Complex Director Appointed Adviser for Georgia Residence Hall Organization

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University Complex Director Bonnie Brackett has been named adviser-elect for the Georgia Residence Hall Organization (GRHO). She will assume the responsibilities of adviser immediately following the organization’s annual state conference in January 2013 at Georgia Southern University.

Brackett’s appointment comes following a lengthy selection process by the GRHO state board, comprised of student representatives from colleges and universities throughout the state.

“It’s an honor to be selected by the members of the board to represent the state,” said Brackett. “I ultimately hope to become an adviser for the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH).”

As adviser for GRHO, Brackett will guide the organization in initiatives and activities and work with the executive board of the student organization on various projects.

“Bonnie has been a strong advocate for student engagement and learning through self-governance since her arrival to VSU in the summer of 2011,” said Dr. Thomas Hardy, director of Housing and Residence Life at VSU. “This experience at a state level is a natural extension of that passion. I am very proud that she has accepted this new role and know she will contribute greatly to the on-campus residential experience, not just at VSU, but statewide, now.”

Brackett served as president of the Resident Hall Association (RHA) as an undergraduate student at Elon University in North Carolina. As a graduate student at the University of Georgia, she worked as a graduate resident and held two positions on the SAACURH executive committee.

“It will be nice to give back and represent such an organization from the other side,” Brackett said. “I’m interested to see how things are from an adviser’s standpoint.”

GRHO is a state division of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, the largest, student-run organization in the world. The organization represents resident hall governments at state, regional and national levels, and recognizes achievements in the housing communities.

An Atlanta native, Brackett holds a Bachelor of Science in Leisure and Sports Management and a Master of Education in College and Student Affairs Administration. She became a complex director at VSU in August 2011 and currently supervises residence hall directors in Georgia, Langdale, Reade and Converse halls. She also works with VSU’s RHA, which strives to enhance the living experience for on-campus residents.