UF Housing Alumni Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 21

"Hosting SAACURH in 2002 was a highlight of my time at UF! I loved advising that group." - Kathy Bush Hobgood In 2006 Kathy Hobgood said goodbye to the Sunshine State and hello to the Palmetto State when she accepted the position of Director of Residential Life at Clemson University. In this role Kathy was responsible for the Residence Life program at Clemson that consisted of 6300 residents in 23 residence halls and three apartment communities. She also served as a member of the VP for Student Affairs’ Cabinet and Leadership Team, Campus Crisis Management Team, and University Housing and Dining Senior Leadership Team. After nine years in this role, Kathy was promoted to Assitant Vice President for Student Affairs and Executive Director of University Housing & Dining. In this position she oversees residential and dining facilities, residential learning, residential living, dining operations, catering services, fraternity and sorority housing, summer conferences, finance and administration, vending operations, sustainability programs, and marketing. In her time at Clemson University, Kathy has overseen the planning, construction, and opening of the Core Campus Project, a new residential community comprised of three residence halls, a dining hall, retail dining, and the honors college. A second residential community for upperclassmen students and Bridge to Clemson students is currently under construction with an anticipated completion in 2018. This area will be home to over 1600 students, a new student recreation center, a bookstore, and dining facilities. Kathy also oversees other large scale projects such as modernizing existing facilities and closing the beloved Clemson House residence hall. In the midst of such busy times Kathy offers the following words of advice: “Remember that time, energy and passion are not limitless quantities. Invest wisely and use them as tools to move your career and life in positive directions.” ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT numerous times in the Talking Stick and presented at many SEAHO (Southeastern Association of Housing Officers) and ACUHO-I (Association of College and University Housing Officers – International) conferences throughout the years. Kathy is currently serving as the SEAHO Archivist, a role that allowed her to bring together 33 out of 50 of the past SEAHO presidents at the SEAHO 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2014. Recently, Kathy has gotten involved with the ACUHO-I Foundation where she says she has discovered an interest in fundraising. Kathy (front row, far left) with the 2003 East Campus grad and pro staff. Kathy (left) with friends at 2005 WOTW. "It's hard to pull apart the work love from the gift of life long friendship." Kathy at the 2006 Writing on the Wall Project. HRE ALUMNI MAGAZINE | UF STUDENT AFFAIRS 21