swacuho 2014 pre conference news

SWACUHO News | Pre-Conference 2014 1

SWACUHO NewsSouthwest Association of College & University Housing Officers

I hope you have all had a great winter break and that your new year has started off well. In just a few short weeks our annual conference will be upon us. I trust you are all looking as forward to it

as I am! I cannot wait to visit with all my buddies from other schools, and I hope to make some new acquaintances too.

Craig Allen and Mari Duncan and their wonderful Host Committee members are cranking it into high gear to get all the little details taken care of for this conference. I just had an email from Craig today and he is already counting down the days – it is just a month away now. Hosting a conference can be very overwhelming while managing the day-to-day experiences we handle in residence life, particularly at the beginning of a semester, so I want to say thank you to the entire Host Committee for the commitment and dedication they have put into organizing this conference. I know it will be wonderful and memorable.

SWACUHO News - Pre-conference 2014

Director News .................................................12013-14 SWACUHO Executive Board ...........2What I've Learned from Five Years as Hall Director .............................3SWACUHO Showcase 2014 ..........................5Mark Your Calendars ......................................6Register Now For SWACUHO 2014: Connecting in Cowtown! .........................7The "Coog" - Print ...........................................8Wanna Know more about this Super Position 9Regional OTM Winners ................................10

Save the Date-SWACUHO-U ....................... 11Howdy from the Professional Development Committee.......................12Breakfast Meeting for Mid-Level Staff ............13Arkansas is Ready to Connect in Cowtown ...13Countdown to Cowtown................................14The Power of a Keynote Speaker.................15UT Recognizes .............................................15Thanks to the 2014 SWACUHO Sponsors ..............................................16SWACUHO Elections 2014 ..........................17

in this issue

Happy New Year, SWACUHO!!I also had a great conversation with an Omni Hotel employee today who was extremely friendly and helpful, so I imagine our hotel stay will be delightful too!

There are so many fabulous things planned for your conference. Please be sure to take complete advantage of the programs, meetings and exhibits to connect while you are in “Cowtown”. If this is your first SWACUHO, please make plans to attend the Newcomer’s Meeting/Reception on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm. This will be a brief introduction to our association and its officers, and will be a good time to make a new friend! Plus, we always have a fabulous gift of some sort to offer our first-time attendees to say “Thanks” for participating in our conference, so you certainly don’t want to miss out on that.

Also, make sure you stop by the Exhibit area and meet our exhibitors and vendors who are displaying all sorts of products that enhance our residents’ experiences with on-campus living. These folks are valuable resources chock full of information, and during a conversation with one of

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2013-14 SWACUHO Executive BoardJoellen Tipton President Sam Houston State University [email protected]

Diane Brittingham President-elect University of Oklahoma [email protected]

Kyle Estes Past President Texas State University [email protected]

Tanya A. Massey Secretary Oklahoma State University [email protected]

Curtis Odle Treasurer Baylor University [email protected]

Maggie Guzman Technology Coordinator Texas A&M University [email protected]

Dan Mizer Historian Texas A&M University [email protected]

Whitney Paschall Newsletter Editor Texas Tech University [email protected]

Elizabeth Eppinger Arkansas State Director University of Arkansas - Fort Smith [email protected]

Diana Sanchez Texas State Director University of the Incarnate Word [email protected]

them you just may find an innovative invention that your campus cannot live without!! While in the exhibit area, please also take a moment to stop by the ACUHO-I Foundation table and learn more about what the Foundation can do for you.

Since this is my last article as President, I want to express my deep appreciation for all of those who served on the Executive Committee this year. Diane B, Kyle, Tanya, Curtis, Beth, Diane S, Josh, Maggie, Whitney and last, but never least, Dan – I am so grateful to all of you for your support and the hard work you did this year for our association. It was a pleasure working with you.

Thank you also to our committee chairs for providing leadership and counsel to your respective committees, and all the work that you did for the benefit of our association. The heart of every organization is its volunteers, and you are stellar.

It has been an honor to serve as your SWACUHO President this year. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, it has been a wonderful and enriching experience. I look forward to visiting with you all in Fort Worth!!

Sincerely,

SWACUHO PresidentSam Houston State University

Joellen Tipton

Happy New Year, SWACUHO!! Cont..


It’s been five years. Five years of roommate mediations and fire alarms. Five years of Behind Closed Doors and incident reports. Five years of waking up to the sound of hundreds of heels running down the hallway to get to their rush week event on time. Five years of falling asleep to the

awkward mumbles of couples’ conversations outside our bedroom window.

