Colleen Valerio
Residence Life Coordinator
Barnes Hall
All of my coworkers are intelligent, driven, and challenge me to think outside of the box. I am fortunate in knowing that every day I come into the office, I will be working with a diverse team whose goal throughout every project is to provide the best experience to our students and Professional Staff members. Even in my short six month tenure at Towson so far, I have grown immensely as a professional.
Titus Adeleke
Assistant Dean of Students
University of North Carolina Wilmington
As an RLC, you have the opportunity to live amongst students during a pivotal moment in their academic and developmental journey. Being able to meet them where they are, listen to their experiences, and guide them towards sound decision-making has afforded me a solid foundation to build from in my current administrative role. It serves as a great reminder of what is most important: the student experience.
Bryan Schlein
Former Coordinator of Living Learning Communities
Towson University
My time as an RLC at Towson University allowed me to gain a diverse set of skills, while also narrowing down my passion areas. I was challenged to sit on multiple committees and take on tasks that both complimented my strengths, but also challenged me to learn about myself as a professional. My passion for Student Conduct was strengthened at TU, and my interest in marketing and assignments was formed here. Without the challenge of my supervisors to try new things, I don’t think I would be where I am today.
Lisa Parladé
Senior Academic Advisor
Temple University
As a Residence Life Coordinator, creating cross-campus networks was critical in keeping the holistic development of our students at the forefront. I have since moved out of Student Affairs but this intrinsically SA-mindset continues to inform my practice as an Academic Advisor. My advising philosophy is grounded in the development of meaningful relationships with my students, and as such my advising encompasses all facets of the collegiate experience, and I believe that makes all the difference.
“ Being a Resident Assistant (RA) has developed and refined my interpersonal skills which is crucial and beneficial in any job field. Through being an RA, I have developed public speaking skills, conflict resolution skills, management skills, both leadership and teamwork skills, project implementation, time management, and critical thinking skills. I have also become more open-minded and inclusive to others, which has enabled me to build on my friendships and network at scientific conferences. ”
“ When people ask, I have nothing but good things to say about being a CCA at Douglass House. It’s relaxed, the work community is welcoming and encouraging, and it helps with tuition. The thing I tend not to say, in fear of sounding sappy, is that the best part is interacting with residents. I genuinely love getting to recognize and even know a large percentage of the people living in my building. I have met tons of great people I otherwise would have never noticed through my job, and I’m very thankful for that. ”
“ Becoming a Resident Assistant is one of the best things I ever decided to do in my undergraduate academic life! Not only has it given me the privilege to see and assist residents to flourish, but it has also given me the ability to grow as a person and as a leader. Because of my role as a Resident Assistant, I have been able to be part of numerous communities such as my floor and staff community, as well as the campus-wide RA community! This role has given me the experience and confidence to establish my own communities on campus such as Honorables of Color, an Honors College organization for students of color in the Honors Learning Community, and be of assistance to others. My student leadership role has not just impacted my life, but the lives of other students, and that is why this job is so quintessential to my undergraduate career! As much as I give to this position, the position gives back to me. ”
“ Being an RA has challenged me, made me grow as a leader, gain professional skills, work in a team and has allowed me to have a serious impact on the lives of others and more! These past two years have been so rewarding, I have been able to learn daily how to cultivate an atmosphere among 100+ residents where they feel safe, seen, welcomed and included. ”
“ My Resident Assistant role has greatly made me a well-rounded individual. It trained me to handle stressful and difficult situations better and more effectively. It also broadened my horizons because as a Global Village RA, I got to understand the different and similar perceptions of various people from all around the world. ”
“ My experience as a Resident Assistant at Towson University has provided me with a sense of purpose and has strengthened my love for helping others. By interacting with my peers and serving as a mentor, I feel that I have grown as a person. Additionally, I have met some of the most amazing people through this role and look forward to the challenges and rewards that each new semester brings. ”
“ My role as a Resident Assistant on campus has been a life-changing experience. I’ve been able to share my love of politics with the political engagement floor, have an outlet for my advocacy and generally share in the joys and struggles of being an RA with the rest of the staff in my building. It’s also been a great source of structure for my time at college, and has given me skills that I’ll take with me into the professional world. ”
Shenzi
Owner: Jim Sabatini - Residence Life Coordinator, Marshall Hall
Shenzi was rescued from Wings of Love Kuwait, a Baltimore based organization that rescues dogs from Kuwait. Despite formerly being a desert dog, Shenzi has found his home in Marshall Hall with RLC Jim and loves meeting any students he encounters on his walks.
Sophie
Owner: Mike Wenger - Residence Life Coordinator, Millenium Hall
Instagram: @sophie.wiggles
Sophie is a Jack Russell/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix who loves living and working in Millennium Hall at Towson University. Sophie adores interacting with all of the Towson students on her campus-wide walks and gets a little sad when they go home for breaks. Her favorite things are sweaters, snow, "food", and all the attention! When she's not socializing or eating, Sophie works hard at growing Instagram presence and influencer status.