Langston University Residential Life and Housing Services has expanded by adding four graduate assistants to their staff this semester.
Keelen Ellison, Bryon Hanspard, Jason Meriweather and Marc Wallace are all graduate students on campus who are directly supporting the resident directors (RDs) at each residence hall.
The graduate assistants (GAs) will represent the extension of the leadership in
the residential life and housing services (RLHS) department. In return, these young men are compensated with a stipend, scholarships and benefits.
Merriweather expressed what it was like to work alongside Resident Directors by saying, “It’s definitely working as second in command and being ready to
take over.”
Ellison a GA from Fort Worth, Texas, said, “We are basically staples in the
environment to promote excellence and help alleviate stressors and built-up
neglect.” He described the ways he and his peers help students by saying, “We are the universal remote trying to change each student’s channel, ensuring they are seen.”
Wallace explained that his focus is on the community and learning professional
skills while in his new position. “I enjoy meeting new people and I expect personal growth,” said Wallace. Wallace also explained some of the duties he is responsible for.
“Daily, we support all our leaders at RLHS to what they might need: making sure the RAs keep up with their responsibilities and check in with student residents with their work orders,” Wallace said.
Now that the semester is in full swing, the GAs have begun to identify what they
like most about the job. Hanspard said, “What I like most about working as a GA
(Graduate Assistant) is the family environment with everybody…we are always
connected as a staff, and we communicate efficiently.”
Regarding expectations in the new role, Hanspard said, “To receive better work ethics as far as upholding myself to obtain my goals.”
A new job often comes with new challenges. Ellison admits to facing change in his new role.
“Transitioning lifestyles from student to professional is challenging. Having parents or resources to assist while being in undergrad ends when you begin to
grow a career,” Ellison said.
Three of the four Graduate Assistants have received undergrad degrees at Langston University. Meriweather’s father was also a GA when he was growing up. Seeing his dad’s journey motivated his return to Langston, to follow in his father’s footsteps. “When I was young my dad was a grad assistant at Fisk University. I remembered the success he experienced. It was like second nature returning to give back while pursuing masters. I always felt it was ironic doing the same thing my dad did some 20 years ago,” Meriweather said.
When the work ends for the week, the GAs look forward to having the weekend to enjoying their hobbies. Ellison spends his time coaching at football summer camps. Hanspard enjoys bowling. Meriweather likes playing video games. Wallace loves operating his own snack vending machine business.
All of them having an athletic background has brought the four GAs closer than just coworkers. They all enjoy fitness. Some days they enjoy a game of basketball in the multi-purpose gym together.
Uri Butler
Staff Writer
Uri Butler is a sophomore
broadcast journalism major.
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