Residential Life Team

The Residential Life Team supports the nearly 16,000 residential students living on Purdue University's West Lafayette campus. Our team is comprised of nearly 30 professional staff members working on several teams. This includes our Coordinators and Assistant Directors of Residential Life providing direct support to our communities, our Residential Academic Initiatives team supporting the larger projects and programs of the department, and our Student Leadership and Multilcultural Education team supporting the many student organizations within our department.

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.

Coordinators

Rei Champion layout graphic

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Psychology, John F. Kennedy University

Master of Business Administration, Purdue University Global

Master of Science - Cloud Computing Architecture, University of Maryland Global Campus

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love Purdue because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to student success. This truly creates a community where everybody is there for each other. People care about me as a person and about my professional growth. There is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals all revolving around students.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy connecting, supporting, and working with students. Things are always changing and evolving. Every day is different, and it is a constant adventure.

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

I love exploring the bike paths and trails in the Celery Bog and Horticulture Park. 

Rei Champion

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

 

Alexis Davis

Education

Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies , Indiana State University

Master of Science - Higher Education, Purdue University Global

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the environment Purdue has cultivated on campus. Everyone is working towards success in their own way and in turn motivating each other to grow as students, faculty, staff and as people. I’m excited to be apart of this community and work with amazing people.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I’m excited to build positive relationships with student staff to build our community to best support our residents. In doing so, I hope to also support our student staff on their journey through Purdue as well.

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

There are lots of great places to eat throughout Lafayette and West Lafayette, you can find a great place for any type of food you could want somewhere in town! I also enjoy taking my dog out with me, whether that be a walk or even a drive around town.

Alexis Davis

She/Her

Residence Education Coordinator

Sam Heasty

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marion University

Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Colorado Christian University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working at Purdue because of the amazing and inclusive environment. Since my first day the entire RESLIFE team has been incredible. I have really enjoyed getting to know my RA's and REA throughout the semesters as well.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the many opportunities to collaborate with my coworkers. We are able to not only help each other in our day-to-day roles but are also able to spend time outside of work getting to know each other and hanging out. I really enjoy being in a position to support the growth and education of Purdue students. 

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

I enjoy disc golfing at McAllister and Murdock park. I love the feast of the hunter's moon and have never missed a year. I also enjoy floating down the wildcat creek.

Sam Heasty

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

Cadence Knoup

Education

Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Master of Arts - Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

THE PEOPLE! Those who work here make coming to work an enjoyable experience and are dedicated to serving students. My peers are supportive and caring individuals who want to help each other succeed. ​

What do you enjoy most about your role?

THE VARIETY! Each and every day is different. Overseeing two communities brings new challenges and adventures each day. ​

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

EAT & WORKOUT! There are a lot of great restaurants and food trucks in the area. I also enjoy working out at Pure Barre and taking my dog for walks.​

Cadence Knoup

She/Her

Area Coordinator

Tisha Lynas

Education

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education, Purdue University University

Master of Science - Student Affairs in Higher Education, Purdue University Global

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 REC I am thankful to be able to help students navigate their way through college and thrive in a challenging environment.​ I enjoy building relationships with student staff and helping them develop a wide variety of skills.  Watching student staff develop into leaders on campus is a rewarding experience.

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

She/Her

Area Coordinator

Tatyana Mays

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing, Wittenberg University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

What I love about working at Purdue is the amazing community that surrounds me. Working in an environment where you can feel the appreciation from those around you is something that is rare in today's climate. When I came to Purdue half year, I was afraid of how I would find my place within the already developed community; however, my team and coworkers welcomed me with open arms and made my transition into UR seamless. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role as a RECA is the relationship I get to build with my supervisees. I really value having a strong sense of community, so being able to find new ways for us to bond as a team not only helps to strengthen our work life, but also grows the interpersonal connection as well. 

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

My favorite thing to do in the Lafayette area is go to Barnes and Noble and curl up on a comfy chair with a good book. 

Tatyana Mays

She/Her

Residence Education Coordinator, Associate

Ammany McFadden

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Western Washington University

Master of Arts - Student Affairs in Higher Education, Anglia Ruskin University

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. My favorite thing here is the team of people of that I get to work with and the support I receive.

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. I enjoy creating meaningful and various events for residents. This role provides a lot opportunities to creatively think and grow. 

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. I like to walk around Celery Bog, Happy Hollow and Clegg Memorial Gardens. I also enjoy kayaking around Lake Harner.

