Life on the Hilltop may experience a few changes in the coming months as SMU searches for a new director of Residence Life and Student Housing. As of Oct. 18, Eddie Hull, the current director, will relocate to North Carolina where he will take on the role of Duke University’s new RLSH director.
“This decision was made for both professional and personal reasons,” Hull said. “[Duke] is one of the premier programs in the nation, and they are looking at a vision of residence life as an extension of academics, which really resonates with me. Much of the campus life revolves around the university culture.”
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Jim Caswell will perform a national search to find a new RLSH director for SMU, Hull said.
After 23 years at the University of Arizona as a student and later a staff member, Hull moved to Dallas to take over as director of RLSH in 1996. In 2000, he was appointed to assistant vice president for Student Affairs.
“At the time I wasn’t looking for a job, but I was persuaded to visit SMU, and by the end of the first day, I knew if I was offered the job I would take it,” Hull said. “It was one of those opportunities you have to take. You just do it.”
Under Hull’s direction, Residence Life & Student Housing has taken on a greater role than it had in previous years. The department first included just residence housing until 1998 when it extended to campus apartments and SMU greek chapter houses. The department has also branched out to include more residence involvement, like the Resident Hall Association and hall councils.
“I think we have built a lot of bridges around the campus in ways we can share resources with other departments to provide a better experience for the SMU community,” Hull said. “We’ve set the stage in connecting the Residence Life program with the academic focus.”
Residence housing has also taken on a new look. Since converting the residence halls into themed communities, residents have been able to live in an environment that supports and encourages their academics or interests. Hall directors have also been converted to full-time positions.
“I think we’ve established an excellent experience for residents,” Hull said. “Our facilities are focused towards inviting students.”
Looking back on his six years, Hull said he will miss the community that he has helped shape and will look forward to hearing about future accomplishments at SMU.
“I will miss the people the most,” Hull said. “I’ve had so much support and encouragement. It’s been a wonderful ride and I wouldn’t give back a single day. And I will look forward to hearing and celebrating its success.”
