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Natasha Bernius
Intercultural Life, Gender & Sexuality Center
she/they
Assistant Director of Intercultural Life & LGBTQ+ Advisor
I’ve called the Illinois prairie my home my whole life. I grew up in Eureka, Illinois, but I’ve had the privilege to call Colorado, specifically, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park my second home. The adversity I’ve faced as a queer woman from the rural midwest has shaped me into a fierce advocate for marginalized groups. As I’ve grown up, my parents never stopped encouraging me to stand up for myself and others.
I graduated as a first generation college student from Monmouth College in December of 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and minors in Women and Gender Studies and Classics. My academic expertise includes feminist antiquity and rhetoric. At Monmouth College, I was an incredibly involved student. I was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, which happened to be founded here at Knox. Along with serving as the Drum Major for the Monmouth College Marching Band, I was also a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team and Cheerleading squads. Through these various roles, I hoped to inspire other queer and non-traditional students to pursue various leadership and athletic opportunities that may not have been available before.
In this position as the Assistant Director of Intercultural Life & LGBTQ+ Advisor, I am eager to share this passion and devotion for equity with the students of the Knox College community.
she/her
Assistant Director of Intercultural Life
Jade Shelby, an Illinois native born and raised, brings her vibrant energy to Knox College as the Assistant Director of Intercultural Life. Having grown up surrounded by friends and chosen family from diverse backgrounds, Jade deeply values the richness of different cultures and life experiences. As a bi-racial woman (Black and White), she brings a unique perspective, understanding the world through the lens of both sides of history. Jade believes in the power of understanding and storytelling to build bridges between communities and foster environments of belonging.
As a non-traditional student, Jade juggled motherhood, work, and her studies while earning her BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Evansville (UE) in 2018. She then served the UE community as both a Records and Registration Coordinator and an Academic Advisor, supporting students across various aspects of their college journey. Passionate about creating a more just and all-embracing campus, Jade actively participated in committees and taskforces focused on belonging for underserved groups. In December 2024, she furthered her academic pursuits by earning an MA in English Literature from Indiana University, where she focused on Black and Indigenous literature and traditional cultural texts.
Jade is a true advocate for community building, and she brings that passion to Knox. A mom, a lifelong learner, and a dedicated listener, Jade is always eager to connect with others and share stories. When she's not busy fostering togetherness, you might find her engrossed in a good book—her "To Be Read" pile rivals the height of Old Main!
https://www.knox.edu/offices/intercultural-life/meet-the-staff
Printed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025