Residential Education Coordinators

About Our Work:

Residence Education Coordinators (RECs) are responsible for developing strong residential communities; forming relationships with individual students; coaching and supervising student staff; implementing area-specific residential curriculum plans, facilitating educational opportunities including student conduct meetings and student leadership experiences, communicating with parents and other stakeholders, and organizing opening and closing processes. Residence Education Coordinators create and promote a learning-centered, nurturing residential community. Learn more about the position here.

Meet the RECs & ACs

Ammany McFadden

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Since Purdue is so large, I enjoy how much bustle there is about the West Lafayette campus. I also enjoy admiring some of the architecture on Purdue's campus. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

In my role as an REC, I enjoy working with the Resident Assistant staff, mentoring them and helping them develop community in their buildings.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

In the greater Lafayette area, I enjoy finding places to walk and checking out the newest movies at the cinema.

Ammany McFadden

Residential Education Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Western Washington University  | Master 's Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England

Natalie Rice

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

What I most look forward to working at Purdue is to get to know the RAs and the residents of my building.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favorite thing about working in the role is watching students grow into new leaders and new people throughout the year. It is very special to me that I can be a part of that growth and development.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I am looking forward to exploring the area more as I live here. I am very excited though to go to the football and basketball games while I am here on campus.

Natalie Rice

Residential Education Coordinator 

Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania| Master's Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Tyler Messerly

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I am most impressed by how supportive my peers, staff, and supervisors are of me and the job I do. My colleagues want to see me excel and flourish in my position, in my studies, and as a person; they do everything in their power to help me develop and grow professionally.  Further, everyone I work with is incredibly passionate about this field and works hard to build relationships with their co-workers. I have made many close friends while working here at Purdue and have been able to go on a plethora of adventures with them!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As an REC-A, one of the most gratifying parts of my role is being able to build positive and robust relationships with the Resident Assistant staff I supervise. I am honored to be given the opportunity to get to know my staff on a personal and professional level and help them serve as exceptional mentors and role models to those living in our residential community. Furthermore, I love that this position enables me to make a positive impact on the lives of staff and residents, help them achieve the goals they set for themselves, and support their personal, academic, and professional development here at Purdue!

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I thoroughly enjoy getting outside and walking, running, and hiking on the plethora of paths and trails the West Lafayette area has to offer. A couple of my favorites places to go include the Celery Bog Nature Area and Prophetstown State Park! Additionally, there are countless community service opportunities in the area! I have been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters for several years now and love finding new things to do and places to explore with my Little Brother!

Tyler Messerly

Residential Education Coordinator Assistant

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University | Master's Candidate in Industrial Engineering, emphasis in Operations Research

Kris Yambao

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Been here for just a few weeks, but I am immediately loving all the tradition and history that Purdue has!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love working with such a large team of committed, caring individuals.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I love how close we are to so many cool nature spots!

Kris Yambao

Residential Education Coordinator 

Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, University Iowa  | Master's Candidate in Higher Education Administration, University of North Dakota

Alex Harrington

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working with the students. They are motivated and passionate about Purdue. I enjoy the Boilermaker spirit and love going to Purdue sporting events. I have also had the chance to work with amazing professionals. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with Student Staff to support other students. They have many great ideas on how to engage residents and help bring learning to students outside the classroom. 

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I love going to Downtown Lafayette. There are plenty of great restaurants to eat at and it is a nice area to walk around and hop in and out of local shops. I also enjoy working out at the West Lafayette Wellness Center. Local festivals are fun, and I love Mosey Down Mainstreet and any brewfests.

Alex Harrington

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in History and Sociology, University of California Merced | Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, University of the Pacific

Tisha Lynas

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

My favorite thing about working at Purdue is the relationships that are built within the department. We all have a strong desire to help students be successful and healthy during their time at Purdue.  We learn from each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s success.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As an AC I am thankful to be able to help students navigate their way through college and thrive in a challenging environment.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

In my spare time, I like to walk or jog with my dog Maizie.  Our favorite places to explore are Happy Hollow Park, Horticulture Park, the River Walk, downtown Lafayette, and of course, all of Purdue's campus.

