At the Heart of Student Success: Two Professionals on Belonging, Advocacy, and Finding Purpose at Western

Bobby Lith and Rachel Iaquinta share how their work—and each other—shaped their commitment to supporting students

When Lith moved from Long Beach, California, to Oxford, Ohio, in 2019 for graduate school, it was the biggest move away from home he’d ever made. A non-traditional student who started college a bit later in life, Lith had already built a foundation in student affairs through community college, a bachelor’s degree, and advocacy work with the Long Beach Unified School District. But Miami University in Ohio offered something new: a chance to deepen his understanding of student support in a formal, academic setting. “I was still learning what that would look like for me, career-long,” Lith says. “And then COVID disrupted a lot of what higher education understood as best practices—inclusivity, mattering, belonging.”

After graduate school, Lith held various roles in student affairs, from research assisting to orientation work. But it was a hall director position at UW Eau Claire that truly expanded his experience. He arrived in July 2023, drawn by the chance to build his supervision and management skills—and, by Wisconsin itself. “I had visited my brother years before, and we’d go up north to Minocqua, Rhinelander, Eagle River. I fell in love with the outdoors,” Lith recalls. “Coming from urban sprawl, that solitude felt restoring. I thought, if I ever had the chance to live somewhere else outside of California, Wisconsin would be that place.”

Two Roles, One Mission
That position also brought Lith to Eau Claire—and into the orbit of Iaquinta, a seasoned hall director who had been there for several years. Their professional paths crossed naturally through committee work and shared responsibilities. Today, they’re partners in life, but their story is also one of shared purpose: both now work at Western in roles dedicated to supporting students outside the classroom.

Lith serves as the Student Parent Resource Navigator, a first-of-its-kind, grant-funded position. Iaquinta is a Residence Director, continuing her work in building community and helping residents harness newfound independence, connect with neighbors, and develop their core values. Though their roles differ, their mission is the same: helping students thrive by meeting them where they are. It’s amazing how overlapping their roles truly are.

“Basic needs and belonging aren’t just academic interventions—they are academic support,” Lith explains. “When a parent knows their child is in secure, reliable care, their cognitive bandwidth expands. They can focus.” Iaquinta echoes the sentiment from her corner of campus. “The residence hall is where students let their hair down. I’m privy to their most vulnerable moments—and their most transformative ones. When students feel like they can be their authentic selves, they build confidence. They start to live out their values.”

Student-Centered by Design
Both define student-centered work as partnership. Lith describes himself as a “co-author” in students’ lived experiences. “Some students benefit from more challenge than support. Others need the opposite. I’m a learning partner in their educational journey.”

Iaquinta draws on her social work background, emphasizing self-determination and motivational interviewing. “Students aren’t going to feel motivated to accomplish a goal if it’s one someone else gave them. It’s about understanding what they want and helping them get there.”

That philosophy plays out daily. For Lith, it might mean helping a student parent secure drop-in childcare—like he did just this week, connecting a student with clinicals to a flexible childcare option through the YWCA. “We completed the paperwork in one day. She can use the service starting Monday. That’s traction, and that’s a good day.”

For Iaquinta, a good day means connection. Even in conduct meetings, she works to build rapport. “When a student who had a conduct meeting comes by later just to say hi or tell me about their day—that’s when I know I’ve made a difference.”

Why Belonging Matters
Iaquinta knows the power of belonging firsthand. As a first-year student at UW Eau Claire, she almost dropped out. “I called my mom every day to come pick me up,” she admits. “But my RA lived next door and pulled me into the community. She made me feel like I mattered.” That experience shaped Iaquinta’s philosophy: belonging isn’t a buzzword—it’s retention. “If you don’t feel a sense of place on campus, if you don’t see people who look like you, you’re not going to stay.”

Lith sees a parallel in his work with student parents, who carry invisible responsibilities that many don’t understand. “I wish more people understood that their commitment looks different. For example, asking for asynchronous participation isn’t disengagement—it’s adaptability. Their resilience as caregivers is remarkable.”

What Working at Western Means
“I’ve personally witnessed faculty and staff living out the mission of every student, every day,” Iaquinta says. “I’m surrounded by extraordinary people I can learn from.” Lith agrees. “Many of our colleagues stand on values like compassion, accessibility, and accountability. That’s where I want to focus my energy. Seeing those values in action motivates me to keep going.”

Even on cold, dark Midwest days, that sense of purpose carries them.

Life Beyond Work
When they’re not supporting students, Lith and Iaquinta recharge together. They cook—Lith’s Thai-Lao-Cambodian grilled beef salad, and Iaquinta’s chana masala. They bike and skate, take their dog, Louie, to the park, and play cards. They plan and dream for the future, and they bring their own brand of fun to the mix. Iaquinta skates in roller derby under the moniker Lord Scarquaad. Lith enjoys a good bad movie—like Troll 2, which has nothing to do with trolls and everything to do with plant-eating goblins. “It’s not very good,” he admits. “But it made for a great first date.”

Advice for Students and Families Feeling Overwhelmed
Iaquinta’s message is simple, but hard: ask for help. “It’s a skill that grows with practice. At Western, we’re lucky to have plentiful resources for basic needs, identity exploration, and connection. Our Western faculty and staff are eager to support you in your journey, whatever it looks like for you.” Lith adds, “You belong here, especially on the tough days. Let’s start with one conversation and create a plan together. Progress is more important than perfection. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.”