Res Life Staff

  Jon L. Shaffer
Director of Housing

When did you start at Ferris?
- June 1998
What degrees have you earned?
- Ph.D. in progress (ABD) Higher Ed Leadership
Western Michigan University
- M.Ed. in Counseling/Student Personnel Administration
James Madison University (1992)
- B.S. in Psychology/Sociology
Northern Michigan University (1990)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- University of Notre Dame, Ball State University, James Madison University, Northern Michigan University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I saw the opportunity to jump in with both feet and have an impact from day one. From my interviews I understood that this was an institution undergoing a tremendous amount of positive change, I wanted to be part of that. From the day I started I have not been disappointed. Hard work is rewarded, new programs are encouraged and the support is there to foster wonderful professional development while providing outstanding service to our students.

  Brian-Patrick Kurisky
Assistant Director of Residential Programs and Services

When did you start at Ferris?
- August 2004
What degrees have you earned?
- M.Ed. in College Student Affairs and Leadership
Grand Valley State University (1997)
- B.S. in Intercultural Communications
Old Dominion University (1994)
- B.S. in International Poli Sci
Old Dominion University (1992)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- University of Judiasm, Western Michigan University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- In coming to Ferris for a newly created position, I felt there was a chance to make a mark/difference in a department. I was excited about the department being on the cutting edge and truly student focused.

Hurdylyn L. Woods, Jr.
Assistant Director of Residential Programs and Services

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2004
What degrees have you earned?
- M.S. in College Student Personel
Illinois State University (2004)
- B.A. in Sociology
Illinois State University (2002)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Illinois State University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I came to Ferris with the recommendation from my mentor that believed that Ferris was a great fit with my experience. After I met the staff, I knew it was a comfortable fit. Ferris also demonstrated that they wanted people that would bring diversity and creativity to the residence halls.

 
Brian Kelley
Hall Director
Puterbaugh & Henderson Halls

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2007
What degrees have you earned?
-M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs
University of St. Thomas (2007)
- B.S. in Psychology
University of Minnesota Duluth (2005)
- B.A. in Criminology
University of Minnesota Duluth (2005)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- University of Minnesota Duluth, College of St. Scholastica, University of St. Thomas, and University of Minnesota
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I came to Ferris because I saw the opportunity to make an impact on the students here. When I came to campus and met the students and staff I knew Ferris would be a good fit for me. I am able to strategically work on my professional development and take on roles which impact this development. One of the most rewarding parts of being at Ferris is the daily interactions with students.
What is your committee assignment this year?
-Residence Hall Association (RHA)

 
Jeff Chernoff
Hall Director
Cramer Hall

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2005
What degrees have you earned?
- M.S. in Educational Leadership
University of North Dakota (2005)
- BS in Psychology
University of Florida (2003)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- University of Florida, University of Dayton, University of North Dakota
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I saw the campus, and interacted with the students and staff, and I just knew this was the right place for me.
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Harmony Project

Rebecca Burgenmeyer
Hall Director
Hallisy & Vandercook Halls

When did you start at Ferris?
November 2007
What degrees have you earned?
-B.S. Speech and Language Pathology Minor: Spanish
Northern Michigan University
- M.S. in Education
Illinois State University
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Norther Michigan University, Lincoln College, Illinois State University, Joliet Junior College
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
I came to Ferris State University because of the opportunities they had to offer and how the staff made me feel so welcome and immediately part of the Residential life team. I also came to Ferris because of the small town feel and that students are not just a number, but a face and a name.
What is your committee assignment this year?
-This year I do not have a specific committee assignment as of yet due to starting mid-semester, however I am beginning to go to various meetings and get involved where I am able!

