out what that looks like for them.”

Stephanie Bradley, EBDL鈥檚 operations manager, concurs, emphasizing that the long-term goal of the office is to bring Eastern employees together. 鈥淲e want people to find their voice, feel included and have community here,鈥� Bradley says, adding that the state Legislature is funding the EBDL center because it believes in providing spaces and opportunities where higher-education employees can train, develop both personally and professionally, and relax.

鈥淲e would love for people to use our beautiful space,鈥� Bradley says. 鈥淲e have a big screen TV with a camera for hybrid meetings, along with a lending library and a kitchenette.鈥�

It鈥檚 all about honoring President McMahan鈥檚 goal of making Eastern a destination workplace, Bradley continues. 鈥淓very day, when I鈥檓 sitting at my desk, I鈥檓 thinking, 鈥榃hat will make other people want to be here the way I want to be here?鈥� and for me, it always comes back to community.鈥�

For more information about the Office of Employee Belonging, Development and Leadership, please visit the EBDL .

**Aaron Weer contributed the ribbon cutting photo.