Years at Northern Arizona University: 4

Hometown/state: Fountain Hills, AZ

Completed degrees: MS Student Affairs Higher Education, Colorado State University; BA Communication Studies and Marketing minor, Azusa Pacific University

Favorite thing about working at the university: I love working with the Greek students and working to create a safe and inclusive environment where they can live, grow, and succeed academically.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: At Northern Arizona University, there are so many opportunities for students inside and outside of the classroom to be challenged and gain experience.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: hiking; watching the seasons change; the gorgeous views of the mountain; and eating great food at all of the local restaurants.

What matters to me: Helping students discover their passions, and encouraging their individual growth as they are discovering and developing their own identities.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 16

Hometown/state: Phoenix, AZ

Completed degrees: MEd Counseling and Student Affairs, BS Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University

Favorite thing about working at the university: Family atmosphere, weather, small town feel.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: Classroom size - great faculty and staff. 

Favorite thing about playing at the university/ Flagstaff: Great weather, great fun, and great people.

What matters to me: having the support I need to perform my job and working with a supportive team of hall directors. Work in a department that allows you to grow professionally.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 3

Hometown/state: Gilbert, AZ

Completed degrees: BS History, Northern Arizona University; MA Higher Education Administration, Akron

Favorite thing about working at the university: I enjoy the friendliness and willingness to help someone learn and grow not only from Residence Life but also from the campus in general.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: That the department truly values continued growth not just professionally but personally as well.

Favorite thing about playing at the university: The residence life staff is a family that truly enjoys each other’s company in and outside of work.

What matters to me: a place that doesn't just feel like home but truly is a home.

Years at Northern Arizona University:  5

Hometown/state: Menasha,WI

Completed degrees: BS in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse; MA in Higher Education, Student Affairs, University of Arizona

Favorite thing about working at the university: My favorite thing about working at the university is the chance to work with talented colleagues and active students. The people here are really devoted to working with students and it’s obvious they enjoy their jobs. My students are constantly looking to get involved on campus and in the community.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: While I’m not enrolled as a student at Northern Arizona University, I feel that there are numerous opportunities to attend professional development sessions through Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) as well as great opportunities on campus and in the community.

Favorite thing about playing at the university: I love all of the outdoor activities in Flagstaff, especially hiking all over Northern Arizona. I have also enjoyed getting involved with a variety of community organizations.

What matters to me: Having a work environment where I feel supported by colleagues and those above me.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 4

Hometown/state: Chicago, IL

Completed degrees: MA Business Administration, Mississippi State University; BA Risk Management, Insurance, and Financial Planning

Favorite thing about working at the university: I love the day-to-day interaction with students, staff and faculty. I love the connections you make and the combination of having fun while working.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: You learn something new every day.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: There is always room to try. You can find someone who knows how to do something that interests you.

What matters to me: Family and belonging. The school is why I came here, the people are why I chose to stay here.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 5

Hometown/state: Cherry Valley, CA

Completed degrees: BA Government, University of Redlands; MEd in Educational Leadership, Higher Education/ Community College, Northern Arizona University

Favorite thing about working at the university: My favorite thing about working for NAU is the amazing opportunities I can take advantage of by working in such a supportive department.  I also love working with the freshman students and working with my amazing coworkers. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet new people every day and hear their life stories.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: I love learning more about the students I work with in Housing and Residence Life.  I am continuously being challenged to grow and learn in all areas of my job. 

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: I am thankful for the opportunity to live in such a beautiful part of the country. I enjoying seeing the leaves turn to fall and the crazy monsoons in summer. Additionally, I enjoy the opportunities to play on city sport recreation leagues with my co-workers.

What matters to me: My wife and family are what matters the most to me and it helps tremendously working for a department where I feel I am supported in all the endeavors I wish to pursue. I also enjoy the opportunity to constantly grow as an individual as well as a professional in my working environment. It is also important that students feel they have a voice and can make the difference on the Northern Arizona University campus. GO LUMBERJACKS!!

Years at Northern Arizona University: 2

Hometown/state: Northborough, MA

Completed degrees: BS Marketing, University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth; MEd Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of South Carolina

Favorite thing about working at the university: Having supportive and fun colleagues and supervisors.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: The various professional development opportunities available right here on campus.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: All of the beautiful scenery and outdoor fun Flagstaff has to offer.

