Story by: Grace O’Riley
University of Montevallo alumni Morgan Scott has recently taken the position of residence life coordinator. Alongside her co-workers, Director of Housing John Denson, and Residence Life Coordinator Abbie Paul, she works to ensure that residents of the university have their needs met and are positioned to succeed in college.
Scott grew up and went to high school in Powell, Tennessee. She first came to the University of Montevallo when she began her undergraduate studies. Scott’s interest in social policy and macro social work led her to pursue a double major in social work and political science. She graduated UM in May 2022.
She says pairing of the two degrees felt natural and complementary for her. “It is my understanding that I was one of the first, in the memory of our current faculty, to double major with that paring.” Scott said. “I was kind of the guinea pig for that.” Scott said.
“It is my understanding that I was one of the first, in the memory of our current faculty, to double major with that paring. I was kind of the guinea pig for that.”
Morgan Scott, RLC
She says that other students have since pursued the paring, and the department advisors are always willing to help with complex scheduling and requirements.
With an already impressive undergrad degree, Scott went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from Auburn University. In addition to a prestigious masters of social work track, AU could offer Scott an on campus position working for housing. “I applied to several different places, but Auburn had something similar to our hall director position.”She explained that she had experience as a hall director at UM. “When I got that position, it solidified my decision.”
Scott worked at as a resident assistant and residence hall director in her undergrad, so she was already familiar with the job and expectations. She took the position and completed her masters in May 2023.
Scott said she never imagined she would return to Montevallo but remained in close contact with other staff members and former co-workers. Before graduating, she was interning in her field elsewhere, but could not take on a permanent position after graduation until she received her social work license. She explained the licensure process can take a significant amount of time.
While working in her area of expertise is still Scott’s ambition and dream, an opportunity came up for her to return to Montevallo and work for the university again.
Scott returned to work as a residence life coordinator which her friend and predecessor Savannah Crenshaw previously held. Crenshaw had recently moved to another position, and Scott was an exceptional candidate for the job.
“I love Savannah dearly. I have really big shoes to fill, and I think she did and exceptional job.”
Scott wants to carry on the good standing Crenshaw established with both residents and staff.
While not strictly in her field of study, Scott has experience with housing and an educated knowledge of administration and policies. As a RLC, she oversees and coordinates with the university RA and RHD staff, as well as intervenes with housing violations and social situations with university residents.
The position of RLC is shared by alumni Abbie Paul who works in a similar capacity. Both Scott and Paul also live in, and manage dormitory halls as RHDs where they see to the immediate needs of their residents and building.
As an RCL, Scott is a familiar name to most residents on campus, but they might not understand how much she does to insure a pleasant housing experience in their college years.
Housing professionals have a huge influence on a student’s college experience. Scott recalled how her experience as a resident in Tutwiler Hall was a pivotal time in her life.
“I love Tutwiler. It feels like a safe place. I hope that the freshmen moving in have the same experience that I had.” Said Scott.
She wants to create the same environment for incoming freshman that she experienced.
“I love Tutwiler. It feels like a safe place. I hope that the freshmen moving in have the same experience that I had.”
Morgan Scott, RLC
Scott is working toward completing her licensure process to one day work in social work, but for the immediate future, she hopes to continue growing as a leader and positively impacting every student who is a resident of the University of Montevallo.
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