Cauldron

Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: Other News

Media Credit: Public Affairs new director Yolanda Norman joined the UST community in July.

The University hired Yolanda Norman in July as the new director of residence life, taking over the position left by Kiesha Curtis-Montgomery last May. Previously, she worked as a residential hall coordinator at the University of Texas in Austin.

Norman graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in radio, television and theater, with an emphasis on broadcast journalism. She also has two master's degrees, one in sports administration and management, and the other in counseling and college student personnel.

Norman said the biggest differences between UST and UT are the obvious size difference and the fact that UST is a Catholic school. "It's really nice to be able to see the same people walking across campus and actually getting to know their names," she said. Norman said she is also glad to be in a college community where open conversations about faith are not only allowed but also encouraged.

Norman said that her experience so far with the UST community has been great. "The students and student staff, they are wonderful," she said. "They are truly an extended family for me."

For their part, the student staff has welcomed Norman with open arms, according to senior psychology major and area coordinator Kayleigh White. "It's been a refreshing experience working with Yolanda," White said. "She's brought new energy and positive changes, while maintaining the things that make our residence life program unique."

Fellow area coordinator and senior theology major Cathy Monroe agreed. "It's been great," she said. "She is always really open and willing to talk to everyone."

As director of residence life, Norman said that her responsibilities include making sure that the safety and security of the students always comes first. She also said that it is important to help the students become autonomous and realize that being able to live and interact in a community is a necessary skill.

Norman said her that the biggest challenge facing her is getting the word out to UST students about what the dorms, in conjunction with the residence life department are really about. "A lot of people think the dorm is just place to sleep, but it is so much more than that," she said.

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