TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama student Krista Stringer of Creola was named National Student of the Year by the National Association of College and University Residence Halls at its annual May conference in Raleigh, N.C.

The NACURH student of the year award recognizes individuals who give outstanding service to their campus and its organization for residence hall students.

Stringer is the UA Residence Hall Association president, a role that she held last year as well. She is also the state director for Alabama United Residence Halls, a coalition of residence hall associations from across the state that works in partnership to establish new policies and activities. Stringer was selected in March as the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls region student of the year and advanced to the semi-finals.

Dr. Thomas Hardy, UA assistant director for residential living who has served as Stringer’s RHA adviser for the past two years, endorsed her selection as student of the year. “Krista is one of the best examples I have ever seen of a student leader. She is willing to work as long and as hard as is needed to make sure every detail is adhered to,” Hardy said, adding, “She has made our RHA a strong and united student governance body. There is no one else that I can think of more deserving of this national honor.”

Stringer has enjoyed her time as RHA president at the University, and views it as a special chance to improve everyday life for her fellow students. “I have been involved with RHA since my freshman year, but nothing has been better than getting to serve as RHA president,” she said. “It has allowed me to make changes to improve the halls, as well as make on-campus living fun for the residents.”

The new award is an honor for her, but Stringer’s service to her peers is still a top priority. “The greatest reward is being able to make a difference, but being recognized nationally for the differences you make is a wonderful feeling,” she said.

For more information on RHA and how students can get involved, go to http://rha.studentorg.ua.edu/ or call 205/348-4953. RHA is advised and supported financially in part by the UA Office of Residential Life. UA Residential Life can be reached at http://www.sa.ua.edu/reslife/ or 205/348-6676.