A&M-Corpus Christi Faculty-in-Residence/Administrator-in-Residence Program Announces 2020-2021 Participants

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Rosa Lazaro and Clarenda Phillips have been selected to participate in the inaugural Faculty-in-Residence and Administrator-in-Residence Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Sponsored by Academic Affairs, Student Engagement and Success (SEAS), Islander Housing, and the Center for Faculty Excellence, the program offers a unique opportunity for Islander faculty and administrators to reside in campus housing units and interact with students outside of the classroom experience, which has been attributed to increased student development that leads to enhanced interpersonal skills, intellectual orientation, and growth in autonomy and independence.

“Students are naturally expected to meet with faculty and administrators in our classrooms and offices, but faculty/administrator-in-residence programs meet students in their on-campus homes to form special relationships and create stronger bonds that lead to unique once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences,” said Dr. Amanda Drum, SEAS Executive Director for Strategic Engagement Initiatives.

While Lazaro, Professor of Theatre, will live in campus housing for both the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, Phillips, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will live in campus housing during the fall 2020 semester. Both candidates are required to move in one week before the student move-in date and are expected to reside on-site at least three nights each week.

Both Lazaro and Phillips will collaborate with residence life staff to provide programming to meet resident needs, issues, or concerns; will engage students and encourage them to take advantage of Islander Housing and University-sponsored opportunities and events; will serve as role models of responsible and positive behavior; and will assist with crisis response as needed.

“Having a faculty/administrator-in-residence program emphasizes that learning does not begin and end in the classroom,” said Phillips. “Through planned programs and chance encounters, we have the opportunity to reinforce that learning and connecting are dynamic processes of forming community. I am excited about joining Ms. Lazaro and our university partners in this new initiative.”

For more information, contact Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford, Associate Provost, at amy.aldridge.sanford@tamucc.edu.