Dr. Thomas W. Hardy has been employed in several different higher education institutions including Florida State University, Maryville College, and The University of Alabama. He joined the VSU as the Director of Housing & Residence Life in the Fall of 2005. Dr. Hardy received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from St. Mary's College of Maryland, his Master of Science degree in Student Affairs from The Florida State University, and his Doctor of Education degree from The University of Alabama.

Dr. Hardy has been active in several professional associations, such as GHO, SEAHO, ACUHO-I and NASPA, and has served as a national exhibits committee sub-chair, a regional associates (vendor) chair, conference host committee member, on the regional programming body, a regional strategic planner and task force member, the state editor, state treasurer, and state Advisor. Dr. Hardy co-edited a New Directions in Student Services monograph with Jossey-Bass Publishers about gambling on campus and co-wrote an article in The Oracle, a Greek Life publication. Dr. Hardy has won several awards, including the Georgia Housing officers "Excellence in Housing" award. Dr. Hardy also is an adjunct faculty member in the Higher Education Leadership program for graduate students at VSU as well.

Dr. Hardy's community involvement includes a city appointment to the Valdosta Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals and a Leadership Lowndes participant. He is also the committee chair for Pack 404 of the Alapaha Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

If you have any Housing and Residence Life related questions, feel free to contact him via phone or email as listed below.

Phone : (229)333-5920
Email: Dr. Tom Hardy, twhardy@valdosta.edu

Leighia Hammond joined the Housing & Residence Life staff at VSU in the Fall of 2005 as the Associate Director. She is primarily responsible for overseeing the housing operations component of the department. Hammond was first employed by VSU in 1999 as a residence hall director, and in 2002, she joined Ambling Management Company as a property manager at North Georgia College and State University. Most recently she served as the Director of Customer Support at Ambling Management Company before coming back to join the staff at VSU.

Hammond is originally from Louisiana. She earned a Master of Science degree in counselor education from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi. While pursuing both undergraduate and graduate studies, Hammond managed student housing communities at Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Phone : (229)333-5920
Email: Leighia Hammond, llhammond@valdosta.edu

TBA

A native of Michigan, Sarah VanKuiken is excited to join the VSU Residence Life Team after working in Residence Life at Elon University in North Carolina. Sarah is a proud graduate of both Calvin College and the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Masters of Education. Respectively, Sarah began her residence life career as a Resident Assistant at Calvin and has served as Hall Director and Assistant Director of Residence Life before coming to Valdosta State University.

When Sarah is not working with Living Learning Communities or the Blazer Residence Hall Association, she can usually be found running laps around campus or taking a weekend trip to the beach.

Phone : (229) 333-7392
Email: Sarah VanKuiken, slvankuiken@valdosta.edu

Ryan Teter joined the VSU Housing Team in July 2004 and served as a Residence Hall Director in Georgia, Reade, and finally Lowndes Hall. Ryan took on the Residential Facilities Coordinator position with Housing and Residence Life in July 2007 and is working to continually improve residential facilities on our campus.  He currently oversees all facilities related issues and capital improvement projects in 7 traditional/suite style buildings and, two apartment buildings. Ryan also sits on the planning team for new construction and renovation of VSU residence halls.

Ryan received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Mass Media and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Valdosta State University. During his undergrad years, he was an RA in Lowndes and Patterson Halls. He is a member of state and national professional organizations including GHO, SEAHO, SACSA, and ACUHO-I. Ryan is also a VSU 1101 Instructor and has a passion for reaching out to college students. Time away from work is spent outdoors!

Phone: (229) 333-5217

Email: Ryan Teter, rdteter@valdosta.edu

Darli Devane has been with VSU for ten years but joined the Office of Housing and Residence life in October 2003. She is in charge of the student Contracts and Room Assignments. She helps to coordinate all room changes. She oversees the opening and closing of the halls. She coordinates the room selection for all returning students. She is a graduate of Valdosta Technical College.

When not at work, Darli enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is an active member of her church where she enjoys teaching Children's Church, Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School. Darli also loves to watch the Andy Griffith Show , and in her heart, Elvis will live forever.

Phone: (229) 333-5920

Email: Darli Devane, djdevane@valdosta.edu

Louise Nathan, native of Valdosta, joined Valdosta State University in June 2001 in the Office of Career Services/Co-Op as an Administrative Secretary. Nathan worked there for six years before transferring to the Office of Housing and Residence Life as an Accountant Assistant. She graduated from Valdosta Technical College with an Accounting diploma. In her leisure time, she likes spending quality time with family and friends. Louise believes that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. 

Phone: (229) 333-5920
Email: Louise Nathan, wnathan@valdosta.edu

Nichelle Lewis joined the Housing and Residence Life Office in 2007. She graduated from Valdosta State University in 2008 and is now earning her Masters in Business Administration. With plans to graduate in the Summer of 2011, she will be busy this year earning her certifications in Auditing and Market Research/Budget Analysis. With future plans of growth, she will be in pursuit of her Doctorate in Business Administration in Leadership Strategy and Innovation.  

