November 4, 2026
By Amelia Glosson (BS 27)
As you’ve finally begun to settle into your dorm, it’s time to meet two important people: your Residence Life Director and Assistant Residence Life Director. This dynamic duo is a vital part of your first year at Grace College.
So what exactly does your residence director do? Your RD is in charge of all things dorm-related. They manage dorm events, resolve safety and maintenance issues, and find solutions to any conflict that may come up in your hall or room. Overall, they ensure that you have the support you need in your new living space.
We reached out to each of the residence and assistant residence directors at Grace to answer some fun questions! Find your residence director and assistant residence director below to learn more about them!
Where are you from?
I am from Miami, Florida.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I went to Cedarville for my undergrad in social work with a minor in Bible. I hold a Master’s in non-profit management from Grace College and a Master’s in higher education from Messiah University.
Do you have any nicknames?
I had a friend in college who I went to everything with. We became known as Big Papi and Little Papi. So some of my friends still call me Little Papi, which has become Papito or Paps.
Have you ever been pranked?
In college, someone swapped out my underwear with my roommate’s underwear. I noticed the following morning when I opened my top drawer and did not recognize the tighty-whities.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love traveling and am always planning my next trip.
What’s a piece of advice you would give to a new student?
Failure is a part of life. It’s what you do with the failure that matters.
Where are you from?
I am from a small town called Camp Verde in Arizona. I now live full-time in Winona Lake, Indiana.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I received my undergrad degree from Grace College! I have my bachelor’s in communication with a minor in theatre. I also received my master’s in higher education from Grace.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I chose to work in residence life because God called me to the work. I was an RA in Alpha in undergrad, and the work of caring for students in hard times, of creating spaces where young women could be themselves, and the joy of mentoring new leaders felt like it was made for me (or maybe that I was made for the work). The women and men who were RDs when I was a student modeled a life of ministry, community, and mentorship, and I wanted to be there with them.
What is one thing you wish students knew about your role?
I wish students knew that RDs exist for them on the good days but also the desperately hard ones; that we wouldn’t have jobs or positions if every student had a great day every day. RDs exist to ease transition, to care well, and to create community for you.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is Little Women (2019). I’ve loved the books since I was a little girl, and the movie takes me right back.
If your dorm has a mascot, who would it be?
Dr. Laurie Owen or the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot, Gritty.
If you were a campus celebrity, what would you be famous for?
According to my RAs, if I were a campus celebrity, I would be famous for being the “Lip Sync Battle Queen”.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I studied visual communication & design with a minor in music technology.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
To be honest, Residence Life was never originally on my list of things I thought I could see myself doing. I was never an RA or GGL, and definitely didn’t imagine myself as an RD. However, post-graduation, I continued to work on and around campus as a part-time AV technician for the school. That kept me plugged into the community here on campus, something that I was very passionate about. As I learned more about the role and was encouraged by peers to apply for the position, I ultimately felt the spirit of the Lord tugging on me and telling me that this is where I was being called to serve. I’d be lying if I said I stepped into the role super confident, but here I am three years later, and I’m thankful for the wonderful experience it has been.
What is your favorite hall tradition?
We came up with a new event last year called “Battle of the Bands,” which ultimately was just a competition between the halls in Beta and Indy where each hall came up with their own song and we matched them up in a bracket-style tournament. That hands down has to be my favorite, hopefully NEW, tradition to keep going.
If you could have dinner with any person, past or present, who would it be?
Honestly? I’m not sure. Maybe the late Chadwick Boseman. I value legacy and creativity and would love to talk to him about his career goals and aspirations, as well as the ways he strove to leave an impact on the people he encountered.
What is one fun fact about you or a talent you have?
A fun fact about me is that from the time I was six to the time I was fifteen, my shoe size matched my age; so at six years old I wore a size six in men’s shoes.
What was your favorite thing to do with friends in college?
I think the thing I enjoyed most with my friends in college was either watching movies in the Alpha lobby or playing cards over in the Westy game room.
Where are you from?
I am from Redford, MI, a close suburb of Detroit. I grew up there and learned to love the city from a young age.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I completed my undergrad at Moody Bible Institute and studied human services.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I have a previous work background in social work and was established in that field for about four years. I knew that I was looking for a change at the time and wanted to work with college students. I also have a heart for mentorship and discipleship. The Lord made it clear in providing the opportunity to move to Indiana and work at Grace, and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience ever since!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a student living on campus for the first time?
Give yourself grace, but don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! Say yes to new experiences, introduce yourself to someone new, and get involved. It takes time to adjust, but some of the best friendships and memories come from just putting yourself out there. Also, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Honestly, probably my Google Calendar! If it’s not on there, it’s not happening.
What is your favorite college memory?
I loved living in downtown Chicago during my undergrad! My favorite memories are definitely the friendships and community. Living in a big city created so many opportunities for spontaneous adventures. Also, I loved getting to worship alongside friends and hear incredible speakers while taking a break from regular classes at Moody’s Founder’s Week every year.
What is your favorite season and why?
