Emily Starr is a sophomore at the University of Iowa currently working towards obtaining her undergraduate degree in management and entrepreneurial track. In addition to her schooling, Starr also serves as the Executive Director of the Associated Residence Halls (ARH) and is the second woman to hold this position in at least ten years.

ARH provides a voice for students living in the residence halls. The board is made up of ten people total. Each residence hall also has a board of their own which is made up of ten to fifteen people. The individual boards have budgets to provide programs within the halls and also fund various improvements.

As Executive Director of ARH, Starr has various duties which include leading a weekly meeting of 40 senators, meeting bi-weekly with Dr. Von Stange, the Senior Director of University Housing and Dining and Kate Fitzgerald, the Director of Residence Education. Starr also meets monthly with UI President Sally Mason.

“I act as a team leader,” Starr says. “My primary focus is to enable each member of ARH to do the absolute best they can do.”

Starr says being the Executive Director has challenged her in several ways and has pushed her to work towards the best of her abilities. Through this position, Starr has discovered new skills and techniques that she would not have been able to receive in a classroom setting.

“It has pushed my boundaries in interpersonal skills, leadership techniques, and decision making. I have improved my ability to separate emotion from reason and make better decisions because of it,” says Starr.

Through her position at ARH, Starr says she has a better idea of how the University Housing and Dining system works, and is hoping to make bold choices to provide change and improvement in the residence halls.

Emily Starr

Current position: Executive Director, Associated Residence Halls (ARH)
Education: B.B.A. Management
Hometown: Charles City, IA