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Sean Hubbard - NewsPress

May 15, 2008 03:46 pm

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Oklahoma State University will lose one of its leaders when Dr. Bob Huss, director of Residential Life, retires July 1.
Huss is all about students and providing them with as many leadership opportunities as possible during their time at OSU is his No. 1 priority.
“I am an educator,” Huss said. “The primary piece (of my job) is to develop students as leaders.”
While Huss has seen many changes during his tenure, the accomplishment that he said he is most proud of is having a lasting effect.
“There were students who left here with their leadership skills greatly improved,” Huss said.
As he reminisced of stories throughout the years of rewarding times in his life, Huss sat in one of the chairs in his office. The chairs do not face his desk, as in most offices, but in a circle to signify that everyone in the room is equally important.
His office, his demeanor and his words all say the same thing.
“There has been a lot of change, but there should be in 23 years,” Huss said. “It was accomplished by the staff. My role was to provide the wherewithal.”
Changes during his time include an increase from nine to 25 residence halls. Also, when Huss started, he said there were four places to eat and they all served the same thing at the same time. Now, there are more than 30 places to dine, he said.
All of the increased facilities and awards that OSU Residential Life has won still do not account for the impact Huss had at OSU.
“Dr. Huss really made an impact on my life as a student and is one of the people who encouraged me into the profession of student affairs,” Kathleen Kennedy, adviser to the OSU Student Union Activities Board said, in a release.
Huss has always been an advocate of student involvement in leadership roles and letting them tackle certain projects rather than staff members. He feels as if a student leads the way on a project, certain lessons will be learned and a better leader in the community will be the result.
“I think a role universities need to play is developing future leaders for society,” Huss said. “Residence halls and on-campus housing are in a special position to be able to do that.”
Huss’ house is on the market in Stillwater, and upon its sale, he plans on moving to the Nashville, Tenn. area to be closer to family. While he does plan on staying connected with students, he will enjoy the retired life.
“I don’t have any full-time employment planned,” Huss said.
Former graduate assistant, Dr. Matt Brown, has been hired to replace Huss.