In the past five years, I have been a single hall director, a married hall director, a pregnant hall director, a mommy hall director, and now a pregnant mommy hall director. I’ve been a hall director at a public university, a private for-profit university, and a private faith-based university. I’ve learned a lot in the last five years, but above all, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining the sensitive balance of work and life.

Living on campus doesn’t have to be a challenge. In conversations among student affairs professionals, it seems the idea of living where we work is something to be dreaded. Sure, an apartment in a building with 600 18 year-old women who share twelve bathrooms doesn’t initially sound like the most relaxing environment to come home to. However, I wake up thirty minutes before I need to be at work because my office is 50 feet from my apartment. Our friends come over to watch free cable, eat in the dining halls on our meal plan, and use our parking spots to embark on peaceful campus walks. Any given night, I can walk outside my front door and find free sno-cones, live music, or a cultural event. From a parent standpoint, I have found raising a child on a college campus to be such a cool experience. My students came to the hospital to meet him when he was just a day old. They sit and show him the few pictures in their

What I’ve Learned from Five Years as a Hall Director

textbooks. They put him on their lap as they play the lobby piano. They run down the sidewalk and scoop him up when they see him toddling outside. I will mourn the day my children won’t have daily interaction with students anymore.

Your apartment should be sacred space. It’s wonderful to have students over and allow them to feel a sense of home and comfort. However, don’t let them get too comfortable. When I first became a hall director, I kept my apartment door open at all hours of the day, had students napping on my couch and studying at my dining table. We’d watch Grey’s Anatomy together while they helped themselves to whatever was in my fridge. I thought I was the coolest hall director, that is, until I found myself avoiding my apartment just a couple of weeks later, hoping to find a place of security and rest. Today, I invite students over every couple of weeks for an event with a specific start and end time. Ultimately, we need to protect the freedom, sanctity, and comfort that is reserved for the feeling of being at home. As a wife and a mother, it is more important than ever for me to keep my apartment separate from my job for the wellbeing of my family.

You are the only one who can protect your personal time. If you allow your schedule to be dictated by others, they will choose times that are most convenient for them and I’m telling you right now, convenient times for students are not convenient times for you. A student will say that they have to eat lunch any ways, so having your meeting in the dining hall would be opportunistic. A convenient time for students to meet is going to be after all the class bells have rung, club members have been dismissed, and auditoriums have turned the lights off. Students usually have at least an hour in between some of their classes where they can come by your office. If they can’t make it back to the residence hall, meet them in an academic building or

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on-campus coffee shop. Hall directors already work more than we’re paid for because of situations that are usually out of our control, so take advantage of the responsibilities that you do have control over and schedule wisely. Allow yourself time to prepare for meetings, walk slowly between locations, and eat lunch with colleagues or friends.

Be strategic with how you plan your weekly meetings. Though our days can be entirely unpredictable, plan for the commonalities you have found. For me, this means not scheduling anything on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. Monday mornings are usually spent putting out fires (usually not literally) from weekend events. Friday afternoons are usually when I’m trying to respond to the many emails I overlooked and resolving any issues from the past week. I space all of my one-on-ones out evenly throughout the week so I don’t drain myself emotionally on any particular day. Also, I only have them after lunch. This way, I have the morning to complete administrative tasks so I can provide each student leader with undivided attention. I also try to leave at least fifteen minutes in between meetings so I am not feeling rushed or under prepared. We often get time-sensitive emails and voicemails during meetings and when I don’t leave time to respond, my anxiety will carry over into my interactions with colleagues and students throughout the day.

We need to model healthy work-life balance for our students. You only need to respond to one late night call in order for the students to think you are available at all hours of the day. Set clear expectations from the start. During training or your first meeting with your student leaders, explain

your role in detail - not just what you do, but what you don’t do as well. My student leaders know that I turn our staff group text off after five o’clock. They know that if there are issues in the hall after business hours, they need to decide whether it’s something significant enough to call the on-call hall director or wait until the following morning – contacting me is not an option. They see me worshipping a couple rows over at church, the doodles on the sidewalk from coloring with my son, and the pictures on Instagram of our weekend road trips. They don’t see my office light on at night or my appearance at every one of their programs. In a world where busyness is glorified, our students need us to role model a life of wellness and balance.

Hall Directors are people too. What I mean by this is that we need a good night’s rest, we need daily exercise, we need to eat nutritious meals, and we need supportive adult relationships. Hall Directors have an extremely high burn-out rate in this field because, if we’re not careful, our work can become our life. Don’t answer your door every time you hear a knock. Join a local gym if working out on campus makes you uncomfortable. Don’t let your meal plan lead to an additional “freshmen fifteen” every semester. At the end of the day, we can only pour out as much as we have been poured into. To best take care of our students, we need to take care of ourselves first.

