Megan Zimmerman, Student Intern, Student Life Communications
Moving into a residence hall as a first-year student can be an adjustment. On top of moving away from home and family for what is likely the first time, residents are learning a variety of skills from time management to how to do their laundry by themselves. In a time when many could experience nervousness about their new life chapter, University Housing staff members create a welcoming foundation for students to build upon during their time at UT.
Along with resident assistants, the housekeeping staff members in each residence hall work to provide a positive experience for residents not only by maintaining the facilities but also by being another welcoming face for students to turn to.
Nakia “Nikky” Mitchell first began working as a temporary housekeeper in 2004 and became a full-time staff member a few years later. After a break in employment, Mitchell returned again as a temporary employee in 2015.
Back on the housekeeping staff, Mitchell was given an opportunity to become an assistant supervisor in Hess Hall and after a year was promoted to the supervisor position in Brown Hall. Today, she oversees 13 custodians and one assistant supervisor in Robinson and Geier Halls as the housekeeping supervisor.
Similarly, Chandra “Cece” Cobb began as a temporary employee before rising to the position of supervisor. Starting her journey in January of 2017, Cobb became a full-time employee after two years working as a temp. A year and a half later, she was encouraged by her supervisors, Jessica Patterson and Harold Murray, to apply for an assistant supervisor position.
“I didn’t think I would actually get it but I did, and it started my journey down at Dogwood Hall as an assistant supervisor,” said Cobb. From there, Cobb moved to Carrick Hall and was promoted to supervisor. She is now the supervisor in Hess Hall, where she oversees eight custodians and two assistant supervisors.
Both supervisors have found that their work experience with University Housing has contributed greatly to their professional development, helping them to gain both practical and personal skills in the field.
“I interact with people and interact with students, and it helps you to not only grow at work but grow outside of work,” said Mitchell. She has also learned a variety of information regarding advanced cleaning tactics which have helped to further her abilities, benefiting the residence hall experience overall.
Cobb recognized how becoming a supervisor has created opportunities to develop computer skills as well as communication skills, primarily with her staff whom she strives to support
however possible.
“Right now I have eight staff members and I learned eight different personalities,” Cobb said. “That way I can learn how to support them when they have an issue going on.”
Not only are housekeeping supervisors overseeing the work of their respective staff, they interact with residents daily, promoting a positive environment within residence halls and on campus. Talking with students regularly, Mitchell strives to support the residents in Robinson Hall and Geier Hall however possible, whether they need help working a washing machine or need a little encouragement before a big exam.
“We’re not just here cleaning; we’re here to support students too.”
nakia mitchell
When Cobb thinks of how her role has impacted resident life, she recalls a story from her time as a supervisor in Carrick when she happened upon a student experiencing an emergency health event. Cobb, along with the help of a hall director, dropped any other tasks to focus their attention on the student and get her the help she needed.
“Right there and then I made a special bond with her because after we got her situated, I went and checked on this student almost every day until I knew that she was okay,” Cobb said.
She emphasized that supporting students is one of the most essential parts of the job, working primarily with first-year students who are living on their own for the first time.
“Sometimes I feel like a mom instead of a supervisor,” Cobb said.
Mitchell, who has two children in college herself, recognized how she would want someone to be there for her kids, inspiring her to support her residents daily. Her routine presence in Robinson and Geier allows her to do so, further contributing to the University Housing mission at UT.
Having risen from the role of temporary employees to housekeeping supervisors, both Mitchell and Cobb’s stories reflect the Division of Student Life’s commitment to professional development by supporting every staff member to grow in their field. The mission to support employee success fosters an environment that allows each individual to pursue their best, most authentic self in the workplace.
As the division prioritizes both professional and personal growth, Mitchell and Cobb’s shared experiences have helped them to excel in their field while gaining meaningful insight beyond the world of housekeeping, carrying over into their daily lives.