Residence Hall Director, Housing & Residential Life
There’s dedication, and then there’s Madeline Powell—a force of calm, care, and excellence who’s taken her role as a Residence Hall Director to a whole new level.
Since joining Texas State, Madeline has done far more than settle in. When staff vacancies left a gap in leadership, she stepped up without hesitation, managing both Bobcat Village and Lantana communities. That’s 14-16 additional RAs, 600 more residents, and frequent trips across campus—all while supervising a Graduate Residence Director and continuing to support students and staff with grace.
“Something that has always kept me motivated is knowing how I show up for students matters,” she said. “How I show up isn’t just limited to me—it affects them too!”
Despite the workload, her colleagues say Madeline remains a “beacon of kindness and leadership” who “brightens every room she enters.” Her ability to lead with patience, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence has not gone unnoticed. Watching her in action, one colleague said, “is like seeing the institutional and departmental mission come to life.”
Madeline says her experience at Texas State has taught her that leadership doesn’t look the same for everyone or every situation. “This is my first year at Texas State and overseeing multiple communities, so I also had to learn that it is okay for leadership to look different in different situations,” she said. She credits past mentors for shaping her understanding of impact, reflecting, “There have been a lot of folks who I may not remember their exact titles, but I do remember what they taught me.”
While her job is full of big responsibilities, it’s the little moments that keep her grounded—students stopping by just to say hi, sharing updates on their internships or classes, or watching residents grow more confident. “It brings me back to when I was in those positions,” she said, “and how instrumental Residence Life was to me in my growth as a person.”
Being named both Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year holds special meaning for Madeline. “Once I came to Texas State and really understood our departmental priorities of Quality, Mattering & Belonging, and Responsiveness, I knew I wanted to pay that forward,” she said. “This recognition makes me feel like I am accomplishing that goal.”
Congratulations, Madeline! Your commitment to students and leadership has made a lasting mark. We’re lucky to have you.