Student Housing Matters Podcast - Join The Conversation

Women and other minorities often struggle to make their voices heard, especially in the tech industry. But Erica Steele proves that a dynamic, young Black woman can rise through the ranks and become a C-suite leader in the technology space. Erica is the Chief Marketing Officer for the proptech startup EZ Turn, where she oversees the planning, development and execution of all marketing and advertising initiatives for the company. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Erica joins host Brittany Oliver to explain how she landed in the student housing industry and walk us through a day in the life of a CMO in the tech world. Erica describes the challenges she faces as a Black woman in tech and offers her take on the next big disruption in the way we market student housing. Listen in for Erica’s advice to aspiring female leaders in the industry and learn how she is empowering women to become the best version of themselves! Topics Covered How Erica landed in the student housing industry How her previous experi

Do you seem to have the same issues with turn year after year? Are you still using paper lists? And communicating with vendors in a fragmented way? What if you could use a proptech platform to streamline the process, making turn season (and many other aspects of your student housing operations) run much more smoothly? CEO Chase Minnifield and COO Lincoln Ogata are the cofounders of EZ Turn, the world’s first property project management software. The EZ Turn web portal and mobile app helps student housing professionals manage the day-to-day operations of their facilities, including the turn process, quarterly inspections, scheduling and communication with students and service providers. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Chase and Lincoln join host Brittany Pieper to discuss the challenges the student housing industry faces in terms of maintenance and operations and describe how sites of any size can benefit from EZ Turn technology. Chase and Lincoln explore why the current generation of students dema

Storytelling is a powerful teaching tool. It helps us engage with history and make sense of complex ideas. Telling stories is also an effective way to demonstrate the value of a business or organization and help consumers make informed decisions. So, what does that mean for us in the student housing industry? How can we best use storytelling to communicate with students, their parents and each other? F.J. Talley is a career educator with more than 40 years of experience. He began his career in student affairs and has since served as Dean of Students, Adjunct Professor, Associate Provost and President of a small college in Michigan. Seven years ago, F.J. added published author and professional copywriter to his resume, penning several novels as well as a blog entitled Helping Your College Student Succeed. F.J. also writes blogs, e-newsletters and case studies for businesses selling to colleges and universities. His first non-fiction title, Parenting a College Student, is due out in June. On this episode of Stu

The bar for providing an unforgettable student housing experience gets higher every year. And it’s crucial for a student housing community to develop a digital marketing strategy that showcases its differentiators and truly stands out from the rest. That's where a strong agency collaboration comes in. Matt Pavlick is President at GRO, a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in student housing. GRO serves 200 communities in 100 markets, leveraging proven digital marketing strategies to reach 100% pre-leased well ahead of schedule. Matt earned the Student Housing Business Innovator Award for Best Digital and Mobile Marketing Campaign two years running, and his team is dedicated to helping student housing communities develop their identity and execute multi-channel marketing strategies that generate opportunities and put heads in beds. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Matt joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss what owners and operators should look for in a partnership with a

Circumstances in our world have challenged individuals to be resilient in ways they never have before. The pandemic was new territory for all of us. As our world is changing, we need to activate new skills in order to land on our feet. Mental toughness is believing you will prevail when confronted with the unknown.  So, how do you develop the mental toughness that will see you through? LaRae Quy grew up on a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming. Her influences there prepared her for her 24-year career as an undercover counterintelligence agent and spokesperson for the FBI in Northern California. Her upbringing, combined with her career achievements, helped her develop the mental toughness required to survive in environments of great risk and uncertainty and the survival skills she would need to navigate life.  On this episode of Student Housing Matters, LaRae joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss how the student housing industry can benefit from team members receiving training on mental toughness, and how mental to

There are over 100 languages spoken at Queens College. It is one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the United States.  So how can other colleges, universities, and companies across the country become more proactive in their diversity efforts? Frank Wu is the first Asian American President of Queens College in New York. He is also the author of Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Frank joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss his immigrant roots, his experience in higher education, and his vision for the future of Queens College. Frank shares his insights on the rise in violence against Asians since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as how Queens College believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students.  Listen in to hear more from Frank Wu and how Queens College prioritizes students by ensuring the education works for them, not the other way around.  Topics Covered Frank’s immigrant roots and educational history The

We all know about the supply chain issue. Manufacturers, companies, and even individual buyers know they’re more susceptible to issues receiving their products than ever before. But what is the impact on the furniture and student housing industries? Division Twelve is a minority-owned contract furnishings company, representing the finest manufacturers in the contract furnishings industry. President Christopher Washington is joined on the podcast today by Vice President of Account Management and Product Management, Nathan Re, Director of Marketing and Sales, Judd Levinson, and Director of Interior Design and Project Management, Cathy Brown. On today’s episode of Student Housing Matters, host Brittany Pieper sits down with the team from Division Twelve to discuss furniture industry trends, the supply chain issue, and how student housing can be better prepared for the challenges ahead. Listen in to learn more about how issues in the supply chain impact student housing! Topics Covered Background on Division 12 an

