Student deans work closely with dorm managers to communicate and facilitate "unique" service "Professional as well as personal" - that is the nature of the vital relationship between student deans and dorm managers, according to Peggy Huckeba, assistant dean of students. Dorm managers were the deans' direct line to the resident students. They carried information to and from the students and communicated opinions and needs. They also helped hire and manage resident assistants (R.A.'s ) who were often an integral link in the chain of communication. This chain began each Monday, when the women's dorm managers met with Dean Huckeba for three hours. The group had a formal opportunity to share concerns and discuss school policy. This was also a chance to share good news , and they all worked together to suggest little changes in the code of conduct along the way. The managers for the men's 138 Student Deans dorms worked differently because each had a full-time job ip. addition to his responsibilities as a dorm manager. Student assistants worked to relieve some of the men's managers' work load. And that workload is "really unique, unlike any other," Huckeba said , pointing to professional balance as a key. "The hours are flexible , but unpredictable ," and they juggle the role of nurturer with the role of authority figure. Huckeba, and Deans Butch Gardner and James Anderson assist in the selection process of dorm managers , who must exhibit Christian living and have a personality that makes them willing to be on call 24 hours a day. The ability to deal gracefullywith people and basic knowledge ofHarding's mission are also required. Responsibilities of managers differ some from dorm to dorm, depending on the physical Dean Peggy Huckeba chats with students whil e wa iting for an Interclub Council g roup photo. Much of the deans' work was done with club presidents and vice pres iden ts . Phot o by Aaron Gillihan. arrangement (regular dorm rooms vs. apartments) and the composition of residents (freshmen vs. upperclassmen). "Freshmen require much more time in order to educate them about Harding and dorm rules. The upperclassmen dorm managers have to deal with more independent thinkers ," Huckeba said. Each manager knows well the role he or she plays in the specific dorm and does his or her best to fulfill it. "I appreciate the ownership that these ladies show toward their jobs." Huckeba praised the women ' s managers for their concern and commitment. "They work hard to keep the girls comfortable and safe and assist them in the development of the Christian lifestyle," she said. "I truly believe they wouldn't be here if they didn't really want to help the students," she said. - Sara VanRheenen
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