 
Jacob Knight
Hall Director
Clark Hall

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2005
What degrees have you earned?
- M.S. in College Student Personnel
Western Illinois University (2005)
- B.S. in Psychology
Western Illinois University (2003)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Western Illinois University and the University of Notre Dame
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- Ferris felt right. I was seeking a position which would offer me the opportunity to develop as a new professional while utilizing my educational experiences and Ferris fit. I felt Ferris offered a healthy balance between student development opportunities and administrative responsibilities. I also saw Ferris’ presence in the GLACUHO region and felt Ferris offered a supportive environment for professionals to continue their development. In the end, it felt right and here I am.
What is your committee assignment this year?
-NRHH

Mike Slocum
Hall Director
Miller & Ward Halls

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2005
What degrees have you earned?
-M.Ed. in College Student Affairs & Leadership
Grand Valley State Universtiy (2005)
-B.S. in History & Politcal Science- Magna cum Laude with academic honors
Ball State University (2003)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Ball State University and Grand Valley State University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
I came to Ferris to have a direct, hands-on opportunity to work with a variety of students, and to be able to apply the knowledge of my graduate program to my work. In my time here I have been able to teach, be an academic advisor, hear judicials, lead assessment efforts, co-chair the GLACUHO 2007 host committee, and more - I don't think I could have had this breadth of meaningful experiences anywhere else!
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Student Staff Recruitment and Selection

 
Jesse Atteberry 
Hall Director
Bond Hall

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2005
What degrees have you earned?
- M.A. in Public Administration
University of South Dakota (2004)
- B.S. in Criminal Justice & Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies
University of South Dakota (2001)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Western Kentucky University and University of South Dakota
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- Ferris provides me with the opportunities to develop personally and professionally in this field. I feel challenged everyday and feel I am making some good connections with student staff and students. I also feel a connection with the department though the ability to voice my opinions and ideas about issues and concerns that affect students.
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Appeal Board

Rachel Barrett  
Hall Director
Taggart & Pickell Halls

When did you start at Ferris?
- June 2006
What degrees have you earned?
- M.A. in English - TESL
Western Kentucky University (2006)
- B.S. in Secondary Education w/ a minor in Mathematics
Miami University (2003)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Miami University & Western Kentucky University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I also knew someone who had worked at Ferris previously, and she encouraged me to apply and thought that it would be a good fit for me. She turned out to be right - my experience thus far has helped me to grow in various ways professionally, and Ferris is dedicated to allowing me to develop in areas outside of residence life. I enjoy having autonomy in how I want to run my buildings and work with my staff, while being involved in a variety of other areas and having interactions with students on a daily basis.
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Student Staff Comprehensive Training

Christy Brewer  
Hall Director
Brophy / McNerney Hall

When did you start at Ferris?
- June 2006
What degrees have you earned?
- M.S. in Higher Education Administration
University of Kansas (2005)
- B.S. in Animal Science, Chemistry Minor
University of Wisconsin-River Falls (2002)
What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Indiana State, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, and Western Kentucky University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- Ferris was suggested to me by a friend who had worked here previously and it came with very high recommendations-- I've yet to be disappointed. The best part of this job is the experiences you get across the spectrum of housing responsibilities. You are able to focus on the areas that you enjoy, but you also have substantial work experience in the other areas. I found Ferris to have an amazing group of students on campus, unique from other campuses I have been at in all the best possible ways. This is a constantly growing and evolving department and you get to be right in the middle helping to create that change.
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Student Staff Comprehensive Training

Kari Talik 
Hall Director
Carlisle, Masselink & Helen Ferris Halls

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2007
What degrees have you earned?
-M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Indiana State University
- B.S. in Interpersonal Communication and Public Administration at Central Michigan University

What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Central Michigan University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Indiana State University
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- I knew right away that Ferris was as excellent fit for me both professionally and personally. Ferris provides me the opportunity to be autonomous in my buildings and with my staff, to have interaction on a daily basis with many different students on campus, be an active member of the Housing team, and be able to grow as a professional within the field. Ferris is very involved in GLACUHO and many other professional organizations and supports my involvement in my professional development which is important to me. The campus and students are highly involved, there is always something to do and there is lots of Ferris State pride. Ferris State is a great place to be!!
What is your committee assignment this year?
-Off Campus Appeals Board

Wendy Hardy
Hall Director
Merrill / Travis Hall

When did you start at Ferris?
- July 2007
What degrees have you earned?
- - B.S. in Criminology
Indiana State State Univesity
- M.S. in Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout

What other institutions have you been affiliated with?
- Sam Houston State University (1999-2000)
Why did you come to Ferris State University?
- Ferris provides numerous opportunities for me both professionally and personally. Ferris is a great place to be!
What is your committee assignment this year?
- Residence Hall Association and Webmaster