Tisha Lynas

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Purdue University | Master's Degree in Higher Education – Student Affairs, Purdue Global

Noah Valentine

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

The people easily.  I have met some wonderful people while working here that have become lifelong friends.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with my students to help them reach their goals.  They are all unique individuals who have interesting interests.  Watching them reach their goals is the best feeling I get while working here.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I really enjoy the parks that are local and to take my family there when its warm.  I also enjoy getting out into the local car scene to meet more people interested in cars.

Noah Valentine

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership, Wright State University | Master's Degree in Higher Education Leadership, Valdosta State University

Cadence Knoup

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the atmosphere of campus. There is a lot of energy and always something going on. The people who work here make coming to work an enjoyable experience and are dedicated to serving students.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The people. My colleagues, they are helpful and willing to help you learn and grow as a professional. The students I work with, each student teaches you something you wouldn't know if you worked in another role.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

EAT! There's a wide variety of restaurants in the area. I work out at Pure Barre and love the community there. I also enjoy taking my dog to the dog park and walking her around campus.

Cadence Knoup

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Master's Degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University

Brendin Humrickhouse

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working at Purdue because of the large supportive team we have. Everyone is ready to help however they can. The heart that the University Residences team puts into the work we do shows through in the experience we offer our residents, but also in the ease of working together to solve the day today tasks that arise in our respective areas.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favorite part of my role is working alongside student leaders to support our community. From navigating administrative processes to traversing interpersonal conflict we can combine our lived experiences to find a solution that best supports our residents and creates a community where everyone is welcome and safe.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

Some of my favorite things in the Greater Lafayette area include Saturday morning tailgates followed by cheering on the Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium, walking or running through campus or on the trails around town, and enjoying the nightlife in downtown Lafayette after a long week.

Brendin Humrickhouse

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Indiana State University | Master's Degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Indiana State University

Samuel Baur

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working at Purdue because I consider myself a “lifelong learner.” For me, Purdue is a place that accentuates the educational experience for students and encourages individual growth. I appreciate that I am able to be surrounded by students who have a strong desire to learn and challenge themselves, as well as challenge me to grow. I enjoy the many opportunities I am presented with to interact with students and learn alongside with them throughout their academic experience.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my REC role here in University Residences is the opportunity to form close bonds with my colleagues and students. I am a people person and being able to work with so many people and hear about their experiences as a person is something that motivates me to continue this work. The environment that I have the privilege to work in is very much like a family and I appreciate the opportunity to grow and connect with others in my experience.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

Some of my favorite things to do in the West Lafayette/Lafayette area are to visit the Colombia park Zoo. I enjoy having easy access to be able to spend an afternoon out and observing the animals that live there. I also enjoy grabbing coffee with my wife at our favorite coffee shop, Greyhouse!

Samuel Baur

Residential Education Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, University of Northern Colorado | Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Texas Tech University

Brandi Baur

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the relationships that I’ve built and the student dynamic. They make the campus so lively and there’s so much school spirit to enjoy. Our department is so supportive of our students, and we truly look to help students succeed.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about being an Area Coordinator is the relationships I’ve built with my staff. They make our work so enjoyable and are willing to put in an effort to get to know more about our team and their role in supporting students.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

A few of my favorite things to do around the area include going to the Civic Theatre to watch amazing shows, eat a lot of great food options in the area, and walking around campus to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Brandi Baur

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Texas Tech University | Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Texas Tech University

Tyler Ellenwood

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Purdue is a place that pushes for innovation in all regards. You are constantly challenged to think and solve problems creatively.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My team. In the AC role, you have the opportunity to make the hall your own and your RAs into your team. We are given the space to develop and the support to succeed!

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

Attending Purdue sporting events and visiting nearby state parks!

Tyler Ellenwood

Area Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Purdue University | Master's Degree in Business Administration, Purdue University

Brittiany Foley

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working in a unique and supportive environment. Purdue is a large institution with lots of resources, but small enough to provide a personalized and caring environment.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy having the ability to creatively support students outside of the classroom in a variety of ways.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

Living in West Lafayette is the perfect small town. There are lots of parks around town to walk and explore. There is plenty of urban hiking to enjoy. There are lots of interesting restaurants to discover. The city is less than 2 hours from Indianapolis, Chicago, and the Indiana Dunes.

