Difference Makers of University Housing: Woodland Hall Community Directors Create Community
Throughout the month of February, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated individuals in the campus community who enrich the supportive environment that SIUE curates. Nominated by their peers on the University’s social media platforms, “SIUE Difference Makers” range from students, faculty and staff. The tradition was born from sparks of gratitude and hope which permeated each campus during the Covid pandemic.
This year, University Housing prevailed, receiving a total of seven nominations. To conclude the series, SIUE recognizes Woodland Hall Community Directors Jenna Koonce and Eboni Clark. Since June of 2022, Koonce has served as community director of Woodland Hall. Clark is an assistant community director for Woodland Hall and a paramount representative for Sister Circle, a support and community group for women of color. Together, they comprise a power duo of women in leadership and build social structure in Woodland Hall.
Jenna Koonce
Koonce was nominated by RA and fellow Difference Maker Kiya Rainey.
“She is such a hard worker and diligent in everything she does, and I am so happy to have her as a supervisor,” Rainey said of Koonce. “Directing an entire residence hall and a team of RAs can be difficult, but she does it while always being positive and making our work as RAs so much easier. She understands the importance of developing a comfortable, welcoming, inclusive, and fun community for all residents to live in, and there are so many things I have learned from her and will continue to learn from her.”
Rainey wasn’t alone in describing the praiseworthy character of Koonce. Giselle Vital Garcia, RA of 1 North, spoke about Koonce’s support as a remarkable team leader.
“Jenna's commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment is truly commendable,” Garcia said. “What sets Jenna apart is her talent for building a cohesive team that thrives on diversity. Our team comprises individuals with distinct personalities and backgrounds, yet, under Jenna's leadership, we seamlessly unite towards common goals. The collaborative energy within the team is a testament to Jenna's adeptness at not only selecting diverse talents but also nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.”
Koonce breaks her leadership approach down to a strategy that instills guidance and confidence in the RAs.
“When we discuss establishing community at Woodland it all starts with the RAs,” Koonce said. “I strive for them to understand the importance of the work they do and make sure they feel valued. As much work as I do, it is the student-workers, both the Resident Assistants and Desk Managers, who are the front-lines to these students really creating community in their areas.”
Elaborating on how she creates a cohesive student-worker environment, Koonce describes hosting one-on-one conversations, personality development sessions, and the advocation for the tools RA’s need to identify to be successful. In turn, this helps them address issues with organic, pre-equipped knowledge.
“Something that I prioritize with all students I work with is that they are a person first, a student next, and then an employee. That is the basis for which I like to build a student-worker environment. I want every resident and RA to know that they are wanted, valued, and appreciated here. I want them to feel that sense of belonging that this is where they can thrive and know that as they face struggles they have a support system in their RAs and other Housing staff to help them through that struggle.”
On being nominated as a Difference Maker, Koonce is indebted with gratitude for her RA staff.
“Truthfully, any difference I am able to make I owe the gratitude and recognition to all the members of my RA staff because they have so diligently and genuinely cared for and connected with their students all year long,“ Koonce concludes.
Eboni Clark
Eboni Clark is an integral part of building community at Woodland Hall and has a background in social work. As assistant director and a member of Sister Circle, she forges bonds that leave lasting impressions. Sister Circle is a group that housing facilitates to help support and empower women of color living on campus. Clark’s nominator, Felina Herrera, is an assistant community director in Evergreen Hall. She spoke of Clark’s tremendous ability to connect to peers and students in housing.
“Eboni serves as a role-model to other women of color and continues to provide an enormous amount of support to residents in the community,” Herrera said.
“It is clear through her hard work and effort that she truly values supporting underrepresented students,” Herrera continued. “Eboni spends countless hours of her own time program shopping and planning events that residents actually want to participate in. She has built strong relationships with members and continues to lead other women of color.”
In turn, Clark is grateful for Herrera’s support and that her work with Sister Circle has led her to such prominent recognition.
“I have enjoyed my time working with my co-advisor Felina supporting and uplifting women of color on campus,” Clark said. “It truly inspires me to work with a staff that truly cares about the livelihood of all students, regardless of whatever identities they may hold.”
Between Koonce and Clark, and all the rest of our Difference Makers in University Housing this year, on-campus living has incredible social infrastructure in place. It propels the values of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion that SIUE emphasizes above other institutions, as noted in a February CNN special.
“This group of RAs has been something special to work with this year!” remarked Koonce.
Indeed, the RAs of Woodland Hall are certainly special by honoring the compassionate leadership from Jenna Koonce and Eboni Clark. SIUE is grateful for them, their nominators and all of this year’s Difference Makers for creating an environment of belonging at SIUE.
PHOTOS: Jenna Koonce, Eboni Clark