Higher education has evolved drastically over the last century. These unprecedented times have put the strategic leaders of colleges and universities inside a whirlwind of financial, demographic, and social challenges. On today’s episode of Student Housing Matters, guest host Alton Irwin sits down with Richard Gaumer and the authors of the new book Leadership Matters: Confronting the Hard Choices Facing Higher Education, W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell.  They discuss the importance of accepting strong leadership in order to modernize practice, monetize assets, and focus on core educational strategies. Dr. Brian C. Mitchell previously served as President and first CEO of Bucknell University and is a past chair of many other colleges, universities, and athletic conferences.  Dr. W. Joseph King served as the President of Lyon College and Executive Director of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education. Also joining us on the show today is Richard Gaumer, a highly regarded and distinguished p

It’s important for students to feel valued in the place where they live. And emotional intelligence is key in giving Gen Zers that sense of belonging and connection.  So, what can student housing organizations do to make EQ a priority? How can we create a culture where students feel seen, heard and understood? Natalya Cook is one of the newest team members at COCM. She serves as Marketing Coordinator for THE MARQ, a unique collection of student housing communities on the campus of Marquette University.  Natalya is also a published author, versatile creative and passionate activist on a mission to inspire others and make them feel valued. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Natalya joins host Brittany Pieper to define emotional intelligence and discuss how she applies it in her current position at THE MARQ. Natalya shares several strategies organizations can use to market in an emotionally intelligent way, describing how Gen Z’s demand for authenticity is playing out in the student housing space. Liste

How do you achieve 100% occupancy in a new student housing community—during a pandemic? RaNesha Martin is the Director of Affiliated Housing at Bowie State University’s Christa McAuliffe Residential Community and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community (ELLC), a new development designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and other business-minded students with the resources and space for collaboration, creativity and innovation. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, RaNesha joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss Bowie State President Dr. Amita Breaux’s vision for the ELLC, explaining what differentiates it from apartment-style campus communities.  RaNesha reflects on COCM’s role in matching Dr. Breaux’s vision with student needs and describes how student involvement in the ELLC project contributed to its success.  Listen in for insight on how RaNesha’s team achieved 100% occupancy of the Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community in its first year—during a pandemic! Topics Covered  Bowie State Universi

Conference service programs have been in survival mode through the pandemic, adapting to challenging circumstances one day at a time. But in-person events are starting to come back, and it’s time for colleges and universities with summer programs to get prepared for the 2022 season. Erik Elordi is the National Director of Conference Services at COCM, a program that both supports our current institutions and provides program evaluation and standalone management of summer conference services to campuses outside the Capstone network. Erik began his career with COCM in 2015, serving as Director of Residential Facilities and Director of Housing and Residential Life at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, before transitioning to his current role in March of 2020. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Erik joins host Alton Irwin to discuss COCM’s new resource, ‘3 Things You Should Be Doing Now for 2022 Summer Conferences Recovery.’ Erik explains what inspired him to create the recovery guide, ch

Corey Reedy doesn’t do what he does for the recognition. He truly cares about the student housing professionals he works with, and that inspires him to meet people where they are and pour into them as much as possible. But Corey does appreciate being recognized with the Excel Award because it lets him know he’s doing something right! Corey Reedy is Regional Vice President at Capstone On-Campus Management. Prior to working with the corporate staff, he served as COCM General Manager at Bowling Green State University from 2010 through 2014. Corey has 20-plus years of experience as a student housing professional, and he was the recipient of the 2019 COCM Excel Award. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Corey joins guest host Alton Irwin for the next installment of our Excel Award Interview Series to describe how he serves as a resource for the staff and students he manages at COCM. Corey explains how site diversity makes the scope of his responsibilities unique and reflects on what his colleagues said abo

“The [COCM Excel] Award is given to one person, but it’s really comprised of everybody on the team. It just happens to be that one person who received it because everybody pushes you to be better and do better. You always see the head coach gets all the kudos, but it’s really the folks that are behind the scenes working day in and day out—they’re truly deserving of it as well.” —Michelle Smith Michelle Smith currently serves as Regional Vice President at Capstone On-Campus Management. Prior to working at the COCM home office, Michelle was Director of Campus Housing at Florida Atlantic University, where she earned the 2013 COCM Excel Award. Michelle was also part of the Capstone founding team, and she has been with the company for the last 17 years. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Michelle joins guest host Alton Irwin for the next installment of our Excel Award Interview Series to explain why she considered the award a win for her entire team at Florida Atlantic. Michelle reflects on her time at FA

