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Full-Time Staff

Image of Laura BurrowsLaura Isdell
Assistant Director & Search Committee Co-Chair
Institution Affiliation: University of Kansas, Northern Arizona University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Carson-Newman College, and Southwest Missouri State University

The Department of Student Housing at the University of Kansas is an enriching place to be. All of us call Lawrence home for different reasons, but the one thing that seems to be a constant is an appreciation for the great individuals who work for this department. I truly believe each of us has grown from our experiences here, as well as pushed each other to continue to develop professionally; I hope that may be an experience you have the opportunity to share in as well. We have included this site to help you get to know us better, why we all made the decision to work for the University of Kansas, and what things we have been involved in during our time here. In addition, we have included organizational charts of the Department of Student Housing, as well as Residence Life to help you understand the structure of the department. I hope you will take some time to explore our full-time position(s) at KU and if you have any questions along they way, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Complex Director Staff

Image of Chad TheisenChad Theisen
Complex Director for the Apartment Living Complex

Coming from rural South Dakota to the University of Kansas has been a change for me | but an awesome change. I've met people from all across the United States, as well as from across the world. I have had an opportunity to grow from many different cultural experiences | many experiences that have happened within the apartment complex I live. I have had opportunities to attend NASPA-IV West, UMR-ACUHO, and ACUHO-I. I came to KU for a graduate program and have stayed for a career. It is great to live in Jayhawk Country!


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Cody Charles
Complex Director for the Lewis & Templin Complex Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Texas Tech University

I love the gorgeous campus, the students, the community, and my colleagues ... I love KU. This is a place where Crimson and Blue are no longer colors, but are symbols for the breath-taking, jaw-dropping and ear-shattering cheer and celebration for one of the most prideful universities in the world. KU has offered me many professional opportunities, some being: working with a graduate staff, helping in the development of student leaders, encouraging and supporting professional development, and working closely with countless members of the university family. Personally, I am lucky to be supported by great supervisors and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. This in my 3rd year at KU; everyday offers a new experience and challenge that helps keep this career fresh and exciting. I have had many opportunities to serve as a mentor to students this year, which makes me feel like I am helping to shape futures. There is no place like home and there is no place like KU. Rock Chalk!!!


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Matt Reed
Complex Director for the Ellsworth & Hashinger Complex & Search Committee Member
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, University of North Alabama, Mississippi State University

Upon arrival at the University of Kansas, I could tell there was a great sense of KU pride and that has been very evident in my work with the Department of Student Housing so far. I feel like I am a part of a department that is changing lives everyday, and wants to make the University of Kansas and Lawrence the best it can be. That on top of the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing graduate students from all around the nation have made my experience at KU on that I will cherish for the rest of my career. When I'm at KU, both in the Department of Student Housing and with Student Success, I know that I am in a place where our focus in on every student. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!


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Mindy Rendon
Complex Director for the GSP/Corbin Complex
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University

I was looking for a place that would challenge me, embrace me, and support me, both professionally and personally, and coming to KU and to Lawrence has done all that for me. I've enjoyed the people, the culture, and the all-around experience. Regardless of where I've been, or where I will go, having the opportunity to be a Jayhawk has definitely left a positive impression on me.


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Mandy Zweifel-Hughes
Complex Director for the McCollum Complex
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Lawrence Technology University, andWestern Illinois Universit

Hello from KU!!! This is my first year in McCollum, but my 3rd year at KU. I received my Masters in higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. When I came to KU for my graduate work, I became a Jayhawk instantly. The amazing pride and spirit that our students have is contagious, you can't help but bleed Crimson and Blue. I also found a whole new family with the Department of Student Housing. Everyone is so supportive of the graduate and professional staff within the department; I can't imagine a better place. I know every day I go to work, I am going to learn something new and continue to become a better professional. The graduate students are full of so much energy and passion and everyday is different than the day before. There are so many amazing opportunities the department provides, to continue to grow as a professional. I have started getting involved in NASPA and was supported by the department to go to the New Professionals Institute. There are also other opportunities, such as heading up departmental committees, to keep me exploring other avenues of this job. I also really love the Lawrence community. The University and the community work so closely together and are so supportive of one another that everywhere you go in town you see a Jayhawk! ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!


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Laura Vande Brake
Complex Director for the Oliver Complex
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Iowa State University, Northern Illinois University, Northwest Iowa Community College, University of Northern Iowa, Northwestern College

Loving KU is easy to do! I feel fortunate to be working in the Department of Student Housing at the University of Kansas. Here I feel cared for both personally and professionally by supportive supervisors and caring colleagues. The people with whom I work have become more than just co-workers, but friends as well. As I seek opportunities to continue in my professional growth I have the opportunity to co-chair departmental committees and serve on University committees. Additionally, I am encouraged to attend national and regional conferences to further inform my abilities in the field of student affairs. Being the Complex Director of Oliver Hall is a fulfilling and rewarding position that keeps me excited to go to work each day. Jayhawk pride and spirit illuminates the campus, the community, the students, and the staff and I am happy to be part of it as well. Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU!


