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Student Housing and Residential Life Welcomed Three New Staff Members to the Team This Summer

Over the summer, Student Housing and Residential Life welcomed three new staff members to their team. Justin Avera was hired as the department’s first Emergency & Risk Management Coordinator, Stephanie Hignojos is the new Program Coordinator for Leadership and Learning Programs, and BriAnn Price was hired as the new Residential Life Coordinator for Cougar Village 2.

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Originally from the Beaumont, TX area, Justin Alvera received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Fitness from Lamar University and had prior experience as a health & safety coordinator with the US Marine Corps. In his role as Emergency & Risk Management Coordinator, Justin is responsible for projects, programs, training, and administrative support for areas related to access, safety, emergency management, and risk management internal to Student Housing & Residential Life. Justin will develop and update department emergency plans under university standards and policies and will respond to campus emergencies when needed in coordination with the ride out teams.

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As Program Coordinator for Leadership and Learning Programs, Stephanie Hignojos is responsible for working with a variety of campus offices within the division to develop and implement programs within the residence halls. Through collaboration with different offices and professional staff, Stephanie hopes to enhance the residential experience by providing students with resources that will help them grow and develop outside of the classroom. With a passion for student leadership, Stephanie will also serve as the advisor to the University of Houston chapter of Residence Hall Association. Residence Hall Association will work to provide leadership opportunities to students on campus while also hosting large-scale events.

Stephanie received a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Baylor University. Stephanie then joined the University of Houston as a Graduate Assistant in Student Housing and Residential life in 2014, while completing a Masters degree in Higher Education. Before returning to the University of Houston, Stephanie served as a Community Director at Loyola University New Orleans for two years. As a native Houstonian and an alumna of UH, Stephanie is excited to be back.

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BriAnn Price is the new Residential Life Coordinator for Cougar Village 2 and is responsible for managing the administrative processes for the facility and will select, train, supervise and evaluate administrative staff and student assistants within the residence hall. Similar to other Residential Life Coordinators, BriAnn will plan and evaluate programs and educational and community building initiatives for the student staff and provide student leadership development for the hall and floor council members through training and mentoring.

BriAnn received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of West Georgia and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel from the University of Knoxville. She is excited to join the UH family and ready to make connections with the staff and students. 

Join us in welcoming Justin Avera, Stephanie Hignojos, and BriAnn Price to Student Housing and Residential Life.