What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
Every morning – after getting ready for the day – I hop on the bus and read on my commute to work. Generally, I’m reading fiction or something not work-related to clear my head. Then, when I get to the office I make a cup of tea and have breakfast to settle into the busy day.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
Just today I read an article on the relationship between being outside and a sense of belonging. Working and living in Utah, we are fortunate to have easy access to natural wonders, and that sense of community is driven a lot of times by being outside in nature. That article really crystallized why I like the outdoors and how I have built community here and in other places where I’ve lived.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
One of the biggest lessons I learned in my previous role is the importance of balancing the humanity of folks with the processes we design. When I worked in occupancy, this was essential, particularly as it related to appeals or financial impacts on students. No process can ever be perfect, but it's important that you try to build into the process ways to ensure that humanity isn't forgotten.
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
A screwdriver: Whether that is to quickly turn an emergency shut-off valve on a running toilet, assemble a small piece of furniture, or fix something in the office, it's essential. I used one this last weekend fixing something around the house.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
As an undergraduate, I took a course on Nietzsche and Kant. We read a bunch of their writings but also Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. I still think of that book and course and how that setup helped me grasp the material clearly.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
Cooking. I love to cook currently, but being able to try new recipes and go and learn from experts would be amazing. Learning to cook pasta in Italy or how to properly make an Indian curry would be life-changing.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
I worked for six years at Virginia Tech, and I still miss the camaraderie and support felt during the April 16 Remembrance Events. You would see alumni and greater community members come back to campus to remember through acts of service and a run/walk.
What song do you count on to hype you up to start the day or help you celebrate at the end of a long one?
Anything by Elton John, particularly “Tiny Dancer”!
Stephen Henninger is the associate director of residential education for housing and residential education at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
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