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Justin Frederick
Complex Director for the Scholarship Hall Complex
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, University of Central Missouri State, Mesa State College (CO)

Hey there! My name is Justin Frederick, and I currently serve as the Complex Director for KU's eleven scholarship halls (soon to be twelve)! This is my first year at the University of Kansas, having worked previously at Pittsburg State University (KS), University of Central Missouri, and Mesa State College (CO). I have really enjoyed my move to KU and to the town of Lawrence! KU is larger then the previous institutions I have worked at but everyone here is so welcoming and I feel like I have really become part of the KU community quickly! Lawrence is a great city to live in, there are always diverse activities, events, and great eats! The Complex Director position is a unique and great position; I really enjoy the opportunity to supervise graduate students, chair departmental committees, and the freedom to cater the position to my passions! I also am able to take my involvement beyond campus as I have continued to be an active member of UMR-ACUHO.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about KU's scholarship halls, the Complex Director position, or anything that I can help you with. Go Jayhawks!


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Stanley Mugeki
Assistant Director
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Chowan University, University of California-Santa Cruz, North Carolina State University, University of North Texas, Lakeland College, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

My name is Stanley Mugeki, and I have been working in student affairs since 1989 in both small and large, private and public institutions. I have served in different capacities from a residence life coordinator to an Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. In July of 2005, I joined the Department of Student Housing at KU\home to a diverse and dedicated staff that feels more like family. If you're looking for a place to call "home", then DSH at KU is the place to be! These 'family members' exercise a genuine team spirit, a can-do attitude, and are armed with a wealth of knowledge in their respective areas of expertise. Here in KU Student Housing, you will be able to utilize a large variety of excellent resources for your professional and personal development. The Residence Life Complex Director position offers a broad range of experiences and opportunities that will enhance the skills you already have. I cordially invite you to explore everything Student Housing at KU has to offer and hope you will partner with us in nobly serving our students and celebrating their success.


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Jayme Uden
Assistant Director & Search Committee Co-Chair
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Iowa State University

Hello from Kansas! My name is Jayme Uden, and I currently serve as an Assistant Director for Residence Life. I actually received my undergraduate degree from KU a while back and I'm excited to be back in Jayhawk country after spending some time at Iowa State University and Kansas State University. There is no place like the University of Kansas when it comes to spirit, passion, and community. I loved the campus as a student and enjoy working here even more. There is such a rich diversity in people, places, events, and activities to experience on campus and in the Lawrence community. I also appreciate being so close to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area with its restaurants, museums, shopping, and international airport. Besides my position at KU, I also stay involved in the field through my work on the ACPA Commission for Housing and Residential Life and through committee work within UMR-ACUHO. I have really appreciated the support from the department to be involved in professional organizations and to attend both regional and national conferences. We hope you take the time to learn more about KU and the Department of Student Housing. I look forward to hearing from you!


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Natalie Timson
Assistant Director
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, University of Tulsa, Colorado State University, and Oklahoma State University

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Go KU! As silly as this may sound, it was this phrase and the spirit behind it that first drew my interest to the University of Kansas and the Department of Student Housing. During my time here, I have formed strong friendships and professional relationships that will be with me wherever my future path may lead. My role as an Assistant Director has allowed me to supervise and mentor amazing professional and graduate-level staff as they make their journey into our profession.  It is those connections that remind me each day how important the work is that we do in shaping the lives of our students. When it comes to my own professional development, I have been amazed at the support provided by KU. My ability to attend the ACUHO-I Conference Services Conference, NASPA-IV West, and the New Professionals Institute, as well as attend on-going professional development opportunities provided within the Department of Student Housing and the greater Division of Student Success have further aided in my growth as a new professional within our field.  Ultimately, it is the people, from the students to the hall staff to the university staff that makes the University of Kansas such a great place to work.


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Jennifer Wamelink
Associate Director for Residence Life
Institution Affiliations: University of Kansas, American University, Marycrest International University, and Wake Forest University

My name is Jennifer Wamelink and I am currently serving the department as the Associate Director for Residence Life. I started at KU in the summer of 1997 and I LOVE Lawrence and KU. This place has a great sense of spirit and pride. The community offers diversity in its people and activities, but is a comfortably sized place to live. It is easy to feel at home here. KU is a dynamic, energetic place to work. The people at this University and within Students Success care so much about students. All of us are working towards the same ultimate goal -- the success of our students -- and that feels really good.