Many of our staff and former student leaders have a passion for theater and film. This summer season is an exciting time for many of staff as they will be starring in and releasing their own productions. From May 29-June 27 one of our staff members and two former student leaders are starring in Hightide theatrical’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Elian Mackey, Hammons House Hall Director will star as Seymour Krelborn, Ashtin Umstattd, former RHA Executive Board Member will star as Audrey, and Miles Stamper, former RA will star as Orin Scrivello (The Dentist). 

Molly Crawford, Business Services Graduate Assistant, is working to release her own short film called “Shot Day.” Molly shared the trailer for her short film on June 28, and will be airing her film at the beginning of August at one of the local theaters in Springfield. Congratulations to our staff and student leaders on all their exciting adventures!

This month we would like to brag on Tim McIver. Tim is a Maintenance Technician II on our facilities team. This summer many of our incoming students are touring the residence halls during SOAR. Tim has went above and beyond to ensure the building is in tip top shape: changing lightbulbs, deep cleaning corners, and responding to issues quickly. The Blair-Shannon Hall Director shared that  “He’s so proactive in everything with residents. He takes pride in the building. He helps residents when he can and makes the building look good.” Thank you, Tim, for all your hard work! 

Kenzie Mullins, a returning RA for Sunvilla Apartments, is currently interning with ACUHOI at North Dakota State University. During her time NDSU she has presented at the NACURH annual conference on leadership styles, worked on curriculum pieces for NDSU Hall Councils and RA’s, created a community building presentation for their fall student leader training, filled in for a vacant Hall Director positions during orientation days, and planned and facilitated leadership experiences for incoming students. She is making so many valuable connections with professionals across the field, as well as learning new processes to improve our own at Missouri State. Congratulations Kenzie, keep up the hard work! 

Roaming with Residence Life is a monthly event hosted by a small committee to give our staff a chance to connect with people from all areas of the department that they may not normally get to see or work with. These outings are a great way for our staff in every department to connect, build relationships, boost morale, and provide an opportunity to step away from the office, get some fresh air, and enjoy being together outside of the work environment. Some of the most recent outings have been to Wendy’s, Andy’s frozen custard, and Potters House. Upcoming outings hope to include sporting events and the zoo!