Scott Patton
Director of University Housing
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: slabys1@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. 

Vacant
Administrative Assistant
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: housing@nku.edu

BIO

Come back to meet our new staff member! 

Dr. Timothy P. Leyson
Associate Director for University Housing - Operations
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: timothy.leyson@nku.edu

Bio

Dr. Timothy P. Leyson joins the Norse community as the new Associate Director of Housing Operations. Dr. Leyson previously served as the Associate Director of Residence Life at Santa Clara University in California. With over 10 years of experience in higher education and student retention strategies, Dr. Leyson keeps student achievement at the forefront of his work. He is actively involved with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and is the chair to The Placement Exchange (TPE) Steering Committee. University Housing is excited to welcome Dr. Leyson to the team and Norse nation.

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. 

Nicole Jones
Academic & Billing Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: jonesn4@nku.edu

BIO

Nicole Jones has joined the University Housing team as our new Academic and Billing Coordinator.  Nicole is an NKU alum and is coming back to the NKU from their work in Early Childhood Education for the last 10 years.  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! 

Lauren Matakovich
Graduate Assistant for Desk Services
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: matakovicl1@mymail.nku.edu

Bio

Lauren Matakovich is from Cleveland, Ohio and is joining the team as the Graduate Assistant for desk services. She graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in family relationships. During her undergraduate studies she joined a sorority and performed on the Shakerettes dance team. A fun fact is Lauren has performed at several NFL stadiums during halftime. Lauren is pursuing a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology. She is very excited to be a part of the Norse Nation! 

Khalid Murray
Housing Assignments Coordinator
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: murrayk14@nku.edu

BIO

Khalid Murray is joining the Norse Nation after obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Washington University in St. Louis. He is stepping into the role of Assignments Coordinator where he will assist students with booking their space, room changes, occupancy management, and other room designation related tasks. This is his first role working in Higher Ed and has dreams of becoming a College/Academic Advisor and perhaps one day a Dean. He looks forward to going back to school to get a  Masters Degree after gaining more experience in the field.

Merlyn Kabarra
Coordinator for Residential Services
Office: Norse Commons 101
Phone: (859) 572-5676
Email: housing@nku.edu

Bio

Coming soon

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

In addition to being an athlete, Brieh also plays the drums, is part of a new band, and just had their first gig recently!

Blake Clark
Residence Hall Director
Callahan Residence Hall
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!

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. 

Isaiah May Jr.
Residence Life Coordinator
Kentucky & Commonwealth Halls and Norse Hall
Office: Norse Hall
Phone: TBD
Email: mayi2@nku.edu

Bio

Isaiah May Jr. is the new Residence Hall Director for the Kentucky and Common Wealth residence halls. Mr. May Jr. earned his master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in May 2022. In his spare time, if he is not with his family, he enjoys conversing with his community members and playing spades. "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything" is one of Mr. May Jr.'s favorite phrases. With Isaiah on the University housing team, our students will be propelled toward a brighter future.  

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.

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

BIO

Savannah Slaby is an NKU alumnus who is honored and excited to be joining the University Housing team here at Northern Kentucky University. As the new Administrative Assistant she’s looking forward to being back on the campus that holds so many wonderful memories. During her time at NKU, Savannah joined Phi Mu Rho Nu and worked as the Phi Mu representative on the Panhellenic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee. She also worked as an assistant teacher with NKU Music Prep, and volunteered as an Ambassador with the Norse Violence Prevention Center. After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies, she developed a well rounded set of skills working as an acting teacher with Acting Up in Mason, OH, a public service associate with Lane Libraries in Hamilton, OH, and a human resources assistant with Prime Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH. When she’s not working, 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!

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.