Spotlight - Hightower
Antajuan Hightower
- Human Resources Management Major
- Sophomore
- Facilities & HR Lead and Operations Supervisor
Antajuan Hightower is a sophomore majoring in Human Resources Management and has already been making a meaningful impact within 51爆料 Recreation and Wellness Services. As both a Facilities and HR Lead and an Operations Supervisor, Antajuan has supported RecWell daily by enhancing workplace culture, supporting student employees, and being a part of the department鈥檚 success.
Antajuan emphasizes how his position has allowed him to practice the HR principles he鈥檚 learned in coursework and apply them professionally, stating his work is both impactful and knowledgeable. He assists with the hiring process by providing essential information to ensure preparation and support for student employees. He has also learned how to coach staff both on and off shifts. The experiences he鈥檚 been a part of in this short period of time, he shared, 鈥渉ave furthered his skills in human resources and uplifted him as a leader.鈥
He credits RecWell for being welcoming and seeing firsthand how students from different backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. Antajuan states that, especially within operations where staff are on the front line, he believes that when someone brings value to the team, their impact is recognized by members and staff. He points out a moment where he received a heartfelt thank-you letter from Brooke, a Graduate Assistant, and how she acknowledged his growth and dedication in a short period of time. Her words encouraged Antajuan and motivated him to continue developing as a leader.
Beyond his daily responsibilities in the department, Antajuan serves as the Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, where he has built resilience managing events and fostering time-management skills. Within his fraternity, he is a part of 鈥淧roject Grad鈥, a mentoring program that supports high school students at Buchtel High School in Akron. Within this program, Antajuan helps students write cover letters, build resumes, and prepare them for life beyond high school 鈥 creating opportunities for young African American scholars to thrive.
As Antajuan balances his life both within RecWell and outside of work on campus, he exemplifies his commitment to being a quality employee and an emerging HR professional. He knows what it is like to be a new hire and encourages others to always ask questions and give thoughtful feedback, because curiosity is always appreciated at the department and contributes to a stronger team.
Antajuan鈥檚 motto sums up both his RecWell experience and his personality perfectly: 鈥淟ive, laugh, love RecWell.鈥 He advises others wanting to join the team to live in the moment and make the most of it, laugh with your coworkers and build those connections, and love the work you do 鈥 even on the bad days.