The Communique

Issue date: 8/18/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Keith Schoon Housing Director Sharon Fara

As first year students pack up and get ready to move into their new apartments, they are preparing for a "world of new" - new roommates, new landlords and new faces. One of those new faces is Sharon Fara, Kirkwood Community College's new housing director.

The role of housing director involves dealing with 4,000 students who call the apartments surrounding Kirkwood their home. Fara said she is currently helping students look for housing that fits their budget, as well as setting up appointments for apartment viewing.

Fara replaced Josh Troutman, who had been housing director for seven years. Troutman now spends his time as the Rec Center director, as well as a physical education instructor. Troutman said he wanted a job as an instructor and when a position became available, he jumped at the chance.

"It was an opportunity to work full time and more of an opportunity to work closer with students," he said about his teaching job.

Over the summer Troutman passed the torch over to Fara, who had previously worked for Yellowbook in the sales department. Fara said that job prepared her for the type of pressure that comes with being the housing director.

"My big job [since starting at Kirkwood] is fixing up the [housing] Web site in order to make it a tool and resource," she said. "I'm also creating a new housing brochure and map that's easier to read."

Troutman also shared his interest in building a better foundation for the housing department.

"We built a strong relationship with complex managers. Now I think Sharon will be able to formalize the market with more promotion," he added.

Fara's new ideas and hopes for the department also include more student involvement. She said more feedback from students would be helpful in order to fix any problems.

"I hope to be more involved with any roommate issues and other student concerns," Fara said.

Her office is located in Student Life, room 104 Iowa Hall. As a result of her office location, Fara said she also has an opportunity to work more with Student Life.

"With Sharon's experience, plus the help of Student Life, there's a lot of opportunity to get students involved in activities," Troutman said.

"With the Student Life people it's something new and interesting every day," Fara said.

"I'm really excited about this job," said Fara. "I'm excited about the move-ins and getting to introduce myself to everybody."

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