“Professor, what’s your favorite song on the album?” The question was from one of my students in our student leadership seminar, a course designed for incoming resident assistants, peer mentors, and orientation leaders. They were talking about ‘Cowboy Carter,’ the 27-track musical journey by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter that’s got everyone donning cowboy hats, slipping into boots, and turning their living rooms into a rodeo. Picking a favorite song? Depends on the mood. ‘Texas Hold ‘Em,’ ‘II Most Wanted,’ and ‘Tyrant’ are the tracks currently living rent-free in my head. The question sparked another thought: How does Beyoncé’s spin on country music relate to the work we’re doing every day in housing and residence life?
Queen B’s eighth studio album offers us a glimpse into her evolution, displaying her own style and voice. She shared with her Instagram followers that the music was inspired by a time when she felt unwelcomed. A period when she ventured into the country genre and faced subsequent criticism. Beyoncé’s feeling of being out of place is something many of us can relate to. We’ve experienced what it’s like to be on the other side of belonging, to have our voices muted, our stories overlooked, or face limits placed on us. For those from specific groups or backgrounds, this feeling is deeply familiar. In housing and residence life, our mission is to foster a sense of belonging for our residents. We understand that much like country music, higher education isn’t a place where connection is innate-it’s built.
It’s the heart of what we do- through intentional interactions, programming, student conduct, or academic initiatives –the fundamental outcome is belonging. A wealth of theories and research highlight the importance of this connection, spanning from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Schlossberg’s framework of Marginality and Mattering. The blood pumping through Beyoncé’s work is also about saying she will ‘bend and blend’ and carve her way to belonging.
Another link between Beyoncé’s release and our work in residence life is Baxter Magolda’s idea of self-authorship. With each new album, from ‘Renaissance’ to ‘Cowboy Carter,’ she is reclaiming control, crafting her own narrative. The external formula defining musical genres and dictating who can perform on the stage of the Country Music Association Awards or top the Billboard charts has reached a crossroad. Beyoncé has breathed new life into an iconic Dolly Parton tune, united with Black country artists to spin a Beatles cover, and opened up with songs about love, family, and passion. She has shown the globe her growth and what is means to live unapologetically.
Isn’t that our goal in housing and residence life to guide residents towards self authorship, just like Beyoncé? To support that first-year student who encounters obstacles and wrestles with new thoughts. To be there for the person down the hall seeking resources and programs provided by our staff. It’s about those late night conversations between roommates, learning from decisions, and how time within our halls fostered self-discovery.
‘Cowboy Carter’ is art and serves as a reminder of the importance of belonging and the power of one’s authentic voice. It could easily be used as a strategy for a music and discussion night or prompting folks to articulate their own journey on identity and belonging. What did you think about the album, what resonates? I look forward to seeing you at the next rodeo, thanks for listening.
