WKU News

Western Kentucky University Housing and Residence Life recently attended the Kentucky Association of Housing Officers (KAHO) Conference hosted at Eastern Kentucky University on October 4th, 2024. A team of seven traveled to Richmond, KY for the annual conference. Three awards were presented to WKU Housing professional and student staff.  

Kat Williams, Minton Hall Residence Hall Director was awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award. The award is given to a new professional who has proven outstanding service to their institution. Kat began their role as a Residence Hall Director in July 2023, and in just a short time, has already made a significant impact on the students and staff they work with. Kat's leadership is exemplified by the strong connections they foster with their student staff, offering staff consistent mentorship and guidance. Kat’s approach to student development emphasizes both personal growth and professional responsibility, making them an invaluable mentor to those she supervises. 

Miles Smith, Zacharias Residence Hall Director, received the KAHO Service Award. The award is selected by the Senior Housing Officer. Dr. Catherine LaRoche, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Executive Director for Housing & Residence Life shared, “Miles Smith is a true beacon of positivity and energy, capable of lighting up any room he enters. When asked how his day is going, his unwavering enthusiasm, exemplified by his cheerful response of 'It’s the best day of my life!' serves as a reminder to us all about the power of perspective. Miles's active listening skills and insightful advice make him an invaluable resource for our team. He consistently steps up to support others, fostering strong relationships with students, staff, faculty, and every guest who crosses his path. Fearless in his advocacy for himself and his peers, Miles demonstrates maturity and professionalism well beyond his years.”  

Ariel Wolfe, a Resident Assistant in Hugh Poland Hall, received the Outstanding Resident Assistant Award, given to one resident assistant each year who provides outstanding contributions and service to their institution. Her nominator shares, “She is able to relay policy and empathy to all her residents with efficiency. When an issue arises in the community, she is quick to act, and the results are immediate. She has done fantastic handling roommate conflicts and has been able to de-escalate situations with success. When a situation caused some of the residents to be scared, she handled it with assurance and compassion. Because of that situation and how well it was handled, it built a lot of trust between the HP residents and her. That quality does not end with the students, but also extends to her fellow Student Staff.” 

Additionally, Kevyn Heckler, Residence Hall Director represented the university and department by serving as the KAHO State Secretary. The KAHO Secretary is the custodian of all records of the association. In this officer role, Kevyn prepares minutes of the conference, updates the KAHO e-mail listserv, and maintains general records. She also collects information and prepares a historical record of the KAHO Conferences and Governing Council to present at the KAHO Business Meeting during the annual SEAHO Conference.  

The Kentucky Association of Housing Officers exists to provide opportunities of personal and professional growth for college and university housing and residence life officers across the state of Kentucky. Learn more at https://kentuckyhousingofficers.org/  

Contact: katie.corbin@wku.edu, kirsten.hooks@wku.edu