On Friday, April 4, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities hosted its Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, where Special Assignment and Occupancy Coordinator for Residence Education and Housing Services Robert Mueller was recognized with the prestigious Spirit of Ability Award. 

Each year, the RCPD requests nominations for the Spirit of Ability Award, honoring leaders across the MSU community who work to create an environment of opportunity, accessibility and inclusion. This year, Robert Mueller was nominated by Access Specialist Hannah Huey-Jones, who praised their remarkable dedication to students' needs. 

“Robert is consistently going above and beyond expectations to create access for RCPD students in housing," Huey-Jones shared. “To me, it seems as though they can move mountains for students without breaking a sweat. I can go to Robert with a student who has such a specific combination of access needs for housing, and they so often come back with a solution that works faster than I imagined it could happen. They are open and welcoming to students, creating access intimacy so students don't feel they have to fight for what they need. Robert has also widened my understanding of what housing accommodations are possible on our campus, which means that students have fewer barriers to getting what they need at MSU. Robert is a joy to work with and makes the complicated business of housing accommodations much less stressful." 

In their role, Mueller oversees a range of critical processes, including coordinating RCPD housing accommodations, managing Gender-Inclusive Housing, handling contract releases, housing exceptions and much more. Their work ensures students with diverse needs find a welcoming and accessible home at MSU.  

“I act as the housing liaison for the RCPD, oversee the contract release and housing exception processes, manage early arrivals/late stays/winter break housing, and work with several campus partner groups to meet their housing assignment needs,” said Mueller. “Additionally, I supervise a marvelous team of two staff members within the Housing Assignments Office: our HAO process specialist, and the HAO special assignment coordinator.” 

Leaders and colleagues across REHS echoed the nomination’s sentiment. Assistant Vice President for Residence Education and Housing Services Dr. Ray Gasser remarked, “Robert brings compassion, thoughtfulness and a deep understanding of inclusion to everything they do. Their ability to connect with students and advocate for equitable solutions has had a meaningful impact not only on our department, but across the MSU community. We’re incredibly proud to see them recognized with the Spirit of Ability Award.”  

Associate Director for Business Operations in REHS Chris Stone-Sewalish also praised Mueller’s exceptional contributions. “From day one, Robert has approached their role with a special blend of empathy and diligence," Chris said. "They consistently go above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, supported and empowered. Robert has also been a thoughtful and dependable partner to the RCPD, helping strengthen our shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion. It’s a joy to work alongside someone so genuinely dedicated to making MSU a place where everyone can thrive.” 

Upon learning about the award, Mueller emphasized the collective effort behind this recognition. “What an honor it is to receive the RCPD Spirit of Ability Award this year! It truly is a fortunate delight to have the opportunity to collaborate with such an amazing team of dedicated RCPD specialists to ensure our students have an accessible and safe home here at MSU,” said Mueller. “Though I act as the primary contact between REHS and the RCPD, this recognition also reflects the remarkable efforts of my fellow REHS Business Operations team members, as well as my partners in REHS Facilities, the Residence Education team, and the Planning and Projects Office.”  

The Spirit of Ability Award is a testament to Mueller’s deep commitment to fostering a campus where every student can feel at home. Their work continues to break down barriers, ensuring MSU is a place of belonging, support and opportunity for all. 

To learn more about the Spirit of Ability Award, visit rcpd.msu.edu/spirit-ability-award.

Author: Casey J Bye, RHS Communications Team editor III