Newly appointed Associate Dean for Housing & Residential Life shares goals

There have been a few new faculty and staff position changes on campus over the course of the past few months off from school. Adam Booher is one of the staff members who moved on up in his position on campus. Formally known as the director of student activities, Booher is now the associate dean for Housing and Residential Life. 

“I was looking for an advancement opportunity and a new way to challenge myself professionally. When the previous director of Housing and Residential Life announced her retirement, it seemed like a perfect fit for me, so I interviewed and was offered the position I currently have,” Booher said.

Booher is looking forward to accomplishing many things in his new position. When asked about what he is looking forward to accomplishing during his time as associate dean for Housing and Residential Life, Booher said:

“I am hoping to re-invigorate the housing department on campus and create a space where our residential students are able to live and learn through various opportunities that can be offered to them in this department.” 

It is easy for one to become overwhelmed when transferring to a newer position in a certain job. Though, for Booher, it seems like he has adjusted pretty well to his new position. 

“I have adjusted well. I have quite a bit of experience with housing from positions I held at different universities, and my predecessor left me wonderful transition materials, so the transition has been pretty smooth. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges for the housing department, but my team has done an excellent job in navigating those challenges,” Booher mentioned.

When asked if he had any advice for someone who is looking to be successful and is adapting to change in their career, Booher noted that it is important to be open and to listen to new colleagues about how things were done previously in that position before. 

“Do not be afraid of failure. Mistakes will happen no matter how long you have been in a role, but those mistakes can also be some of the most impactful learning experiences to help you develop skills moving forward in your role,” Booher stated. 

So what can we students look forward to from Booher as the Associate Dean of Housing and Residential Life? 

“You can expect a leadership style focused on embracing difference through the practice of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the department. You can also expect to see an increase in the university’s presence in some of the national organizations that are focused on creating impactful and focused experiences through a housing and residential life program,” Booher said.