Some student housing professionals are only inclined to perform the duties listed in their job description. And others are team players, willing to get their hands dirty to keep things running smoothly. Kerissa Hobstetter falls into the second category, doing whatever needs to be done to provide the best possible experience for her residents. Kerissa is COCM’s Assistant Director of Operations at Fayette Square on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kerissa began her career with Capstone in 2011, serving freshman at Marshall University before transitioning to the graduate campus at UMB where she earned the 2015 COCM Excel Award. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Kerissa joins guest host Alton Irwin for the fourth in a series of conversations with Excel Award winners to discuss the diversity of the graduate student population that makes UMB unique. Kerissa describes how her interest in student affairs grew over time, explaining how the opportunity to interact with students gives her t

If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. And lucky for COCM, Scott Schatzer loves to serve others. Scott is the Talent Recruitment and Wellness Coordinator at the Capstone corporate offices, assisting the operations team in the recruitment, hiring and onboarding of field staff and managing COCM’s Learning Management System and Employee Retention and Wellness Program. Scott formerly served as the Director of Housing Operations for the first-year community on the campus of Marshall University, where he earned the prestigious COCM Excel Award. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Scott joins guest host Alton Irwin for the third in a series of conversations with Excel Award winners to discuss the respect for the past and community support unique to Marshall University. Scott reflects on what his colleagues at Marshall said about his passion to help others, sharing how he approaches each day as a servant leader. Listen in to understand the satisfaction Scott gets from recruiting the be

A strong leader stays calm in a crisis, taking whatever is thrown at them in stride and simply doing what needs to be done. And it is Jeremy Williamson’s ability to stay cool, collected and confident when problems arise that his colleagues admire most. Jeremy is the Director of Housing Operations and Facilities at University Village and The QUAD Student Housing Communities on the campus of California State University San Marcos. He served as Residence Life Coordinator at the University of Louisville and Area Coordinator at the University of Florida before taking on his current role with Capstone at CSUSM in October of 2017. Jeremy is also a recent recipient of the COCM Excel Award. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Jeremy joins guest host Alton Irwin for the second in a series of conversations with Excel Award winners to discuss the opportunities for growth associated with working on a young campus like CSUSM. Alton shares what Jeremy’s colleagues have to say about his consistently calm and positive

Western University of Health Sciences takes a whole-student approach to educating future healthcare professionals. And that complements the way COCM’s Meera Ramsoondar-Cuevas serves her team and the students she works with, connecting with people through the lens of their individual experience. Meera is the Director of Housing Operations at The Daumier at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She has been with Capstone On-Campus Management for six years, serving as Associate Director of Residence Life at City College of New York before taking on her current role in October of 2018. Meera earned the COCM Excel Award in February of 2020. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Meera joins guest host Alton Irwin for the first of a series of conversations with Excel Award winners to discuss what it’s like to serve graduate students in the healthcare space. She describes the humanistic approach unique to the community and campus at WesternU and shares the benefit of having pet-frien

Most of us associate summer on campus with conference programs. But summer interns need housing, too, and many campuses are capitalizing on this need. So, what does a summer internship student housing program look like? Would it work on your campus? And what are summer interns looking for in a place stay? Emily Eskridge-June is the Director of Housing and Residence Life at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. In the summer of 2016, Emily started housing interns in partnership with ABODA, a global short-term rental company that specializes in student and corporate housing, and since then, she has built a robust, independent summer internship housing program at Cornish Commons. On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Emily joins guest host Erik Elordi to explain how she started offering summer internship housing at Cornish Commons. She walks us through the four strategies her team has used to increase the number of interns they house over the years, describing the relationship between good cu

What does it look like to serve students from the facilities and operations side of student housing? What does it take to keep a residence hall complex well-maintained and running smoothly? Patrick Shanahan is the Director of Facilities and Administration at The Heights, Montclair State University’s newest residence halls complex. Patrick has worked at The Heights since it opened its doors in 2011, serving as Office Coordinator and Assistant Director of Operations before taking on his current role two years ago. Today, Patrick is responsible for the facilities, maintenance and custodial work at The Heights, where he serves 1,978 residents across eight buildings. On this episode of the podcast, Patrick joins Leigh Anne to explain how he was introduced to student housing as an undergrad desk assistant and how serving in a supervisory role in Residence Life sparked his interest in a career in higher ed. Patrick shares the challenges he faces in facilities and operations, describing what he’s learned about adapti

As you rise through the ranks of a career in student housing, you face more and more complex problems. Imagine, for example, taking on a site that has occupancy concerns, building issues AND staffing challenges. So, what do successful leaders do to avoid overwhelm and focus their energy on finding solutions? Kern Williams serves as Regional Manager and Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at COCM. In his 15 years in student housing, Kern has worked at a variety of institutions and been an active contributor to the profession at large, giving national webinars and conference presentations on undocumented students, access to higher education, team dynamics and staff motivation. On this episode, Kern joins Leigh Anne to share his unique shift from insurance to student housing and discuss how having the right mentor influenced him to pursue a career in higher education. Kern describes both the challenge and reward of managing from a distance, offering advice on breaking down big problems and