Brittiany Foley

Residential Education Coordinator

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University | Master's Degree in Safety Security Emergency Management, Eastern Kentucky University

Meet the Directors & Leadership Team

Bryan Austin, Ph.D.

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the people and environment. Purdue is such a special place. You can immediately feel the excitement in the air when you walk around campus. There is great campus pride, and students, staff, and faculty are all deeply committed to the making the Boilermaker experience a positive and successful one.  

What do you enjoy most about your role?

In my role, I get to work on creating synergistic experiences that connect students' lived experience to their academic experience. This kind of work is exciting and incredibly rewarding.  

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I greatly enjoy the delicious local cuisine as well as taking my Australian Shepherd, Starbuck, on adventures.

Bryan Austin, Ph.D.

Associate Director of Residential Academic Initiatives 

Bachelor's Degree in English and German, Oakland University | Master's Degree in College Counseling, University of Delaware | PhD in Higher Education and Administration, Bowling Green State University

Cheryl Brantley

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the engagement with students and perpetually changing learning landscape.  As students graduate they engage with staff in their halls, faculty in their dept and so many others people outside of the classroom in areas around campus.  Everyone is focused on student growth through experience, and that is different for every student based on their path.  Purdue students and alumni are also fiercely loyal, and that extends to everywhere you go as a Boilermaker.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I have served in various roles in Student Life and University Residences roles since 2009.  Currently I have the opportunity to be part of a team that is developing the future of Residential Academic Initiatives and specifically I will be engaged with Learning Communities.  I enjoy being part of building a strong bridge at Purdue, between the academic and lived experiences.  Facilitating and developing relationships that will keep Purdue on the front edge of this field and provide an exemplary experience for students at Purdue to develop professional skills in an outside of the classroom setting.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I have grown up in the West Lafayette/Lafayette area.  My favorite activities are sporting events at Purdue, exploring the natural areas around the area and gardening.  I also enjoy being on campus for the cultural events or going to Lafayette to the Frozen Custard.  We are also so close to Indianapolis, that when you want to seek different experiences, it is a short drive away!

Cheryl Brantley

Assistant Director of Residential Academic Initiatives

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Purdue University – West Lafayette | Master's Degree in Leadership, Purdue University – West Lafayette 

Mark McNalley

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

It has been very refreshing to work with so many professionals who are student-centered in all the things they do.  The whole entire team is present and ready to work with each other to make this larger University work.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

In my role, I get to interact with partners across campus and work to get them involved in the halls.  I enjoy that so much because it allows me to be a support to a variety of people in a variety of ways meaning that no one day is like any other.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

My family and I enjoy going out and trying to local restaurants in town.  My oldest son and I are keeping a ranking of our Top 10 pizza places and with each new place we try, we revisit our rankings. Also, we’re big sports fans so we’re enjoying all the Big 10 sports as well as local Lafayette sports including both of my sons’ soccer teams.

Mark McNalley

Assistant Director of Residential Academic Initiatives

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, University of Virginia’s College at Wise | Master's Degree in Student Affairs Administration, Ball State University

Christa Pazera

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

The support and ability to grow I have with my supervisor and team.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being able to remove boundaries to allow for growth and success with students and staff.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I like to spend time at my house, take walks, enjoy the markets and festivals, go to parks and walk around campus.

Christa Pazera

Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Purdue University| Master's Degree in Higher Education at Purdue University

Jennifer Bannon

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working with our students.  They are motivated, innovative, creative and excited to learn more about their future careers, themselves and how to give back to both Purdue and the greater Lafayette community.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy advising the Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary and Club President Roundtable.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I really enjoy the variety of opportunities available based on what people are interested in and commitment level.  You have the choice to get involved in whatever you want to the degree you choose.  From being involved in the arts & theater, to volunteering with local animal shelters or finding the hidden gems within the community, there is something for everyone.

