Student Life adds new person to enhance communication between student housing and the college
When Kirkwood Community College built its first facilities on the south side of Cedar Rapids in the late 1960s, it was literally “the college in the cornfield.” By 2008 it is a dramatically different picture. The 600-plus acres of college campus are surrounded by active neighborhoods, corporate offices and an array of apartment and condo housing. This college-private business partnership has allowed about 4,000 students to live and study close to the campus.
The number of privately-owned housing complexes offered to Kirkwood students has more than doubled in the past seven years. Enrollment increases and region-wide interest in Kirkwood programs have fueled this growth, which also led college officials to recognize the need for a full-time housing coordinator.
Sharon Fara has been welcomed to the college to take on that new position. Fara received her Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College where she was actively involved in their athletics and student activities. Following graduation from Iowa Central, Fara transferred to The University of Iowa, earning a communications degree in 2007.
“We are very excited to have her become a part of this campus,” said Dean of Admissions and Student Life, Doug Bannon. “Sharon’s enthusiasm will be a huge asset in making students and parents feel welcomed at Kirkwood.”
In 2001 there were six apartment complexes near Kirkwood, housing approximately 800 students. Josh Troutman first took on housing coordinator duties part-time while heading intramurals in Johnson Hall. As enrollment continued to grow, the Michael J Gould Kirkwood Recreation Center was built in 2004 where Troutman started to take on more responsibilities. Now Kirkwood houses more than 4,000 students in 13 different complexes.
“We have maintained great partnerships with the owners and managers of each complex,” said Troutman. “This positive asset tied with enrollment growth has expanded the housing tremendously in the past few years.”
Troutman is now the director of the recreation center and teaches exercise science courses, an area where he saw an opportunity to add a new program to Kirkwood’s academic roster.
Moving the housing position back in the student life office will “coordinate student involvement better,” added Troutman. “Sharon will be a great resource for students and parents.”
“Kirkwood is constantly changing,” explained Fara. “It is very exciting to help with these transitions for the betterment of the college. I look forward to the many experiences that I will encounter.”
Fara recently shared these additional comments about the new and updated position to Kirkwood’s staff.
What are your main duties?
I will be working one-on-one with students and parents, answering their questions about the housing complexes. Assist with various campus activities. Help set up show-times and presentation of the different complexes at TGIF.
How does Kirkwood differ from other colleges?
I think Kirkwood emphasizes the services that are available for students and the areas that you can go to for help.
What kind of ideas do you have in mind for some of the features you will be adding to Student Life?
Right now I am organizing a detailed packet that will overview each complex and be very helpful for students and parents. I would also like to update the housing on Kirkwood’s Web site.
Do you have any specific goals made as you take on your new position?
Personally I want to be organized, learn myself and hope to become more acquainted with the campus. My main goal for the college is to involve students more on campus.
What previous work experience do you have?
I worked in sales for Yellow Book soon after I graduated from Iowa. When I was a student at Iowa Central, I was a Student Ambassador and worked in the Admissions office through the work study program. This experience is what led me to be interested and excited about working on a college campus.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I played volleyball for Iowa Central and love sports in general. Right now I am in the process of planning a wedding, so I see a lot of my spare time given to those responsibilities. I also like being outdoors and hanging out with my dog.
What keeps you motivated?
Everything! Personal success keeps me motivated as well as changing things and being a part of the change.
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Questions on Kirkwood housing choices near the campus can be directed to Sharon Fara, [319.398.7647].