Curious students. A dog, a fiance, and an occupied suite at English Hall. New face on campus: Guilford’s new Residential Leadership Coordinator.
As Residential Leadership Coordinator, Michael Mackey must be able to supervise, evaluate, and train RA’s and Hall Directors. This involves preparation for roommate mediation, conflict resolution, and enforcing penalties that involve alcohol and drug violations on campus. Mackey said that this is important because “The RA’s and Hall Directors are the first one on the premises and they act as the eyes and ears of the hall for safety and wellness. The Hall Director can call me if things go beyond what they can control.”
As one of four Campus Life staffers who will live on campus over the next 12 months, Mackey knew his responsibilities would extend beyond the norm for a Guilford staff member. It is a challenge that he gladly accepted:
“My fiance and I both share a strong interest in education because it is so important. I want the students to know that I am not here to just police the halls. It is my job to keep the students safe from outside harm or self-inflicted harm. I want to help them decide to act how to act in a safe and intelligent manner,” said Mackey.
After receiving a BA in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) in May 2003, Mackey was unsure what he would do next. When Guilford College offered him the chance to expand on his interest in student development, he sensed that it could be a perfect fit. “I applied for the position at Guilford because I love working with students, student organizations, and clubs associated with the campus life,” said Mackey.
Paired with a background in psychology, Mackey feels that he will be able handle his job responsibilities with confidence. “The Guilford atmosphere was a right for me” said Mackey. “I felt relaxed (during the initial interview) and I did not feel intimidated. I hope to extend that to the students.”
Mackey described himself as someone who has a “good sense of humor, is laid back, and is easy going.”
With his own graduation from nearby UNCG in his not-so-distant past, Mackey feels that one of his biggest assets is perspective. “I can really relate to the students in a unique way because I am young enough to remember the college experience” said Mackey.
According to Anne Lundquist, Dean for Campus Life, “Mike’s age actually works to his advantage. He has established a rapport with the students and he has a firm but approachable demeanor” In addition, Lundquist said that “When folks are too much older, they aren’t interested in living in a residence hall.”
A self proclaimed “sports fanatic”, Mackey can often be spotted wearing his favorite Notre Dame Ball cap. “Touchdown Jesus” may be pointing his favorite team to victory this season, but Mackey says that he loves sports of all kinds. Mackey received a baseball scholarship to UNCG, and his interest in all sports continues.
Anne Lundquist said that “He is a rabid Notre Dame fan and I am a zealous Michigan fan. I invited him watch the game with me this week, thinking I could rub his nose in a Michigan victory.” Lundquist was disappointed in the outcome of the game, but she learned that Mike is a gracious winner. “I think it showed a lot about his character. During his first week, his grandfather got very sick and eventually died in the middle of RA training. Mike took the personal time that he needed, but he also was very concerned about the student staff and wanted to make sure things were still moving ahead on campus. He is a great asset to our staff.”
When asked about Guilford’s impending sports expansion, Mackey said that students “should support the school in any sport, male or female. It’s school spirit, homecoming, Quaker pride.”
“Pride is a big word,” he said. “You must have student athletes representing the school to the best of their ability, but it should also be vice-versa. I mean, athletes should also support the school in the other activities that it offers.”
Mackey, his fiance Christi Johnson and their 5 month old pup Dixie Dog will be living in the English Residential suite for the next eleven months. Mackey and Johnson plan to wait for marriage until they have both completed graduate school. Mackey will be enrolled this fall in pursuit on a MS in Student Development and Higher education at UNCG.
For now, Mackey will spend some time getting to know students like Marcus Ballard, a senior at Guilford who lives near him in English Hall. Of Mackey, Ballard said that “I know that he is a Notre Dame fan, but that’s about it. I met him once and he came across as a real nice guy.