Scott Patton
Director of University Housing
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: smitht57@nku.edu

Bio

Originally from Ohio, Scott obtained has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wright State University and Youngstown State University in Mathematics and Curriculum & Instruction respectively. After spending four years at St. John’s University in New York City as a Residence Hall Director, he transitioned to Arizona State University as an Area Coordinator. During his five years at Arizona State University, Scott was promoted to Assistant Director Residence Life then Associate Director of Housing. After his tenure at Arizona State University, Scott accepted a position at University of Georgia as Associate Director for Residential Programs and Services.

To schedule a meeting with Mr. Patton, please email Administrative Assistant, Savannah Slaby at slabys1@nku.edu.  Go Norse!

Heather Burgess
Assistant Director for University Housing - Residence Life
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: burgessh1@nku.edu 

Bio

Heather Burgess (she, her) is joining us as the Assistant Director for Residence Life. Heather is from a small town in Breckinridge County, Kentucky called Custer. She is a Murray State University alumni where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Psychology. She continued her education to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Alabama. She missed the interactions with students and chose to become a Resident Director at the University of Kentucky and served in the role for past four and a half years.  In her spare time, Heather loves to travel, find new recipes to try, and enjoys painting as well. Some of her preferred past-times are reading and watching movies; some favorite movies are Captain America, any of the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings, or the Hobbit series - to name a few. 

Thomas Smith
Administrative Assistant
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: smitht57@nku.edu

BIO

Thomas Smith, originally from Bowling Green, KY, earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Northern Kentucky University. In addition to his passion for theatre, Thomas enjoys unwinding with his favorite TV show, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Nicole Jones
Assistant Director for University Housing - Operations
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: jonesn4@nku.edu

Bio

Nicole Jones has joined the University Housing Leadership team. She is an NKU alum and had a previous role with us as the former academic and billing coordinator. Nicole will be working closely with students who plan to live on campus and need to get registered or have an outstanding balance. Much of her work will align with Success By Design through connecting students to resources and streamlining communications in collaboration with other areas. We are excited to welcome Nicole back to NKU and to our University Housing team! 

Ray Horton
Associate Director for University Housing - Facilities
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: hortoniil@nku.edu

Bio

Ray Horton is re-joining the Norse nation as the new Associate Director for University Housing Facilities. Residing in the Cincinnati region since childhood, Mr. Horton earned undergraduate degrees at both the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University, later earning a masters in college student development at NKU as well. Over the last two decades, Ray has held positions at UC and Southwestern College focusing in the areas of academic advising, retention, and academic support.  

He more recently led the enrollment and student services division at Cincinnati Christian University, a small faith-based university on the west side of Cincinnati and was the owner and operator of his own residential contracting company. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball, and is an avid reader. He currently lives in Union Township Ohio with his family of three children. 

Antwanette O'Neal
Academic & Billing Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: 
Email: oneala6@nku.edu

BIO

I’m Antwanette O’Neal, I am excited to join the team as Academic and Billing Coordinator. I have a background and education in business and marketing management. I have also spent the last 10 years perfecting my skills as a Pastry Chef, which I really love to do. I am  passionate about helping others achieve their goals as well, so I’m looking forward to helping students navigate through this major milestone in their lives. 

Michael Mcgimsey
Graduate Assistant for Desk Services
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: mcgimseym1@nku.edu

Bio

Michael McGimsey has joined the University Housing team as our new Graduate Assistant for Desk Services. Michael is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Northern Kentucky University. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in History. During his time at Colorado State, Michael gained practical experience as a desk assistant and resident assistant, contributing to campus life. Beyond academics, Michael enjoys sports and the outdoors. 

Avery Calloway
Housing Assignments Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: 
Email: callowaya4@nku.edu

BIO

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and obtained my bachelor's
degree from Youngstown State University and my master's degree from Baldwin
Wallace University. I am excited to join the team as the Housing
Assignments Coordinator! I am a proud mother of my daughter and a proud member
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Aside from all things
education/work related I enjoy creating memories with my daughter as well as
watching movies/reality tv. I entered higher education to create a sense of belonging
in the diverse communities that an institution offers. I hope to be a liaison
to the student body and offer support in any way!

Haley Gillespie
Coordinator for Residential Services
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: gillespieh2@nku.edu

Bio

Coming soon

Brieh Walker
Graduate Assistant for Marketing and Branding
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: walkerb11@nku.edu

Bio

Brieh Walker is joining the University Housing team as the Graduate Assistant for Marketing and Communications. As a Norse alumnus and former NKU Women’s soccer player, Brieh earned their degree in psychology and worked in sales and digital marketing for most of their professional career. Brieh is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work.