If I could sum up everything I’ve learned about work-life balance, it would be this: don’t let your job define you. We do amazing work, but are each worth so much more than an on-call phone. It’s important to invest in our careers, but it’s even more important to invest in our wellbeing.

What I’ve Learned from Five Years as a Hall Director Cont.

Crystal KittenDirector, Brooks Flats Residential Community Global Community Living-Learning Center Campus Living & Learning Baylor University


Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers

THE SWACUHO SHOWCASE will have:

Posters/displays from schools all over the region

Sample staff shirts (t-shirts, polo’s, etc) from other universities

Sample promotional items from many different departments

THE SWACUHO SHOWCASE is: An opportunity for you to share what is happening on

your campus

Staffed by the program committee members

On Tuesday afternoon in the foyer area. (At this time you will be able to answer questions about your display, if you choose)

A POSTER/DISPLAY is:

A program’s worth of information in one place

Concise, clear, and visually captivating

As simple or as elaborate as you desire

A poster board to a tri-fold “science fair” display

About any topic from staff development/training, technology, current issues, facilities/operations to administrative issues. The possibilities are unlimited!!

A sample of promotional items you are using on your campus

To those who ARE presenting a PROGRAM

A poster/display is:

A great way to advertise your session

A great way to share your information to those who are unable to attend your session

To those who ARE NOT presenting a PROGRAM

A poster/display is:

An opportunity to share your good ideas

A great way to be a part of the 2013 conference program

Are YOU interested in participating?

Contact Rikki Turner: [email protected]

We are looking forward to showcasing the amazing things SWACUHO is doing!


Mark your calendars! February 16-19, 2014 for Connecting

in Cowtown. Conference Website and Registration is now

live! http://www.cvent.com/d/f4qmcg

Official SWACUHO 2014 Hotel:

Omni Fort Worth (Downtown)

Howdy from Fort Worth, TX! Texas Christian University and The University of Tex-as at Arlington just finished hosting the SWACUHO Mid-year and we’re excited to wel-come y’all back in a few months for SWACUHO 2014, Connecting in Cowtown. Our an-nual conference is being held in downtown Fort Worth in the Fort Worth Convention Center, across the street from the beautiful Omni Hotel. We look forward to the op-portunity to host our colleagues from the region and to show off our vibrant city. While you’re here, we highly encourage you to visit the newly renovated Sundance Square, a historic area in the heart of downtown filled with restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Other Fort Worth gems include the city’s newest hotspot West 7th street where you can get some delicious ice-cream sandwiches from Sweet Sammie’s or shop for some western wear at Teskey’s Uptown. And of course the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must, where you can step into the past for some rodeo fun and spend your night two-stepping at Billy Bob’s. Don’t forget to try out the mechanical bull! For more conference updates please be sure to follow SWACUHO on Facebook.


Registration is now available for the 2014 annual conference, Connecting in Cowtown held in downtown Fort Worth, TX February 16-19!

Hosts TCU and UT Arlington invite y’all to register early at these rates:

SWACUHO Institutional Member- $220 ($20 discount if registered by 1/15/14)

SWACUHO Non-Member- $350 ($20 discount if registering by 1/15/14)

Registration closes 2/7/14

For more information, visit SWACUHO.org or like the SWACUHO page on Facebook or follow @SWACUHO on Twitter!

Get your cowboy boots and hats ready to Connect in Cowtown!

Register Now for SWACUHO 2014: Connecting in Cowtown!


On Wednesday, December 4th, Cougar Place resident Vanitaa Dookran was awarded two tickets to the Houston Jay-Z concert as our grand prize winner for our MAP-Works Fall Transition Survey. Cougar Place had over 75% of their eligible residents complete the questionnaire. All 17 staff members were on hand tosurprise Vanitaa with her tickets.

“Fright Night Football” Cougar Place won the inaugural “Fright Night” program in support of the University of Houston (U of H) vs. the University of South Florida football game on October 31, 2013. “Fright Night” was a fan support initiative between residence halls hosted by Athletics for $1,000 to the hall with the highest attendance at the game.

“Cultural Connections” We have committed ourselves to creating communities within our residence halls by doing our best to be inclusive, and ensure each student feels heard. We often find through our experience that many international students struggle to adjust to the American culture; making it difficult to call our residence halls their home. Through a celebration of culture, we can incorporate our international students and help our communities benefit from the educational opportunity.