Jennifer Bannon

Associate Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Ball State University | Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, North Carolina State University

Jared Ward

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the culture of the department and the focus the department has on the student and staff experience. I also really enjoy working with the high achieving students that we have here at Purdue. Finally, I really enjoy the atmosphere at Purdue. Purdue has great energy on campus with having the football stadium on campus and a close-knit community.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to work with and supervise our Area Coordinators/Residence Education Coordinators. I really enjoy getting to know them personally and professionally and working with them get the most out their experience and setting them up for success for the future. Another aspect of my role that I enjoy is getting the opportunity to work on different departmental committees to help provide a great experience for our students and staff.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

One of my favorite things to do in West Lafayette and Lafayette is going to Purdue Football and Basketball games and doing things outdoors. Another thing that I enjoy doing in the area is going downtown and enjoying different restaurants or going to some surrounding Disc Golf course that are in the area.

Jared Ward

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Math Education, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania | Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Development in Higher Education, Walsh University

Steven Sajkich

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

There are many things that I love about working at Purdue. Some include the ability to work with our strong academically minded students, a plethora of events that are offered on campus, and the opportunity to be at a large residential R1 institution. Boiler Up!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

In my role as an Assistant Director, I have the opportunity to work in a department that houses over 15,000 students. I work with a team of talented and passionate individuals. I enjoy the ability to supervise a team of full-time coordinators, work with our student staff and serve on various departmental committees. Additionally, I'm able to build meaningful professional partnerships across campus.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

The city of West Lafayette and Lafyette offer a variety of options and attractions to enjoy throughout the year. Some of my favorite things about living here include the number of different restaurants to try, visiting the two local independent bookstores, seeing a movie, or attending a show at the local theatre in town. I've also loved being able to cheer on Purdue at athletic events as well as hearing lectures from many distinguished visiting guests.

Steven Sajkich

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in History and Religious Studies, Indiana University Bloomington | Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington

Jessica Watts

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the students I get to work with! Learning about their research and the things that inspire them is outstanding.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I most enjoy in my role the opportunity to supervise some of our Professional Staff team. Being able to support them and ensure they are getting the most from their time with us at Purdue University while taking care of themselves. Additionally, being able to ensure our student staff members are getting similar support from their supervisors is another aspect I appreciate about my role.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

Some of my favorite things to do in the area includes going to the local Farmer’s Markets, discovering new coffee shops, and hammocking in some of the local parks!

Jessica Watts

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Georgetown College | Master's Degree in College Student Personnel Services, University of Louisville

Adam Iserman

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the culture of care that is felt in University Residence and Purdue as a whole. Even though we have one of the largest on-campus student populations in the nation, Purdue can still have that small community feel where everyone truly cares for and watches out for one another. When someone asks how you are doing, they truly want to know. There is always someone you can turn to.

I also love seeing the Boilermaker Special whenever it is driving around campus (which is quite often). It always makes me smile.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy that in my role as an Assistant Director of Residential Life, I get a mix of working with students, entry level professionals, and administrators. The student interaction is what fuels me and reminds me of the importance of the work we do in higher education and student affairs. My interaction with professionals and administrators reminds me that we are in positions to support and positively impact those students in all we do.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

The area has everything you would need, but still that small town, close-knit community feel. My family and I enjoy going to the many farmers markets and the many parks both West Lafayette and Lafayette have. It is a family friendly community where there always seems to be something to do. At the same time, when my partner and I want a date night out, we can catch a show at the local Civic Theatre.

Adam Iserman

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Middle/Secondary Social Science Education, University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Master's Degree in College Student Personnel Services and Administration, University of Central Arkansas

Coree Burton

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

What I love about working at Purdue is the care and support that I've received from my team and department.  We do a lot of "heart work" to tend to the needs of our students and it's nice that that same care and attention is given to our staff members.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Having started my career as a student staff member and then moving up to a REC-type role, I enjoy being able to give advice and provide resources to student staff and professional staff.  That said, I also enjoy learning from them so I can remain "in the know" of what's going on and how I can remain an effective resource.

What are your favorite things to do in the West Lafayette / Lafayette area?

I'm a big movie fan so I enjoy the fact that we have three movie theaters in the area to choose from.  I also enjoy frequently visiting the Downtown Lafayette area as there are a lot of great restaurants and different forms of entertainment like plays, concerts, and festivals.

Coree Burton

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, Central Michigan University | Master's Degree in Student Affairs Administration, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse