Profile

Eduardo Olivo was once an international student living in University Apartments. Now he works there and in various campus residence halls as an area coordinator, supervising the complex directors.

“As a student, I was very appreciative of the incredible work the residence life staff did for students and their families,” Olivo said. “I have always had a passion for learning and working with students. As I started a career in this field, I became intrigued by the possibility of creating authentic living and learning environments right where students lived.”

Olivo started working at MSU in 1992 as a community assistant in University Apartments and has since held a number of other positions within the Department of Residence Life.

“I like the interactions with staff, students and other units across campus,” he said. “I also like the latitude to start new educational opportunities for students, and especially like working with students in the halls and apartments as a facilitator of multicultural conversations. I love being able to connect with colleagues in the field of student affairs at national and regional conferences.”

Olivo said he always is ready to address any issues or concerns in the apartments or halls, even if it goes beyond the typical workday.

“When you work in residence life, you are always ‘on the job,’” he said. “It is challenging, but at the same time motivating, to know that you can be of help when needed.”

Olivo is married and has an almost four-month-old daughter. He enjoys playing with his daughter, reading Spanish literature, traveling, running and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds.

By Amanda Carra

Copyright 2001 Michigan State University Division of University Relations.