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. 

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

Bio

Nicole Jones serves as the Associate Director of Housing Operations, where she oversees the systems and processes that keep campus housing running smoothly while ensuring students feel supported and at home. She has several years of experience supporting students and families and is committed to ensuring that housing policies remain student-centered. Nicole is passionate about mentorship and making campus feel like home. Outside of work, she loves reading, spending time with her family, and visiting new cities.

Claudia Giuffre
Assistant Manager of Marketing & Promotions
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: giuffrec1@nku.edu

Bio

Claudia Giuffre is the Assistant Manager of Marketing and Promotions for University Housing. A Cincinnati native, Claudia earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Miami University and has a strong background in marketing and social media. She is excited to bring this expertise to her new role, where she will help implement and improve procedures while effectively communicating with our student staff.

Previously, Claudia served in Residential Life as a Residence Hall Director, where she gained valuable experience supporting students and building community. She looks forward to translating what she learned in Res Life into her new position to better serve both staff and residents.

Claudia is the youngest of seven, an aunt to twelve nieces and nephews, and the proud dog mom of a little pup named Zeus. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, painting, hiking, puzzles, and rock climbing. Inspired by supportive mentors during her own college journey, she hopes to continue paying that forward by helping NKU students grow into the best version of themselves.

Antwanette O'Neal
Academic & Billing Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: oneala6@nku.edu

BIO

Antwanette O’Neal is excited to join the team as Academic and Billing Coordinator. She has a background and education in business and marketing management and has also spent the last 10 years perfecting her skills as a pastry chef, which she truly loves. Antwanette is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and looks forward to supporting students as they navigate this major milestone in their lives.

Avery Calloway
Housing Assignments Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: callowaya4@nku.edu

BIO

Avery Calloway was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and her master’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University. She is excited to join the team as the Housing Assignments Coordinator.

Avery is a proud mother to her daughter and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of work, she enjoys creating memories with her daughter, watching movies, and reality TV.

Her passion for higher education stems from a desire to create a sense of belonging within the diverse communities that an institution offers. She hopes to serve as a liaison to the student body and provide support in every way possible.

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

Bio

Haley Gillespie was born and raised in Taylor Mill, KY. She obtained degrees in International Business and Marketing from Eastern Kentucky University where she also worked as a Desk Assistant. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and reading!

Katelyn Rieder
Marketing Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: riederk2@nku.edu

Bio

Katelyn Rieder grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has stayed in the area since. She recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mount St. Joseph University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, minoring in Creative Writing and Communications & New Media Studies. During her studies, she interned at several organizations in digital marketing and editorial roles where she put the skills from her degree into practice. Combining her skills in marketing and life-long passion for academia is a dream come true. When she’s not working, she can be found perusing a local bookstore, going to Cincinnati Reds games, trying new restaurants, or cozying up at home playing video games with her friends.

Judith Tabugbo
Residence Hall Director Kentucky & Norse Hall
Office: Norse Residence Hall
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: tabugboj1@nku.edu

Bio

Judith Tabugbo, a Louisville, Kentucky native, graduated from Northern Kentucky University in May 2024. Judy earned her bachelor's degree in psychological sciences. She aspires to work with individuals who are in need of emotional support, behavior management, and psychological growth and is excited to apply these areas of focus in her work as a Residence Hall Director for Kentucky and Norse Halls. In her free time, she enjoys watching a movie or spending time with my friends. She's excited to return to Norse Nation to be working with such talented professionals this year.

Emma Ligier
Residence Hall Director
University Suites
Office: University Suites
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: ligiere2@nku.edu

Bio

Abbi Toller
Residence Hall Director
Callahan & Northern Terrace Hall
Office: Callahan Hall
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: tollera1@nku.edu

Bio

Abbi Toller is the Callahan and Northern Terrace 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.

Grant Warren
Residence Hall Director
New Residence Hall
Office: New Residence Hall
Phone: 859-572-5676
Email: warreng1@nku.edu

Bio

Grant Warren holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University. Since graduating, he has built a career in Student Affairs, working in both Housing and Admissions at multiple institutions. His professional journey has been driven by a passion for student development and creating engaging campus communities. As a Residence Hall Director, Grant is excited to support NKU students by helping them build meaningful connections and feel at home on campus. He is dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive.

Michelle Walters
Coordinator for Residential Education
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: waltersh2@nku.edu

BIO

Michelle Walters joins us as a new Residence Hall Director and Coordinator for Residential Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky and completed post-baccalaureate training at the National Institutes of Health, followed by graduate work in neuroscience at the University of Houston. She has a strong passion for mentoring, training, and process improvement. A Highland Heights native, Michelle began her college journey at NKU and is excited to be back! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and playing sand volleyball. She’s an active member of several local run and fitness clubs and serves as an Ambassador for Cincy Girls Who—social networks that have helped her re-discover and reconnect with her hometown community.

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.

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.