Professional Development Honors

Housing staff to represent K-State at summer professional development summits

June 4, 2013 -- Several members of K-State’s housing and dining services staff were selected to take part in professional development opportunities across the country this month.

Andy Thompson, residence life coordinator at Marlatt Hall, and Delcenia Collins, residence life coordinator at Haymaker Hall, were chosen to attend the James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute at the University of Georgia June 4 through 8. The institute is offered by the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International and allows attendees to develop a personalized career development plan and participate in interactive learning and mentoring activities. Only 30 professionals with three to five years of experience are chosen to participate in NHTI each year.

Sarah Frese, Ford Hall residence life coordinator, applied for and was accepted to the Regional Entry Level Institute, a four-day seminar offered by the Upper Midwest Region – Association of College and University Housing Officers. RELI, which takes place June 3 through 6 at the University of Northern Iowa, is modeled after NHTI but tailored to those with one to three years of residential life experience. Networking opportunities and skill-development sessions allow participants to return to work with a renewed focus and tools to help them meet their career goals.

Moore Hall Resident Assistant Scott Calovich will attend STARS College June 13 through 15 at the University of Minnesota. STARS, which also is offered by the ACUHO-I organization, was founded by former K-State Housing and Dining Services Director Charles Werring in 2003 as an educational experience for undergraduate students who are considering a career in housing or student affairs. Calovich earned one of 40 to 55 openings at this year’s event.

“These opportunities energize and motivate staff members to assess their skill level and adjust to changing times and trends in the housing field,” said Stephanie Bannister, associate director of housing and dining services. “The experience allows them to reconsider their previous goals and make strategic decisions about their advancement.”

Each of these training seminars selects a group of experienced faculty from a nationwide pool of applicants to serve as instructors and mentors. Bannister has served as a member of the STARS College faculty since 2010, and was also one of 10 housing professionals from across the country to be chosen as faculty for NHTI this year. Nick Lander, assistant director for residence life, is one of 10 who will serve as faculty for RELI.

“K-State has earned a national reputation for excellence in its housing services, and that wouldn’t be possible without the level of effort put forth by our amazing staff,” said Derek Jackson, director of housing and dining services. “It’s a tough job that doesn’t end at 5 p.m. – it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and the acceptance of these individuals into such programs as NHTI, RELI and STARS says a lot about their dedication and ability to succeed.”