After the resignation of CSUMB housing director Jeff Cooper, the university is in the final stages of its search to fill the position. Three finalists were invited to campus this week to introduce themselves and take questions in a series of open forums.
The forums, held Sept. 8-10 in the Meeting House (Building 98), gave faculty, staff, and a small number of attending students the chance to hear from the candidates in a Q&A-style format. Each session followed the same structure: an introduction from the candidate, followed by audience questions ranging from housing shortages to staff support.
University staff attending the sessions included personnel from financial aid, housing, Basic Needs and admissions.
Associate Executive Director of University Corporation Madison Burton said she came to the forums to see how candidates handled questions in a public setting. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet them one-on-one, but just want to see them in a format and answer questions from students as well as staff in this next hour,” Burton said.
“I am looking for someone proactive. As you know, we have a high demand for beds and for students, so working with somebody creative, who’s able to manage the expectations of students in beds that we need, as well as balancing the operations facilities, as well as the student life side, is very important.”
Other attendees emphasized the importance of communication between housing and campus offices that often overlap. Lead Financial Aid Counselor Alma Martinez said she hopes a new director can help ease the pressure on her team.
“Maybe they have better communication with students, because we are in the financial aid office, we can only have so much access, right?” Martinez said.
Questions from the audience also touched on management style, with one attendee asking how candidates would support managers and maintain effective teams in a leadership role.
The first open forum on Sept 8 featured Jerome A. Holland Jr. He has over 20 years of experience working with universities. Holland has worked as housing director for various colleges such as Menlo College, Regis University and so on.
The second candidate to present at the forums was Crystal D. Lay. She showcased an extensive resume to the audience, having worked within housing at universities across the country, from Northern Arizona University, Sonoma State University and other institutions.
The last of the candidates, Scott Leppla, the current director of Housing Services at the University of California, Merced, described his path from resident advisor to director with an extensive background in housing. Also working at several other universities in various positions, including residence hall director at Northern Arizona University, assistant director at Western Washington University and several others.
Questions throughout the forums highlighted a desire for proactive leadership, strong communication across departments, and creativity in managing housing systems.
“I see it as an opportunity, a challenge as well as an opportunity. We’re at such a pivotal time at our university right now where we’re growing, and I think we’re growing as quickly as we can catch up,” said Burton.