Breakfasts that are “the bomb” and “amazing” beds are two of the most popular aspects to living in area hotels hosting Southern Arkansas University students until Magnolia Hall opens in October.
About 100 upperclassman residents and resident assistants are staying at the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express in Magnolia. Record enrollment prompted the University to not only reserve 35 rooms at the Holiday Inn and 10 rooms at the Hampton, but use them, said Jennifer Rowsam, the residence hall director of Magnolia Hall.
The fastest growing university in the state last fall has recorded its fourth straight year of record-setting enrollments as SAU’s 11th class day numbers reported to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education included a 15.3-percent overall increase in students from a year ago. University Housing numbers were at 1,764, more than 150 over last fall’s record. Though Magnolia Hall’s sister, Columbia Hall, opened in time for the freshman Residential and Leadership Hall students, work is still needed to complete Magnolia.
The SAU students and RAs living in the hotels were quick to point out the features they enjoy most, including the cookies at the Hampton Inn and the indoor pool at the Holiday Inn Express.
“The beds are amazing. I have slept so well since we started staying at the hotel, and breakfast is the bomb,” said Magnolia Hall RA Kelsie Collatt, sophomore marketing major from Redwater, Texas. “It’s going to be great when the new res’ hall opens, but I’m going to miss the beds at Hampton Inn.”
“The best part is the cleaning lady wakes me up, tells me good morning and asks me if I want my bed made,” said RA Christian Greer, sophomore chemistry: pre-health major from Pearcy, Ark., who’s been staying with residents at the Magnolia Holiday Inn Express. “The staff could not be any more hospitable.”
The residents are also making a good impression on hotel staffs.
“It is a win-win,” said Aerriel Collins, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express, where about 70 residents and RAs are living. “As a graduate of SAU, I’m grateful to have this chance to give something back to the University. We haven’t had any hiccups. A few parents have said they wouldn’t mind staying here, too!”
“We are extremely happy to have the students here,” Collins said. “We’ve done everything we can to help them get adjusted.”
Samantha Roberson, general manager of the Hampton Inn, echoed that sentiment. “If we didn’t know they were here, we wouldn’t know they were here,” she said of the SAU students, with a laugh. “They are very good and respectful.”
Both hotel managers said they are providing late breakfasts for the students on weekends. “They may prefer to sleep in,” Roberson said. Collins said the Holiday Inn provides breakfast until noon and upped its WiFi services to meet Internet needs. Prior to the move-in, the Hampton Inn also provided goody bags containing pens, koozies, and coupons to local businesses.
“We’re just trying to make them feel at home,” Roberson said. “We are really proud of how amazing SAU is – it is hands down the heart of Magnolia! We love the opportunity to serve in any way, and we’re glad to partner with SAU anytime.”
Rowsam, who also serves as associate dean for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, said every effort has been made to ensure the residents feel as if they are living on campus. Meal plans are still in effect and roommates have been kept together. Quiet hours are also the same at the hotels as at the residence halls.
She said the residents were notified of the arrangement early in August.
“We gave all of them a phone call or text to let them know,” Rowsam said. “Many of them had already heard through word of mouth.”
“We’ve had to arrange for some of them to store their things elsewhere while they’re staying in the hotels,” she said. “Otherwise, it’s as if they were in the residence hall.”
Shuttle service provided by the University also keeps students connected. “Most of them have their own cars, but certainly they are welcome to use the shuttle if they want,” Rowsam said. “The service runs until late at night to accommodate classes, eating schedules, even late rehearsals. We’re trying to meet every need.”
