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Male Residence Director- J Alvin Hall

By /
Siloam Springs
Full-time
John Brown University
John Brown University

The Department of Residence Life at John Brown University is currently seeking applicants for the Residence Director for J Alvin Hall. J Alvin Hall is an all-male dorm and houses mostly first year students and Sophomores.

Position Summaries

The Resident Director (RD) is responsible for leading, planning, and supervising community development activities of on-campus residence halls. J Alvin Hall is an all- male residence and houses mostly first year students and Sophomore students. Resident Directors cultivate living environments that are safe, conducive to learning, inclusive and which foster community among students based on Christian principles. This position requires the Resident Director to live on campus during their appointment, and requires irregular work hours, including weeknights and weekends.

Position Responsibilities 

  • Direct supervision of the student leaders of the Student Residence Life Staff in on campus residential living areas
  • Recruits, selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates Student Residence Life staff in assigned areas
  • Provides resources for RA’s so they can support their residents’ different needs. Being able to relate to students from a variety of backgrounds is essential.
  • Invests in the lives of residents on an individual and group basis encouraging holistic growth and shares everyday life with students as appropriate
  • Assists and advises students; becomes familiar with names and needs of students; and helps provide general health and safety support for residents when an illness or injury occurs
  • Promotes Student Life Program in assigned residence hall, including developing a positive Christ-like atmosphere conducive to spiritual and educational development of residents; facilitating development of programs that meet intellectual, spiritual, emotional, occupational, physical, and social needs of students.
  • Facilitates programming in residence halls, coordinating with Residence Hall Association (RHA) and Assistant Resident Directors (ARD) and resourcing and equipping students to facilitate programming
  • Confronts violations of University policies and regulations and, in conjunction with the Dean of Residence Life, takes appropriate disciplinary action based on students’ development areas.
  • Set goals, objectives, makes decisions confidently, even unpopular ones, and manages available resources to achieve objectives without need for frequent follow-up
  • Manages allotted residence hall budget in conjunction with Dean of Residence Life  Coordinates and collaborates in activities with other university departments and offices (Admissions, Orientation, Student Care, Student Success, etc) in a professional manner
  • Helps facilitate RA training in the Fall and Spring, as well as ongoing RA in-service training, in conjunction with the Dean of Residence Life.
  • Other duties as assigned

Institution

John Brown University’s mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Founded in 1919, JBU is a Christ-centered, Biblically-faithful, interdenominational university that represents the best of Protestant evangelicalism in our commitment to the following theological principles: the fundamental human need for conversion and lifelong discipleship; the centrality of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the redemption of human beings; high regard for, and obedience to, the Bible as our authority; and active involvement in a local church, in missions and in ministries that work for Biblical justice and serve people in need. At JBU, we seek to integrate faith and learning, foster holistic Christian formation, promote pragmatic liberal arts education, and prepare people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life. Consistent with its evangelical identity, JBU’s board of trustees has articulated institutional commitments on certain theological issues or university practices. With God’s help, JBU seeks to live out these commitments faithfully and humbly with grace and truth.All employees must affirm JBU’s Employee Expectations and Articles of Faith.

With more than 2,300 students from 35 states and 37 countries, JBU offers approximately 50 undergraduate programs, seven fully online bachelor’s degrees, and 14 graduate degrees in business, education, cybersecurity, and counseling. JBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds program-specific accreditations from various agencies. More information is available at jbu.edu/accreditation.

JBU has benefited from stable and excellent leadership throughout the organization. President Chip Pollard started in 2004 and has led the organization in consistently meeting enrollment goals, completing two capital campaigns and launching a third, finishing two strategic plans and launching a third, 17 major building projects, encouraging efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, and navigating the educational and financial challenges of the pandemic successfully. He served on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) board for thirteen years and as chair for five years. Most of the president’s cabinet has served for over 20 years, and all cabinet members have held volunteer leadership positions in the CCCU, ACSD, CIC, NACUBO, and other higher education associations. JBU’s board of trustees are people of deep Christian faith, generous spirit, and professional expertise, with an average length of service of 11 years. They are deeply committed to maintaining JBU’s mission to educate students to honor God and serve others.

JBU has experienced a season of God’s favor and blessing, for which we are grateful. In the last 20 years, JBU has received over $370 million in gifts and grants and has built or renovated over 90% of the university’s facilities. JBU has just under $4 million of long-term debt on over $300 million of assets. During that same time, JBU’s endowment has grown from about $50 million to over $185 million, much of it dedicated to scholarships and academic programs and to support maintenance costs for new facilities. This financial strength has enabled JBU to retain excellent faculty and staff with consistent compensation increases and funds for faculty and staff development. JBU has not been immune to the economic and cultural challenges facing higher education, but it is positioned better than many institutions to respond.

JBU has received national recognition from many national newspapers and industry journals. For instance, in nine out of the last ten years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named JBU on its “high honor roll” in its “Great Place to Work” survey. The Wall Street Journal has named JBU to its Best Colleges list since 2019, ranking us the top private school in Arkansas (2025) and top Arkansas university overall (2020, 2022, 2024). We are typically in the top 10% in our category (master’s level universities in the South) in U.S. News and World Report rankings.

JBU is located in Northwest Arkansas, a region predicted to have the third fastest job growth rate in the country behind only Austin, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of the largest corporations in the world are located here—Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt—and there is a growing technology, entrepreneurial, and art business ecosystem in the region. The quality of life is enhanced with a world-class art museum, Crystal Bridges, 25 miles from campus, over 400 miles of mountain biking trails, several state and national historic sites, parks, and large lakes, and a new $33 million whitewater rafting park just five miles south of campus. Siloam Springs has approximately 18,350 people with affordable housing and good private and public schools.

Required skills and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Experience in Student Development, housing, Residence Life or working with college age groups or related fields.
  • Background of involvement in Christian discipleship and development of college age youth.  Demonstrated management of teams and individuals.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and time management skills.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Strong ability to create good will with staff, faculty, students, and parents; servant attitude
  • Demonstrated strong relational abilities, including conflict management.
  • Committed to JBU’s ideal of diversity on campus.
  • Committed to following Jesus Christ in personal and professional life and desire to walk with students in their journey of faith.
  • Affirm JBU’s Articles of Faith and Employee Expectations wholeheartedly.

Preferred skills and experience 

  • Master’s degree in higher education, student development, counseling, or a related field
  • 4 years of experience in Student Development related fields.
  • Demonstrated intercultural experiences such as working with minority groups, international students, or national diverse people’s groups.

Reporting to this position 

Student leadership staff, including Assistant Resident Directors and Resident Assistants

To apply for this job please visit https://www.jbu.edu/human-resources/staff-job-listings/resident-director-j-alvin-hall.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!