Amir is a freshman majoring in electrical engineering and is a current resident of Wells House. He currently serves as the Treasurer on the board of the Wells Hall Council. Amir stated, “I have loved my experience living on campus because it’s where I’ve met many of my closest friends. Being involved in Hall Council has also helped me grow and develop in many aspects, including leadership, teamwork, and being more involved in my community.” We want to brag on Amir for their amazing work in Hall Council. one of Amir’s peers said that “Amir is one of our greatest members on the Hall Council. Being able to conduct and analyze our funds effectively has truly been a huge help. Additionally, he is a vibrant and outstanding resident of Wells. Everyone loves Amir and he is always a friendly face to see in Wells.” Thank you, Amir, for being an amazing resident and student leader! 

 

Mike is the evening supervisor at The Food Hall at Garst Dining Center. Mike has worked at MSU for a year and a half, and his favorite part of working at MSU has been the busy pace and his connection with his co-workers. Mike recently went above and beyond to help support our residence life team with their dining experience. “Mike is always helpful, yet this evening was especially gracious and went above and beyond to support colleagues in Residence Life. Mike not only helped get ticketed meals for employees in the moment but wrote names on the boxes to help keep their orders known, found a box to ease transport, and offered to help me carry the to go meals to Hutchens. This was exemplary service and very much appreciated, especially on a challenging evening. Thank you Mike!!!” Thank you Mike for being such an integral part of our team here at Missouri State! 

 

 

Gabriella is a sophomore double majoring in theatre and cybersecurity. Gabriella has lived on campus for two years, and is a current resident of Monroe Apartments. She serves as the Advocacy and Service Coordinator for Residence Hall Association, President for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, is a general member of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and a University Ambassador. We want to brag on Gabriella for their amazing work preparing and presenting “How to Submit the Perfect RPF” during winter RA training. When talking to Gabriella about her presentation she stated, “My presentation explained the process of how RA event items they order are bought, and how to improve their RPFs to increase the efficiency of buying those items and to increase the chances they get exactly what they wanted. This helped demystify how items are bought in the department and answer questions many RAs had.” Since her presentation, many of our RA’s and staff have expressed how thankful they are for the presentation and information she gave. Thank you Gabriella for being an amazing student leader! 

  

Our MSU campus will be hosting the MACURH Regional Business Conference, February 26 – March 1. Our conference staff is made up of 11 student leaders, one graduate assistant, and three full-time staff advisors. While the entire conference team is has worked hard to make this conference come to life, we spoke to Sam Rudoy, RBC Conference Chair, to learn more about the conference preparation experience. Sam is a senior pursuing her Bacheolor’s in socio-political communication with a minor in non-profit leadership. Sam lives on-campus in Monroe apartments and holds many leadership positions in organizations across campus. She is the National Communications Coordinator for the Residence Hall Association and a Mentor for the Bears Mentoring Bears program.

When asked what the most challenging part of planning the conference was, she stated, “ensuring the completion of tasks that weren’t mine – with fourteen other awesome people working in fourteen different areas, it was hard to keep track of everything at times!” Sam has expressed that she is very excited to new and returning attendees at the conference, and she hopes they take away how meaningful it is to make connections. The conference theme for this year is Roadmap to Growth, which symbolizes the “focus on one’s leadership journey rather than the destination.” Sam said, “We want to take delegates on their own road trip, if you will, and help them create their own roadmaps to growth in their leadership roles. The meaning behind our ‘Roadmap to Growth’ theme is that while we all have individual paths, they’ve all intersected and led us to RBC. We want to celebrate that!” Thank you Sam and the Conference team for making this conference a possibility! 