Based on Phinney’s (1992) research that self-esteem, and a sense of belonging are positively correlated to ethnic identity, the Cultural Connections program series gives the students the ability to do step one – to explore. As the number two most diverse University in the country, U of H’s Cultural Connection series has taken the opportunity to access a plethora of cultures. We work to create an inviting and open

The “Coog”-Printenvironment for students to learn about each culture; an integral part of our series.

The Cougar Village 1 residence hall has completed 3 different Cultural Connection

programs: Lunar Festival, Diwali, and A Taste of Nigeria. We use the city with a plethora of cultural restaurants to help provide food, and have an active learning activity. We had Moon Cakes, and calligraphy making during the Lunar Festival. The Indian Dance group on campus came to perform for us during

Diwali, and taught us some of the moves. We had the Nigerian Dance group come perform for us "A Taste of Nigeria", and an Engineering student talk to us about his experiences coming from Nigeria to study at U of H. Each event has drawn more than 100 students to participate.

Cultural The Moody Towers Social and Educational Planning Committee made up of Resident Advisors of the complex put together the “Culture Fest” on November 26, 2013 in order to encourage residents to take interest in and learn about other cultures of the world. They showcased foods from Mexico, India, Japan, and China. There were RAs giving henna tattoos to residents, teaching them how to properly hold and use chop sticks, viewing Japanese anime, watching a calligrapher paint characters (which the program attendees got to take home), and learned to do the Cha-Cha. This event exposed over 80 students to these cultures and continued to promote an environment of cultural awareness, understanding, and inclusivity.

Alex RiesResidence Life CoordinatorBayou Oaks


RA hiring is on the horizon if it hasn’t arrived on your campus yet! The Research, Information & Assessment committee has put together a list of how 45 universities conduct their RA hiring process. Information we have gathered include:

• Novel marketing ideas to recruit the best candidates• How each institution pre-screens candidates• What campus partners are utilized to prep & evaluate candidates for the interview process• Descriptions, outcomes, and results of 88 group interview activities for you to replicate• Interview questions, evaluation rubrics and feedback surveys to facilitate the process

Find all of these by visiting: http://bit.ly/SwaCUho

Have yours to include? Send to Eugene Frier at [email protected]

Join our group at the Committee Fair during the Annual Conference in Fort Worth Feb. 15-19!

http://bit.ly/SwaCUho

mailto:[email protected]


Sam Houston State University is excited to announce that two Residence Hall Directors were regional OTM winners for the month of November. Maggie Mahoney won Spotlight of the Month and Ja’Nelle Rivers won the Advisor of the Month. Both of these nominations were written by NRHH members.

Maggie Mahoney was nominated for her ability to encourage the SWACURH delegation and handle a travel crisis that arose. During SWACURH Maggie encouraged the delegation to use their networking time in a way that would prove advantageous and allow the group to incorporate organization changes upon their return to the SHSU campus. The Frank Cloud chapter had quite a bit of difficulty on their return trip from the SWACURH conference. Upon starting the eight hour drive from Lubbock to Huntsville, TX, the group immediately incurred significant vehicle trouble. The issues caused the group to spend five additional hours in Lubbock, waiting on vehicle repair. The nominators specifically stated that the leadership of Maggie is what made the situation bearable and productive. Maggie encouraged the students to use the additional time to complete

Regional OTM Winners homework and study. Specifically stated in the OTM, “Maggie used her head in a tough situation as well as her heart to re-ignite our passion in NRHH”.

Ja’Nelle Rivers was nominated for her desire to go above and beyond when working with students. Ja’Nelle volunteered to help co-advise the SWACURH delegation, cook dinner for RA staff who were on holiday duty, and has started to work towards co-advising the NRHH group. She had no requirement or obligation to complete

any of these task. She chose to take on these responsibilities in efforts to better the department and support her RA staff team. Her nominator states, “Ja’Nelle has sacrificed time and time again for the good of Residence Life, whether it has been accompanying NRHH or being there to support her staff team”.

Congratulations to both Maggie and Ja’Nelle!

Katy PeltonArea Coordinator & Summer ConferencesDepartment of Residence Life Sam Houston State University

Kevela Kirby has joined the Residence Hall Director staff at Sam Houston State University in charge of Bearkat Village Apartments,

Jackson Shaver Hall and the small houses of Four West. Kevela graduated from Tarlton State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She expects to earn her masters, also in psychology, in December

2014. Kevela has worked in Residence Life since 2008; first as a student residential leader, then professionally as a Dorm Director at Trinity Valley Community College and an Area Coordinator III at Navarro College. While at Tarlton, Kevela was a member of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and the infamous spirit organization, Purple Poo. Kevela may be reached at [email protected].

