Takama Statton-Brooks, director of residence education for University Housing, recently served as a mentor for the Southwestern Association of College and University Housing Offices (SWACUHO-U) during a two-day workshop designed for new professionals working in student housing.

SWACUHO-U provides a mentor/cohort-based professional development experience for professionals with two years or less full-time experience. Participants engage with peers and experienced successful colleagues to gain skills and competencies needed to be successful as they grow in the profession.

Each year, the SWACUHO Professional Development Committee selects eight focused topics intended to support new professionals in their work with students and staff. Topics rotate based on feedback from participants and trends noticed in the region and profession.

She was assigned to work with 4 new professionals and facilitated the presentation on “Physical Environments and Student Success” as her focused topic. This year’s SWACUHO-U was held in Denton, Texas, from Nov. 6-7.

“Cohort coaches provide models of professional development to their mentees” said Don Yackley, chair of the SWACUHO Professional Development Committee.

With almost 20 years of experience in higher education, Takama, has spent most of her career advocating for students and operationalizing policies, services and programs to support students.

During her time at the University of Arkansas, she has grown departmental partnerships between academic units and residence halls. As the director for residence education, her work encompasses a broad range of practical experience such as leadership and organizational development, crisis management, student development, and student advocacy.

This story first appeared Friday, Nov. 22 on University of Arkansas News.