Biography:

Tom is currently in his 18th year as an administrator at PLU. In addition to overall responsibility for Residential Life he takes a particular interest in issues related to budget, occupancy and facility planning. Tom also has supervisory responsibility for the Director of Campus Safety, and serves on the University Dispute Resolution Committee and Academic Dishonesty Hearing Panel. A transplanted Midwesterner, Tom is very happy to call PLU and Tacoma home. When away from the office he enjoys exploring and taking advantage of local opportunities with his family and friends.

Education:

• B.S. Math, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.S. College Student Personnel, Bowling Green State University

Biography:

Jeff serves as the Director of Residential Programs at PLU. He directly supervises the Resident Directors and is responsible for staffing, training, resident education and community development in the residence halls. Jeff also serves on a variety of campus committees including First Year Experience Planning, Campus Sustainability, Wild Hope Project Coordinating Team and Student Success and Retention Task Force. When Jeff is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jen, their dog Kylie and cat Ernie. Jeff also enjoys spending time with friends, playing cards and relaxing.

Education:

• B.A. Religion, Augsburg College
• M.S. College Student Personnel Services, Western Illinois University

Biography:

Rebecca joined PLU and the Residential Life Office in 2007, bringing to PLU 15 years of experience in owning and running her own music studio. Rebecca had a successful career teaching a variety of students in the Puyallup Valley. Besides teaching, she was a co-founder of the reputable Puget Sound Youth Wind Ensemble. Rebecca is still invited to judge music festivals all over the Northwest and she enjoys her time working with these wonderful students. Rebecca is an area native and has many friends and family in the Northwest. She is an outdoor enthusiast and a die hard skier.

Education:

• Studies in Music, University of Puget Sound

Biography:

Dana McDonald is a recent Washington transplant. She claims Michigan as her true home, but still holds strong ties to the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. She received her teaching certification and a bachelors in Geology from Michigan Technological University. Upon graduation, Dana soon discovered that while rocks were fun, student life was her true passion. She has since begun her student affairs career here at PLU.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Geology, Teaching Certification, Michigan Technological University

Biography:

Sarah Allard is the Resident Director of Harstad Hall. Originally a Midwesterner, she came to PLU in July 2007. from Macomb, Illinois where she received her MS degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. She also received her BA degreee in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Sarah's favorite parts of the RD role are interacting with the students and facilitating their learning.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Northern Illinois University
• Master of Science, College Student Personnel, Western Illinois University

Biography:

Nikki is originally a Michigander turned Kansan who is now working on becoming a Northwesterner! She received her BA in Psychology and Public Administration from Grand Valley State University in 2005 and her MS in Counseling and College Student Development from Kansas State University in 2007. Nikki loves PLU because the small campus has allowed her to be well-connected to many students and colleagues alike. She is currently the Resident Director for Hong International Hall and Hinderlie Hall. Nikki works closely with the Languages and Literatures faculty who are involved in HIH, as well as Admissions personnel and the Wang Center. Nikki also really enjoys her time in Hinderlie Hall with the wide range of students who reside there. In her spare time, Nikki loves to read celebrity gossip magazines, fold origami, be outside, wear big sunglasses and dream of one day summiting Mt. Rainier.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Public Administration, Grand Valley State University
• Master of Science, Counseling and College Student Development, Kansas State University

Biography:

Sarah most recently moved from Olympia, but has moved 22 times in her life...that she can remember! She is passionate about working with college students in the residence halls because it is one of the greatest areas of impact that a person can have in life. Her issues of greatest interest include community building, developing effective leaders, and issues surrounding social privilege. Her own personal experience as a first-generation college student, in addition to working in residence life at four other schools across the county have her excited about the possibilities here at PLU! She loves college football (Go Cougs!), major league baseball (Go Royals!), and being color-coordinated. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with friends and family, watching and/or quoting movies, listening to music, and getting ready for her and her partner's first baby...coming in November.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Advertising, Washington State University
• Master of Education, Highter Education and Student Affairs Leadership, University of Northern Colorado

Biography:

Christine grew up moving all over the United States. She has lived in seven states (soon to be eight) and three countries. She comes to PLU from Shanghai, China, where she worked for a year as a high school English teacher. While high school was fun, she realized four years was enough and is excited to return to the university environment as the Resident Director of Tingelstad. Christine loves to travel, experience new cultures, and try new food. In her free time, she enjoys learning languages, reading, and listening to music and dancing. She also enjoys hiking, biking and camping in the great outdoors, as well as playing and cheering for all sports. Christine is excited to move to Tacoma, WA and be a part of the PLU family!

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Spanish, Gettysburg College
• Masters of Education, Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, University of South Carolina

Biography:

Shannah was born and raised in New England. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies in 2006. She then received her M.Ed. in Student Personnel in Higher Education Administration this past May. She received both of her degrees from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Prior to and during her graduate school experience, she worked as the Director of Student Activities at a private boarding school. Shannah finished her second year of graduate school as the first woman to ever serve as the Resident Director of Alumni Hall, which is the all male residence hall on the campus of Springfield College serving 250 men. During that time she also gained experience serving as the Greek Life Advisor for Sorority Life at the University of Hartford. Shannah enjoys anything that is sports related, learning and experiencing new things, and hanging out with friends and family. She is excited to be joining the PLU community and living in the Pacific Northwest.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Springfield College
• Masters of Education, Student Personnel in Higher Education Administration, Springfield College

Biography:

Kassie was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and Savannah, Georgia. She began her undergraduate career at Loyola University New Orleans. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she transferred to College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts where she received her B.A. in Music with a Peace and Conflict Studies concentration. She is now pursuing her M.Ed. in Student Development Administration at Seattle University. Needless to say, the northwest is her final corner of the country to explore! Kassie loves to sing in choirs and a cappella groups, enjoys going on road trips (planned and unplanned), traveling abroad, and going to the beach or a lake on sunny days. She is most excited to work with the upperclassmen in South and Kreidler Halls as well as get to know the whole PLU family.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Music with a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts

Areas of Emphasis:

• Currently pursuing her Masters of Ed in Student Development at Seattle University