Potter College News

Western Kentucky University Housing and Residence Life hosted the Kentucky Association of Housing Officers (KAHO) Conference on October 3rd, 2025. Over 60 housing professionals and student affairs vendors were in attendance representing 11 universities and colleges within the state of Kentucky. 

Four awards were presented to WKU Housing professional and student staff.   

Katie Corbin ('09), Assistant Director for Marketing and Communication, received the KAHO Service Award. The award is selected by the Senior Housing Officer. Dr. Catherine LaRoche, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Executive Director for Housing & Residence Life shared, "Katie’s professionalism, adaptability, and thoughtful leadership have not gone unnoticed. Her reputation for excellence and reliability has earned her the respect of colleagues and campus leadership alike. Her insight and contributions to important initiatives are a reflection of the trust others place in her and the quality of her work. Katie Corbin embodies the spirit of service that the KAHO Service Award seeks to honor. Her impact is broad, lasting, and deeply appreciated by students, families, and colleagues across WKU.” 

Anna Duff, a student worker in Housing and Residence Life, received the KARH Student of the Year award, given to one recipient for outstanding contributions to their institution and the Kentucky Association of Residence Halls. Anna’s nomination shared, “Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anna’s character and presence make her invaluable to the department. She approaches every task with positivity, humility, and care. She is intentional about listening and building authentic relationships with everyone she encounters—from fellow student staff to Residence Hall Directors and senior leadership. Anna balances a demanding academic schedule with her work responsibilities and still prioritizes supporting Housing and Residence Life. She regularly attends and volunteers at department events, even when not required or compensated, showing genuine pride in being part of the HRL team.” 

Emma Harris, an Apartment Community Assistant, received the Outstanding Resident Assistant Award, given to one resident assistant each year who provides outstanding contributions and service to their institution. Her nominator shares, “Emma’s impact goes far beyond her residence hall. During the past academic year, she served as President of the Resident Staff Association (RSA), where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. Under her guidance, RSA strengthened relationships between student staff and professional staff through intentional mentorship and collaboration. She served as an advocate for her fellow student staff members, ensuring their voices were heard and their contributions valued.” 

Clem Thomas, Area Coordinator, received the Mid-Level Professional Staff Member Award. This award is awarded for outstanding contributions and service to his or her institution.  Recipients should mentor new professionals and graduate students. His nominations shares, “Clem is intentional in his supervision, focusing not only on tasks but on the holistic development of his staff. He invests time to understand their goals and aspirations, ensuring that their experience as student staff and young professionals is meaningful and growth-oriented. His supervisor shared, “I’m so thankful to supervise someone like Clem. I can always count on him to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. He supports his staff fully and is a present leader.” 

The Kentucky Association of Housing Officers exists to provide opportunities of personal and professional growth for college and university housing and residence life officers across the state of Kentucky. Learn more at https://kentuckyhousingofficers.org/   

Contact: katie.corbin@wku.edu, kirsten.hooks@wku.edu