A PLACE TO BELONG

Housing and Student Life cultivates a welcoming community

When students move onto campus, either for the first time or the fourth (or fifth) time, it signals the start of a new chapter. From the hours spent studying in the 24 to playing pool in the Boopie to eating in the Hill Grill, time together in their daily routines creates lasting memories.

“The student experience looks different in 2024 than it did pre-pandemic,” says Dr. Kerry Kenner, Associate Vice President of Student Experience, Dean of Students and Director of Housing and Student Life. “Enhanced technology, involvement in clubs and organizations and full academic schedules cause students to experience college life together.”

Their experiences support English theologian and educator John Henry Newman’s notion of a university in 1845 – students coming together yield positive outcomes. These positive outcomes are seen in the residential spaces on the LaGrange campus as students develop to fulfill their calling.

Building a foundation for academic success

A 2021 national study by the Association of College and University Housing Officers found that students living on campus are more likely to stay in school and succeed academically compared to their off-campus peers. The analysis showed this difference occurs primarily because on-campus students are more engaged in their studies and other learning activities right where they live.

This aligns with decades of research, including A.W. Chickering's work on “Education and Identity,” which identified residence hall arrangements and student culture as key factors in student development and overall collegiate success.

Home sweet campus

The residential experience allows students to make lifelong friends, start study groups and have a place to decompress from the stress in their lives.

The LaGrange housing community includes traditional first-year residence halls (Pitts, Boatwright, Turner and Hawkes), apartment style residence halls (Hawkins, Candler and Broad Street Apartments) and fraternity and sorority housing. Drawing from 20 years of student affairs experience, Kenner notes that students living in residence halls learn essential skills such as leadership, conflict resolution and communication while supporting one another's growth.

Kelli Tolbert, Assistant Director of Housing and Student Life, oversees these spaces with her team of resident assistants and graduate assistants. “We strongly encourage our students to live on campus,” she says. There's nothing like having that oncampus community and building relationships amongst peers.”

Recent research from the University of New Orleans highlights how the physical layout of residence halls and common spaces plays a crucial role in helping students form lasting bonds. The study found that having both private and public rooms allows students to find the right balance between socializing and studying, creating an environment conducive to both academic excellence and social development.

Students who live in residence halls experience college in ways unlike their commuter counterparts. They are learning how to hold their peers accountable, how to build friendships, how to engage in and manage conflict and how to think differently.

Creating an engaging environment

During warmer months, outdoor areas are natural extensions of student life and residence hall spaces, becoming hubs to connect students. These interactions create even more opportunities for relationship building.

Housing and Student Life partners with the Panther Activities Committee to help coordinate events on campus, including laser tag on the Residential Quad, a favorite of junior Jace Herrell, president of the organization.

“I like creating events to give students something to do on campus and step away from their studies for an hour or so and enjoy themselves,” Herrell says.

“One of the things I enjoy most about being on campus is the opportunity we have to become more involved,” says freshman volleyball player Isabella Zentkovich. “The college provides countless resources and connections to get every student where they need to go. It cares about its students' well-being and strives to see us succeed.”

Master's in Higher Education student Stevie Nix sees this energy firsthand in her role as a graduate assistant. “In comparison to my undergraduate experience during COVID-19, our students are able to be livelier and participate in all of the events that we've had planned,” she says. “It’s very fulfilling to help set up an event and then see them come out and enjoy themselves and each other.”

Forming meaningful connections

Resident Assistants play an essential role in making the Hill feel like home for every student. These dedicated student leaders offer guidance and support, helping to build a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere in the residence halls through programming and personal mentorship.

“They are vital to our campus,” Tolbert says. “Our RAs help with community building, peer support, conflict mediation, enforcing policies, crisis management and connecting our students with campus resources. They are the glue of Housing and Student Life.”

Junior Trenton Harrison, an RA in Hawkins, has found his role to be a rewarding experience.

“From helping someone in a difficult situation to simply being a friendly face to talk to, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the residents in my hall,” he says. “The connections I've made with them are deeply meaningful to me—each student brings their own unique perspective and vibe to the community, and I’ve learned so much from them, too.”

Junior Trystin Merson, an RA in Boatwright Hall, finds fulfillment in seeing his residents grow and develop during their college journey. “It’s been amazing watching new students find their place and make friends,” he says.

Sophomore Abigail Humphries, an RA in Turner Hall, builds on Merson’s perspective by sharing her own journey: “I was nervous about starting college, but my RAs were always there to help out and encourage me,” she says. “Now I try to be that same resource for the girls on my hall.”

For Humphries, the RA role has strengthened her sense of responsibility and deepened her appreciation for the campus community's supportive nature.

Looking toward the future

With an expanding undergraduate and graduate population (story on page 3), the college continues to evaluate housing options to meet the needs of residential students and to enhance their experience. Recent bathroom renovations in Hawkes, Pitts and Boatwright halls (story on page 4) have provided updated amenities for first-year residential students.

According to Kenner, the mission for the residential community will not change, despite an increase in undergraduate students.

She says, “Accommodating our growing campus and planning for future expansion allows us to think differently about the residential experience. However, our goal will remain the same: to support students in their personal growth, professional development and search for purpose—and a commitment to student success.”

RESIDENCE HALLS ON THE HILL

J.K. BOATWRIGHT HALL (1962)

Named in memory of a former Board chairman, this residence provides a community-focused living space for firstyear male students.

Capacity: 95 students

Amenities: Three-story, traditional community-style hall, with doubleoccupancy rooms and two community bathrooms on each floor. Free laundry on the second floor.

HAWKES HALL (1911)

This historic building, named in honor of Harriet Hawkes, offers timeless charm for freshman female students.

Capacity: 62 students

Amenities: Four-story residence hall with hardwood floors and high ceilings in double-occupancy rooms, along with a community bathroom on each floor. Free laundry is located on the first floor in a newly built laundry room.

PITTS HALL (1941)

Dedicated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. W. I. H. Pitts and in honor of their daughter, the late Margaret Adger Pitts, this living space offers a traditional community-style experience for freshman male students.

Capacity: 44 students

Amenities: Two-story building with doubleoccupancy rooms, community-style bathrooms and free laundry on each floor.

TURNER HALL (1958)

Named for William H. Turner Jr., a textile executive, this facility includes the Mabry Gipson Student Center on the first two floors and residence space on the top level.

Capacity: 24

Amenities: Traditional community-style housing for freshman female students with two community bathrooms, as well as in-room microwaves and mini-fridges. Free laundry is available on the hall.

CANDLER & HAWKINS HALLS (2002)

These buildings provide upperclassmen with an independent, fully equipped living environment. Candler Hall is named in memory of Lee Edwards Candler. Hawkins Hall is named in honor of the late Annie Carter Hawkins and in memory of Allen Willard Hawkins Sr., parents of Scott Hawkins ’74, H’10.

Capacity: 124 students each

Amenities: Apartment-style housing with two- or four-bedroom layouts, each with one bathroom per two students. Fully furnished, with full kitchens and a community room in each building.

BROAD STREET APARTMENTS (1936)

Located two blocks from campus, these apartments that were purchased and renovated by Callaway Foundation Inc. for the college in 2009, offer housing and a base of operations for the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program—the only live, work and learn environment in the country.

Capacity: 24

Amenities: One- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and washers/ dryers.