Campus Connection

Residence Life director named

The director of Housing and Residential Engagement at California State University, Fullerton will take over similar duties at UW-La Crosse.

Jennifer (Jenni) Brundage will become the university’s new director of Residence Life July 1. She will replace Heidi Anderson-Isaacson who served as the interim director of Residence Life for the past year.

“Jenni is an experienced and accomplished higher education professional with 12 years of progressively responsible experience in Residence Life,” says Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Vitaliano Figueroa. “As the Director of Residence Life, Jenni will work with her team to ensure a high-quality living and learning environment for over 3,300 students in our 10 residence halls.”

Brundage, selected from a national search, says returning to her Midwestern roots was her initial attraction to UWL, along with the university’s reputation for campus life. “I have dedicated my career to creating a home for students to assist in student engagement and success,” she explains. “I have long admired the work of the Residence Life staff at UWL and its commitment to safe, inclusive, and welcoming living and learning communities.”

What impressed Brundage the most about the campus was the sincerity and heart of the staff. “It is clear they want the best for the students, the department and the university,” she says. “Even as a visitor, I felt a sense of comfort and support with each member of the campus community whom I met.”

Brundage expects to hit the ground running when she arrives in mid-summer. “July and August go very quickly as the campus and department prepare for move-in and the fall semester,” she notes. “I plan to help the team to be ready for the students to return and begin building relationships in and out of the department.”

The move to Wisconsin is driven by Brundage’s desire to invest in a community where her family can be engaged and thrive. “As the mom of small children, it is important for me that we have quality time together and that they are able to enjoy the day-to-day of being kids, know their neighbors, and have time to explore who they are in the world,” she says. “I am looking forward to the community and campus events that we can share as a family.

The UWL Residence Life program develops living environments to enhance the academic mission of the university by creating inclusive communities, supporting experiential learning, and building meaningful relationships. More than 3,300 students live in the university’s 10 residence halls.