New Member

Associate Director for Student Development ProgramsDepartment of Residence LifeSam Houston State University

Kim Baechtel



You are probably asking yourself “THE WHAT COMMITTEE??” Formerly known as the Human Resource Development Committee, the Professional Development (or ProDev) Committee is here to help further your experience. There are multiple ways we accomplish this and we’d like to tell you about a few.

Case Study Competition – This occurs at the annual conference, and it is open to graduate students or new professionals (1-2 year experience). Each team of two will be given a case study 30 minutes prior to their presentation. The teams will have those 30 minutes to prepare their presentation without any outside help. When it is their turn, the teams will present their case to the judges. Once the teams have presented, they are invited to watch the following teams present, but not before they present themselves. Winners are announced at the closing banquet where the winners will receive a plaque for their accomplishment.

New Professionals Track (NPT) – At the annual conference, there are multiple programs per session which will be labeled as NPT. These programs are geared to newer professionals and can help further your development. Those interested should pick up one of the NPT passports to track your sessions. Details will be with the passport at the annual conference. Those who complete the NPT will be recognized at the closing banquet.

Howdy from the Professional Development Committee!!

SWACUHO-U – This is a one day conference focused on new professionals. The group is a smaller one (30-40 people) so there is more direct interaction. Seasoned professionals come from around the region to talk about different things new professionals may encounter and help them develop further. It is an excellent and inexpensive way for newer professionals to network and develop professionally. It is always held in a central location, usually the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. The 2014 SWACUHO-U is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2014 on the campus of UT Dallas. They have graciously agreed to host again and we will be able to see some of their brand new facilities.

If you would like more information on the Professional Development Committee, feel free to email us at [email protected] or stop by our table at the committee fair during the annual conference. We cannot wait to Connect in Cowtown!

Coordinator of Residence Life Department of Residence Life Texas A&M University

Gennie Lynn



Greetings from your Arkansas State Director! The weather tried to hold up fall finals and delay spring openings, but Arkansas keeps thawing. The spring semester is always a busy one with rushing to prepare for spring opening, organizing RA recruitment and selection, attending conferences, searching for new professional staff, and continuing to reach our students with intentional programming. I encourage you to attend our annual conference during this busy semester so you have the opportunity to be reenergized through amazing interest sessions, thought-provoking keynote speakers, and networking with colleagues. In just a few short weeks, the SWACUHO membership will be welcomed to Fort Worth, TX, for our annual conference! If you have not already registered and want to attend, please register by following the information in this newsletter. I hope to see all Arkansas attendees at our state caucus meeting at the annual conference. A lot of great

The annual conference is fast approaching. Please consider registering or modifying your registration to attend the Mid-Level breakfast. This event will take place at 7:15 am on Monday, February 17, 2014. Early morning breakfast will be a great time to start networking, brainstorming and get energized for the first full conference day. Goals for the Mid-Level breakfast are:

• Networking with fellow SWACUHO Mid-Level staff;• Brainstorm theme and topical areas for Mid- Level Drive In Conference 2014;• Determine other desired professional development opportunities for Mid-Level Staff.

Breakfast Meeting for Mid-Level Staff

If you are unable to attend SWACUHO or the Mid-Level breakfast but would still like to contribute, please send your ideas and feedback to Katy Pelton ([email protected]).

See you at SWACUHO 2014!

Katy PeltonArea Coordinator & Summer ConferencesDepartment of Residence Life Sam Houston State University

Arkansas is Ready to Connect in Cowtown!

ideas were brainstormed last year, and now is the time to put some of those ideas to work.

One of the great things about SWACUHO is the opportunity to get involved. The leadership opportunities are endless. I want to specifically encourage the Arkansas membership to consider joining a committee. From the Conference Program committee to the Professional Development committee, there is a place for you to serve! SWACUHO Showcase at the annual conference is the best way to join a committee. If you joined a committee last year, touch base with your committee chair. Their contact information may be found on the SWACUHO website.

Have a great spring semester!Beth EppingerDirector of Housing and Residential LifeUniversity of Arkansas – Fort Smith



We hope you are counting down the days to Connect in Cowtown! SWACUHO 2014 will be held February 15-18, 2014 in Fort Worth. TCU and UTA are thrilled to co-host the event and reunite with all of you! Don’t forget, Earlybird registration ends January 15th! However; you and your crew can still register through February 7th. Check out our site at Connecting in Cowtown for more information. We can’t wait to see you there!

