Office of Residence Life

Our Vision 

To create an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic residential community at Hood College where every student thrives academically, socially, and personally.

Our vision is to cultivate an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. We aim to achieve this by:

• Fostering Connections: Building a close-knit community through direct communication, meaningful relationships, and a shared sense of belonging.
• Promoting Personal Growth: Providing programs and opportunities that enhance emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and self-efficacy.
• Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion: Celebrating the rich diversity of our student body and promoting civil discourse to ensure everyone feels respected and included.
• Ensuring Holistic Support: Collaborating with other college departments to create a comprehensive support network that addresses all aspects of student well-being and success.
• Empowering Student Leaders: Developing Resident Advisors into effective leaders and role models who can positively impact their peers and prepare for future professional opportunities.

Through our dedicated efforts, we envision a residential experience that not only supports students' immediate needs but also equips them with the skills and confidence to succeed beyond their time at Hood College.

Our Mission

The Office of Residence Life at Hood College unites students and housing in a secure and comfortable environment. Our dedicated staff provide services and learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, fostering educational, social, and personal development. Additionally, we oversee judicial affairs for both residential and commuter students.

Our Core Values

• Direct Communication: We foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to communicate openly and respectfully.
• Emotional Intelligence: We enhance self-efficacy through learning opportunities that emphasize empathy, self-awareness, motivation, social skills, and self-regulation.
• Resource Referral: As generalists, we guide students to the appropriate experts to help them achieve their goals.
• Personal Relationships: We prioritize building meaningful connections and genuinely caring for one another.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate the broad spectrum of human differences, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, religion, and thought. We emphasize civil discourse in a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
• Leadership: We provide abundant opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and get involved in campus life.

The Role of Student Leaders and Professional Staff

In the Office of Residence Life, we recognize the importance of having both student leaders and professional staff available to address the myriad of needs our students may have. Resident Advisors (RAs) play a critical role in this framework by serving as accessible peer leaders who can relate to the experiences of residents. They act as liaisons, helping students navigate challenges while promoting a vibrant residential experience. Our professional staff supports RAs by providing training and resources, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively to the diverse needs of their peers.

Collaboration Across Campus

Residence Life works intimately with all college departments, recognizing that student success is a shared mission. By collaborating with academic advisors, counseling services, health services, and campus safety, we create a holistic support system for students. This interdepartmental cooperation allows us to address individual challenges and accommodate students in their pursuit of personal and academic success.

Benefits of Involvement in Residence Life

Participation in Residence Life offers numerous benefits for residents. Through organized programs, residents can engage in meaningful activities that promote community building and personal growth. This involvement fosters connections with peers, enhancing the overall campus experience.

For Resident Advisors, the opportunity to serve in this role is a unique professional development experience. RAs gain leadership skills, crisis management training, and valuable insights into community dynamics, all of which are essential for future career success. They become agents of Residence Life, actively contributing to the mission of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Through our programming and initiatives, the Office of Residence Life is committed to enhancing the residential experience at Hood College, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Staff

In addition to the professional staff listed below, 26 current undergraduate students serve as resident assistants to carry out the office's purpose.

You can reach the Office of Residence Life by email at residencelife@hood.edu, or by telephone at (301) 696-3577.

LaShawn Taylor, Associate Director Click to Open

 

Email:  taylor@hood.edu
Phone:  301-696-3577
Office:  
  Whitaker Campus Center
  Student Life Suite, Room

 

Biography

LaShawn Taylor was heavily involved as a student leader during his undergraduate years at Shepherd University. After completing his bachelor’s degree in English with a creative writing concentration and a minor in communications and new media, LaShawn entered the College Student Development and Administration master’s program at Shepherd University. He served there as a hall director, mentoring and being a resource for residents and student leaders.  During LaShawn’s time at Hood, he works to help students reach their full potential so that they can be successful in reaching their goals. Some of LaShawn’s hobbies include playing with his dog Tinker, writing, painting, and pretending to sing. He is also a huge fan of the Washington Football Team and enjoys acting.

Education

• M.A., Shepherd University
• B.A., Shepherd University

Taylor Gist, Associate Director Administration and Operations Click to Open

 

Email:gist@hood.edu
Phone:301-696-3627
 

Office:
Whitaker Campus Center
Student Life Suite

As Associate Director for Administration and Operations, Taylor manages residential halls, leads initiatives that promote student leadership and engagement, and coordinates with departments across the college to provide fair and equitable housing for students. Taylor is also a member of the Person-On-Call response team that provides 24/7 support to students in need of issues pertaining to facilities, academics, and residential life.  

 

Taylor is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where she earned a B.A. in Spanish and English literature. As an undergraduate, she served as a resident advisor and senior resident. Prior to her role at Hood College, Taylor worked as a K-12 teacher in various school contexts in the United States, South Korea, and Spain. She earned her M.Ed. in School Management from La Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, Spain.

 

In her free time, Taylor walks her dog around Frederick.

Juliana Cano, Graduate Assistant for Student Life Click to Open

Email: cano@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3639

Office:
Smith Hall 
Ground Floor

Juliana is a skilled professional with a strong background in business administration. As the Senior Graduate Assistant for Student Life, she leverages her expertise to contribute to Residence Life and Student Engagement. Juliana's passion for branding and web design, combined with her studies in Management Information Systems, allows her to bring a unique perspective to her role. When she's not working, Juliana enjoys spending quality time with her dog, Soda Pop, and pursuing her creative interests.

Naba Fawzi, Graduate Assistant for Student Life Click to Open

Email: fawzi@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3643

Office:
Whitaker Campus Center
Student Life Suite

Naba is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in supporting students and enhancing campus activities. She holds dual degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Hood College, where she distinguished herself as a student leader. Her ability to foster student success and create welcoming environments makes her an asset in her role as a Graduate Assistant for Student Life.  In her free time, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her cat, Nido.