A graduating senior received the “Male Resident Assistant of the Year” award at the annual Equipping Resident Assistants (ERA) Conference for his leadership ability and dedication to the position, university and Hammond community.
Blake Thomas, marketing major, has served as an RA for three years and has advanced to an RA2, the highest level of the RA program. Thomas views the award as confirmation of his chosen career path.
“It’s a huge accomplishment. I really didn’t think I would be picked,” said Thomas. “I always second guess myself on a daily basis, and it shows me that I do have what it takes to go into the profession that I want to go into, Student Affairs.”
Hosted by the Louisiana Association of Housing Officers, the retreat provides an opportunity for RAs to share ideas on conflict resolution, creative programming, building community and balancing the RA position amid a hectic college schedule. Ten Louisiana institutions participated in the 2013 conference.
“The Equipping Resident Assistants Conference is a wonderful opportunity for our student staff members to network with resident assistants from other schools in Louisiana,” said Bevann McCartney, ERA conference coordinator. “I think the conference is very beneficial to our RA staff.”
The conference primarily provides the opportunity for RAs to present personalized educational programs.  Thomas and Kevin Lejeune, senior social work major, presented a program during the conference titled, “You Can’t Sit with Us.”
“I can’t think of a more deserving young man,” said McCartney. “I am so incredibly proud of Blake and all of his accomplishments, including being selected as the Male Resident Assistant of the Year.”
The 17 RAs who attended the conference won first place in the roll call competition and third place in the overall spirit competition.  With 11 RAs graduating this semester, Thomas looks forward to new leaders in the housing department.
“I’m really proud of the RA staff that went to ERA this semester. I think they did really well,” said Thomas. “It’s really bittersweet because this is my last time doing roll call, step and spirit stuff. There’s a whole new wave of people coming through, but I’m sure there will be some future leaders in the office.”
After two years at the university, Thomas made a last minute decision to become an RA to fill a needed opening. The decision initiated a new attitude toward student involvement and a future career in Student Affairs.
“I hadn’t been into getting involved on campus. After I became an RA, I got involved in Greek Life, SGA and Hall Council for a while,” said Thomas. “I just did everything, and that’s when I decided that I wanted to go into student affairs. I’m ecstatic that I decided to do it.”
Thomas plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and personal services with a concentration in student affairs at the University of Southern Mississippi.
“For the first two years all I did was work and school, and it was miserable. I used to be a very introverted person,” said Thomas. “I think I’ve really come out of my shell throughout these three years of doing so much on campus. Your college career will not be worth it if you’re not involved.”
For more information on becoming an RA, visit Southeastern’s website for an online application or call University Housing at 985-549-2118.