Summary: What are the key differences in working as a student housing professional for COCM versus a public institution? How does working within the confines of a bureaucracy for a university contrast with serving a housing-focused private company? And how can the two work together for the good of the students they serve? Gray Bekurs is the Vice President for Business Development at COCM, working with the marketing team to pursue new management and consulting opportunities. Gray began his career in student housing as Hall Director at Mississippi State, and he had ten years of experience as a residence life professional before joining the COCM team for the first time in 2004. Gray transitioned to the public sector in 2014, serving as Director of Auxiliary Real Estate Operations at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His background in the public and private sectors gives Gray a unique understanding of holistic nature of student housing. Today, Gray sits down with COCM CMO Alton Irwin to discuss his positive experience with student housing as a college freshman and explain the shift in his career focus from music education to housing. He shares his belief in student housing as an important element of access to higher education and describes his initial interest in COCM as an opportunity to learn the business side of operations. Gray addresses the differences between his work in the public and private sectors, offering insight around his experience dealing with related departments like parking and dining. Listen in to understand Gray’s goals as VP of Business Development at COCM and learn how the organization can serve struggling institutions through management or consulting services. Topics Covered Gray’s positive experience with student housing as a college freshman Why Gray shifted his career focus from music education to housing How housing affords students access to higher education Gray’s interest in COCM as an opportunity to learn fiscal responsibility The contrast between working in the public and private sector How Gray learned about related aspects of housing like parking and dining The importance of integrating with other departments Gray’s goals as VP for Business Development with COCM Gray’s intention to explore untapped markets and promote COCM How COCM can serve struggling institutions via consulting or management Connect with Gray Gray at COCM Gray on LinkedIn Connect with Leigh Anne Student Housing Matters Student Housing Matters on Facebook Student Housing Matters on Twitter Capstone On-Campus Management Leigh Anne on LinkedIn
