Housing Supervisor Extraordinaire: Unexpected Passions Found at Embry-Riddle

When Emma Rash (’23) was a first-year student at Embry-Riddle, she knew she wanted to be heavily involved on campus. She majored in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, worked a two-year-long stint as a Student Ambassador, is involved in the Women’s Ambassador Association and has worked her sophomore, junior and senior years in campus housing, first as a resident assistant (RA) and now as a housing supervisor.

As a Student Ambassador, Rash was one of the first faces to greet prospective students on campus when they came to attend events like Preview Day or to take a tour.

In the Woman’s Ambassador Association, Rash is an outreach coordinator who takes part in the organization of events. Recently, the program went to a local middle school to promote the involvement of women in STEM fields. They also recently held a “Pups and Pasta” event on the Prescott Campus,  where students got a free meal and were able to sit back and relax in the company of many adorable dogs.

Experiences in Housing

When she became an RA, something clicked for Rash. She phased out of being a Student Ambassador and moved onto the housing team, where she excelled.

“I was an RA for two years, one year in a first-year experience area, which is predominantly our freshman, and then a second year in upper-division area,” Rash shared, continuing, “Now I lead a team of RAs, and I’m a supervisor in one of our upper-classman village complexes, which is super fun and always provides an opportunity to help others.”

Rash currently oversees ten RAs, who, in turn, oversee about 250 students who live on campus. When talking about her favorite part of the job, Rash shared that she loves to offer mentorship to the RAs she supervises and watch them grow both personally and professionally.

“But we’re also still learning together!” Rash said. “It’s a fun adventure.”

On top of those she supervises, Rash gave credit to the “phenomenal” support system she’s found within the housing team: the other student Supervisors, full-time staff and Housing Director Justin Munz.

When asked about her favorite places on campus, the first spot to come to mind for Rash was the Housing Office, where she works. Few people can say they love their job that much, but in Rash’s own words, “I found my passion in housing.”

Advice for Students Attending Embry-Riddle

Rash shared the advice she offers to her residents in the dormitory hallways of Embry-Riddle.

“Say yes to every opportunity you can because the amount of learning and experience you will get is phenomenal. You can always dial back, but it’s harder to join things late in your academic career. I encourage them to get out of the dorms, to go and meet new people because you never know who you’re going to meet. Get out there, experience meeting new people... and listen to your RA!”