|
|
Meet the Staff
Central Office Staff Resident Directors
|
|
After growing up in Phoenix, I came to California to pursue my bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Redlands. I always seek challenging experiences and enthusiastic colleagues in my professional career, which led me to Chapman University. I have experienced these things, along with incredible students who continually impress me. |
 |
Sherri U’ilani Akau Assistant Director Phone: (714) 516-6138 Email: maeda@chapman.edu | |
I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai’i, but came to California to further my education. I obtained my Associate’s degree at Marymount College and then transferred to Chapman University where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I enjoyed my experience as a Chapman student so much that I wanted to give back. At Chapman, I have been able to serve as a professional staff in the Office of the Registrar, Office of Admissions and now the Office of Housing and Residence Life where I continue to learn and grow as a professional. My advice to students is to make the most of your experience while at Chapman! |
|
|
Originally from the Imperial Valley, I did my undergrad at Iowa State University and my graduate work at University of South Florida. Being away from home and living in the residence halls allowed me to connect with new people, which has resulted in amazing friendships that I still have to this day! I hope you take advantage of your time at Chapman and connect with the diverse students who attend this wonderful institution. I’m so excited to be at Chapman and I hope you are too! |
|
|
Originally from San Pedro, California my family made their way to Anaheim, California. Anaheim is Orange’s neighbor, so needless to say, I know this area very well. For the last 11 years, I have worked with extraordinary development and property management companies. I have experience in both residential and commercial property management as a Community Manager, General Manager and Trainer. The inspiration that I receive from others has always been my drive in life. I have been blessed to have an extensive background in property management, but the part I love the most is helping people – from residents to team members. I believe paying it forward in my role of Off Campus Housing Coordinator will be the most rewarding experience of all. |
 |
Emily Brent Housing Assignments Assistant Phone: (714) 997-6538 Email: brent@chapman.edu | |
Growing up near the beaches in Southern California, I simply could not leave them and found my second home at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and had such an incredible college experience that my career goal is to help as many students as possible feel exactly the same. I am delighted to work with the wonderful team here at Chapman and to assist individuals at such an important time in their lives. I truly believe that your four years in college are where you have the opportunity to shine, so make sure to find an organization, project, or group that will allow you to showcase your talents and to grow! |
|
|
I can’t get enough fresh air, and expanding Chapman’s outdoor involvement is my number-one priority. In 2008, I established the Outdoor Expedition Living Learning Community in the Sandhu Residence Center - a community for all students wild. If you love extreme outdoor sports then come pay me a visit - you’ll find me at the Doti-Struppa Rock Wall, Chapman’s coolest facility and my focus here on campus for two years. Since 2010, I have helped organize and lead Panther Escapes, Chapman’s first outdoor adventure program. |
 |
Kayla Wiechert Residential Education Coordinator Phone: (714) 516-6154 Email: banion@chapman.edu | |
While I grew up in Southern California, I headed up north to attend Saint Mary’s College of California. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, and then working at SMC for a few years, I came home to get my master’s at UCLA. I found my way to Chapman University and am so happy to be back at a small, liberal arts institution. My advice to students is to be a sponge! I believe that your education doesn’t stop when you exit the classroom and we offer hundreds of opportunities for you to continue learning in the residence halls. Soak in these opportunities and you’ll get the most out of your Chapman experience! |
|
|
In the summer of 2008 when I began working for the Office of Housing and Residence Life, I did not imagine the impact the opportunity would have on me: from the people I have had the privilege to work with to the programs I have been involved with and much more. It has all been, and continues to be quite an amazing journey! |
|
|
After receiving my bachelors at Cal State Long Beach and my masters at Azusa Pacific University, I landed here at Chapman. My experience working here has been shaped by the Resident Advisors and their commitment to residents. My advice for residents is to attend programs and events, meet their neighbors and find their passion at Chapman. Do what you can so that Chapman feels like home. Be proud of your university and things that you accomplish here! |
|
|
After moving from Phoenix, Arizona to attend Chapman University, I joined the Office of Housing and Residence Life staff in 2008. I quickly realized that nothing is more rewarding than helping residents succeed and grow in their personal, academic and professional lives. My goal is to provide students with a safe, welcoming and enjoyable home away from home in Glass Hall so that they can make the most of their time at Chapman. The Glass Hall staff is energetic, creative and attentive to the needs of every student in our community – just wait until you meet them! |
|
|
I began my college experience at Citrus Community College before transferring to UC Santa Cruz. Go Slugs! I enjoyed being a Resident Advisor for College Ten at UCSC and decided that my passion lies in Student Affairs. I continued my journey across the country to the University of Vermont to get my Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. I love being back in California and working with the creative and talented students at Chapman. I’m especially passionate about working with the Living Learning Communities in Sandhu and supporting students through the Next Step Social Justice Retreat, M.E.Ch.A, BAM and Vagina Monologues. |
|
|
I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana where I attended Indiana University. At IU, I earned both my bachelors and masters degree. Currently, I am working on my Ed.D at the University of Southern California in Higher Education Administration which I anticipate completing in May 2012. As a Resident Director for over ten years at various universities, I have a few words of advice: 1) get involved with your residence hall; 2) get to know your RA; 3) keep an open mind and think outside the box; 4) have fun and enjoy yourself. If you do these things you will have experiences that you will never forget and college will truly be the beginning of the rest of your life! |
|
|
My Residence Life experience began at the University of Virginia as a resident advisor for a year and then Senior Resident Advisor for two years. Originally from the east coast, I visited California once before I started working with Chapman. I’m very excited to be working with the awesome Apartments Community and helping its residents take ownership of it. With an amazing staff, interactive programming, and a beautiful quad- you’ll love it here! Ask me about my California adventures blog, my stint on Broadway, or my obsession with New England. |
|
|
I began my time in residence life as a Resident Advisor at Chapman. I loved it so much that I joined the professional staff as the Resident Director for the Apartments, and I am so excited to now be the Resident Director for Pralle-Sodaro (Puh-rhall-ee So-dahr-row)! I earned my Bachelor’s degree in History at Chapman (Class of ’08) and am currently working on a Master of Science in College Student Personnel through Arkansas Tech University. I also enjoy playing co-ed softball on the weekends, going to Angels baseball games, and climbing the Rockwall in Sandhu. |
|