Seawolves Spotlight: Nathan Flintjer

By Kasey Schefflin-Emrich

Nathan Flintjer is the current Residence Hall Director for Sanger College in Tabler Quad at Stony Brook University. He recently sat down with the Stony Brook Independent to answer a few questions about his childhood, his job, music and royalty.

Stony Brook Independent: Where did you grow up and what is your educational background?
Nathan Flintjer: I am from all over Western New York. I was born in Buffalo, lived in Depew and Angola. I first went to college at Alfred State as a plumbing major, which I failed out of. I then switched to the social sciences, which I graduated from with an AS. I then transferred to SUNY Fredonia, where I received my BA in physiological psychology with a minor in environmental science -- that's a mouthful. Right now I am almost done with my masters in higher education and I plan on marrying a rich woman who can take care of me!

SBI: When did you become a Residence Hall Director for Sanger College and why did you decide to pick Tabler Quad and this specific building?
NF: This is my first semester in Tabler and so far I really like it. I was in H Quad as the RHD for Benedict for the previous two years and the main reason I wanted to come out here was to try something new. I actually applied to both Roth and Tabler because they really appealed to both of my personal interests: science and music.

SBI: What are the best and worst parts of being an RHD?
NF: Honestly, the best part is watching a student grow up and become an adult. It's nice to look back at the first time I met a student, all bright eyed and optimistic, then see them a couple years later, mature, confident, educated. It's nifty. The part that could be considered the worst is that I am almost 30 and I live with roughly 230 18-21 year olds. I am not perfect by any means, but some of the choices my fellow residents in Sanger make can be somewhat frustrating. I am a glass half-full kind of guy though. Even though incidents like that can cause my staff and me stress, I do understand that they are a part of the learning and development process. In all honesty, I have met some great people for the first time during a judicial conference.

SBI: Students have reported that when they pass by your office while entering or leaving the building, they often hear you listening to music. What’s your favorite genre of music? Who are some of your favorite artists?
NF: Wow, that's the million dollar question! I honestly listen to everything. I have found during the years though that I can pretty much listen to anything as long as it is not musically repetitive or contains ignorant lyrics. My favorite genre of music is called "progressive rock." That is like regular rock, but played by musicians who know theory and how to play their instruments beyond just strumming chords. My favorite band of all time is Rush and I actually have three tattoos for them. All easily hidden though -- don't want them to think I am crazy if we ever met. Other bands I am really into are Supertramp, E.L.O., Jeff Lynne, Dream Theater, The Darkness/Hot Leg, The Beatles, Dave Matthews, Michael Jackson, and many, many others. Other genres would be early Motown, rock, classic rock, new wave/punk, classical, hip-hop (not really into rap), and even disco.

SBI: What is one interesting fact that your residents might not know about you?
NF: I am related to Archduke Franz Ferdinand through my mom's side. He was assassinated by the Black Hand, which resulted in WWI. So, if the Austrian/Hungarian Empire comes back, I could be royalty!