I love the fall weather; cozy food, beautiful trees, and football season! I enjoy being outdoors, and getting to walk the Winona Lake trails in the fall is amazing too.
Where are you from?
I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I went to undergrad at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago. My major was originally communications, but after becoming an RA, I switched it to women’s ministry.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I fell in love with residence life in college when I became an RA my junior year. I really felt like I wasn’t qualified with the skill set to be a student leader, but the Lord used many people around me to encourage and push me towards taking the job. I love the way residence life can be so influential in spiritual formation.. I am really grateful and excited to be stepping into this role to see what God does this year.
What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
My ideal Saturday would most likely be going to the farmers market, grabbing coffee, walking outside around the lake, and then spending the afternoon reading or watching a fun movie.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Currently, my two spots are Budapest, Hungary, or New Zealand. My college roommate grew up in New Zealand and currently lives in Hungary so any chance I could take to travel with her.
What was your first job?
My first job was actually at a nursing home, serving in the dining room.
What hobbies do you pursue in your free time?
I am in grad school right now, so my current free time is decently limited, but I really love reading, painting with watercolors, and spending time with friends, family, and my husband.
Where are you from?
I am from Noblesville, Indiana.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I completed my undergrad at Grace College, and I studied psychology with a child and family concentration.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I chose to be a part of residence life because I love the hands-on mentorship that the residence life program provides.
What is your favorite board game?
My favorite board game is Azul.
What is something you wish you knew as a Freshman?
Something I wish I had known as a freshman is to simply show up! Go to events outside of your comfort zone, stop by your professors’ office hours, get plugged into your church. You make so many cool connections that you otherwise would not have.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
My favorite holiday memory is Christmas Eve every year. My family hosts friends and family members every Christmas Eve after church for hors d’oeuvres after our evening church service; it is such a special time for us.
What is one skill you wish you could instantly learn?
If I could instantly learn one skill, I would want to be fluent in Arabic.
Where are you from?
I am from Fishers, Indiana.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I completed my undergrad here, and I studied psychology with a minor in business administration.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I chose to be in Residence Life because I love working with people and investing in others
What is your favorite memory from working in Residence Life?
My favorite memory from working in Residence Life so far is during Hot Seat Night, a get-to-know-you game where players can ask you any question, when Vandy thought he won Jeopardy.
What was your favorite class in college and why?
My favorite class in college was Family Systems with Dr. Edgington. It provided practical application and skills when learning how to counsel families and understand how each of our families changes the way we act, grow, and develop.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
The most adventurous thing I have done is drive from Indiana to Oregon my sophomore year of college, camping along the way, and then work at a summer camp all summer in Boring, Oregon.
Something you are secretly good at?
Something I’m secretly good at is video editing.
Where are you from?
I am from Hebron, Indiana.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I completed my undergrad at Grace; I got my B.S. in business management with a minor in visual art and culture.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I was an RA during my senior year at Grace, and it was such a meaningful experience for me. I loved the sense of community it created and the opportunity to grow as a leader while building relationships with students. I’m excited to continue being involved in Residence Life at Grace in a new role as ARD, where I can invest in the lives of students and keep growing in my leadership skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue being part of a community that has meant so much to me!
Coffee, tea, or neither? What’s your favorite?
COFFEE.
If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?
If I were a fruit, I would probably be a pomegranate.
What is one thing on your bucket list that you haven’t done?
Paint a mural.
What is one thing every student should bring with them to college?
Every student should bring to college excitement and willingness to try new things! You never know what you may end up enjoying; say yes to something unexpected or out of your comfort zone.
Where are you from?
I am from Naperville, Illinois.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I graduated from Grace College last May, and I studied visual communication design.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I wanted to keep learning how to mentor people and how to be a better leader.
What is the best part of living or working on campus?
I love getting to say hi to students as well as continuing to meet new people.
What is a food you could never get tired of eating?
Chicken tikka masala!
What are you most excited about in this position?
I am excited to work with Apartments and create a community that is full of life and loves its neighbors.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you have with you?
A way to play music, strings for friendship bracelets, and an espresso machine.
Where are you from?
I’m from Coloma, MI.
Where did you complete your undergrad, and what did you study?
I completed my undergrad at Cedarville University, and I was a nursing major (I have my RN license) with a Bible minor.
Why did you choose to be in Residence Life?
I was an RA for three years and loved Residence Life. After I graduated from college and worked full-time for a year, I became an RD and did that for nine years.
What is your favorite way to build community with students?
Having them over to my house, grabbing a meal, or going to Jazzbucks. I also enjoy teaching Freshman Year Foundations (FYE), which is a fun way to get to know first-year students.
What is your thing to do around Winona Lake?
I really enjoy the farmer’s market, and I also enjoy driving the Grace boat.
If you had to teach a class about something, what would you teach?
I would teach a class on hospitality, “how to build community around food,” which would be a cooking class combined with team-building activities.
What is one Bible verse that has encouraged you recently?
Some of my favorite verses are Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.'”
Whether you’re new to campus or returning, the Res Life staff at Grace College is here to help you feel at home.
Want to learn more about your residence hall? Click here.