Ammany McFadden

She/Her

Residence Education Coordinator

Ben Parker

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English Writing, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Master of Science - Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Ball State University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the Purdue campus, and all the people who are around it. Purdue is essentially a small city when classes are in session and it's nice to walk around and see everything that is going on. On top of that the people I work with are wonderful!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The thing I enjoy most about my role is getting to help develop RAs as young professionals and individuals. I often get the opportunity to go to their events and it is so cool to get to see their creativity be successful. Having regular one on ones where I also get to know them more directly is probably the best part of my weekly schedule.

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

My favorite thing to do in the area is go on walks around the campus, and at the nearby celery bog, there is a lot of opportunity here to get connected with nature. 

Ben Parker

They/Them

Residence Education Coordinator

Khyle Penro

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Marketing, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Master of Science - Higher Education and Student Affairs, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Purdue University provides exceptional academic, social and networking opportunities for students studying any field. At Purdue, I love the opportunity to help students acclimate to the immersive social experience students will encounter, which is deeply influenced by the university's abundant cultures, resources and esteemed professionals and faculty. Purdue has procured a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment that enhances the experimental and learning capabilities Purdue students participate in.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy many aspects of the Residential Education Coordinator position like advising residential student organizations or facilitating group activities to engage with Purdue's "Steps to Leaps" curriculum. Community building through social programming opportunities are by far some of the most enjoyable ResLife duties. I also enjoy supporting the student staff members I work with in their extracurricular activities outside of their University Residences positions.

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

I love buying new flowers and adding to my plant collection, so you may find me at any Farmer's market in the West Lafayette/Lafayette area. Along with finding new flowers, my favorite things to do consist of going to the movie theater and the Tippecanoe Shopping Mall. I love watching new or old movies and cult classic films!

Khyle Penro

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

Katie Pepel

Education

Bachelor's Degree, University of Minnesota

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the team I get to work with in Res Life, and the support and care that the staff show for each other and students. I have also enjoyed seeing how passionate staff are about working for Purdue, and their excitement over the Purdue traditions. I also love how large the Purdue campus is, and that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy supervising RA staff and getting to know students through their time in housing. My favorite part about working with students is seeing them grow and develop throughout the year, and seeing the relationships that develop between RAs and students.

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

I enjoy spending time outdoors, so I have enjoyed walking and biking on the various trails in West Lafayette/Lafayette. There are also always different events happening around the area and on campus.

Katie Pepel

She/Her

Residence Education Coordinator, Associate

Aiden Sutton

Education

Bachelor of Science - Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Ball State University

Master of Science - Higher Education, Purdue University Global

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the atmosphere of tradition and legacy here at Purdue, specifically in Legacy Lane. It is an exciting feeling to be a part of something far larger than myself, and to support students while they take their next giant leaps. I have learned quite a bit about the university and am excited to help cultivate a great culture next year.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favorite thing is working with students, and student staff. It is collaborative, keeps you on your toes, tiring, and rewarding all at once. My favorite moments are looking around at events and seeing that we are aiding in networking, education, and entertainment of students all at the same time. 

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

I'm from Lafayette, so it is hard for me to choose. I enjoy walking downtown and shopping, eating at restaurants, and participating in various events that go on downtown. In West Lafayette, I have been enjoying all of the walking/biking paths around campus, specifically in the celery bog. 

Aiden Sutton

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

Robbie Thurston

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University

Master of Science - Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working here at Purdue because of the awesome relationships that I have been able to make and the new ones I have yet to make. These relationships extend not only to my colleagues in and outside of my department but also to the students here at Purdue. I feel as though I am constantly running into people or finding new people to connect and make relationships with all the time and it and helps make this enormous campus feel close and connected. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I spent the last 5 years here at Purdue as a student and a student staff worker watching people grow in a variety of ways. Watching not only my residents and RAs grow during my years as an RA/REA but also my friends as they leave Purdue to go on to start their professional careers. Therefore, as I move into this new role and start my professional career here at Purdue, I cannot wait to continue watching and supporting all the new people I meet here at Purdue and even grow myself and learn how to better support those around me. 

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

Although this corn field and flat hill'd region of the country might not be known for climbing, there is quite the community for it here with tons of great people. People that are always down to go to the COREC to climb or just make the best out of what we have even if that means building our own rock walls. Some of my other favorite things to do in this area include going to Wolf Park and hanging out some of the hidden creeks in the surrounding areas. 

