As the end of the current Residential College Association (RCA) president’s term approaches, the RCA president and adviser offered an overview of the organization and its responsibilities.
RCA is the organization that oversees the residential side of campus and is responsible for planning events and representing the student body. RCA is part of the larger South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH), which is one of eight regional affiliates under the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).
“RCA at Murray State is a student-led organization that supports the University’s residential colleges and university apartments, focusing on enhancing the resident experience through programming and advocacy,” said RCA Adviser Casey Rowe. “RCA also serves as the official link between the University’s residential community and larger regional and national organizations, specifically SAACURH and NACURH, allowing Murray State to contribute to and benefit from broader student engagement initiatives.”
Universities and colleges around the country fall under one of the regional affiliates under NACURH, where elected delegates represent their respective schools and work to find ways to improve residential life for their fellow students.
Jaylon Taggart has been the RCA president since April 2023 and offered some insight into what RCA does and what his position as president entails.
“As president, I manage the executive council that plans campus-wide events and maintains relationships with various campus entities, including dining services, the VP of Student Affairs, campus police, athletics and academic departments,” Taggart said. “I also represent Murray State at the regional and national levels through NACURH and SAACURH as a presidential delegate.”
The RCA president represents a wide variety of students, all of whom have their own needs, wants and interests relating to life on campus. Taggart found importance in maintaining unity amongst the student body.
“The most difficult part of my role is resolving the diverse needs of students and uniting them as one voice,” Taggart said. “However, the most rewarding aspect is executing programs and establishing meaningful relationships with community partners and constituents.”
RCA is responsible for planning and executing several programs on campus, but there are a couple of events in particular that Taggart said the RCA takes pride in executing.
“One of my proudest accomplishments has been amplifying our End of the Year Ceremony, where we achieved a remarkable increase in attendance—over 65 percent (increase in attendance)!” Taggart said. “This transformation not only elevated the event’s prestige but also fostered a vibrant celebration of our community’s achievements and spirit. It was truly rewarding to see so many students come together to honor our shared experiences and successes.”
Rowe expressed pride for another annual event that RCA holds during the winter season.
“The RCA and Staff Congress will be hosting their Annual Winter Holiday Celebration on Dec. 7th from 1-3 p.m. in the Curris Center Grand Ballroom,” Rowe said. “All of the residential colleges and university apartments come together to provide an opportunity for students, faculty/staff and their families, and community members to celebrate the holidays through crafts and activities. It’s one of our best events of the year.”
As the RCA adviser, Rowe has worked alongside Taggart throughout his term and has experienced his contributions and work ethic firsthand.
“Working with Jaylon Taggart has been an incredibly positive experience,” Rowe said. “Jaylon’s leadership has brought energy and focus to RCA’s programming, and his commitment to representing resident interests has been evident in his work. He consistently collaborates with both RCA members and university partners to make meaningful improvements within the residential community environment.”
With his graduation from Murray State in 2025 approaching, Taggart reflected on his plans for the future, where he plans to pursue a master’s degree and hopes to find a career where he will continue to make an impact—as he has aimed to do throughout his time as a Murray State student.
“I was motivated to become the RCA president to have a greater impact on the residential college community and to help unite our diverse student body,” Taggart said.
Taggart’s motivation to have an impact on others began even before his decision to run for the RCA president position.
“Before becoming president, I served as the vice president of programming (for RCA), where I helped maintain our traditions during the global pandemic,” Taggart said. “I also took on the role of interim president at one point. Additionally, I was part of the board that coordinated our Regional Business Leadership Conference through SAACURH, serving as the Mass Gatherings Chair.”
To students who may not be familiar with RCA, its members or their purpose, Taggart said the organization has student interests in mind.
“I’d like people to know that the RCA is dedicated to enhancing the residential experience for all students,” Taggart said. “Our commitment to fostering community and supporting student initiatives is at the heart of everything we do.”
Students can become more involved with RCA or learn more about the organization by attending general body meetings held every Monday at 5 p.m. in the Barkley Room on the 3rd floor of the Curris Center.