What matters to me: Being a resource to students and assisting them in developing as individuals.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 2

Hometown/state: San Antonio, TX

Completed degrees: BS Organizational Leadership - Our Lady of the Lake University; MEd Higher and Post-Secondary Education, Arizona State University

Favorite thing about working at the university: What I enjoy the most about working at the university is that the people here make me feel like I am at home; being from another state, that is very comforting.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: I have learned that both Housing and Residence Life and Northern Arizona University overall are extremely intentional about student development and providing an environment conducive to personal and academic success.

Favorite thing about playing at the university: Northern Arizona University has two of my favorite things…lots of sun and cool weather. The environment just makes me a happier person and I love to be outside.

What matters to me: What matters most as a professional is that I feel I have a voice in making change. At Northern Arizona University, I know that I am being heard.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 1

Hometown/State: Brooklyn, MI

Competed Degrees: Master of Educational Leadership, University of Nevada, Reno; Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Eastern Michigan University 

Favorite thing about working at the university: I feel like NAU is truly student center. My values align well with the University’s and Department’s values. I feel supported as a new employee on campus.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: Feeling supported by my supervisor and coworkers.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: The Campus Community and City of Flagstaff offer many fun free events.

What matters to me: Is that NAU is student centered. I feel supported without being micromanaged. Most of all I get the opportunity to impact the lives of my residents.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 1

Hometown/State: St. Louis, MO

Completed Degrees: Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University; Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Central Missouri

Favorite thing about working at the university: I love being able to spend time with students who are excited about getting involved on campus and in the community.  The energy and enthusiasm they bring, and the pride they have in the projects they take on, helps make the work I do a lot of fun.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: Learning comes from all directions and happens 24/7.  I love being able to talk to students, staff, and colleagues and learn something new every day.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff:  The weather in Flagstaff and the campus environment are beautiful!  It’s great for biking and other outdoor activities.

What matters to me:  Knowing that I am having a positive impact on people’s lives.  I really enjoy watching students develop and succeed throughout the year and knowing that the work I do really does make a difference.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 1

Hometown/State: Columbus, NE

Competed degrees: Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education, University of South Dakota; Bachelor of Science in History and Sociology, University of South Dakota; Associate of Arts, Central Community College

Favorite thing about working at the university: I love working with the RA and AFC (apartment/family communities) team. I feel very supported in my role as Residence Hall Director. This is a great place to live and work and I love my job!

Favorite thing about learning at the university: At NAU we have a great department and are still looking at ways to improve. From top to bottom we employ great people. I think I learn something new every day. I feel very supported from the department in my professional development.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: You just can’t beat the beauty of Flagstaff. So many great places to travel and so many things to see and do. I love the outdoors and the small town feeling here, even though this is the biggest town I have lived in.

What matters to me: My family is most important to me. I am married and not only was I welcomed here, but my wife was too. Together we are making Flagstaff a home. Being able to come to a place so far from home and truly feel at home has been great.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 2

Hometown/State: Whitewater, WI

Completed degrees: BA English Literature; Minor: Psychology

Degree in progress:  MEd Counseling-Student Affairs, Certificate in Ethnic Studies

Favorite thing about Working at the university: I love most working with the fantastic and genuinely caring staff of Residence Life; living at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks is just a bonus.

Favorite thing about Learning at the university: Everyone is incredibly supportive of my personal and professional development-I couldn't ask for a more conducive environment for my own growth!

Favorite thing about Playing at the university: A location with more opportunities for outdoor recreation and a greater diversity of environments and climates for fun can’t be found.

What matters to me: People and attitudes are the most important aspect of a work environment. I couldn't ask for a better school to work at! Go Lumberjacks! 

Years at Northern Arizona University: 1

Hometown/state: Eagar, AZ

Completed degrees: MEd Educational Leadership/Community College, BS Physical Education and School Health, AA Secondary Education

Degrees in progress: MEd Counseling-Student Affairs

Favorite thing about working at the university: I get the opportunity to work in a great atmosphere with an awesome team. Being a part of student development is definitely rewarding.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: The best part about my NAU experience has been developing relationships with all of my colleagues and fellow students.

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: I took advantage of all the opportunities to play sports with my friends. You have to have fun and NAU is full of opportunities.

What matters to me: I have my own little family and that makes me smile every day.

Years at Northern Arizona University: 1

Hometown/state: Brooklyn, NY

Completed degrees: MS Student Personnel Administration, BA Psychology

Favorite thing about working at the university: A small down town is just 5-minute walk from north campus.

Favorite thing about learning at the university: There is a Native American Center. 

Favorite thing about playing at the university/Flagstaff: The perfect peaks view from anywhere on campus. 

What matters to me: Adapt to the change of student affairs. Increase persistence and graduation.