Nichelle’s extracurricular activities include her involvement with the Ruff Ryders of Valdosta, traveling to visit friends in faraway places and enjoying the presence of family in hopes of one day starting her own. In the meantime, Nichelle is enjoying another great year with the best office on campus and loves being someone both students and parents can count on for future growth here at Valdosta State.  

Favorite quote: Trying not to become a woman of success, but rather a woman of value.  

GO BLAZERS!

Phone: (229)333-5920
Email: housing@valdosta.edu

Adonis Thompson joined the VSU staff in August of 2009.  Originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, he graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1999. Afterward, he achieved his B. A. in Radio/TV Production in December 2003 from Arkansas State University.  Upon leaving college he started a job as a producer/director in the Creative Services department at KAIT-TV (ABC) in Jonesboro.  A year later, he was leaving and headed to New York City to be a VJ/host for Fuse TV.  Although he loved what he was doing, Adonis felt that he had a calling to help others reach success through collegiate ranks.  In 2009, he graduated with a M. S. degree in College Student Personnel Services.

While in college, Adonis was very active with student organizations such as Student Government Association, National Broadcasting Society and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  This involvement led to him working closely with numerous administrators and faculty members on campus, and helped to grow his love for student affairs.  Adonis chose VSU's Office of Housing and Residence Life, because he wanted to have a position where he could work with students on a day-to-day basis, and help in their development as young adults. 

In his spare time, Adonis is a HUGE music fan.  It is a common staple of his life.  He also enjoys working out, sports, catching a good movie and being around good people. 

Feel free to stop by his office in Centennial Hall!

Phone: (229) 333-5330

Email: Adonis Thompson, ajthompson@valdosta.edu 

After spending a year in the cold state of Maine, Bonnie Brackett is excited to return to her home state of Georgia and begin working at VSU as a Complex Director. Bonnie is originally from East Point, Georgia on the southern side of Atlanta. Although Bonnie originally wanted to plan weddings and graduated with a B.S. in Leisure and Sport Management from Elon University in Elon, North Carolina, she discovered the field of Student Affairs and decided to shift career paths. After working as a Graduate Resident and completing her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration at the University of Georgia in 2010, Bonnie headed north where she was the Assistant Director for Residence Life and Housing at the University of Maine at Farmington for a year. Now she is ready for a return to the warm weather and charm of the south!

During her college years, Bonnie was very active in many aspects of Student Affairs, including residence life, leadership, orientation, admissions, and community service. Bonnie spent several years as president of the Resident Student Association at Elon University and held two positions on the SAACURH Executive Committee while at the University of Georgia before moving into an advisor role for the Campus Residence Council at the University of Maine at Farmington. Bonnie is excited to be working at a school with a strong RHA and NRHH in her home region!

When Bonnie is not working with students and staff, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, watching television, cheering on the Elon Phoenix and Georgia Dawgs, shopping, and traveling. The Georgia coast holds a special place in her heart and Bonnie is looking forward to many trips to Jekyll Island and the surrounding coastal area. Bonnie is also involved with the Young Alumni Council at Elon and travels back to North Carolina several times a year for Young Alumni meetings.

Don’t hesitate to stop by Bonnie’s office and say hello! Bonnie is always eager to talk with students and share some candy or homemade cookies!

Phone: (229) 333-2194

Email: Bonnie Brackett, babrackett@valdosta.edu

Stephanie grew up in Jamaica but calls the Atlanta area her American hometown.  Stephanie graduated from Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics.  While attending Georgia Tech, she held various leadership positions in organizations including Student Government, Caribbean Students Association, and Hall Council. Stephanie chaired the planning committee for a leadership conference for Georgia Tech students. While at Georgia Tech, she realized she loved working with people much more than she liked working with mathematical proofs.   After leaving Georgia Tech, Stephanie obtained a Masters degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs.  Stephanie returned to Atlanta to work as a Residence Hall Director for 3 years with Georgia State University.  After which, she spent a year receiving training from and then working with two religious organizations. 

Stephanie believes that college students are the future leaders of our society and wants to help students make the most of their college experience.  Stephanie enjoys talking to students about life’s decisions, purpose, values, and how do we interact with those who are different from us.  She also loves to hear about students’ classes and what they like doing during their free time.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys reading non-fiction, spending time with family and friends, cooking and eating.  Stop by her office to say hi and tell her how your day is going.