Sam Rudoy – Conference Chair, Gabriella Coambes – Finance Chair, Matt Koczan – Safety/Accessibility, and Transportation Chair, Benjamin Crawford and Kenzie Mullins – Marketing and Spirit Chairs, Maggie Murphy – Dining Chair, Zoe Stevens – Housing Chair, Peyton Griffith – Volunteer Coordinator, Triona Leach – Sponsorship Chair, Sadie Hugelman – Philanthropy Chair, Sarah Desmond – Technology Chair, Winston Laughlin – Registration Chair, Toni Braddish – Advisor, Andrew Thompson – Advisor, Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi – Advisor 

 

Kai Jones is a sophomore majoring in vocal music education. Kai is a Resident Assistant in Kentwood Hall and has lived on campus for two years. Aside from being an RA, Kai is also a member of the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Kai said, “living on campus makes it very easy to get in touch with friends that also live on campus because they are just a short walk away.” We want to brag on Kai for going above and beyond in their duties as an RA. When Kai was visiting Hammons House, the fire alarm went off. There was one RA who was unable to clear their own floor, and Kai stepped in to help make sure that all of the necessary procedures were followed and the floor was clear of residents. Thank you for being an amazing Student Leader! 

 

Kierstin Howard, Assistant Coordinator for Leadership Development and Programming, has worked at MSU for 4.5 years, starting as a Desk Assistant, serving as an RA, and now as a graduate assistant! Her favorite part of working at MSU has been the people, Kierstin stated. “This is my 5th year at Missouri State, and I truly consider it home. The people are the reason I’ve stayed and grown here, and I aim to return some of that kindness and support to students who may need it as I did.” She has mentored both RHA and NRHH student leaders to successfully host educational and social programs. Most recently, Kierstin helped a student leader execute the restructured version of Silver Bells, a large-scale banquet that is put on to recognize the hard work of student leaders like RA’s, Hall Councils, and Desk Assistants. The event was well received, and all our student leaders left feeling fulfilled in the work they do. It was said that “all of this wouldn’t be possible without the personal steps taken at the advisory level, which Kierstin is a large part of!” 

When talking with Kierstin about this, she stated, “in terms of Silver Bells specifically, Zoe Stevens – RHA’s Leadership Development Coordinator, was the brains behind Silver Bells’ restructuring. I just had the opportunity to listen and translate the reasoning to other staff members. Really, the students do all the hard work!” Thank you, Kierstin, for being a champion for student success! 

 

Inspired by Missouri Good Neighbor Week, the motto for Residence Life going into the 2026-2027 academic year, was to “Be a Good Neighbor.” Residence Life staff were encouraged to focus on our opportunities to be a good neighbor to our coworkers and residents and intentionally engage in our community as we began the spring semester. In acknowledgment of our theme, we provided staff members with a “neighBEAR” shirt to wear on BearWear Friday’s, as a way to help us keep positive community connections top of mind.  

Our January success stories blog features Rob Easley, our Custodian Specialist/Team Lead in Hammons House. Rob has worked at MSU for 12 years, 8 of which he has worked for Residence Life. When asked what his favorite part of working for Res Life has been, he stated, “I’ve always loved being involved with higher education; surrounded by people who value questioning and learning.” Rob has done a wonderful job making connections with residents within his building and has even taken time to diligently ensure the safety of our residents. It was said in a Boomer Bravo that “I also told Rob once that there was some ice by the handicap parking spots that almost caused me to fall, and he went outside and broke up the ice for me so it wouldn’t happen again.” Thank you, Rob, for being a champion for student success! 

This month, we would also like to brag about our Resident Assistants! They work hard year-round to support their residents while also being full-time students and promoting academic success. Coming into the spring semester, our RAs boast a 3.55 cumulative GPA! We are so proud of the wonderful team of RAs we have. Keep up the great work! 

Many of our staff LOVE the theater and will be helping with various upcoming productions! From March 13-29, three of our Residence Life staff members will be a part of Springfield Little Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd. Elian Mackey, Hammons House Hall Director, and Valarie Bush, Wells House Receptionist, will both be in the Ensemble. Madeline Shaffer, Wells House Hall Director, will help make sure the production runs smoothly, working on the stage crew. Marian Bennion, Kentwood Assistant Hall Director, will also be showcasing her singing abilities with a solo performance for the Annual MSU concerto/aria contest. Marian is the first vocalist to win in 6 years. Her performance will be held at Jaunita K. Hammons Hall on February 17th at 7:30PM and is free to attend! Congratulations to all our staff and their exciting adventures! 

