Lionel Maten, 43, is the Director of Student Housing and
Resident Life at the University of Mississippi, but to the people he works
with, he is much more.
“I call him the fixer,” said BJ Mann, Associate Director
for Residence Life. “He’s come in and there’s so much that the department has
needed to work on, and he’s been able to do that in less than a year.”
“He is an excellent Director,” said Vice Chancellor
Brandi Lebanc.
Maten has been at Ole Miss since June 4, 2013 and next
year he will be promoted to Assistant Vice Chancellor. His new role will allow
him to continue to serve as Director of Housing, and to continue improving life
for students living on campus.
“Lionel has a strong vision for housing at UM and I am
very supportive of his continued involvement to make that a reality,” said Lebanc.
“I believe he will be highly successful in the role as he is collaborative and
understands enrollment trends and influences. Most importantly, I trust his
judgment and expertise.”
“He has been a breath of fresh air,” said Mann. “He’s a
real go-getter.”
Maten majored in wellness leadership and recreation and
leadership sports. His goal was to become part of the campus recreation
department. Instead, Maten has worked in housing departments in Arkansas, Mississippi,
Pennsylvania, Michigan and Texas. His wife and two children traveled with him.
“We’ve met some wonderful folks,” said Maten. “And I’ve
worked on some truly beautiful campuses.”
Maten began his career in the housing department when he
himself was a college student at the University of Arkansas in Monticello. He
told the story of his days dealing with rowdy college students in his residence
hall with eagerness in his voice. Maten decided to become an RA and make dorm
life better for students. Bettering his students is, in fact, what he has
continued to do to this day.
“A big part of our mission is to be this bridge between a
student leaving high school and transitioning into college,” said Maten. “We
don’t want to be reactive, we want to be proactive.”
Maten said he gets to know students from spur of the
moment encounters and impromptu meetings at church, through emails and the
Residential Housing Association. Upon meeting them, Maten said he likes to
“pick their brains for new ideas.”
“He has a bright mind, a compassionate heart and serves
as a positive and inspiring role model to students and staff,” said Lebanc.
He is currently working on a project to make the
admissions and enrollment process “seamless” for students transitioning in to
college. The process should be finalized by fall 2014.
“We’re looking to create a model for a greater, stronger
support system,” said Maten.
In his new role as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Maten will
still have the responsibilities of the housing director and will also be
responsible for making critical enrollment decisions
“One thing I am certain of is that Mr. Maten will lead
with a student-centered mentality,” said Lebanc.
Director of Housing, Lionel Maten, outside Minor Hall.
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