Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Hannah Mesouani, assistant residence hall coordinator and A/P Council member.
As an assistant resident hall coordinator for University Housing Services, what are your job responsibilities?
You name it! I supervise the front desk which includes check ins/outs and key inventories for students, staff and faculty as well as guest policy and tracking resident assistants (RA) and staff on-call. I supervise the mailroom that is responsible for sorting mail for 1600+ students and also oversee the fitness center, tour guides and assist in supervising the RA staff. I also provide mentorship and support to domestic and international students and serve as part of a 24-hour on-call rotation for two areas on campus.
How long have you been an employee at Illinois State?
Just about a year and a half.
What do you love the most about working at Illinois State?
It’s such a cliché, but the students for sure. Whether my employees or the students I’m lucky enough to meet through on-call or the day-to-day of living on campus, they make me excited to come into work every day, even when “day” is sometimes a 3 a.m. phone call. I’m also lucky to work alongside the greatest teammates who always have my back and are down for in-office karaoke session to relieve some stress.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise other people?
Considering I was born and raised right where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet, I don’t know how to swim.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
Homework for my graduate program in the School of Communication and/or hanging out with my husband, Kevin, (poor ol’ chap also lives in college housing) and our beloved feline terror, Cagney.
What is your favorite spot on Illinois State’s campus?
I love walking through the Quad no matter the weather, but I have a soft spot for Fell Hall and going for a coffee in Uptown.
What would you like other A/Ps to know about A/P Council?
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about ISU and play a role in supporting colleagues from across campus. I love the opportunity not only to meet faculty and staff with whom I don’t get to work every day, but to learn about all the hard work it takes to keep our Redbirds soaring.
And just for fun, if you could have a meal with one famous person (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
I’m going to cheat and pick two. First, the Prophet Mohammed, as I am a Muslim and strive to practice my faith better each day. Second, I’d love a chance to meet Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers purely so that I could make my husband jealous!
