Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

Few people work in the area where they grew up and went to school in, but for Kristin Carpenter, Assistant Director of Residential Life, this northern New Hampshire talent has come full circle helping UNH students with campus life, and planting the roots of her own family here in Durham.

Kristin's career at UNH spans 11 years where she has held positions as Coordinator of the Student Computing Centers, Resident Hall Director in Christiansen and Sawyer, and finally her current position as Assistant Director of Residential Life.

Now a valuable asset to Residential Life, Kristin, a native of Whitefield, New Hampshire, was a student at UNH. It was during her time here she became interested in student life. "My work as an RA as an undergraduate student introduced me to the field of Student Affairs," she says. "I've been at UNH since I was 18 and not only learned about History and Psychology, but about life as well. My professional career explores UNH in a different way. I love the benefits of knowing colleagues with similar interests and values, yet being challenged by the differences."

After completing her Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration at UVM, Kristin returned to NH, a decision that served both practical and sentimental needs. "The reason I returned to UNH was both practical and philosophical in a way. I knew I wanted to stay in New England and I always agreed with everything that UNH does and represents. But I also felt like I wanted to come home in a way," she says.

In her current position Kristin keeps tabs on four Residence Hall Directors, along with coordinating all of Residential Life's programming efforts. "Students don't learn by sitting on their futon," Kristin said. "We should provide a wealth of opportunities that allow students to both do and reflect. Linking classes to internships, lab work, study groups and summer jobs are just a few ways to help students engage in their UNH experience."

It is her goal at Residential Life to create programs that encourage students to open up to others in order to grow themselves. "Student success hinges on their ability to be interconnected individuals," she says. "Yet, roommate conflicts, fear of talking to professors, residence hall respect issues, and lack of meaningful engagement with peers hinders a full-bodied college experience." Kristin assists hall directors in setting up programs that help students get involved in three areas: Diversity Engagement, Community Engagement, and Academic Engagement. These three areas help students in forming personal identities. They make the college experience a time of growth and enrichment academically, but also encourage students to become active members of society. "Students should muddle through social situations and leadership opportunities in order to practice and perfect who they are and how they will engage in our world," she says.

Kristin also has a hand in RA fall training and ongoing RA development throughout the year, as well as co-coordinating the first year integration efforts of Williamson, Christianson and Alexander. Supervision, creativity and interpersonal communication skills are just a few of the things that help keep Kristin on top of her responsibilities. The long reach of her efforts makes this job worthwhile she says. "It's very satisfying to be involved in designing and collaborating efforts to reach and potentially influence 5,000 residence hall students."

Kristin appreciates the impact her work has on students, and truly feels both the university and Durham is where she is meant to be. "The Department, the town, and the state fit me like a glove. I am able to find balance and interact with others who challenge me," she says.

Kristin finds the seacoast area a perfect match for her lifestyle. "Durham is really a nice combination of middle ground. While I was never interested in working in a large city, I like that it's not super rural. I love the community here and the people." When she is not working, Kristin stays active by hiking and playing with her children. She also enjoys snowshoeing and baking.