Robbie Thurston

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

Kris Yambao

Education

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, University of Iowa

Master of Science - Higher Education Student Affairs, University of North Dakota

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love seeing the students realize their potential and actively work on growing as learners and leaders. Boilermakers are some of the most perseverant and smart people I've ever met! I'm proud to support their progress and help them achieve their goal.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I would have to say the best thing about the REC job is that I get to work with students in a variety of settings and at a variety of levels. No day is ever the same. One morning I could be helping a student with goal setting and time management, and that afternoon I could be working with facilities and operations to set up a great all-hall event for that evening. The impact we get to make and the partnerships we work with are very strong and rewarding. 

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

I am a big fan of the biodiversity we have here in the Greater Lafayette area. Did you know that over 100 species of migratory birds pass through these parts every year? Did you know that Purdue University is home to one of the largest Arboretums in North America? Well, now you do! I love exploring all the nature reserves and walking trails around the area. I take time each week to learn a little bit about the surrounding flora & fauna, and I really enjoy sharing what I learn with my students and coworkers. 

Kris Yambao

He/Him

Residence Education Coordinator

Leadership Team

Christa Pazera

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Purdue University

Master's Degree in Higher Education, Purdue University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love that I get to work at my alma mater where I fell in love with student affairs! I have been able to give back to the students at an institution where I was poured into by my mentors and my supervisors. Ever grateful and ever true!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the people at work! The peers, staff and students who support our students (and me) are great. I also enjoy and am grateful for the professional relationships I have been a part of during my time here. 

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

I love to be anywhere with family and friends at local restaurants or just a drive through the near by countryside. My favorite spaces on campus are one of the Windsor Reading rooms and the flag entrance at the Purdue Memorial Union. My favorite time on campus is during the last two weeks of May because the weather is usually the best Indiana springtime you can get, all the flowers and trees are blooming and the air is filled with success and hopes of dreams to come.

Christa Pazera

She/Her

Director, Residential Life

Jared Ward

Education

Bachelor of Sicence - Middle School Math Education, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Master of Science - Counseling and Human Development in Higher Education, Walsh University

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 and staff 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 Assistant Directors. 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 departments/functional areas 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 courses that are in the area. 

Jared Ward

He/Him

Associate Director, Residential Life

Jessica Watts

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Georgetown College

Master of Science - College Student Personnel Services, University of Louisville

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

To put it simply, it is the people for me. Our students are some of the highest achieving and most active students I have worked with; they push me to continue to think critically and creatively. Our professional staff team are some of the most caring humans I have ever worked with. We truly care for the students and those around us; working with people like that makes this place home.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

This role gives me the opportunity to see first-hand the ripple effects of change. I am able to see any concerns our students/staff may have and navigate any changes needed to be made in order to best support the people here. Our focus on the development of our Professional and student staff is something I most enjoy. ​

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

I love the small-town mixed with city vibes here. The local farmer's markets and city local events like Mosey Down Main Street and Taste of Tippecanoe are some of my favorite things. I also appreciate the multiple fitness options available whether that be Orangetheory or Pure Barre or Planet Fitness. Also, there are so many great places around here to go for a walk, hammock, or go get coffee locally.​

Jessica Watts

She/Her

Associate Director, Residential Life

Tyler Ellenwood

Education

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Purdue University

Master of Business Administration - Strategic Leadership and Operations, Purdue University

Master of Science - Higher Education Administration, Purdue University Global

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. I love working with students that rise to that challenge and accomplish incredible things!​

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My team. I have had the chance to work with so many phenomenal students and professionals. They bring a lot of creativity and personality to the roles they fill. Every year is a new challenge to build a cohesive team, but an opportunity I very much look forward to.​

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

Attending Purdue sporting events and visiting nearby state parks! West Lafayette and Lafayette always have something going on, especially when the academic year is in full swing, it is very difficult to be bored. That being said, the local state parks and other outdoor spaces also allow for a relaxing, not a busy space when needed.​

Tyler Ellenwood

He/Him

Assistant Director, Residential Life

Alex Harrington

Education

Bachelor's Degree in History and Sociology, University of California Merced

Master of Science - Educational Administration and Leadership, University of the Pacific

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

He/Him

Assistant Director, Residential Life

Brendin Humrickhouse

Education

Bachelor of Science - Operations and Supply Chain Management, Indiana State University

Master of Science - Student Affairs and Higher Education, Indiana State University

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

He/Him

Assistant Director, Residential Life

Adam Iserman

Education

Bachelor of Science - Middle/Secondary Social Science Education, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Master of Science - College Student Personnel Services and Administration, University of Central Arkansas

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).

