By Melanie J. Knox, Opinion Editor

Last year’s residence directors in Nelson and Gardner halls switched places, and new directors planted roots in Morris and Sikes this semester.

Mimi Barnard, director of residence life education and housing, assigned the Nelson/Gardner switch.

“I was thinking of personality more than anything,” Barnard said. “I was looking for the best fit with the staff that we have in the halls.”

Jeannie Hufstedler’s gift is her assertive personality, Barnard said, which works well with Gardner’s large hall format. Emily Jones has a more pastoral nature with a gift for ministry and a gentle spirit, she said, and is a better fit for the smaller and more traditional Nelson.

Barnard said that Jones and Hufstedler were surprised by the re-assignment, but have warmed to the position and are now flourishing in the halls.

Jessica Ruch, Morris director, spent two years as a resident assistant in Adams hall and two years as the assistant director in Morris hall working with Ruth Swedlund.

“Ruth was a great example to me,” Ruch said. “She had a lot of passion for the residents, and we worked together as partners.”

Ruch said a few challenges have arisen this year, most regarding organization, but she is excited about working with her staff and ministering to the residents.

“I know it might not always be fun,” Ruch said, “but I know I’m going to grow a lot, and I have a great staff who are excited about their jobs.”

Ruch, a graduate missions student, is holding interviews this week for an assistant director and will hopefully reach a decision by the end of the week to alleviate some of the current pressures of the job.

Rebekah Cates, Sikes director, replaced Sarah Conrad.

“We had several good candidates [for the director positions],” Barnard said. “It worked great to send Jessica over to Morris and Rebekah to Sikes, which is also a very good fit.”

With a new curriculum and staff, Barnard said she wanted the staff to feel like they had the opportunity for excellent training, to feel and believe that the university stands behind them and to know that they are valued.

“I’m excited about the changes we’ve made,” Barnard said.