By Manyi Eno
News Editor
Piedmont has added a new director to resident life and he was more than excited to talk about his outlook for
this academic year.
Mark Jestel has taken on the role of Director of Residential Education here at Piedmont.
“It’s actually a very exciting time to come in. This is the first time that Piedmont has ever seen a position like
me. Originally Emily was doing resident life,” Jestel said.
“Now that I’m here, it takes a bit of the load off and this is one of the biggest residential classes; we’re right
over 600,” said Jestel.
“Piedmont needed someone like me living on campus twenty-four hours, seven days a week and being able to
dedicate a lot of time to students. My job allows more communication.”
Jestel earned his bachelor degree in biology at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.
Right after he earned his masters degree in College Student Personnel at Western Carolina University.
Now at Piedmont, Jestel serves as the director of residential life and also as an RD in Purcell Hall.
Jestel explained that his position has never been seen at Piedmont because he also takes on the job as a
resident director (RD) unlike past directors.
“At Western Carolina University, one of the big things I was involved with was that I taught a college course
all about male leadership and being the perfect male in today’s society,” Jestel said.
“I like being able to take those elements and bring them into Purcell hall.”
Jestel explained that many students think that it was his idea to add open visitation for Friday and Saturday
nights, but that it was actually because of the students pushing for it.
“One of the big reasons we brought it [visitation] back was because of the students. It was completely based
on what administration had heard from you guys and I just happened to be coming in at that exact moment
when they were making changes,” he said.
“We have tried this in the past and it was unfortunately taken away because violations occurred and policies
weren’t followed. I would like to have this storm play and with the history that Piedmont has seen, it makes
sense that visitation is included, but its also appropriate to give you all a little freedom as well.”
Jestel said that his big focus is on trying to help out the students and that it is his number one mission.
“There are a couple of insider projects I am working on now but I can’t share anything too early,” he said
Jestel explained that many students think that it was his idea to add open visitation for Friday and Saturday
nights, but that it was actually because of the students pushing for it.
“One of the big reasons we brought it [visitation] back was because of the students. It was completely based on
what administration had heard from you guys and I just happened to be coming in at that exact moment when they
were making changes,” he said.
“We have tried this in the past and it was unfortunately taken away because violations occurred and policies
weren’t followed. I would like to have this storm play and with the history that Piedmont has seen, it makes sense
that visitation is included, but its also appropriate to give you all a little freedom as well.”
Jestel said that his big focus is on trying to help out the students and that it is his number one mission.