Talking Stick - March/April 2013 - 56

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JaMes s. BridgeforTh
What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office each morning?
I turn on my Pandora; the classical jazz station seems to create a great office
environment and often sparks conversations with students and staff.

What’s the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
I believe that many of our students struggle with defining their self-identity and
self-worth. These two issues often encapsulate how students view themselves and
that in turn impacts their decision making.

What’s the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
I would say the amenities arms race with various off-campus apartment
complexes. Today’s college students are seeking apartment-style amenities such
as dishwashers, walk-in closets, balconies, and private spaces. In a sense it can
be difficult for housing professionals to build the kind of apartment-style facilities
with the desired amenities at the speed to meet students’ demand. This topic is
sure to be an agenda item for future CHOs.

What makes your campus unique?
The people. The students and staff at the University of South Alabama are about
the nicest people you will meet. The campus is filled with numerous long-term
employees who greet you with a smile and plenty of Southern charm. The
students are also very pleasant to talk to and are extremely warm.

When was the last time you awoke to a phone call from work in the
middle of the night?
It was 12:24 a.m. on Christmas day; we had a complete loss in water for several
residence halls. It was the Christmas present that I was truly not expecting, but our
dedicated staff got it resolved. Thanks Robbie and Buckley!

JAMES S. BRIDGEFORTH
is the associate director
for housing and residence
life at the University of
South Alabama in Mobile.
What’s on your office
walls?
Three college degrees
and a red tie, which is my
emergency meeting tie.

What’s your biggest challenge on campus?
By far the biggest challenge is helping students, parents, faculty, and staff gain
an appreciation for housing and residence life in recognizing the importance
of student development. On our campus, housing and residence life has seen
significant growth over the past three years; since 2009 we have increased by over
500 beds. Our entire staff is working tirelessly to help everyone understand the
purpose of a housing and residence life program and improve student satisfaction
as well as the academic experience.

Best book you’ve been impressed by?
I have been recently impressed by the book Big Man on Campus — A University
President Speaks Out on Higher Education by Stephen Joel Trachtenberg. Dr.
Trachtenberg is a former university president who discusses how institutions of
higher learning operate; he touches on everything from residence halls to athletics
to tenured faculty. It is fascinating that a number of his stories are similar to what
many housing professionals face daily.

Last meal at a campus dining hall?
Last fall I had lunch with the university football team and coaching staff. The high
level of motivation shared by the student athletes and the coaches was contagious.

Favorite campus traditions?
Tailgating. I truly enjoy college football and food; the idea of bringing them
together is super exciting. There is no better way to start the academic year than
bonding with students, colleagues, and friends before the first game.
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