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Ford Center for the Fine Arts

Campus Life Staff

Jake McLean

Jake McLean

Assistant Dean for Campus Life

Jake received his B.A. in Communication Studies from Monmouth College and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Ambrose University. As Assistant Dean, Jake manages Knox's housing operations and provides oversight in Fraternity/Sorority Life, Student Activities, and Leadership. As a liberal arts college graduate, Jake believes in the power of the campus life experience and the impact it can have on students' lives long after commencement. Fun fact about Jake, he is the co-host of the Life, Leadership, and Laughs podcast!

309-341-7303

jrmclean@knox.edu

Missy Kratz

Missy Kratz

Administrative Assistant, Residential Life

Missy is the Administrative Assistant for the Campus Life Office and began working at Knox College in 1996. As part of her position, she works closely with student organizations, assisting them with travel plans, purchases and monitoring budgets. Missy enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, golfing, gardening, and going for walks. Missy currently lives in Galva with her husband. They have two young adult children and many family pets.

Aryn Smith

Coordinator of Student Engagement

Aryn's first passion is sports. Growing up she participated in multiple sports and continued to play through college. She received her B.A in Exercise Science at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. There she played softball, was an R.A., and was involved in many clubs and organizations. Aryn then wanted to work in Athletic Administration, so she took an internship in Upstate New York. Afterwards she moved from New York to Nebraska where she worked as a Graduate Assistant Softball Coach and received her M.S. in Adult Organizational Learning. After receiving her degree she realized that her passion is in working with college students and helping them grow. As the Coordinator of Student Engagement she supervises resident assistants, oversees all student clubs and organizations, and advises Union Board along with other duties.

arlsmith@knox.edu

Meet Our Resident Assistants

    • Resident Assistants (RAs) are Student Leaders and important student staff in the Campus Life office.  They play an integral role in student engagement, support, and belonging on our residential campus and serve as mentors, role models, and advocates for their residents.  RAs are valuable sources of information and guidance and assist in resolving roommate conflicts, enforcing residence hall policies and procedures, and planning activities and programs.  They are there to support and guide residents through their college experience and can assist with a variety of issues, whether it's academic concerns, personal challenges, or navigating campus resources.  RAs create opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others and are responsible for facilitating the general safety and well-being of the community.  If you have any problems or concerns, your RA is the first person that you may contact in seeking a resolution!

    • When in doubt, ask your RA!  RAs can assist you with a various questions, issues, or concerns you may have, and may do things such as:

      Connect you to Red Room Tutoring

      Utilize a community success plan to create guidelines that everyone agrees to

      Help you submit a work order to have something in your room fixed

      Brainstorm ways to bring up a concern with your roommate or suitemate

      Mediate a conversation with your roommate or suitemate regarding an issue, concern, or conflict

      Enforce quiet hours, and help you learn how to do the same

      Help you learn how to use the washer and dryer

      Listen to your concerns and questions and help you navigate relevant campus resources

      Have conversations with someone violating community guidelines or College policies, and document the situation

      Help you understand the College policies

      Connect you to peers and get involved in organizations on campus that match your interests and goals

      Answer questions about the College, or connect you to places to find answers to your questions

      Connect you with the Center for Career Success to learn more about job or internship opportunities

      Organize and host a program for your community focused on a specific topic you are interested in or want to learn more about, including building relationships with others in your community and learning more about interpersonal skills

    • Duty RAs are first and foremost relationship builders, guides to campus resources, and are focused on student safety and wellbeing.  They take note of policy violations or unsafe situations and help resolve them as appropriate while documenting the situations as necessary.  You'll see the Duty RA team walking through common areas of suites and around campus at various times in the evenings throughout the week - say hi and chat with them!  Duty RAs are another resource to build connections in our residential community and help support students with a variety of needs.  They are also the same staff you'll see working in Taylor Lounge, the student lounge space.

      You may call the Duty RA at 309-335-5206 between 4:30 PM and midnight on weekdays and 8 AM and midnight on Saturday and Sunday.  Call the Duty RA if you need someone to talk to, you want support or guidance but don’t feel it requires Campus Safety or a Campus Life Professional, if you aren’t sure what to do about a situation in your suite and your RA is not available, etc.!

