OSU Housing and Residential Life wins at SWACUHO

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Oklahoma State University’s Department of Housing and Residential Life won several awards at the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) Conference held in Tulsa, February 20-23, 2011. 

Danny Driskel, Supervisor of Area Operations for Housing and Residential Life and OSU Physical Plant, received the Bob Cooke Distinguished Service Award.  Danny was recognized for his dedication to excellence, commitment to service, and his enthusiasm for the students he serves.

Megan Hadley was presented the Gene Ward Outstanding Student Leader Award.  Megan, a senior Physical Therapy major from Edmond, Oklahoma, is Assistant Residence Director for Wentz Hall.

Several OSU staff members presented at the conference and were recognized as a Top 5 Program for their presentation of “The Road Less Traveled: Using Social Media and Cultural Literacy to Teach Social Justice.” Those involved with the presentation were Tanya Massey, Human Resources Coordinator; Eric Garrison, Residence Director for Bennett Hall; Jill Powell, Residence Director for Wentz Hall; and Terrance Smith, Residence Director for Departmental Initiatives.

In addition to the many awards that were earned, OSU Housing and Residential Life also hosted the SWACUHO Conference. Tanya Massey and Delton Gordon, Residence Area Coordinator for Kerr-Drummond Hall and the Residence Halls Association (RHA), served as co-chairs. Other committee members included: Eric Garrison; Bryan Hinnen, Residence Director for RHA; Jill Powell; Terrance Smith; Ally Vatzlavick, Residence Director for North Monroe Apartments; and former student staff member Joey Ward, now a Residence Director at the University of Tulsa.  Massey was elected as incoming secretary for the SWACUHO Board of Directors.

“Once again, our staff has exhibited outstanding leadership in the Student Affairs profession,” said Dr. Matthew Brown, Director of Housing and Residential Life. “It is very fulfilling that they have been recognized for their exceptional work, commitment to students, and representation of the University. We are so proud of everyone.”

OSU Housing and Residential Life houses over 7,000 residents in twenty-four residences halls and seven family and graduate student housing neighborhoods. Three types of housing options are offered: community style halls, suites, and apartments.  The department employs over 50 full-time and 300 part-time workers, and offers over 350 student leadership positions. The Department celebrated its Centennial in 2010.