Meet Appalachian State University Intern - Trey Blackwood
Welcome College Intern Trey Blackwood. Mr. Blackwood is a Master of Public Administration student at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He will be working with each department in the Town of Lake Lure in the coming months.
“I am thankful to be able to complete my summer internship with the Town of Lake Lure as I work toward completing my Master of Public Administration degree from Appalachian State University. Throughout my time here, I hope to connect and learn more about this beautiful community and work alongside other professionals. I continue to look forward to my time here this summer and to be able to enjoy all that Lake Lure has to offer!”
To learn more about Mr. Blackwood's background and experience, please review his resume below.
EDUCATION
Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
- B.S., Political Science with Concentration in Public Administration, May 2023
- Minor: Community and Regional Planning
- Cumulative GPA 3.88
- Chancellor’s List 2020, 2021, 2022
- Master of Public Administration, December 2024
- Track: Town Administrator, City, County Management (TACCM)
- Cumulative GPA: 4.0
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Office of Research and Innovation-Sponsored Programs, December 2023-Present
- Contracts and Office Graduate Assistant
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures for the Sponsored Programs office to maintain better records and lessen future administrative burden
- Creating Contracts and Agreements with other University and Sponsor Institutions to further research and educational opportunities with Appalachian State
- Experience using Cayuse Administration Software to complete tasks and organize our internal process
Office of Alumni Affairs, Boone, North Carolina, August 2023-Present
- Graduate Assistant
- Building relationships with alumni through engagement and various means of communication
- Creating a survey to Young Alumni to better understand the needs and priorities of our largest demographic of alumni
- Developing a historical tour to allow alumni to relate their experiences of their past to the future development of App States campus
- Serving as a front-desk attendant in answering phones, responding to emails, and welcoming in guest
- Planning and contributing to conversations relating to alumni events.
- Handling personal information to send letters, emails, and other communication with Alumni
Town of Valdese- Town Manager’s Office, Valdese, North Carolina, May 2022-August 2022
- Intern
- Gained real-world, practical experience through observation, hands-on, and analysis of daily operations of the Town Managers Office and departments within the Town of Valdese
- Assisted in creating and developing an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for the community center
- Worked with Parks and Recreation department head on gymnasium renovations
- Drafted an internal personnel policy at the request of the HR manager and Town Manager in regard to Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
- Engaged with elected town officials on issues relating to the town and potential solutions and alternatives
- Spent time in working with each department and learning the day to day duties of their jobs
City of Hickory-City Manager's Office, Hickory, North Carolina, June 2021-August 2021
- Intern
- Aided the City Manager's Office as well as the City Manager
- Experienced staff, council, and regional community meetings relating to various on going city projects
- Worked with the Budget Analysis to draft and create a well-rounded budget document
- Obtained an overview of various city departments and their duties
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Career Development Center, Boone, North Carolina: August 2023-January 2024
- Career Guide
- Developing best practices for students to engage with potential employers
- Assisting and communicating with students regarding resume and cover letters
- Exploring options with students in career and major exploration
- Facilitating discussions with students on professional development opportunities and resources from the University
- Career Guide
- Town of Valdese Parks and Recreation, Valdese, North Carolina, June 2017-January 2022
- Head lifeguard, lifeguard
- Certified in Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED
- Monitoring pool and surrounding areas to maximize safety
- Maintaining pool and chemical composition
- Managing and supervising up to six other lifeguards on duty
- Cash register management
- Providing a safe and clean environment through regular cleaning and maintenance
- Head lifeguard, lifeguard
- Appalachian State University Housing, Boone, North Carolina, August 2020-May 2021
- Resident Assistant
- Assisted 30-40 residents as the first point of contact for first year students
- Hosting community engagement events
- Monitoring residents’ safety and wellbeing in responding to emergency and crisis events
- Serving in a receptionist capacity in the residence halls
- Resident Assistant
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Appalachian Student Ambassadors, Boone, North Carolina, April 2022-Present
- University Relations Liaison, Homecoming Chairperson
- Serving the Alumni Association, University Admissions, and the Office of the Chancellor in official capacities
- Coordinating efforts with various organizations across Appalachian State’s campus
- Leading our organization through a successful homecoming season and engaging members in actives across campus
- Supervising two other positions to ensure an efficient and effective homecoming
- University Relations Liaison, Homecoming Chairperson
Student Government Association, Boone, North Carolina, August 2019-May 2023
- Chief of Staff, Senate President, Senator
- Organized and led the Senate Leadership Team and Senate
- Prepared agendas, PowerPoints, and special guest speakers as well as
- Serving as Chairperson for our weekly Senate Meetings
- Coordinating and communicating projects and initiatives with various stakeholders
- Direct consultations with Student Body President, University Administration, and Students
