Spotlight On: Racheal Yates

During her four years at Stanford, Racheal (pronounced “Ra-shell”) Yates has progressed through multiple roles in the Dean of Students Office and learned to swim! As neighborhood program director, she plays an important role in shaping neighborhood life through supervising resident directors and community coordinators, and collaborating with resident fellows to lead each neighborhood’s community council.

 

What education and experience do you bring to this work?

I have a bachelor’s degree in communication and psychology from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from the University of San Francisco. At Stanford, I have been a program manager and then a community coordinator in Residential Education. During the pandemic, I supported the dean of students on COVID compliance.

 

Tell us about your family.

All my family currently lives in Queens in New York City. I have two older sisters, a younger sister and a younger brother.

 

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy gardening, going on nature walks, exploring the beauty of California and grabbing good food as I do so.

 

What is one program/office/experience you think all students should check out?

Take swimming or tennis lessons at the fitness centers. That has been helpful for me, and fitness is just as important for students — they’re balancing so much to do.

 

What is your favorite Stanford memory?

I served on The Row as a program manager my first year — that was a fun year.

 

How has Stanford changed you as a person?

Personally, having access to a lot of resources has allowed me to reach a lot of personal goals. For example, I can now swim — that was huge for me. Professionally, it has taught me to be strategic and adaptable and calm amidst a lot of change.

 

Have you come across anyone on campus who surprised you?

Some of the folks I read about in my graduate program have been professors here, like Claude Steele (now retired). That’s really cool for me.

 

What hidden gems have you discovered on campus?

I like the Cactus Garden (formally known as the Arizona Garden) and the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden. They’re peaceful places where you can reflect and be in nature. The sculpture garden has beautiful historical carvings. I like places where you can take a breath in the middle of the day.

 

What are some ways you take care of your health and well-being while at Stanford?

I take F45 classes at the Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation. I’ve taken swimming and tennis classes. I try to do some walk-and-talk meetings and take some meetings outside in the sun.

 

What are some fun facts about you?

I’m a goofball. I like to break out into dance at random moments. I’m very expressive and a chill person to be around.

 

In this continuing series, you’ll get to know the dedicated staff members serving our student residential communities.