Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: News

Nick Messing took over as Resident Director of Corcoran Hall October 1st

And just like that, the "crisis" is over. As of Oct. 1, Nick Messing took over as Resident Director at Corcoran Hall, filling the void left by former R.D. Sean Dierker. Corcoran was without an official R.D. for 26 days.

In the days after the Sept. 5 R.D. departure, Corcoran was run by the R.A. staff as well as a revolving door of temporary help from Emily Kempf of Res Life and the R.D.'s of both McGee and Xavier-Loyola Halls. The search for Dierker's replacement proved short and ended close to home.

Messing, 27, is a graduate student at the University of Central Missouri, where he is studying and working within the college student personnel administration program. It was here he learned of the vacanct position - and new opportunity - at Rockhurst from Mandy Davis, the McGee Hall R.D.

"I just moved to Kansas City in August and was looking for a job," Messing explained. "When this [Corcoran R.D. position] came along, I knew I really wanted to do something that was related to my field of study."

While Messing attended MidAmerica Nazarene University, he lived in residence halls all four years. He never joined the R.A. staff there but was active in student government, holding a position on the executive cabinet as well as attending training sessions and retreats with the Res life staff.

What he may lack in direct experience, he makes up for in enthusiasm, desire to excel and commitment to his duties.

"I try to be in Corcoran as much as possible ... I love the residence life atmosphere. I really love enjoy living in a freshman hall and being around that enthusiasm and energy that they bring with them to college. I'm slowly meeting the residents and am impressed with their overall demeanor.

"I hope to bring a sense of belonging [to the students] and for them to know they are part of a community. I want the residents of Corcoran to feel this is an atmosphere where they are safe and welcomed.

"Corcoran is not just a place to sleep, but a place to build friendships and relax after a long day of classes and work."

Though Messing is still adjusting to his new role, he is excited with the new opportunity. He knows the R.A.'s he'll be working with will play an instrumental role in his first weeks at Rockhurst.

Continued...

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