New outreach center will help students navigate campus resources
Bobbie Lee will lead the center.
Students often need assistance navigating various campus resources at Henderson State University. The new Reddie Outreach Center (ROC) will help point students in the right direction, while also providing critical assistance such as a food pantry, clothes closet, and a life skills education center.
The center, located in the former location of the campus radio station in the Garrison Center, will also serve as the office for Title IX.
Bobbie Lee, director of compliance and student advocacy, will lead the center, which will also be staffed by two graduate assistants.
Lee said renovation of “The ROC” is nearing completion and will be open by the start of the fall semester.
“Our goal is to provide wrap-around services for all Reddies,” said Lee. “As students are learning to navigate life, we want to help them succeed and excel. As specific needs are identified, we will take steps to ensure students have what they need to be successful.”
A Life Skills Education Center has been created to offer additional assistance to students.
“We will have workshops for students to acquire life skills that might not be taught in a classroom,” Lee said. “Some of the skills include car maintenance, professional dress, workplace etiquette, money management/credit scores/taxes, and communication skills.”
As the center gears up for the new school year, Lee is focusing on stocking the clothes closet and food pantry.
Lee said the clothes closet will help students “dress for success” in job interviews and internships. She hopes to collect a variety of professional dress or work casual clothes.
The food pantry will be open to all students with a goal of eventually opening to the Arkadelphia community, Lee said. For now, all non-perishable food items will be accepted. When a cooler is installed, refrigerated products will be accepted.
Lee aims for the center to also provide hygiene items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, and toiletries.
“We are grateful to those community members, partners, and organizations who are donating to The ROC,” Lee said. “To make a donation, please contact the center via Henderson’s website at hsu.edu/ROC.”
Links for the food pantry, clothes closet, and the Reddie Student Emergency Aid Fund will be provided.
“However, at any time, feel free to stop by The ROC in person for assistance,” Lee said. “There will be an on-call phone number posted as we are accessible 24/7.”
The center is completely funded through grants and the Henderson State University Foundation.