Paige Herrington was recently promoted to the position of Interim Director for the Office of Residential Life as of February 8th, 2024. She first began at Dillard as a Residential Life Coordinator in November of 2022. She’s originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Memphis with her Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Resort Management. She previously held a position at her alma mater as a Residential Advisor before working at Dillard University. 

Herrington enjoys her work because she enjoys being able to work closely with students and see students’ progress throughout the school year. It’s important, for her, to build relationships with Dillard students because she notices how a number of Dillard staff members don’t even attempt to do so.

“Having people constantly knocking on my door, just wanting to get a hug from me, I think that makes the job really enjoyable for me,” she said.

As Interim Director for the Office of Residential Life, Herrington fulfills many responsibilities with the goal of providing Dillard students with safe, secure, and healthy living accommodations that are intended to enhance learning and development. Dealing with roommate disagreements is one of her favorite tasks because it allows her to meet and interact with students. Through these disagreements, Herrington wants students to learn that she is here for them when issues arise and is an advocate for student issues.

Something that Herrington would like Dillard students to take note of is that their work will be noticed. Once beginning their careers, it’s possible for students to start in a position, show their talent and skills, and be recognized and rewarded for such. Moving up the corporate ladder isn’t as hard as it seems. 

“You just have to put your mind to it, and it’s ok to say no! It was hard for me to say no at first because you never want to disappoint anyone,” Herrington said. Being in her new position, she has to set these boundaries so she doesn’t wear herself out. 

In this new position as well, Herrington is prioritizing making sure her staff has the heart to do the job because, as she says,  “this is not for the weak.” She wants to hire staff who truly want to help the Office of Residential Life and other students as well. With a good team and teamwork, Herrington believes that any organization or office can go smoothly.

“I want to make sure that they actually do want to help you guys, be there for you guys, and be willing to deal with an incident at 3 in the morning because it happens,” she said.

A challenge that Herrington has seen working in the office of Residential Life is the varying levels of dedication other staff members have towards the students of the University. From her perspective, some offices don’t prioritize students while doing their work, not catering to the students. Typically students are put on the “back-burner”, but are the paying customers; without students, the school would have no patronage.

“Nobody is really caring for you guys without demanding money or something from y’all,” she says.

Recently, Herrington became the chapter advisor for the ‘Outstanding’ Omicron Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Since she first started here Paige has been involved in the chapter, and her position allowed her to meet and grow relationships with the chapters’ members, so it was an easy process for her to become their advisor.

“It just shows how much of what I can do, how I can branch out how I can put myself out there for you guys,” she said.