Each year, University Housing Services (UHS) awards the Student Employee Scholarship to a student who has demonstrated professional excellence while working with Housing. This year, Service Area Manager Faith Keely was selected as the recipient of the award.
“It’s not about the money,” explained Keely. “As a person of color, receiving this award makes me want to keep breaking barriers and keep applying for other things. It will keep pushing me further.”
Keely has been involved with UHS since her freshman year in 2021. Currently, she is a service area manager in Watterson Towers. “I feel like it’s preparing me for the real world. I meet so many people from different backgrounds,” she said.
Her main job responsibilities include managing mail package inventory, greeting residence hall students, and serving as a liaison between residents and staff. “I get to talk to people and meet people—even if it’s for a brief second. I just love to help people,” said Keely.
When not working with UHS, Keely spends time in her studies as a business administration and criminal justice sciences double major. “I had to learn how to juggle work, school, and how to take care of myself,” said Keely. She hopes to one day become a criminal defense lawyer with a focus on juveniles.
Throughout her time working as a service area manager, Faith’s team has been a source of community. “It’s like a family,” said Keely. “I appreciate them always checking in and being accommodating.” She desires to pass on the support she’s received and become a source of encouragement to other students of color who may lack support. “I feel like I can help other people of color to express themselves more and encourage them to be themselves.”
The UHS Student Employee Scholarship typically becomes available in the fall and is open to any student who is employed by UHS. “The year before, they had sent it out and I doubted myself,” responded Keely when asked about the application process. “But when (University Housing Services) sent it again, I decided to apply.”
Student employees in UHS from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. For more information on housing-related financial awards, visit Housing.IllinoisState.edu.
