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 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!
Claudia Giuffre
Assistant Manager of Marketing & Promotions
Office: Norse Commons 101
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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
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.