In our University Staff Awards Ceremony this month, many of our Residence Life staff members were recognized for their years of service. Michael Williams, Facilities and Operations, was recognized for five years of service. Diana Graham – Facilities and Operations, Margaret Osler – Business Services, and Tyler Norcross – Facilities and Operations were recognized for 10 years of service. Jon Jay – Facilities and Operations, and Devin Schehrer – Education and Development, were recognized for 15 years of service. Brent Bingham – Facilities and Operations, and Angela Strider – Business Services, were recognized for an amazing 20 years of service!

The Silver Bells Awards Banquet is chance to recognize outstanding Residence Life student staff for their accomplishments and dedication to student success. This year we presented over 100 awards to our amazing Resident Assistants, Desk Assistants, and student leaders!

The RA Programming Genius Award is presented to Resident Assistants that go above and beyond when planning programs.

Award winners: Paloma Thorp-Bernal, Drew Henry, Emilee Dees, Elise Ferris, Emma Dunwoody, Jakob Homman, Sadie Hugelman, Thao Tran

The Hall Council Event Architect Award is presented to Hall Council members that go above and beyond in setting up, tearing down, and planning events.

Award winners: Kendal Imsland, Grace Smith, Asher Pendleton, Maggie Murphy, Sarah Desmond, Oliver Kemper, Alex Kittinger, Alison Villemure 

The RHA/NRHH GA Member Award is presented to an outstanding general assembly member that have shown commitment to student success.

Award winners: Sadie Hugelman (RHA), Alyssa Graves (NRHH)

The RA Community Builder Award is presented to Resident Assistants that does amazing job building community within their floor and/or building.

Award winners: Emma Bougher, Aliya Rowe, Cooper Irby, Katelyn Sisk, Madi Tunny, Mansa Aryal, Jesus Olivas. Ty Perry, Cade Smith

The Hall Council Community Builder Award is presented to Hall Council members that go above and beyond to create community among their executive board and all residents within the building.

Award winners: Jorga Lageschulte, Emily Powell, Dezeray Coleman, Parker Kline, Lily Kimbrell, Maya Horn, Ike Estep, Carlos Escobar, Bryce Wolff

The RHA/NRHH Exec Member Award is presented to an outstanding executive board member that have shown commitment to student success.

Award winners: Gabriella Coambes – RHA, Maggie Murphy – NRHH

The RA On-call Aficionado Award is presented to a Resident Assistant that is always helpful and efficient on-call.

Award winners: Will Bevel, Brayden Kriete, Megan Onstott, BreeAna Ross, Brody Light, Addison Purdome, Clara Smith, Addie Hunt

The Hall Council Strategic Thinker Award is presented to a Hall Council member that does an exceptional job at finding solutions to problems.

Award winners: Charlie Wright, Heritage Hrehor, Sonora Haake, Bud Wood, Abby Stefka, Allie German, Elle Cormaney, Oliver Ruble

The Desk Assistant Award is presented to outstanding Desk Assistants that have shown commitment to student success.

Award winners: Jaxxon Hanschu, Nakira Jaco, RJ Taylor, Kandalyn Johnson, Lucian Nordin, Lucy Keeven, Srujana Bysani, Nya Belgrave, Kobe Hendrix, Ellie Ludwig, Tariro Mautsa

The RA Resource Encyclopedia Award is presented to Resident Assistants that always know what resources to connect residents to.

Award winners: Nick Beese, Julia Rosseto, Payton Rodgers, Erin Ashford, Kai Jones, Izzy Lambert, Lexi Bucker, Payton Parsons, Shawn Dahozy

The Hall Council Innovation Award is presented to Hall Council members that always have the most creative ideas.

Award winners: Payton Kauffman, Tetiana Jones, Lilly Johnson, Linzie Griffith, Peyton Griffith, Mary Brown, Ava Stock, Asyl Ablai 

The RHA/NRHH Advisors Choice Award is presented to an outstanding member by the organizations full-time staff advisor.

