Shawnee State University Senior Resident Assistant serves as a mentor for students

An Ashland, Kentucky native, Tiffany Kiwabonga is a Senior Resident Assistant with Shawnee State University’s Office of Housing & Residence Life. A senior majoring in Accounting with a minor in Information Security (Cyber Security), Kiwabonga decided to become a Resident Assistant (RA) after learning about the position from a friend on campus.

“I thought it would be a great way to be involved on campus,” she said.

Now in her second year in the position and serving as a Senior RA, Kiwabonga is a mentor and leader within the group for other RAs as well as for her housing residents.

“We are there for our residents anytime they need anything,” she said. “We plan housing events and we also work in different offices on campus each week.”

Balancing the responsibilities of the position with her coursework, one of Kiwabonga’s favorite parts of the job is getting to see her housing residents she encouraged get involved in clubs and events on campus. She hopes serving in her role inspires her residents to challenge themselves and consider becoming an RA in the future.

“We have a very diverse staff,” she said. “No matter your personality or where you come from, you will always find ways to push yourself and have a lot of fun.”

RAs at SSU oversee a group of residents in campus housing, serving as a mentor and friend to students while answering any questions they might have about the university or living on campus. RAs are on-call to assist residents across campus one night every other weekend as well as one weekend a month, while hosting events for residents to enjoy in their campus housing area.