Christopher Gardner-Murry

Experience

• 

  Lake Nixon Summer Day Camp

  Jul 2015 - Aug 2019

  Assistant Director

  Due to my work ethic, passion for kids, communication, and ability to collaborate and work with co-workers, I was asked to transition from being a teacher to becoming the assistant director. This position allows me to collaborate with co-workers by partnering with them to enhance the learning and growing environment for the children at Lake Nixon. I was able to better learn how to communicate certain ideas and teachings to children of different age groups through teaching bible study and by resolving behavioral issues. I was also able to learn how to modify my communication to fit them in a more effective way and to better communicate with other staff members on how to better handle situations. Show less

• 

  University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  Aug 2016 - May 2019

  Student Worker

  As a student worker for the UA Little Rock Department of Admissions and Recruitment, I work as a customer service call center representative, university ambassador, desk clerk, and assist in campus events. I am able to communicate either one on one or in a group setting, dependent on the task set before me, about UA Little Rock and help new or potential students in the process of getting admitted to the university.

• 

  Definitive Spirit Enterprise

  Jan 2018 - now

  Owner/Choreographer

  • Create, cultivate, and instruct high quality and captivating game day materials for cheerleading and dance teams and individuals. • Create, cultivate, and instruct top-of-the-line competitive materials for cheerleading and dance teams and individuals.• Push athletes and coaches to their next level. • Teach and instruct proper technique to maintain and promote a safe environment.• Market and promote sales and initiatives via email, social media, text, and word of mouth. • Offer expert advice to cheerleading and dance coaches on choreography, team culture, team leadership, skill and technique execution, and data collection and management. Show less

• 

  Arkansas Twisters

  Mar 2019 - Apr 2019

  Sirens Captain

  The Sirens are the the official cheerleading and dance team for the Arkansas Twisters football team. As the captain for the sirens, I lead efforts both on and off the field. I help choreograph and teach sideline materials, time out materials, and half-time materials. I also am a leader at public appearances, games, and practices. As well as serving as a captain, I also assist with logistical efforts for the Sirens, game day efforts, and social media.The National Gridiron League pushed the starting season from Summer 2019 to Summer 2020. Show less

• 

  Henderson State University

  May 2019 - now

  • Led coaching efforts for Reddies Pom Squad and Reddies Cheer Squad, providing direct mentorship and guidance.• Designed and choreographed dynamic routines for game performances, sideline activities, and competitive events.• Managed and curated content for program social media platforms, showcasing team achievements and fostering community engagement.• Produced captivating graphics and visuals to enhance the online presence of the program.• Spearheaded athlete recruitment initiatives and implemented strategies for athlete retention.• Cultivated relationships with high school and collegiate coaches nationwide, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.• Oversaw comprehensive uniform management, including inventory control, collection, and distribution.• Fostered a supportive team environment centered on values of selflessness, teamwork, and goal attainment.• Contributed to fundraising and sponsorship efforts, aiding in the planning and execution of strategic initiatives to support program goals. Show less • Coordinate, plan, and execute all campus visits and events for prospective students including, but not limited to: campus tours, group tours, preview events, new student orientation, and select yield and retention initiatives based on positive customer service and people-oriented leadership.• Work in Slate CRM and Banner to host and assist in accurate data record collection, data record management, event registration, communications, forms, queries, processing, and managing admissions application data collection.• Oversee and direct all departmental student employees for the Reddie Ambassadors Program, the University Call Center, and new student orientation within daily operations.• Collaborate and communicate with team members, administrators, faculty, and staff to cultivate superior guest experiences for both personalized and larger events campus-wide.• Curate positive and encouraging team culture that promotes selflessness, teamwork, achieving goals, and outstanding customer service.• Work alongside faculty and staff to improve data collection and share admission information.• Lead departmental training and leadership development.• Manage departmental materials inventory.• The College Board's ACCUPLACER Certified Test Administrator. Show less • Directly coach the Reddies Pom Squad.• Assist with the Reddies Cheer Squad.• Choreograph materials for the pom squad including game performance materials, sideline materials, and competition materials.• Assist with cheer choreography as needed and requested by our Head Coach. • Assist in running program social media accounts.• Create graphics for program social media accounts. • Actively recruit and retain athletes.• Engage with coaches on the high school and collegiate levels across the nation.• Directly oversee uniform inventory, collection, and distribution for the pom squad. • Curate positive and encouraging team culture that promotes selflessness, teamwork, and achieving goals. • Assist in planning and executing fund raising and sponsorship efforts for the program.• Directly coached the Reddies Pom Squad to a National Runner-up title in the Spirit Rally Open division at NDA’s College Nationals.• Coached the Reddies Cheer Squad to a National Championship title in the Spirit Rally Open division at NCA’s College Nationals. Show less • Directly coached the Reddies Pom Squad.• Assisted with the Reddies Cheer Squad.• Choreographed materials for the pom squad including game performance materials, sideline materials, and competition materials.• Assisted with cheer choreography as needed and requested by our Head Coach. • Assisted in running program social media accounts.• Create graphics for program social media accounts.• Actively recruited and retained athletes.• Engaged with coaches on the high school and collegiate levels across the nation.• Directly oversaw uniform inventory, collections, and distribution.• Curate positive and encouraging team culture that promotes selflessness, teamwork, and achieving goals. • Directly coached the Reddies Pom Squad to two top 5 finishes in the Hip-Hop and Pom categories at DTU College Nationals in 2021. Show less Student Engagement Center:- Collaborated with administration to curate, plan, and execute engaging events tailored for current students, enhancing campus life and community.- Supported administration and student organizations in event coordination, ensuring seamless execution and fostering a vibrant campus atmosphere.- Facilitated interactions with students, faculty, staff, and guests, providing exceptional service and fostering a welcoming environment in the Student Engagement Center and at hosted events.Alumni and Development Office:- Contributed to administration efforts in fostering strong connections with alumni, nurturing positive relationships to support the institution's mission and goals.- Engaged with alumni, staff, faculty, students, and guests, facilitating meaningful interactions and fostering a sense of community within the department.- Assisted in the formulation of strategic plans for alumni engagement, leveraging innovative approaches to strengthen alumni involvement and support.- Played a key role in devising creative initiatives to honor alumni, recognizing their contributions and celebrating their achievements. Show less

  • Associate Director of Admissions

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Head Cheer & Pom Coach

    Jan 2024 - now

  • Instructor

    Jan 2024 - now

  • Assistant Director of Admissions for Experiences and Relations

    Feb 2024 - Jul 2024

  • Guest Services Coordinator

    Dec 2021 - Jan 2024

  • Assistant Cheer & Pom Coach

    Dec 2021 - Jan 2024

  • Graduate Assistant Cheer & Pom Coach

    May 2019 - Dec 2021

  • Graduate Assistant

    May 2019 - Dec 2021