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

He/Him

Assistant Director, Residential Life

Natalie Rice

Education

Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Master of Science - Student Affairs in Higher Education, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love working with the people. From my colleagues to the students, everyone has been so supportive and driven to be their best. I also love working with people who want to make a difference and push me to do the same.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with the students. I love having the ability to see who the students are at the beginning of the year and watch them grow as students and people throughout the year. It is so rewarding to watch the things the students can do when they put their mind to it! ​

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

I love that there is always something to do. Whether it is on campus at sporting events or finding new things to enjoy around town, there really is something for any interest. ​

Natalie Rice

She/Her

Assistant Director, Residential Life 

Steven Sajkich

Education

Bachelor of Arts - History and Religious Studies, Indiana Unversity

Master of Science - Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University

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 Lafayette 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

He/Him

Assistant Director of Residential Life

Residential Academic Initiatives

Bryan Austin, Ph.D.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - English and German, Oakland University

Master's Degree - College Counseling, University of Delaware

PhD - Higher Education and Administration, Bowling Green State University

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.

He/Him

Associate Director, Residential Academic Initiatives

Cheryl Brantley

Education

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture, Purdue Unversity

Master of Science - Leadership, Purdue University

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

She/Her

Assistant Director, Residential Academic Initiatives

Jordan Richards

Education

Bachelor's Degree, Purdue University Global

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Working at Purdue is a fulfilling experience. The campus is lively and numerous activities are available for student and staff involvement. The diverse campus culture makes every day enjoyable. I especially love the art around campus, I am always discovering something new.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My role at Purdue gives me the opportunity to make meaningful impact on students’ lives. The experiences that students gain outside of the classroom are just as critical to their success. This allows me to support and engage with students that fosters personal growth and memorable experiences. Interacting with diverse students and helping them navigate their college journey makes my job enjoyable.

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

My most favorite thing to do is to go to athletic events. Purdue basketball and football games are one of the most exciting experiences because of the exhilarating atmosphere, the camaraderie among the fans, and the thrills of witnessing live action. The strong Purdue Pride and unity is established by the loyalty of the fans and supporters.

Jordan Richards

She/Her

Assistant Director, Residential Academic Initiatives

Tom Robson

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre, Grinnell College

Master of Arts - Theatre History, Theory, and Literature, Indiana Unversity

Ph.D. - Theatre History, Theory, and Literature, Indiana Unversity

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love having access to the incredible library. As someone who loves to learn things, being able to use a top-notch research library is amazing. I've never had such impressive and extensive library resources at any other institution I've worked at, and it is so helpful.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I get to meet faculty and staff from all over campus who work in a wide range of disciplines. Getting to bounce from a conversation with a pharmacy professor to one with a music professor to one with a staff member in the Co-Rec to one with a member of campus ministries, and seeing how we're all working toward the same goal from different angles? That's fantastic.

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

I'm very involved with the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, and I'd encourage any arts lovers to come check out one of their many productions throughout the year!

Tom Robson

He/Him

Assistant Director, Residential Academic Initiatives

Student Leadership

Jennifer Bannon

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Ball State University

Master of Science - Higher Education Administration, North Carolina State University

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.​

Jennifer Bannon

She/Her

Associate Director, Residential Life

Coree Burton

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, Central Michigan University

Master of Science - Student Affairs Administration, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

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, student leaders, 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 two 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

He/Him

Assistant Director, Multicultural Education

Zach Oborne photo

Education

Bachelor's Degree, Central Michigan University

Master's Degree, Grand Valley State University

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

Simply put, the people. Purdue students are very innovative, involved and are eager to make an impact. I also appreciate the support that I receive on both personal and professional development. Lastly, there is an ample number of opportunities for students to learn and grow inside and outside of the classroom.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I am excited to provide support to the Residence Hall Association (RHA), National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), and all of the Hall Clubs. I am also looking forward to collaborating with campus partners regarding student leadership opportunities.

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

My wife (Kendra Coons-Oborne) and I frequent the local farmer's markets, we enjoy attending Purdue sporting events, watching Lafayette Aviators baseball games, and enjoy ourselves some Silver Dipper's Ice Cream every once in a while. I also appreciate having many nice golf courses in the Greater Lafayette area.

Zach Oborne

He/Him

Assistant Director, Student Leadership