Pam Schu finds a new home on AU residence life staff

Following a search that began last semester, Pamela Schu, former health and wellness educator, began work as one of two assistant directors in the Office of Residence Life Wednesday, Feb. 2.
“One of Pam’s greatest attributes is her dedication to the well being of every individual she comes into contact with…and I am excited to see how she will incorporate herself into the fabric of our residence life family,” said Director of Residence Life Brenda Porter about the new hire.
The move represents a life long accumulation of experiences for the new assistant director, who began work as a nurse working in Planned Parenthood. Schu realized she had more to offer and so moved on to teaching, then found work in Alfred University’s Wellness Center and has finally – it would seem – come to rest within the ORL family.
For those unacquainted with Schu, she may be first recognized by her smile emblazoned from cheek to cheek and an unpresuming bob haircut to frame the gleam. Hers is one outstanding personality, tirelessly working to exude pep: an enthusiasm not overwhelming but just right to get the point across.
“If someone wants to reach their potential they can overcome,” said Schu.
Schu is not without the proper credentials. She gained her B.S. in nursing after developing a background in both education and psychology. Later she earned a masters degree in Health Science Education, which despite the name was a program devoted to influencing entire communities as opposed to individuals in a classroom.
While the issue of her future as a health and wellness teacher remains contested, the new position will not disrupt her current semester, in which she is teaching a course on how to deal with stress as well as one on general health and wellness.
Although Schu’s future as a teacher is uncertain her position as Assistant Director of Residence Life will allow for her to affect more changes on a much broader scale.
“It’s well-being I’m interested in. I really like working with students and their development,” said Schu about her latest vocation.
The new position will put Schu in charge of the first year halls as the First Year Hall Coordinator. The title entails supervision of staffs working within first year halls as well as programming including overseeing and planning of the First Year Hall Cup, which concluded its first full academic year last spring.
Yet another duty is the charge of resident assistant training, which will begin with a single course this spring and conclude with about a week’s worth of training just before classes resume in August.
“[I] Really like interacting with student leaders,” said Schu of her new assignments.
During training Schu hopes to impart her holistic view on health, wellness and success to the incoming RAs. She also is looking forward to teaching student leaders how to “sell” good conduct and healthy values.
“I do come from a long line of car dealers,” said Schu.