Makayla Adams
March 9, 2021
Makayla Adams was recently named co-chair of an effort to develop a strategic plan for diversity and inclusion within the Department of Residential Life. She is also helping implement a diversity and inclusion standard for Division of Student Affairs. Bill Stackman, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, sat down— virtually — with Adams for a Q&A.
Bill Stackman: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Makayla Adams: I am originally from Chicago. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, initiated into the Alpha Iota chapter in spring 2019 at Lincoln University. I am a residential hall coordinator at Mizzou at Campus Lodge. I have been working at Mizzou for a little over a year now. I am also a full-time graduate student in the educational leadership and policy analysis program. My passion for higher education came from my diligent work as a student ambassador at Lincoln.
BS: In your opinion, how does living on campus benefit students?
MA: Living on campus allows students the opportunity to gain community with the individuals who live on their floor as well as the advantage of being on campus during colder weather, as we are seeing right now. Living on campus allows students an opportunity to learn more about campus by exploring areas they may not usually frequent. Being on campus means having easier access to campus resources through resident advisors and their hall coordinators, including after-hours assistance.
BS: How has Residential Life adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic?
MA: Residential Life has taken extreme precautions as laid out in the Show Me Renewal program as well as implemented mandatory testing for all students living with us through Residential Life, including undergraduate apartments.
BS: Beyond Residential Life, what are your favorite things to do in Columbia, both on and off campus?
MA: My favorite thing to do in Columbia has been trying new restaurants and discovering new activities around town like Como Axe Attack, Level Up, etc. On campus, I love the opportunity the division gives staff to help at home football games, which has the advantage of being able to also watch the game and explore the stadium.
BS: What is your best advice for Mizzou students to be successful?
MA: Never forget why you are here. As you are growing and changing, life will give you many hurdles, but if you continue to focus on your “why,” it will keep pushing you forward.
If you haven’t discovered your “why” yet, that’s OK. Talking to individuals about passions that you may have and trying new things will lead you on a path to finding that why. Your “why” may shift and change over time, but if you keep working on your goals — whether they are daily, monthly or yearly — you will find the success you desire as you move forward.