This year, we’ll be offering a variety of events to make your trip to Fort Worth truly special. On Saturday, there’s a tour of the TCU Campus in the afternoon so don your purple, and Go Frogs! The conference kicks off Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening you will not want to miss the Opening Gala! We’ll welcome you all, hand out some awards, have some entertainment and a variety of Ft. Worth fare to eat!

Dust off your cowboy boots because we’ll be kicking things off at our Opening Gala on Sunday with some true Texan entertainment. Yeehaw! Additionally, we’ll be hosting our traditional CHO and Mid-level breakfasts which you can sign up for upon registration. After breakfast, as an introduction to our fantastic array of programs, Dr. Claudia Beeny will be delivering her keynote speech on Monday morning. Monday night you are on your own to explore and eat well at one of our classic Fort Worth restaurants in the downtown area.

Later Monday evening, we will provide transportation between Downtown, The Stockyards, and the new 7th Street where we’ll end the evening with team building at Lucky Strike Bowling. Be sure to visit the newly renovated Sundance Square, a historic area in the heart of downtown filled with restaurants, shopping and entertainment. West 7th street also offers an array of restaurants and shopping including delicious ice-cream sandwiches from Sweet Sammie’s or western wear at Teskey’s Uptown. And of course the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must, where you can step into the past for some rodeo fun and spend your night two-stepping at Billy Bob’s. Don’t forget to try out the mechanical bull!

For you early birds, join a friend or colleague and take a run along the Trinity River on Tuesday morning. Afterwards our featured speaker, Eric Stoller, will be leading us into day two of exciting programs. We’ll end our evening with our closing banquet and reception.

As you can see, the SWACUHO 2014 Host Committee has planned something for everyone, and we know you will have a memorable time. To make sure you stay completely updated make sure to download the Guidebook app for your tablet or smartphone so you’ll get all your updates as they come in.

See you in Fort Worth!

Countdown to Cowtown!

Director of Housing & Residence Life Texas Christian University.

Craig Allen

http://www.cvent.com/events/swacuho-2014-annual-conference/event-summary-aabaa4d523bf47cb895a82abdbfbcb02.aspx

http://www.cvent.com/events/swacuho-2014-annual-conference/event-summary-aabaa4d523bf47cb895a82abdbfbcb02.aspx


As the next SWACUHO conference is soon to be underway, I have been reflecting on past conferences and the impact they have played in my professional development. Over the years, my colleagues and I have returned from conferences re-energized with ideas for improving our program. Most of the time, the ideas we bring back enable us to create positive changes at our university and improve our program for our residents.

I believe that it is rare for me to return from a SWACUHO conference ready to change my life. However, two years ago I sat in a keynote address given by Dr. Bertice Berry. Her message was about making a positive change in ourselves so that we can be better at what we do in our professional roles. As I sat listening to her detail how she changed her life when she lost 150 pounds, I became excited that I could do that as well. I tried to imagine how I would be if I was healthy. Would I become more engaged and active as an employee / boss / friend? Would I be different? Would I be a better wife and mother? Could I really be a better version of myself?

I returned from the conference, purchased her book A Year to Wellness, and read it cover to cover. Then, I effectively and deliberately

The Power of a Keynote Speakerchanged my life. Two years later, I have lost the extra pounds and in the process learned so much about myself. I have been so thankful for Dr. Berry’s wisdom, and recently I was excited to learn that she highlighted me in her weekly blog (The Art of Being Better: Inspiration January 13, 2014 – http://bertice-berry.blogspot.com/).

Of course, weight loss was a personal goal of mine, but I have found that it does spill over into my professional life as well. I believe that because of this change, I am now more productive in my position, I react to daily and unexpected stressors in a more healthy way, and have dramatically reduced the number of sick days that I need to take. This influence has also impacted the rest of the department. We provide support to those working on their wellness and offer healthy food options during our monthly luncheons. If someone wants to take advantage of the University wellness exercise program, they are encouraged to participate.

Thank you, SWACUHO, for the foresight to bring Dr. Berry into our midst. I am forever grateful.

Director for Residence Life Business OperationsSam Houston State University

Dana Grant

Sam Siner has been elected to the Directorate of the ACPA Commission for Spirituality, Faith, Religion and Meaning. He is the author of a chapter in an upcoming book on college students, meaning,

and spirituality, published by ACPA Books and Media, and he will be co-presenting on this topic at ACPA 2014 in Indianapolis. Sam is a Residence Hall Coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin.

