Community Consultants

Matias Costa N.

You’re here! Time to take advantage of all of the opportunities you receive in college! My name is Matias Costa and I am 20 years old. I am a sophomore, and one of the reasons I chose Columbia College was because of the small classroom ratio. Being in smaller classes allows me to get more involved with my professors as well as my fellow classmates. I not only get a better education, I make friends in the process. I am an international student from La Paz, Bolivia and one of my biggest challenges was getting adapted to a small-town environment. That challenge vanished after a couple days at CC. This place is great! I am majoring in International Business and Environmental studies and plan to minor in International Relations. I love playing soccer, hanging out with friends, reading a good book, cooking pancakes, listening to music, chasing cars, roasting peanuts with my friend Aaron and skateboarding around town, as well as going to concerts!

My advice to you:

Small is Big, I’m telling you!

E-mail me at: macostanavajas1@cougars.ccis.edu

Caitlynn Cunningham

Hey everyone! My name is Caitlynn Cunningham. I’m a sophomore here at Columbia College with a major in Biology and a minor in Teacher Certification. I have lived my entire life in Montgomery City, Missouri a small town equidistant from Columbia and St. Louis. I love to watch movies of any kind. I’m a big country music fan, but I listen to just about everything else. My favorite television shows are The Amazing Race and Big Brother among other reality shows. I spend a lot of my time with my friends and family. Being active in sports has always been a part of my life and I will play softball, dodgeball, kickball and volleyball every chance I get. I always have a great time here at Columbia College and I am sure you all will too. I can’t wait for the semester to start and to meet all of you!

My advice to you:

Always go to classes, make good decisions, use your best judgment and always be nice to everyone you meet.

E-mail me at: cgcunningham1@cougars.ccis.edu

Jim Eckett

My name is James Paul Eckett, but you can call me Jim. I was born in Olathe, Kansas then my parents moved after a year to Centerview, Missouri. I grew up around many different dogs as my father is a professional Labrador retriever trainer. I’ve been all over the United States and worked with many different types of animals because of my parents’ jobs. My parents own their own business and have been invited to Australia, the Netherlands, and Italy. My little sister and I were fortunate to be invited with them on their second trip to Australia and their trip to Italy which also involved time in Germany. My extended family is spread out from Glendale, Arizona to Auburn, New York. I grew up going to the same school with the exception of my 5th through 7th grade years when I went to a Christian private school. I graduated from Crest Ridge high school in May of 2005 and started college that fall at what was then Central Missouri State University (now UCM) in the town of Warrensburg just 5 minuets from my home. At 21 I am set to graduate this May with a major in International Business and International Relations.

My advice to you:

College is your chance to make your reality, to reinvent yourself, or to just meet new people. Now is a chance to grow in all aspects, maybe even figure out who you are and what you can do.

E-mail me at: jpeckett1@cougars.ccis.edu

Chris Hawkins

My name is Chris Hawkins and I am 19 years old. I am from Mexico, MO a little while outside of Columbia. I am currently a sophomore and my major is Mathematics and my minor is in Secondary Education. When I am not doing homework I like to play soccer or run when it is warm. During the colder months I normally play video games or if I do not want to do any of those things I like to wander Miller and talk with friends. I also love to listen to music and find new artist. I hope your first year at CC will be great and have fun. I look forward to meeting you.

My advice to you:

Do not stress, everything will work out for the best.

E-mail me at: crhawkins1@cougars.ccis.edu

Shanice Hunter

My name is Shanice Hunter, but everyone calls me Niecy. I will be a sophomore here at Columbia College in the fall of 2008. I am 18 years old and I’m from St. Louis Missouri. I graduated in 2007 from Jennings Sr. High. My major is forensic science and criminal justice; I want to be a crime scene investigator. I enjoy writing poetry and hanging out with my closest friends. In high school I played soccer and was a cheerleader. I am on the dance team now for Columbia College. I hope you enjoy your time here at Columbia College and come to me if you need anything.

