Making the transition from an undergraduate RA in North Carolina, to a graduate hall director in North Dakota was a huge step. I have to credit some, if not most, of my success to Alex’s work as my boss. Whenever I have an issue, he is there to talk it through with me. Not just in a way that reassures me that what I’m doing is correct, but also taking time to show me the bigger picture, or helping me understand something from a different point of view.

He is consistently looking for ways to help me to the next level, in my career and also my life. Sometimes he has to say what he knows I don’t want to hear. But I have never once questioned his intentions or his reliability. During a trip to UMR-ACUHO this month, I had the chance to talk to Alex about his perspective on challenges, life, and the idea of being open-minded. While he is strong and assertive in his beliefs, he never comes across too pushy or aggressive. I appreciate so much that he is willing to share his opinions on these subjects with me, because it is helping mold me into a better housing professional.

While at UMR, he also co-presented a program with UNDs other Assistant Director. Coincidentally enough, they talked about training housing supervisors. While I did not attend the program, I am sure it was spectacular and definitely fitting for Alex’s work with myself and the other hall directors on our campus.

The funny thing about all of this is that Alex would never admit to any of it. As a matter of fact, he’ll probably be embarrassed that I wrote this at all. Humility and modesty are some of his strongest suits, by far. And while he’ll most likely never forgive me for publicly displaying my admiration and respect for him, I knew that it was long overdue.

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