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.

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!

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. 

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I have only been working at Purdue for about a month and I absolutely love the people I work with. Right from the start, I was drawn to how genuine and student-centered everyone is. Additionally, the campus is so beautiful and there are so many trees!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favorite thing about this role is the supervision aspect. Connecting with my resident assistants, especially in our one-on-one meetings. It's a really special opportunity to build such a close relationship with emerging leaders and learn about the in-depth details of their life beyond work/academics. 

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

Any opportunity I have to be outside, I'm out walking with my dog. The Celery Bog is our go-to route and finding new trails. Plus I love all the farmers markets!

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.​

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. 

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.

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 todays 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 REC is the relationship I get to build with my supervisees. Being someone who hasn't long been out of undergrad, I can still relate and connect with my team and help to better guide and advise them on the hardships ones may face in college. Being able to connect with them not only strengthens our connection as a team, but interpersonally 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. 

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.

What do you love about working at Purdue University?

I love the supportive community. I never have to worry that I am on my own, because there is always someone who can help you out with whatever you need. The relationships I have built with my coworkers has definitely been the best part!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favorite part of the role is building relationships with students. They bring so much energy and fun to my job, and I love when I can build a positive relationship and be a resource to help them grow. It can be a challenge to figure out how to best connect with each student I interact with and I love that! 

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

My favorite thing is being on the Purdue Latin and Ballroom Dance Team, as they allow non-students to be a part of the team. Dance is the one thing that helps me disconnect from all the other going on in life! I also love doing things outdoors, especially now that I can take my dog with me! 

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.

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. 

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. ​

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. I love the opportunities I have to meet new people from all over the world. ​

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love my co-workers that I get to work with, they’re very supportive and kind. I appreciate the students I have the opportunity to get to know and work with. 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. ​

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.​

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.

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.​

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.​

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.​

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.​

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. ​

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. ​

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.​

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. 

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. ​

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.​

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.