Award winners: Sam Rudoy – RHA, Zoe Stevens – NRHH

The RA Hallway Hyper Genius Award is presented to Resident Assistants that always go above and beyond with bulletin boards and door decorations.

Award winners: Erin Ihrig, Abby Dendish, Ethan Beattie, Karlie Kemper, Zoe Malega, Penny Herrera, Alexa Durwachter, Lydia Hines

The Hall Council Visual Impact Award is presented to Hall Council members who always ho above and beyond creating decorations for events.

Award winners: Cathrine Doll, Morgan Swennes, Andi Caravella, Kate Hoevelman, Brandie Elliot, Kallie Clevenger, Naomi Mack, Drew Chisam, Markeiaja Wilson

The RHA President Bronze Pins are awarded by the RHA president to outstanding students or staff members who have made significant contributions to our campus community.

Award winners: Alyssa Graves – Resident Assistant, Kallen Jones – Graphic Designer

We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the accomplishments of Shane Allgeier, Web Programmer. Shane was presented with the UMR-ACUHO Support Staff Award for his amazing contributions to Residence Life. We appreciate you Shane!

In late October, nine of our student leaders got to attend the Regional Leadership Conference hosted at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. At this conference our student leaders attended several educational sessions while networking with other student leaders from around the Midwest region. While at this conference our student leaders were recognized for their outstanding leadership with several awards.  

Kenzie Mullins, a third year RA, won Resident Staff Member of the Year. When asked what her favorite part of being an RA was Kenzie stated, “I love getting to build relationships, support them through the ups and downs, and create a space where everyone feels they belong.” Additionally, when asked what this award meant to her, she stated. “Being an RA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. It’s challenged me, taught me, and given me so many memories that I’ll always carry with me.”  

Maggie Murphy, who serves as the Kentwood Hall Council Liaison and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Service Chair, won a Top Ten educational session award. Maggie’s educational session was “Astronaut Application: Resumes on Leadership” where she taught attendees how to apply their residence life leadership skills on resumes. When asked why she chose this specific topic to teach about she stated, “I wanted this presentation to be helpful to anybody and allow students to feel like what they do has a real-world meaning.” Additionally, when asked why she liked being a student leader here at MSU she stated, “I love being able to be a role model for students, especially younger students, by being a student leader at MSU.”  

Benjamin Crawford was awarded a Molly Moo initiative Pin for providing meaningful insights in boardroom spaces, and our delegates secured the Spirit Award for being the most spirited at the conference. Thank you all for being wonderful student leaders and representing our university with pride! 

 

Also in October, eight full-time and graduate staff attended the UMR Conference hosted in La Vista, Nebraska. While there, they made connections with staff members from many other universities and attended professional development sessions. Two of our staff members, Caitlyn and Morgan, shared insight into their experience at UMR. Caitlyn stated, “My favorite part of UMR was the bonding time I got with the other Hall Staff members that went to the conference as well as making new connections with other housing professionals across the region.” When asked about their take-aways from the conference, Morgan stated, “Over the past two years, I’ve been exploring how my voice fits within the University and higher education as a whole. This year, I felt a renewed confidence in the strength and application of that perspective. The conference served as a powerful affirmation—especially through the keynote, which deeply resonated with me as a career-driven woman. I was inspired by the diversity of session topics, ranging from law to organizational behavior to cultural intelligence, and by the presenters’ varied, often non-traditional backgrounds.” When asked why they think it’s important for our staff to attend these conferences, Morgan stated, “Attending conferences like UMR is essential for broadening perspectives and challenging our ways of thinking. UMR stands out for the variety and depth of its sessions, offering participants the chance to leave with fresh insights and actionable goals.” Caitlyn also chimed in to say, “it is important for us to attend these conferences to keep us up-to-date on what is going on in the broader res life world as well as form connections and build professional development.” Thank you to our staff members who attended the conference and brought back valuable insight. We value your hard work and dedication for representing our university.  

Jim Huelskamp, a maintenance technician within our department, was featured within the ACUHO I talking stick. Make sure you check out his feature here: https://ts.acuho-i.org/november_2025/snapshot_jim_huelskamp.html . Thank you for all of the work you do for our university!