UT Recognizes: Aaron Volyes will be the new chair for NASPA’s Men and Masculinity Knowledge Community. Aaron is an Area Manager at the University of Texas at Austin.

Director, Organizational Diversity and DevelopmentDivision of Housing and Food ServiceThe University of Texas at Austin

Gloria M. Allen


As SWACUHO 2014 approaches, the Exhibits and Display Committee has been hard at work gathering registrations from exhibitors. The exhibit area is the place for delegates to learn about the products and services offered in our industry as well as an opportunity to learn about new products and services.

Be sure to come to the E&D area to meet and interact with our exhibitors and for chances to win great prizes in our two raffles at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm!

Thanks to the 2014 SWACUHO Sponsors:

E&D Chair University of Arkansas [email protected]

Megan Witherspoon

Thanks to the 2014 SWACUHO Sponsors

• Apartment Furnishings• KLN Manufacturing• KSQ Architects• Mustang Rental & Sales• SCM Architects

• Southwest Contract• Tandus Flooring• University Laundry• Adirondack Solutions, Inc.• ASI Campus Laundry Solutions

Exhibitors registered to attend:• Adirondack Solutions• Apartment Furnishings Company• ASI Campus Laundry Solutions• Caldwell and Gregory• Campus Televideo• College Products• CollegeHereICome.com• Collegiate Concepts, Inc• CORT• EBI MAP-Works• Ecologic Furniture• eRezLife Software• FOLIOT FURNITURE• Foliot Furniture• Integra Seating• Interface• KeyTrak• KeyWarden• KLN Manufacturing• KSQ Architects• Leeder Furniture• Mackey Mitchell Architects• Mattress Cleaners Inc

• Maxient LLC• Microfridge• Mustang Rental & Sales• On Campus Marketing• Pest Management Inc.• Randall Scott Architects, Inc.• Renfrow & Associates• Room Pact• Sauder Education• Savoy Contract Furniture• School Datebooks• SCM Architects• SHW Group• Solid Products LLC• Southwest Contract• Starrez• SWAK University Services• Tandus Flooring• The Brill Company• TR Furniture• Treanor Architects, P.A.• Uloft• University Laundry



PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATEKenny Mauk – University of Houston

Statement of Interest:

I became involved in SWACUHO after attending the annual conference in 1994. My career has taken me many places; when I’ve worked outside of the region I relied on my friends, mentors, and colleagues who I met through SWACUHO. These relationships have also forged a personal commitment to servant leadership. I would like to continue to work to support SWACUHO and to work for the needs of the membership.

Bio/Vita:

Kenny Mauk received his Master of Public Administration degree in 1998 from Texas Tech University and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University in 1994. In 2011 he joined the University of Houston as Associate Director for Housing Operations and Outreach and has worked with other senior staff to transition the University from a commuter to residential campus.

Kenny has worked at a variety of both public and private institutions including: Texas Woman’s University, Texas Tech University, The University

of Louisville, George Mason University, and Rogers State University. He has also worked in the privatized housing sector and as a high school English and Applied Mathematics teacher. He is involved in, ACUHO-I, SWACUHO, Greater Houston Partnership, and Theta Chi Fraternity.

He has served multiple leadership positions for SWACUHO: Treasurer, Texas State Director, Diversity and Social Justice Committee Chair, and Human Resource Development Chair. He has also been a member of the Program Committee, Exhibits and Display Committee, and the Mid Level Steering Committee. During his tenure as treasurer Kenny was instrumental in establishing new accounting protocols. His work further extends to ACUHO-I where he served as the Chair for the Business Operations Committee and as Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee.

His professional interests involve administrative management, the study of bureaucratic systems, and municipal government. In his personal time he enjoys cooking, gardening, exercise, and spending time with family and friends. He can be found on social media: @kenmauk and on facebook.com/kenmauk

This year’s election cycle brings candidates for President-Elect and Treasurer.

SWACUHO Elections 2014


TREASURER CANDIDATESGreg Hladik – University of Texas-Arlington

Statement of Interest:

The SWACUHO organization has been an important part of my professional development and journey to where I am today. As a resident assistant, leaders within SWACUHO supported ACUHO-I internships that opened a window for me and others to visualize our career. As a resident director, I took advantage of the events put on by SWACUHO’s leadership team to build relationships with colleagues and SWACUHO’s support of The Southern Placement Exchange allowed me to land my first professional job.

