Associate Director of Residence Education Ben Wicker receives Founders Award from the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers

March 30, 2022

Earlier this month, Georgia Southern University’s Associate Director of Residence Education for University Housing Ben Wicker received the prestigious Founders Award from the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers’ (SEAHO) annual conference, held in Asheville, North Carolina.

“Receiving this award is incredibly humbling and makes me feel overwhelmingly honored,” said Wicker. “My colleagues and peers, many of whom have become close friends and like family to me over the years, nominated me for the Founders Award. Because of this I feel valued, seen and appreciated for my work within and on behalf of the Association.” 

The Founders Award honors individuals who, through dedicated service and initiative to SEAHO, epitomize the work and endeavors of the Association’s founders. The nomination for the award must include at least three letters of support, which must come from housing officers within the 10-state region. 

“The previous and historical recipients of the SEAHO Founders Award are people who I consider to be role models and mentors,” continued Wicker. “In my role at Georgia Southern, I have attempted to bring a passion for being actively involved in contributing to our profession through participation and research for our staff in University Housing. I also hope that my accomplishments in SEAHO bring Eagle Nation into the spotlight so that professionals across the region and country see the great things we are doing here, and that it might attract professionals to Georgia Southern.”

Wicker has been affiliated with SEAHO since 2006, serving as a member of multiple host committees before becoming the first director of committees in 2015. As a member of the editorial board for the SEAHO Report, he was the editor of the publication from 2013 to 2015. In recognition of his efforts for the Association, he received the Charles W. Beene Memorial Service Award in 2017. He also served as the coordinator for the organization’s 2021 virtual conference and participated as a member of this year’s conference host committee.

“No one can debate Ben’s love for SEAHO,” read one of Wicker’s support letters. “It’s contagious.” 

SEAHO advances excellence in housing programs and staff by promoting best practices, networking, professional development and involvement opportunities. SEAHO is a regional affiliate of the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International. The association represents the dedicated professionals of higher education student housing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. SEAHO is the leading resource for the higher education housing industry in the southeastern United States.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.