Blake Clark
Residence Life Coordinator Callahan
Office: Callahan Residence Hall
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: clarkd13@nku.edu

Bio

Blake Clark is excited to be the new Residence Hall Director for East Campus Village (Callahan Hall and Northern Terrace). Originally from Maysville, Kentucky and graduate of NKU, Blake earned his bachelor's in education in the fall of 2021. After graduating, he spent several years working as an environmental educator in southern California and all around New England.  

In his free time he enjoys drawing, hiking, reading, and buying things he doesn't need at thrift stores. While he had a blast traveling and helping students better appreciate our outdoor spaces, he is happy to be back home at NKU and can't wait to get started this semester!

Savannah Slaby
Coordinator for Residential Education
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: slabys1@nku.edu

BIO

Savannah Slaby is an NKU alumnus and the Coordinator for Residential Education. She previously worked at Women Helping Women in Violence prevention. Savannah enjoys performing in shows with local theatre companies such as The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Landmark Productions, watching the latest new reality show on Netflix, or reading a cheesy rom com!

Lashay Elkins
Residence Life Coordinator
University Suites
Office: University Suites
Phone: (859) 448-8446
Email: elkinsi1@nku.edu 

Bio

Mani Elkins is from a small city of Fremont, Ohio and is joining the team as the new Residence Hall Director for University Suites. She attended the University of Mount Union where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education while being a part of the university’s cheerleading team. After graduating from her undergrad, she continued there to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership while working at Baldwin Wallace University as a Residence Hall Director. Mani has worked in Residence Life for a total of 5 years and counting and is excited about joining the Norse Nation.  

Mani is a huge Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles fan, loves writing poetry (Lash Out) and binge watching Bravo shows specifically The Realhousewives franchises. Mani has a lot of personality with big Aquarius energy and loves to laugh while helping people feel welcomed and warmed. 

Adriana Cunningham
Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership
Office: Kentucky Hall
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: cunninghaa10@nku.edu

BIO

Adriana Cunningham is a law student at Salmon P. Chase College of Law. She was born and raised in Evansville, IN, and attended Indiana State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a double minor in forensic investigations and business administration. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and enjoys participating in student-led organizations. At Chase, she continues as a student leader as the Student Bar Association secretary and the Black Law Students Association President. Adriana loves spending time with family, traveling, and cooking when she is not studying. As the graduate assistant for student leadership, she looks forward to making a positive impact, fostering connections, and creating memorable student experiences.

Abbi Toller
Residence Life Coordinator
Kentucky & Norse Hall
Office: Norse Hall
Phone: TBD
Email: tollera1@nku.edu

Bio

Abbi Toller is the New Residential Hall Director at Northern Kentucky University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from NKU, where she also gained valuable experience in University Housing as a desk assistant and a residential assistant. As a proud Norse Alumni, Abbi is dedicated to maintaining the welcoming and homely atmosphere that NKU housing offers to its students and residents. Outside of work, she enjoys gaming and reading, often accompanied by her cat, Lucky.

Claudia Giuffre
Residence Life Coordinator
New Residence Hall
Office: New Residence Hall
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: giuffrec1@nku.edu

Bio

Claudia Guiffre is joining the University Housing team as the new Residence Hall Director for the New Hall. She is a Cincinnati native who earned her Bachelors of Fine Art at Miami University. With a  background in marketing and social media she is looking to highlight all of the good that is happening in the community.  

Claudia is the youngest of seven, has 12 nieces and nephews, and a little dog named Zeus. She loves photographing, painting, hiking, doing puzzles and rock climbing. She was positively influenced by some amazing people during her college journey who were very supportive and transformative for her.

She hopes to be able to be that person for students here at NKU in order to help them in their college journey to grow into the best version of themselves.

Bernadette Sharpe
Housing Operations Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: sharpeb2@nku.edu

Bio

Bernadette completed both her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in college student affairs at the University of West Georgia. After her experience at the University of West Georgia, Bernadette worked a year at Spring Hill College (SHC) in Mobile, Alabama. After SHC, Bernadette worked at Radford University for four years supervising over 5 different communities during her time there and over 60 RAs across the 4 years. One of Bernadette’s proudest accomplishments to date was getting the 800+ bed apartment communities at Radford University structured in terms of staffing needs, duty needs, and opening and closing processes.