Heather Willis Explains How Student Affairs Shapes Campus Life

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College doesn’t feel like a community by accident. It takes people behind the scenes who obsess over the details, fight for student leadership opportunities, and turn “a campus” into a place students actually belong.

We sit down with Heather Willis, Assistant Director for Engagement at Case Western Reserve University, to talk about the real work of student affairs and student engagement. Heather walks us through how student organizations are supported, how big traditions like homecoming get built, and why school spirit is especially tricky at a high-achieving research university where students are laser-focused on academics. If you’ve ever wondered what student activities and leadership staff do all day, she makes it practical and human.

We also go off-script in the best way: Cleveland life, Playhouse Square, trying “younger people” activities and feeling it the next day, plus hobbies that keep you sane like board games, fantasy reading, and learning pickleball. Heather shares what it was like working with Johnny “Fitty” Falcone on the university spirit committee, what makes collaboration click with campus partners, and why throwback weekends can teach students the history of where they are.

Before we wrap, Heather plugs LEAP (Linking Employment Abilities and Potential), an organization supporting adults with disabilities across Cleveland through advocacy, independent living skills, and community activities. Listen, share it with someone who cares about higher education, student leadership, or campus culture, and if you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and send this to a friend.

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