This month we’d like to celebrate the Office of Residence Life. Their dedication and passion shine through in every aspect of their work. Let’s take a moment to recognize the outstanding individuals who make up this dynamic team:

• Lorissa Sowden, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life brings an impressive 26 years of invaluable experience to the table.
• Randy E. McMullin, Associate Director of Residence Life has been a driving force for 18 remarkable years.
• Sara Schilling, Assistant Director of Residence Life for First Year Experience, whose infectious energy and creativity have enriched the team for 5 exciting years.
• Douglas Robinett, Assistant Director of Residence Life for Upper Class Experience, whose fresh perspective and innovative ideas have been a breath of fresh air for the past 3 years.
• Sonja Brightwell, Administrative Service Specialist, who has been the cornerstone of operations for an impressive 18 years.

Together, this dynamic team embodies the core mission of the Office of Residence Life: to empower students in their personal growth and development, providing them with support and opportunities for involvement. Their unwavering commitment to integrating living and learning has truly elevated the educational experience for our students.

In fact, the team has been going above and beyond in recent years. They initiated DEI development sessions tailored for our Resident Assistant staff, showcasing a commitment to educating themselves to better serve all of our students. Over half of the Residence Life Staff have completed Mental Health First Aid Training, and all RAs have undergone QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training. This level of dedication to student well-being is truly commendable.

Furthermore, the team has orchestrated a plethora of engaging programs, including DEI offerings and Professional, Academic, and Career Development weeks. Through these initiatives, they foster a sense of community and belonging that is truly unparalleled.

In addition, let’s not forget about the incredible dedication of our two full-time staff members who live on campus, serving nearly 2,000 students day in and day out. Their tireless efforts, from code of conduct meetings to celebrating student successes, undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on student retention and satisfaction.

Sara and Doug have even taken their expertise beyond our campus, representing us as program presenters at the Midwest Regional Student Affairs Conference. Their dedication to excellence and continuous learning is truly an inspiration.

In the face of challenges, this team has shown unparalleled resilience. Despite three full-time positions being eliminated, they have continued to rise above and provide exceptional support to our students.

So, let us take a moment to applaud the remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication of the Office of Residence Life team. Their energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care for our students are truly the heartbeat of our community. Thank you all for your incredible contributions!

— Amber Welsh, On Behalf of All Staff Council