By:  Arielle Suggs ( Whetstone Staff Writer)

If you enjoy traveling, cooking or tattoos then you have much in common with Anderson, S.C.-native LaDarius Thompson, the new coordinator of student affairs.

Thompson said he loves interacting with Wesley students by listening to their thoughts and ideas and helping them become reality.

Thompson directs and overseas multi-cultural affairs including P.U.L.S.E, Ally and BSU. He also overseas Intramural sports, fitness and club sport programs, as well as the underground.

Thompson has plenty of student involvement experience.

“When I attended Pace University as a grad student, I was a residential director for a freshman community of 300 students and an orientation coordinator,” he said. “As an undergrad at the University of South Carolina Upstate, I was president of student activities board, chief of staff for the student government association, and a residential assistant.”

Thompson enjoys the family-like atmosphere of Wesley.

“In searching for jobs, I wanted a small private institution where I could walk out of my door and be able to interact with students on a one-on-one basis.” he said. “When I came to Wesley, I found that it was a very homey and welcoming environment.”

Thompson has added his touch to many student affairs, including Greek life.

“I’ve had the opportunity to speak with the Women of Wesley about their interests,” he said. “As a result, I am working with The National Pan-Hellenic Council [the coordinating body for the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities] in an effort to bring chapters onto campus.”

He said the school also welcomed Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to campus.

Student leaders said they were satisfied with Thomposon’s efforts.

“Ladarius has a lot of charisma and is down to earth,” said P.U.L.S.E coordinator and SGA Treasurer Michael Streeter. “He has a refreshing personality and above all else the generation gap isn’t that big. He can still relate to being a college student.”

Streeter also said he appreciates Thompson’s flexibility.

“He allows students to bring ideas to him and he works around [their ideas],” he said. “He has an open door policy. Students can stop in and talk to him whenever they want.”

P.U.L.S.E Coordinator Charminta Brown said she senseda change in the Wesley atmosphere since Thompson came to campus.

“I feel like the atmosphere of student life has expanded in a positive way,” she said. “LaDarius has brought much diversity and new ideas to not only Student Affairs but throughout Wesley.”

Charminta also said she enjoys collaborating with him.

“I love working with LaDarius because he allows me to bring new and inventive ideas to the PULSE Mentor Program,” she said. “He is also there for me whenever I need help with the program.”

“I believe in listening to what students want, and stepping in as a resource for them,” Thompson said. “I want students to see that fun is an important part of life and that it is important for them to always be themselves.”

Thompson’s office is located in student life. He can also be reached via email at LaDarius.Thompson@wesley.edu.