Humans of Campus Housing Podcast

In this episode, Aja and Leo talk with Dr Kevin Conn to explore how emotional intelligence shapes student housing leadership in real moments. From crisis response to everyday team dynamics, they unpack self awareness empathy and growth for new professionals. Kevin shares stories insights and practical ways to show up better support staff and create more human centered campus environments that truly make people feel seen heard and supported and valued deeply.For additional resources on Emotional Intelligence please check out:Bradberry, T., & Graves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego, CA: TalentSmart.Cornwall, M. (2010). Go suck a lemon: Strategies for improving your emotional intelligence.Stein, S and Book, H. "The EQ Edge". Toronto: Jossey-Bass. EQ Edge.comTuhovsky, I. (2016). Emotional intelligence: A practical guide to making friends with your emotions and raising your EQ.

Aja, Ben, and Leo are joined by Shavonn Nowlin, Director of Residence Life at University Center Chicago and member of the 2025 Diamond Club, for a conversation about body image, confidence, and belonging in higher education.Shavonn shares stories about body positivity, self-advocacy, and navigating campus life in a body that deserves to be comfortable wherever it goes. From roommate moments and RA trainings to conference travel, the group dives into the everyday situations where body image shows up when you least expect it. It is a real, thoughtful, and fun conversation about confidence, self-advocacy, and helping students and staff feel good showing up exactly as they are.

Aja, Ben and Leo kick off the new year by unpacking what “recruitment season” looks like in campus housing and student affairs today. They trace the shift from traditional conference-based placement to virtual-first hiring (and the ways it’s starting to swing back), discuss cost and accessibility realities, and share practical tips for both candidates and employers, from tailoring cover letters and practicing interview platforms to designing humane, culture-revealing interview experiences. Plus: LEGO talk, welcome kits, and why building in downtime might be the most underrated recruitment strategy.

In this episode, Ben, Aja, and Leo are joined by Brent O’Guin (Georgia Tech) and Caroline Dotts (Strengths on Site) for a real talk on where AI actually helps in campus housing and where humans still matter most. From cleaner duty reports and smarter training revamps to five-year maintenance planning and everyday bandwidth wins, Brent and Caroline share how teams are using tools like Copilot as a true thought partner. We get candid about bias and ethics, why community-building needs a human knock on the door, and how to find your “entry point” so AI boosts the work you already do.

In this special episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo and Ben introduce the newest co-host of the show, Dr. Aja Holmes! With over 20 years in student affairs and a vibrant, heartfelt approach to campus life, Aja shares her journey across the country, her passion for student support, and the energy she brings to every campus she’s called home. With stories from coast to coast (and the Midwest in between), this is an introduction you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, Leo and Ben are joined by Craig Whitton, student affairs pro and founder of Authentic Consulting, for a real talk on how AI is changing the game in campus housing. From stretching tight budgets to navigating big changes, Craig shares how AI can actually help (yes, really). We cover tech tips, leadership through disruption, and why this might be the biggest shift higher ed has seen yet. It’s smart, practical, and way less scary than it sounds.

Can you renovate and generate revenue at the same time? In this episode, Leo and Ben dig into the summer housing balancing act with Dan Dykstra from CU Boulder. Dan shares how institutions can start designing smarter, more collaborative summer strategies.

In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo is joined by returning guest Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and crisis counselor, along with Ryan Gallik, Managing Partner at The Mental Hygiene Project. Together, they explore how mental health shows up in student housing, for both students and staff, and what we can do to build more resilient, supportive campus communities. From real talk about institutional gaps to insights from outside higher ed, this is a conversation every housing professional should hear.

In this deeply important episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by Fiona Drouet, founder of the Emily Test, and Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations at New Mexico Tech.Fiona shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Emily and the movement that emerged to prevent gender-based violence in higher education. Together with Zach, we explore how student housing professionals can recognize signs of abuse, implement proactive safety measures, and create truly supportive environments for all students.This is a conversation about change, compassion, and the urgent need to listen and act.Trigger warning: This episode discusses gender-based violence and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Recruiting and retaining housing staff has become more challenging than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Perlman to discuss hiring trends, staffing shortages, and strategies for getting the right people in the door.

In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Caroline Dotts to explore the evolving role of leadership in higher education. With years of experience in collegiate recreation, Caroline shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in leadership development, the importance of essential skills, and how campus housing professionals can cultivate stronger teams.

In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by E.J. Walicki, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As an early recipient of the ACUHO-I ResLife qualifications, E.J. shares his professional journey a seasoned leader in campus housing. Together, we discuss the value of ResLife certifications, their impact on the field, and how they help professionals build credibility and refine their expertise. Whether you’re a newcomer to student affairs or a veteran in housing, this conversation offers fresh insights into professional development and the evolving landscape of campus housing.

Move-in season is one of the busiest and most challenging times in campus housing. In this episode, we dive into the chaos, preparation, and unexpected moments that define the start of a new school year. Our cohosts share their firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating a smooth move-in process—because even when things don't go as planned, the show must go on!

Welcome to the very first episode of Humans of Campus Housing! Meet your hosts as they introduce themselves and dive into what this podcast is all about. We’ll share why campus housing is more than just dorm rooms—it’s a world of community, connection, and life-changing moments. Get ready for fun stories, expert insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how campus housing professionals are making a big impact.