Residential Life Staff Earn Regional Accolades for Student Impact and Research

Making Louisiana State University’s campus feel like home for over 8,300 students presents unique opportunities for Residential Life staff to innovate and make a meaningful impact on the student experience.

Two outstanding opportunities for impact were recently recognized by regional peers at the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers’ (SEAHO) conference for Outstanding Contributions to Research Award and the Providing Educational Advocacy for Cultural Excellence (PEACE) Award for their ingenious research and larger-than-life programming. 

Associate Director of Residential Operations Kate Gannon-Cullinan was honored with the Outstanding Contributions to Research Award for her dissertation highlighting the impact staffing and professional development can have on the student experience by better understanding the evolving needs of higher education professionals. 

“The intent of this research was to explore the issues that motivate entry-level, live-in housing professionals to exit their roles mid-year but remain within the career field of Student Affairs. As housing serves as a large entry-point and foundation training ground for the larger field of higher education administration, it is important to understand how to develop these professionals better to grow the field and plan for off-cycle staff turnover,” said Gannon-Cullinan.

The department’s annual Geaux Diva Live! drag show was also recognized with the PEACE Award for outstanding contributions and service through the advancement of diversity and multiculturalism. 

“This event is one of Residential Life's staple events for Homecoming week, where students can experience the art form known as Drag,” said Residence Coordinator Chasten Conway. With its continued growth in popularity, the event offers Residential Life staff the chance to raise the bar each year and meet the students’ excitement with an experience to remember.

“Geaux Diva Live! is a way we create a home away from home, a safe space, and ultimately an environment where each and every one of our students feels as though they matter, belong, and are accepted as an LSU Tiger,” said Assistant Director of Community Engagement Amber Williams.

Whether through research or programming, Residential Life staff is on the cutting edge of higher education. Learn more about the department's impact on life at LSU by visiting lsu.edu/housing.