Phone: (229) 333-5607
Email: Stephanie Bent, smbent@valdosta.edu

Nineteen years ago, Samantha was transplanted from her native Texas to Valdosta, GA due to the military. Since then, she has worked a three year term as a student assistant in Information Technology at Valdosta State University, after which she took a four year hiatus to pursue a career in property management. She returns to Valdosta State University as the Receptionist for Housing and Residence Life while she completes her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media. She is a photography enthusiast and enjoys reading a variety of literature in her spare time.

Phone:

Email: Samantha Leschber, seleschber@valdosta.edu

Elsie Crane, a long-time Valdosta resident, joined the VSU staff in 2004. She worked at the University Bookstore and more recently, the Langdale Market. Joining Housing and Residence Life in July 2007, Elsie is glad to be able to continue to work with students and student staff. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she admits to a dual allegiance to red and black! Formerly involved in needlework retailing and instruction, Elsie continues to enjoy quilting and reading about this art form and the men and women involved with it.

Phone: (229) 333-5269

Email: Elsie Crane, elcrane@valdosta.edu

Hilary Martin is the graduate assistant for marketing and public relations. She is from Ringgold, GA. Hilary graduated from Reinhardt University in 2010 with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. While at Reinhardt, she was involved in residence life, campus ministry, and the communication honor society, Lambda Pi Eta. At VSU, Hilary is pursuing her Masters degree in Higher Education and hopes to make her experience just as fun and memorable as her undergrad.   Hilary spends a lot of her spare time baking, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. More than anything, she loves to be involved in any activity that keeps her outside, especially camping, hiking, and frisbee!

Phone: (229)245-2485

Email: Hilary Martin, hmmartin@valdosta.edu

Ivana Ibrahimovic is from Grand Rapids, MI but was born in Croatia and grew up in Germany. She speaks Croatian, German, and English fluently. She graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. At Michigan State, she worked as a Research Assistant, as an aide to the Director of Communications and tutored International Students. She was also involved in the student organizations NSSLHA and Circle K.

At Valdosta State she is pursuing a Masters' in Communication Disorders, and plans on working as a Speech-language Pathologist once she graduates. She's really excited to be the new Programming and Assessment GA, and looks forward to meeting some great new people!

In her spare time, you can find her cheering on the Spartan Men's Basketball team! She's also a huge fan of the Pistons. She enjoys cooking, shopping, reading, traveling and especially playing tennis and volleyball.

Phone: (299) 333-7390

Email: Ivana Ibrahimovic, iibrahimovic@valdosta.edu

Allison Taylor is from Jeffersonville, IN. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University holding a BA in Theatre. She is in her second year of graduate school where she pursuing her degree in Student Affairs. She is the co-advisor of Residence Hall Association (RHA). She enjoys traveling to the beach, spending time with friends, dancing and helping others. Her office door is always open, stop by sometime!

Phone: (229( 245-2430

Email: Allison Taylor, alltaylor@valdosta.edu

Thomas Shamrock is a 24 year old graduate student from Peachtree City, Georgia. He received his undergraduate degrees From Valdosta State University in Marketing and Management. He is currently enrolled in the MBA program. In his spare time, he loves to read, play disc golf, and be with friends and family. Thomas is always willing to help people, so never hesitate to let him know if he can assist you in any way.

Phone: (229) 245-2429

Email: Thomas Shamrock, tsshamrock@valdosta.edu

Matt Parnell is a native of Valdosta. He is a recent graduate of Valdosta State University where he received his BA in History. He will be pursuing his master’s in Higher Ed. Matt has worked as a student facility assistant for the past year. In his spare time he enjoys being outdoors, fishing, and spending time with friends. He loves playing soccer. He loves all types of music. He enjoys spending time with his family when he has down time. He will be the contracts and assignments graduate assistant. He is looking forward to this new position within housing. Matt hopes to one day work in local government.

Phone: (229) 245-2431

Email: mtparnell@valdosta.edu

Shae Lynn graduated from Valdosta State University with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Psychology. She is pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling and hopes to be a high school guidance counselor. During her years at VSU, she has acquired several different positions through the Office of Housing and Residence Life- from Front Desk Worker to student assistant in the central office- and her most current position as the GA of the Night Operations Team. In her spare time, you can catch her helping out with the VSU Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band, swimming at the VSU Student Recreation Center, or socializing with her sisters from Sigma Alpha Iota, an International Music Fraternity for Women.

She has an open door policy and loves to meet new people so feel free to stop by her office!

Phone: (229) 219-3197

Email: smlynn@valdosta.edu

Tisheika Snow will be spending her first year with the VSU Housing and Residence Life’s Camps and Conference Team for the 2011-2012 school year. She received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

While at USF, Sheika was a Resident Assistant to first year students for two years and the Historian for the Resident Assistant Advisory Board. She also enjoyed being a part USF’s Dance Marathon Morale Team as well as Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. In her free time, she loves to paint, draw, dance and most of all read the Harry Potter series.

Phone: (229) 333-2429

Email: tsnow@valdosta.edu