Student Housing and Residential Life Staff Recognized at SWACUHO and ACPA
DSAES News
July 21, 2022
March 2017
Three staff members from Student Housing and Residential Life were recognized for their commitment to service and innovation in programming during the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) Conference and through the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) in March 2017.
Kenny Mauk, Associate Director for Operations and Outreach, was awarded one of the highest honors given to a SWACUHO member: The James L. Gibson Exceptional Service Award. This award was created in 1974 to recognize individuals who have contributed outstanding service and dedication to SWACUHO, past and present. Kenny has been involved in SWACUHO since 1996 and served in various roles including Human Resource Development Committee Chair, Social Justice and Diversity Committee Chair, Texas State Director, Treasurer, President Elect and President. Kenny has also participated in extensive work for SWACUHO as their representative to various Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) task forces including the Mission and Vision work group, Marketing Strategies Committee, and the Regional Task For Committee.
Carrie Cooper, Program Coordinator for Leadership and Learning Programs was selected as one of two 2017 SWACUHO Nancy Murphy-Chadwick Outstanding New Professionals of Distinction. This award highlights the work of a new housing professional that is energetic, has a positive attitude and is innovative.
“Here is a short list of what she has done: created a new Faculty in Residence program that connects small groups of students to their Faculty in Residence and invited faculty guests, created two new learning communities that start in Fall 2017, implemented weekly coffee hour programs in four buildings that include participation from campus partners and mentored students in our Cougar Experience Scholars program,” commented Cooper’s nominator. “Carrie also created and presented RA training programs, planned alcohol awareness and sexual violence prevention programming targeted to Frist Year students, and lead the Opening Events committee which will offer programs for over 8,000 students at move in this year.”
Housing Manager, Janelle Brown was selected as the February 2017 ACPA Pan African Network Sawubona Award Series Recipient for her work in programming at the University of Houston. This award recognizes the tremendous work of African American/Black Student Affairs Professionals across the field who have contributed to impactful and intentional initiatives that highlight or mirror the core values of the Pan African Network including educational leadership, collaboration, fellowship, advocacy, professional development and mentoring. Currently, Brown’s service positions include: Vice President of the UH Black Alumni Association, mentor to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Vice President for UH Black Leadership Network, Chair of the SHRL Closing Committee, SHRL off-site check-in subcommittee, Campus Manager for Auxiliary Services Search Committee, Auxiliary Services Vending Machine Committee, and this month she will serve as a judge for the UH chapter of Phi Beta Sigma's Scholarship Gala.
“Janelle exemplifies all of the Core Values through her work with various collaborative organizations and events, choosing not only to be a member, but executive leadership in these organizations,” stated Janelle’s nominator. “Janelle continues to stand out as a black student affairs professional, constantly giving her time and energies to ensure that those behind her have a path to succeed.”
Join us in congratulating Kenny Mauk, Carrie Cooper and Janelle Brown on their awards and achievements.
About the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers
The Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) was chartered in 1966 and provides support to housing professionals from campuses across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
About the American College Personnel Association
The American College Personnel Association (ACPA), headquartered in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education, is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. ACPA, founded in 1924, has nearly 7,500 members representing 1,200 private and public institutions from across the U.S. and around the world. ACPA members include graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in student affairs/higher education administration programs, faculty, and student affairs educators, from entry level to senior student affairs officers, and organizations and companies that are engaged in the campus marketplace.