University Housing's Felisha Perrodin, assistant director for administrative services, received the Jim Gibson Exceptional Service Award at a recent Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers conference. 

This service award is the highest honor that the association bestows upon its members. It was created in 1974 to recognize members who have contributed outstanding service and dedication to the Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers on behalf of the housing profession. 

"It is fitting that Felisha was identified as someone deserving enough to receive this recognition," said Takama Statton-Brooks, University Housing's interim assistant vice chancellor.  

"As a veteran housing member, Felisha has watched the evolution of the profession and the evolution of student needs over time. She understands that we don't just serve 'heads in beds.' We serve life-long learners, the next generation of leaders and students who will be members of our broader community. She role models what it means to be a good citizen and neighbor. I appreciate that she is the same person in the work setting that she is in her personal world. 

"Her knowledge about the field has benefited our department greatly. She is a continual learner, keeping up with the latest policy updates and the shifts in our society that impact the lens of what diversity, equity and inclusion means. Housing is hard, and the people who work in housing do hard things. 

"I have no doubt she will continue to serve the SWACUHO region and the profession through her involvement. Such a proud moment to watch someone who has worked at the University of Arkansas for 27 years win an exceptional service award honoring someone who also worked at the University of Arkansas." 

The award's selection committee is composed of the past association president and the three state directors who make up the organization's membership. No more than two awards may be presented annually, and the award is not presented each year unless there is a winner. 

The association's members include housing professionals at universities in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. 

The initial recipient of this award was James L. "Jim" Gibson, director of housing at the U of A. His contributions to the Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers began in 1969 with an appointment to the Arkansas state director position. He remained active in the association until his death in February 1981. 

"It is a true honor to receive the Jim Gibson Exceptional Service Award, as the award is named after former University of Arkansas Housing director Jim Gibson," Perrodin said.  

"I am awestruck to be included in a group of recipients and other amazing housing professionals who I admire and respect. SWACUHO is my professional home, and I am so thankful to the University of Arkansas for supporting my involvement in SWACUHO during my career here." 

About University Housing: University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 6,200 on-campus students and 1,000 off-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.