Cobb Hall Residence Hall Director leaves after five years
"Saving the best for last."
The short saying — packed with a powerful message — is written across the backs of all of Cobb Hall’s residence assistants’ shirts.
The front of the shirts read: “I heart Mike,” referring to Mike Skonieczny, Cobb Hall’s residence hall director.
After five years, Skonieczny will not return next year and Residence Life has made the decision not to replace him.
“We’ve been planning this based on the numbers,” said Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life. “Staffing is based on occupancy.”
Holtgreive said the decision has nothing to do with budget cuts; they have been trying to reduce staffing because those residence halls are not full.
He said Residence Life is more concerned with keeping the RAs and Multicultural Advisers fully staffed. Neither of those areas are being cut.
Troutman RHD Bill O’Dell will serve as the RHD for both halls.
Losing a little of itself
Fenton sophomore Samantha Wuerfel is a Cobb RA and will return as one next year.
Wuerfel has known Skonieczny for two years and said he is a great mentor, boss and all-around guy.
“We’re all sad and shocked that he’s leaving,” Wuerfel said. “Cobb is Mike Skonieczny.”
Skonieczny, who has a three-year-old daughter and another baby on the way, said while he will miss the great relationships he has made with his staff, students and peers, it is time to move on and focus on his family.
One thing he will not miss, Skonieczny said, is the late-night activity.
“I’m looking forward to sitting down with my wife and kids in our own house for dinner — traditional family stuff,” Skonieczny said. “It will be nice to have quiet evenings at home.”
Skonieczny also advises the Residence Hall Assembly and co-advises the Alternative Break Program. He will step down from both positions.
He said he played no role in the decision to not name a new Cobb RHD, but he believes it will not take away from the community.
Wuerfel disagrees.
“When we found out, there was a lot of hesitation and fear that Cobb would lose a little of itself,” Wuerfel said. “We’re just taking it one day at a time and will see where the future takes us.”
