Ciara Benham
Staff Writer
cbenham@murraystate.edu
A handful of students have accepted the challenge of balancing academics and leadership roles in order to make the residential colleges the best they can be.
In each residential college across campus, the Residential College Councils are made up of students who are dedicated to setting goals and planning programs for their colleges. At the head of these councils are RCC presidents who have taken the highest leadership position to ensure the success of their colleges and residents.
Shannon Eaton, a junior English major and Springer-Franklin RCC president, started her involvement with RCC as a freshman and admired all it had to offer the students.
“I loved the events they put on so I decided that I wanted to be a part of the group that put on these great programs and events,” Eaton said. “I got more involved during the spring semester of my freshman year and I was nominated, and later won, a position on the board.”
While the programming originally piqued her interest, Eaton decided to run for president because of her adoration of the college.
“Springer-Franklin has done so many things for me as a person and I wanted to be able to not only return the favor but also provide those opportunities for other Terrapins,” Eaton said. “After seeing what my two friends had accomplished as presidents the years before me, I knew that I wanted to live up to the legacy they left behind.”
Wendy Owens, a junior veterinary technology major, also wanted to become RCC president because of her love for her residential college, as well as her relationships with students.
“My favorite part of being president is getting to have a great bond with the residents of Elizabeth College and getting to lead such an awesome group of students,” Owens said.
The job of an RCC president consists of leading RCC members and keeping them accountable for their positions and responsibilities as well as coordinating events on campus.
“I prepare for weekly RCC meetings and executive board meetings, attending RCA (Residential College Association) meetings to get information about events happening on campus, communicate with groups such as ISO (International Student Organization) to coordinate events, etc.,” Eaton said.
RCC presidents dedicate their time and efforts to their residential colleges in hopes of getting students engaged, involved and comfortable.
“Getting involved in RCC is such a great way to be involved within the community and it is not a huge time commitment considering we are all college students,” Owens said.
These RCC presidents love their involvement with their colleges and want to encourage other students to do the same.
“Your residential college is your housing away from home for four years,” Eaton said, “Why not make it your home away from home by joining an amazing family?”