Randy Alexander Named New Director of Housing

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas recently announced that Randy Alexander has been named the new director of University Housing. Alexander replaces William Smith, who resigned as director in June. Alexander's salary will be $82,000, effective Dec. 1. Until then, he will work as a consultant within the department of University Housing.

"Randy emerged from a large group of qualified applicants," said Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "His knowledge and more than 25 years of experience with student housing will serve him very well as the university continues enrolling record numbers of students and prepares to open the new Northwest Quad."

Prior to joining the university, Alexander served as director of Residence at Iowa State University, a position he held since 1996. As director, Alexander managed a campus housing and university dining program with a combined operating budget of $53 million. Facilities included residence halls and apartments with a capacity of 9,500 students, community centers, dining centers, food stores and maintenance shops totaling 3 million square feet.

Additional responsibilities included the management of residence halls, single student and family apartments, summer conferences, facilities maintenance, residence hall and student union dining campus catering, convenience stores, and athletic training table and child care center meals.

"I believe campus housing can play an integral role in the overall academic experience for university students," Alexander said. "In addition to providing students a place to eat, sleep, study and interact with friends, residence halls can support and enhance a student's ability to succeed in the classroom and provide unique learning opportunities outside the classroom that cannot be duplicated through any other campus programs or services."

Alexander earned his B.S. in psychology and his M.S. in student personnel from East Texas State University. His publications include Experimental Resident Assistant Selection Process, Residence Hall Renovation: The Next Great Challengeand Organizational Initiatives to Promote Academics in Residence Halls. Alexander has also served on committees and as the keynote speaker on the importance of resident life on college campuses.

"I am very excited to have someone with Randy's experience," said Sue Borrego, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "He understands both the management of campus residential facilities and the important role residence life plays in student learning. He will be a wonderful addition to our staff."