Over the past 3 years as chair of the Research, Assessment & Information committee, I have found value in assisting decision makers across the organization by providing data to help them make informed decisions. I am looking forward to continuing to support others in the region to provide resources necessary for them to make impactful decisions while I serve as the treasurer for the organization.

The SWACUHO region is home to both my career and family. Having the hindsight to know I will be a long-time member of SWACUHO, I feel responsible for fulfilling a leadership position as the treasurer to continue enhancing the opportunities of the organization and create professional development for myself and others.

Bio/Vita: Education

• Expected 2016: PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Study; University of Texas at Arlington

• May 2008; Master of Science in College Student Personnel; Arkansas Tech University

• May 2006: Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Oklahoma State University

Professional Preparation

• Mar 2012 (Ongoing): Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services; University of Texas at Arlington

• Jul 2009 to Feb 2012: Assistant Director of Apartment & Residence Life; University of Texas at Arlington

• May 2008-Jul 2009: Area Coordinator of Residence Life; University of Texas at Arlington

• Jul 2006-May 2008: Resident Director; Arkansas Tech University

SWACUHO Involvement

• 2014: Annual Conference Host Committee- Fort Worth, TX

• 2011- (Ongoing): Chair- Research, Information & Assessment

• 2008-2011: Member- Research & Information Committee

Conference Presentations

• 2014: SWACUHO Annual Conference; Give me an hour and I’ll save you two. Using Excel to Enhance Your Job; Fort Worth, TX

• 2013: ACUHO-I Facilities Conference; The Influence of Privatized Housing on University Housing Facilities; Providence, RI

• 2012: SWACUHO Annual Conference; Researching SWACUHO; College Station, TX

• 2010: SWACUHO Annual Conference; Transitioning from Graduate Assistant to a Full-Time Team; Austin, TX

SWACUHO Elections 2014 Cont.


SWACUHO Elections 2014 Cont.

Associate Director- Housing Facilities Services, Department of Housing and Residential LifeTexas State University

Kyle Estes

Curtis Odle – Baylor University

Statement of Interest: My entire housing career has been spent in Texas. Since the beginning of my career, SWACUHO has been the place for me to form connections with colleagues, connection with the larger field of housing, and connection to valuable experience and knowledge. It has expanded my opportunities, abilities, and understanding of my chosen profession. I have enjoyed serving the association for years and for the past two years, I have faithfully served the association as Treasurer. I love SWACUHO and I desire to continue that service. I have a long history of fiscal responsibility and excellent organization. This was clearly evident in my duties as Treasurer. There is a learning curve to becoming Treasurer and I feel like after one-term, I am reaching my stride. I have been diligent in maintaining the finances of the association, working closely with the State Directors for the membership drives, quickly responding to the needs of committee chairs and the host committee. I have been a valued member of the Executive Board working to improve the quality of the association and our fiscal management. I consider myself a life-long learner, a team player and enjoy continually stretching myself with new challenges. I look forward to continuing to serve our association as Treasurer.

Bio/Vita: Professional Experience: After graduating with my engineering degree, I began my professional career as a mechanical engineer designing HVAC and plumbing systems for buildings. Needing a career change, I entered the field of student housing with a desire to work with college students. I have served for over 11 years in student housing.

During this time, I served many years in a student development capacity of residence life. Many of my areas of responsibility included: residence life program development and oversight, resident assistant training and development, judicial affairs, crisis management, oversight of programming and budget, and serving on the departmental leadership team. In my current role, I transitioned into the facilities and operations side of residence life. My responsibilities for the past several years include serving on the departmental leadership team as the facilities point person liaising with facility services. Other responsibilities include: safety oversight, budget coordination, vendor liaison, furniture oversight, construction management and summer maintenance.

SWACUHO Experience:Since entering the field of student housing, I immediately got involved in SWACUHO serving on committees, attending SWACUHO and making presentations.

• Member of SWACUHO, 2003-present• SWACUHO attendee 2004-2010; Case

Study Competition participant; Program Moderator

• New Professionals Institute attendee, 2003• Research and Information Committee of

SWACUHO, Chair: 2006-2008, member: 2004-2006

• Mid-Level Manager’s Steering Committee of SWACUHO member, 2004-2012

• Programming Committee of SWACUHO member, 2006-2012

• Exhibits and Displays Committee of SWACUHO member, 2010

• National Housing Training Institute, University of Maryland, 2008

• Executive Board – Treasurer, 2012-present

swacuho 2014 pre conference news

Documents

swacuho news preconference

swacuho news preconference

swacuho sponsors

swacuho elections

annual conference

swacuho executive board

director news

new acquaintances