Director of Residence Education and Housing Services at Michigan State University
Helena Gardner is the Director of Residence Education and Housing Services at Michigan State University. An authentic and dedicated student affairs professional, she is committed to fostering lifelong learning experiences and meaningful relationships.
With nearly 25 years of experience in student housing, Helena provides leadership and direction for the daily oversight and operations of the residential experience at MSU. Her career has spanned a diverse range of student populations and institutional settings, including for-profit, non-profit, public, and private institutions. She has extensive experience working with public-private partnerships (P3s), sorority housing, and a variety of residential models, from single-family houses and traditional residence halls to specialized living-learning communities and student apartments.
A strong advocate for academic partnerships, Helena has collaborated closely with residential colleges and living-learning communities to enhance student success. Her passion for co-curricular development has also been evident through her long-standing involvement with ACPA.
Although her professional journey has taken her across the country, Helena proudly considers Detroit, MI, her home. She is also a devoted mother to her amazing son, Antwan, who is well into his collegiate journey. Guided by the philosophy “Be Great,” Helena is deeply passionate about inspiring herself and others to live their best lives.
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In this episode of Current Campus Context, Heather Shea and a panel of experts discuss three significant policy changes affecting higher education this fall: new limits on international students, adjustments to graduate borrowing, and proposed accreditation reforms. They analyze these shifts’ implications for access, belonging, and student success within colleges and universities.
Here's the Story: "More Than a Question"
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This discussion centers on the emerging Generation Alpha, highlighting their unique characteristics shaped by technology and their Millennial parents. Key insights include the importance of hands-on, career-focused learning as college expectations shift, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world application. Educators are urged to adapt to meet the needs of these students who value resilience and resourcefulness.
Here's the Story: "Teaching Everyone But Yourself"
A classroom emergency unfolded when an instructor lost consciousness, prompting students to exhibit remarkable compassion and leadership. This experience highlighted the importance of self-care for educators, revealing that they must prioritize their well-being to effectively support their students. The story underscores how community can flourish during unexpected challenges.