We’d like to introduce you to our newest staff member, Blake Chambliss! Blake is joining our software engineering team and in addition to his many technical talents, he brings a wealth of experience from his time working in student affairs. We’re excited by the opportunities working with him will provide to our member schools.
Blake Chambliss
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Malone, Florida
Alma Maters:
- Bachelor’s from Florida State University, Business Management & Human Resources
- Master’s from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College Student Personnel
- Master’s from Loyola University Chicago, Software Engineering
Favorite Emoji: 👨🏻💻✌🏻
Why are you excited to work at Roompact?
I’m so excited to work at Roompact because it allows me to combine my passions for higher education and technology! While I’ve never directly worked in residence life, I understand the demands of res life staff members and I hope to assist in enhancing our software to continue to provide meaningful and engaging experiences between staff and students. I also love the passion my colleagues have for student affairs and our software!
How did you get into software development?
Just after moving to Chicago, my roommate quit her job to enroll in a coding bootcamp. I was interested in the projects she developed and decided to do some self-learning modules to learn foundations of web development. After a few months, I decided to dive deeper by enrolling in computer science classes at Loyola (where I was working as an academic advisor). I really enjoyed the new technical skills I was developing and ultimately finished Loyola’s master’s program in software engineering.
When was a time you made a positive impact on a student?
While working as an academic advisor, an aspiring medical student and I met to discuss their future coursework. She had amazing grades, and contributed her time outside of class to extracurriculars, on-campus employment, and volunteered at healthcare facilities to gain more experience. Despite this, as a first-generation student she lacked confidence in herself. As she began looking for summer internships, she mentioned an internship opportunity through Harvard University and Boston General Hospital. She didn’t think she had a chance, but as we looked at the internship application requirements, she met all of them! I encouraged her to apply and then followed up a week later with more encouragement. She got word that she secured the internship and that experience helped her gain significant medical and research experience. That same student contacted me recently to let me know she was admitted into many of her top choice medical schools. I’m so, so proud of her!
What were you involved in when you were a student in college?
I was involved heavily in Greek Life (Sigma Pi Fraternity), and Dance Marathon (a large, student-run philanthropy). I served on the executive board of my fraternity where I worked to engage more closely with our alumni and developed a better relationship between current members and alumni members. Dance Marathon at Florida State allowed me to gain significant leadership experience where I served on the event management committee. My team ensured a successful event for 1000+ participants.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
I play a lot of indoor volleyball and since moving to Chicago, I’ve started traveling to a few tournaments every year. Additionally, when we’re not all living in a pandemic, I love traveling, and discovering new coffee shops around Chicago.
What social issue are you passionate about?
At this moment I’m very interested in voter engagement and LGBTQ+ issues. I try to create awareness of these issues and how people can work to enact change and/or how to contact their local and state legislators to use their voice regarding these issues.
Roompact hires some of the best talent across the higher education and technology fields. Look for our position postings and consider joining our team. Find out more about Roompact.
