Tracey Carlson Tracey Carlson tackles problems at Lee like she would tackle the quarterback from the Green Bay Packers. Carlson, director of Residential Life, also happens to be a devout Dallas Cowboys fan. Originally from Olewein, Iowa, Carlson came to Lee University with a desire to work in higher education. “I have always had a passion for working on a college campus,” said Carlson. “This is an important time of development in a student’s life, and I am thankful to be a part of that journey.” Carlson’s passion to work at a college came to fruition when she started working at Lee University in the fall of 1995. She worked in the academic sector as secretary for the Communication and Language Arts Department; and then as the coordinator for theatre productions. “When I first started at Lee, I just needed a job, I was still connecting the dots on what my calling was,” said Carlson. As she continued to clarify her calling, God was using her talents and passion for organization in the various jobs at Lee in preparation for what she was going to do in the future. “Working for the Department of Communication and Language Arts, along with being the administrative assistant for Dr. Carolyn Dirksen prepared me for the administrative side of my job,” said Carlson. “They were both very busy jobs, Dr. Dirksen had a lot of responsibility on her plate, and in order for me to support her well, I was usually pretty busy.” Carlson is grateful that she was given the opportunity to work in the academic arena at Lee. “Being involved with the academic sector prior to moving over to the student life sector has been helpful to continue a strong working relationship, connecting learning in the classroom with learning outside of the classroom, which serves our students better,” she said. Now, as director of residential life, Tracy processes housing assignments, helps parents and students with housing applications, teaches RA classes, and builds relationships with RD’s and RA’s so that they can serve students to the best of their abilities. “We want to see students developed, stretched, and challenged whether it is in their faith or living in a community,” said Carlson. Carlson knows the importance of student development. Even in her memories of her own college experience, she can see the first steps in the path leading to where she is now. “Being involved with areas of student development in college such as student government, being a resident assistant for four years, playing basketball, being involved in student ministries, the combination of all of these experiences helped to prepare me for my current position,” said Carlson, a member of the “Old School” intramural football team at Lee University. Tracey finds the intramural field a great way to merge her personal hobby with her professional life. Carlson takes her professional skills off campus by being involved with the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers. This organization gives Carlson an opportunity to network with other directors of residential life. “I really enjoy being involved with this professional organization because it helps me do my job better, and I learn what other universities are doing,” said Carlson, who is also a member of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, another professional organization. Carlson admits that the hardest thing about her job is encountering students who give up on their dreams. “The most difficult thing about my job is when a student may not reach their potential because of life’s hardships or personal struggles,” said Carlson. “I really care to see students succeed.” So whether we’re talking about the wide receiver for the opposing team or about the Office of Residential Life at Lee, we can safely say, “Tracey’s got it covered.”   Posted on - 03/30/07