My advice to you:

Get out there and meet new people. Network yourself and bring a positive light to the college.

E-mail me at: smhunter1@cougars.ccis.edu

Kristina King

My name is Kristina King, and I am currently a junior here at Columbia College. I am 20 years old and I am from Waynesville, MO. I am currently a marketing major with sociology minor. When I grow up, I f I ever do, I want to be an event planner and specialize in weddings. In my free time I love to scrapbook and spend time with friends, family and my new baby nephew. I am really looking forward to meeting all of you and don’t forget that this is the time of your life, take advantage of it and enjoy your college experience to its fullest! Columbia College is a wonderful school and you couldn’t have made a better choice. With that being said, I can’t wait to enjoy the Community Consultant position again and see all your new faces around campus!

My advice to you:

“Be strong, go with your heart, and believe in miracles because anything… anything can happen.” – Marlo Javidando

E-mail me at:keking2@cougars.ccis.edu

Becca Kunce

My name is Becca Kunce. I am 19 and from St. Louis, Missouri. I am a sophomore majoring in mathematics with minors in education and music. I am currently in the Beacon program to become a high school math teacher. On campus I involved in Mock Trial, Horizons GSA, Unity in the Community, and The Jane Froman Singers. I also run tech for school productions. In high school I played volleyball, basketball, and soccer and was active in band, choir, National Honor Society, Student Council, Model United Nations, and theater. Some days, watching sports and America’s Funniest Home Videos is my saving grace. I can’t wait to see you and welcome you to the cougar family!

My advice to you:

“Sometimes the hardest things and the right thing are the same.”

E-mail me at: rakunce1@cougars.ccis.edu

Neal Lines

Hello everyone! My name is Neal Lines. I'm truly excited to be your Community Consultant. I am a senior majoring in Computer Science with a minors in Business and Mathematics. After graduating from a small town in Lincoln, MO, I knew that Columbia College was the right school for me. Columbia College provides many opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. I want each of you to realize that college is truly your time to shine. Embrace all that you can and enjoy every minute of the college experience. The memories that you make here will last forever.

My advice to you:

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. –Harvey Fierstein

E-mail me at: nrlines1@cougars.ccis.edu

Kerianne Russell

My name is Kerianne Russell, and I am currently a sophomore here at Columbia College. I was born and raised here in Columbia, Missouri, so if you have any questions about the city feel free to come ask me. Although I might not know where everything is located I could possibly point you in the right direction. I grew up playing soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Soccer was one of the main sports I played and I miss it a lot. I am currently considering Graphic Design as my major. I am not 100% sure yet, but I plan to be ready to declare my major soon. Do not forget if you have questions, come find me and I can help you. Good luck on your first year!

My advice to you:

If you get yourself into a situation that makes you feel pressured to make a decision, you should probably not give into that situation. If you do not feel ready to do something, do not do it.

E-mail me at:kkrussell1@cougars.ccis.edu

Elizabeth Weise

Hey there, my name's Elizabeth Weise. I'm a sophomore I'm majoring in English, and would like to teach either high school English or second grade. I graduated with 41 other cool kids in Eugene, Missouri, which is an itsy-bitsy town hardly anyone's ever heard of. I like to have cinematic adventures, so I love my job at a movie theater. I also love listening to music and hanging out with my friends. I love it here at CC, and hope you will too!

My advice to you:

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right.” – Henry Ford

E-mail me at: ewweise1@cougars.ccis.edu

Renee Wilbarger

Hi! My name is Renee Wilbarger and I’m a sophomore here at Columbia College. My major is criminal justice and I hope to one day work in federal law enforcement. I’m a country girl from Camdenton, a small town near the Lake of the Ozarks. I love to be with my family and friends, they are so important to me. My hobbies include: being outdoors, playing and watching sports, reading, and napping. I would like to welcome you to Columbia College and let all of you know that I am looking forward to being your Community Consultant.

My advice to you:

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”- Bruce Lee

E-mail me at: rawilbarger1@cougars.ccis.edu