People with Purpose: Nathan Dozier

Q: How do you help students grow into confident leaders during their time in the residence halls?

Dozier: In my work, I have the ability to work with a large number of students who are looking for additional leadership opportunities. I have the pleasure of advising the Association of Residence Halls, the student governing body for the halls. This organization prioritizes students' voices and makes changes that matter to the on-campus student body. In this role, we look for what matters to students and make it happen when we can.

We also have the opportunity to host the Leadership Summit, an event for students new to K-State. This event aims to build connections between eager leaders, allowing them to network, create bonds and begin their college careers as stewards of leadership. We work with various campus partners and leadership figures to help incoming students become familiar with our professional campus leadership.

 

Q: What's one thing you do "behind-the-scenes" that you wish more people knew about?

Dozier: The work that Residence Life does is a much deeper iceberg than people realize. We complete yearly assessments of our RA-resident interaction model, meet with each employee weekly or biweekly, regularly hire new staff and work to host in-hall programming consistently throughout the year — and that's not even half of it!

The RA job is one of the most important roles in maintaining a campus community; they interact with their residents many times a semester, decorate and post information in their spaces, work the front desk and respond to after-hours crises. The work we do as supervisors and community coordinators supports that work, allowing us to invest in our residents while maintaining our own student priorities. Our roles on campus are background work that is foundational to the student experience, and I am eternally grateful for the work our team accomplishes each year.

Q: What's a moment you've seen while at K-State that made you feel proud to be a part of campus?

Dozier: I've been at K-State a short time, but I've seen students experience crises and work through the difficult period that follows. One time, I was meeting with a student after they'd experienced a fairly large traumatic event in their life that had also disrupted the community, though everyone was safe.

In the meeting with this student, the team of staff members asked questions focused on the student's well-being and ability to reintegrate into the community without judgment. They wanted to know the student was supported and could continue toward their goals with as little shame as possible. Leaving that meeting, I could tell that K-State's mission isn't just words on a page, but something reflected in the actions of people invested in our campus.

 

Q: How do you stay engaged with the changing needs of students and your profession?

Dozier: I meet with students weekly and stay connected with my direct reports, who ensure community needs and concerns are communicated. Students are changing every year, but our team looks at the patterns and changes and adjusts to those needs as they arise. We look to serve the community so our students can be safe and comfortable to the best of our ability, and the support we give has many tiers to validate that work.

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in your field of work?

Dozier: Talk with your RA, your Assistant Community Coordinator, Community Coordinator or Assistant Director. All of us have been students curious about how to be involved in higher education to provide the sense of community we felt as students to others.

This field is about creating the community that you want to see — if you are driven by people feeling welcome and connected, this field is for you. We can help you get connected, and everyone here loves to talk about why they work at K-State!