Residential Assistants are women who exemplify the characteristics of a leader. This semester, the department of Residence Life was fortunate enough to take on four women to the team.

These RAs include Dona Walker, Dana Heggeman, Alexandra Prestia-Turner and Hailey Johnson.

Dona Walker, freshman theater major from Texas, is in charge of the third floor Prunty hall.  Something she wants to accomplish as an RA is getting others to communicate and getting the girls to use each other as a resource. For Walker, a leader is “someone who can think rationally, take charge and be firm, yet inspirational.”

New RA, Dona Walker

Dana Heggeman, freshman biology major from Warrenton, Missouri, is the RA of fourth floor of Pilsbury hall. “More leadership and involvement” was the reason Heggeman decided to apply for this position. In her eyes, the position is an awesome resume builder which could help her with potential job opportunities. Things she wants to accomplish throughout the remainder of the semester is more community involvement and for the women to get to know each other better. To Heggeman, a leader “listens to what people have to say and is able to give good solid directions.”

New RA, Dana Heggeman

Alexandria “Xandria” Prestia-Turner, freshman theater major from Colorado, graces fourth floor of Searcy hall with her presence. The reason Prestia-Turner joined the RA group is to take a leadership role. In her stint as RA this semester, Prestia-Turner wants to create a sense of community for the women. She wants to develop more intimate programs to bring the students together. Her definition of a good leader is “someone who takes initiative, someone who people can look up to, friendly and a good sense of humor and someone who takes serious things seriously.”

New RA, Xandria Prestia-Turner

Hailey Johnson, sophomore fashion communication major from Lexington, MO, is the RA of the second floor of Tower hall. Her reason for taking on the role was help the residents network and to bring people together because “freshman year… none of the girls on my floor were friends.” The goals Johnson has for the remainder of the semester are to get the women to show up to hall events, encourage more women to leave their doors open, be welcoming and for the ladies to get to know each other better. Johnson’s definition of a leader is “someone who can lead by example, but also knows their strengths and weaknesses.”

New RA, Hailey Johnson

These women have big shoes to fill for the remainder of the semester. But, with their drive to bring their residents together to create a better sense of community among the Stephens women, they will do just fine.