Connie Malle

Director, University Housing

 Connie grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas and has worked at Pittsburg State University her entire career.  She is a proud three-time Pittsburg State alumna with degrees in business and human resource development, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!



Connie has a multitude of experience in Student Affairs including organizing student activities and overseeing the student center, facilities and housing. 



Our director truly enjoys the opportunity of working with students every day and sharing in their educational experience.  Connie appreciates the overwhelming support the university and the surrounding Pittsburg community has for the spirit of Pittsburg State that is displayed, on a regular basis. Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla!

Melissa Beisel

Associate Director, University Housing

 

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Melissa serves as the Associate Director for University Housing. Melissa received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Missouri and her graduate degree in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs from the University of Nebraska—Kearney.

Melissa is in her second tour with Pittsburg State University. She previously worked as an Area Coordinator. In between her stops in Pittsburg, Melissa worked as a Complex Director at the University of Kansas.

 Melissa chose to return to Pittsburg State because of the family atmosphere of the University Housing office where she feels she can make great connections with students and her co-workers. She enjoys the ability to make a difference in the lives of students as well as witnessing the pride the faculty, staff and students have in being a Pitt State Gorilla.

Luis F. Aranda

Area Coordinator, University Housing

 A native of Chicago, Illinois, Luis serves as Area Coordinator of Dellinger, Willard and Trout (in the interim) Residence Halls. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Luis joined the University Housing team in 2010 after receiving his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.

 Luis joined the PSU team after an exhaustive search and found the right fit in Pittsburg. The family atmosphere and the Gorilla spirit left a mark on him after visiting campus. In his third year at Pittsburg State, Luis enjoys coming to the office and working with students and staff who love their school and are eager to embark on adventure.

 At Pittsburg State, Luis enjoys the think tank that is working in the University Housing office where he can bounce ideas off his fellow area coordinators in a collaborative effort to better the day-to-day experience of their residents. Having the autonomy to run his residence halls the way he sees fit gives Luis the energy and excitement he needs to be successful each and every day. While at PSU, he has been able to work in a plethora of activities including the restructuring of resident assistants’ training, facilitating an RA seminar and instructing a freshman experience class, founding a student organization and assisting in the campus orientation for students and their families. Luis loves the support he receives from the leadership team to find and implement new and innovative ideas.

Luis and his wife’s favorite places in Pittsburg include Tropical Sno Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Napoli’s Italian restaurant, softball at Lincoln Park and exploring the four-state area.

Jennifer Beneke

Area Coordinator, University Housing

 A native of Fargo, North Dakota, Jennifer serves as Area Coordinator of Crimson Commons and Tanner Complex (in the interim). Jennifer joined University Housing in 2009 after completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of North Dakota.


Jennifer joined the Pittsburg State team after being impressed by the excitement the department had as a whole from the staff and students while on her campus visit. Entering her fourth year at PSU, her position has allowed her to be involved in a range of activities in the department and get a broad view of University Housing.

The autonomy and ability to the position her own is what keeps Jennifer going! She relishes the freedom and support to make changes for the good of the department. Her experience at Pittsburg State has given her the opportunity to work in quite a few different areas in housing including the development of online forms and several websites, re-defining the resident assistant re-hire process and new construction. These experiences have set her up to be a competitive candidate in the future.

Jennifer’s favorite places in Pittsburg include Cherry Berry frozen yogurt and Smoky Racks barbeque. An experienced crafter, Jennifer ventures out to nearby Joplin, Missouri for the great quilt shop Bittersweet Quilts, as well as Smallcakes cupcakery and Tokyo: Japanese Steakhouse.

Ashvin Sahni

Area Coordinator, University Housing



 A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Ashvin (or Ash for short) joined the team in January 2013 and serves as the Area Coordinator for Tanner Complex and Trout Hall. Ash is no stranger to Pittsburg State University as he completed his undergraduate degree in 2009. He received his master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri in 2011.

Ash remembered the family feel from the department and university. He felt support from everyone noting that he could have a voice but never felt alone working on projects. He believes that the staff and students support each other. As a professional staff member now, the ability to see University Housing through the final stages of the 5-year renovation plan will help him with his future career goals as well as working with the latest in college student trend development.

Ash and his wife enjoy shopping in nearby Joplin, MO. To relax, Ash takes full advantage of the campus recreation center and treating himself to a meal at Chicken Annie’s, Wheat State Pizza or Tropical Sno.

Shaun Priesgen

Area Coordinator, University Housing

A native of Lomira, Wisconsin, Shaun serves as Area Coordinator of Nation and Bowen residence halls. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Shaun joined the University Housing team in 2009 after receiving his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere from the staff and students was a vital factor in Shaun’s decision to come to Pittsburg State. Currently in his fourth year, Shaun says that same warmth continues today. As an area coordinator, Shaun has had the opportunity to work with professional and student staff to better the overall residential experience. He values the trust our Director and Associate Director has in its area coordinators to facilitate change and better processes to be more streamlined and efficient.

At Pittsburg State, Shaun feels prepared for the future due in large part to the autonomy he has over his two halls.  With learner as one of his top five strengths, Shaun has developed his style while working with a variety of residents and staff. In addition, Shaun has been able to spend time in other operations on campus such as partnering with Admissions and attending several recruitment fairs. He values the emphasis University Housing has on professional development, and how the office caters the experience to meet your needs.

Shaun’s favorite places to go in Pittsburg include the YMCA to workout, Pittsburg State football games and socializing in downtown Pittsburg on the weekends.