Alumnus Matt Brown named to lead Residential Life at Oklahoma State University

Friday, June 20, 2008

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok., June 20, 2008) -- Dr. Matthew S. Brown, an OSU alumnus, was named the new director of Housing and Residential Life at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, effective July 1.  His appointment was approved by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents during its meeting today at OSU-Oklahoma City.

Brown previously served as assistant vice president and dean of students at the University of Northern Kentucky, and prior to that, was director of housing.

While earning his master’s degree at OSU, he served as a residence hall director for Residential Life. He also has worked in the housing departments at the University of Arizona and at Kansas State University.

“Dr. Brown will be a wonderful addition to the Student Affairs team,” said Dr. Lee Bird, vice president for Student Affairs at OSU.  “We anticipate great things from Matt and welcome him home to OSU and Stillwater.”

Brown and his wife Carla, an OSU alumna, are the parents of two daughters, and are looking forward to returning to Stillwater.

“This is a one-of-a- kind opportunity to return to OSU and contribute to the success of this program,” Brown said, who is assuming the leadership position following the retirement of Dr. Bob Huss.

 After serving as director for 23 years, Huss will retire Aug. 1, 2008. During his years at OSU, numerous significant changes and improvements have been made to on-campus housing and dining choices.

When he began in 1985, there were just nine residence halls. Today, there are 25 residence halls thanks to the $155 million that was invested to build, renovate, and renew the housing landscape on the Stillwater campus.   

Developing student leaders has always been a top priority for Huss, and he was instrumental in developing a programming model that has given thousands of students the opportunity to become leaders and get involved in their halls.

“Under his leadership, OSU Residential Life has dramatically improved the quality of life for our students both in terms of the physical plant and its connection to the academic mission,” said. Bird.  “We will miss Dr. Huss but his impact on this program will live on.”    

Huss and his wife Joanne plan to move to Franklin, Ky., to be near their children and grandchildren.

OSU Residential Life houses more than 4,800 students in 25 residence halls, and offers four types of housing options: traditional halls, suites, deluxe suites and apartments.  The department employs 50 full-time and 300 part-time workers, and offers more than 350 student leadership positions.