New Student Resident Assistants

Anirudh Madarapu

Anirudh Madarapu

He/Him

RA on Duty

Anirudh Madarapu (He/Him) is a junior double majoring in Computer Science and Data Science. He is from Hyderabad, India, and works as a full-stack web developer at the Office of Communications. Anirudh is also actively involved in the Entrepreneurship Society and the Badminton Club. He believes in giving back to the community and works as a computer science tutor in the Red Room. He is passionate about sustainability and volunteers at the Knox Farm in his free time to support sustainable practices at Knox. Anirudh became an RA to serve as a role model for students and help create a safe and welcoming community at Knox. He is excited to make lasting memories with his residents and this year’s RA team!

Benedek Csakany

Benedek Csakany

He/Him

Benedek Csakany(He/Him) is a sophomore majoring in Business and Management. He is from Budapest, Hungary. He is a member of the Fencing team, the Entrepreneurship society and also a Student Senator. He loves going to the gym and training with fellow students. He wanted to be an RA to help everyone find their place on campus and help them achieve their academic and general goal. He is looking forward to making memories with his residents and RA team!

Devan Boone

Devan Boone

She/Her

Devan Boone (she/her) is a senior majoring in Anthropology and Sociology and minoring in Religious Studies and Environmental Studies. She is from Bend, Oregon but spends her time away from Knox in Northwest Montana. She is the tour manager for the Knox College Choir and participates in Terpsichore Dance Collective. Devan enjoys hiking, knitting, and working on music in her spare time. She is an RA because she enjoys making meaningful connections with her residents and helping first year students in their transition to college. She is looking forward to welcoming her residents to Knox and building community in the next class of Knox students like she has experienced in her time on campus. 

Dibyasha Sharma

Dibyasha Sharma

She/Her

RA on Duty

Dibyasha Sharma (She/Her) is a sophomore double majoring in Computer Science and Economics. She is from Kathmandu, Nepal. She is a member of the Equestrian team and is also a staff editor for Quiver, the genre magazine on campus. She works as a Peer Career Advisor, is a duty RA, and is planning on TA-ing for a Computer Science class along with conducting research this year. She wanted to be an RA to be a help new students find their place on campus and contribute to the overall Knox community. She is looking forward to this year and is excited to create lasting memories with her residents and RA team!

Eli Johnstone

Eli Johnstone

He/Him

Eli Johnstone (he/him) is a sophomore majoring in Psychology. He is from a small town called Ashland City which is right outside Nashville, TN. He is a member of the baseball team and also one of the Student Athletic Trainers in the training room. He wanted to be an RA to be able to help guide incoming students in the best way possible to have a succesful year. 

Jenni

Jenni Niemann

She/Her

RA on Duty

Jenni Niemann (she/her) is a sophomore planning to major in anthropology/sociology and psychology :3 She is from the western suburbs of Chicago and loves to learn, listen to music, stare trees and to just be! Jenni sought out the RA position because she finds it beautiful having the opportunity to harbor meaningful relationships with her residents while fostering a community where she can witness and encourage individuals to take the initiative to experience/get to know themselves. Also, because she loves to cultivate spaces where people feel safe and grounded to express themselves freely!! Jenni is stoked to be an RA and embark on a new journey with her residents this year!!! YAHOOO :D

Lexi Sendall

Lexi Sendall

She/Her

Lexi Sendall (she/her) is a junior majoring in Education and minoring in Religious Studies. She is highly involved in the FSL community at Knox and serves on the executive teams for both Delta Delta Delta and the Panhellenic Council. Dance is her greatest passion and she is part of the Knox College Dance Squad as well as Terpsichore Dance Collective. You will also find her singing as part of the Knox College Choir. Additionally, she is a Peer Career Advisor in the Career Success Office. She is looking forward to being a part of building an amazing community at Knox as a resident assistant this year!

Lissette Adame

Lissette Adame

She/Her

RA on Duty

Lissette Adame (she/her) is a junior majoring in Business. She is a first-generation college student from Skokie, Illinois :) She loves Marvel, direct communication, playing video games/streaming, making art & cinematic videos, and LOVESSS doing nails💅✨! As an RA, Lissette 100% understands that you are trying your best every day. She will always be open to listen, communicate, & guide you to helpful resources. She wants you to feel confident about your journey and your goals⭐️She’s very excited to make fun core memories with you <3 

Megan Moore

Megan Moore

She/Her

Megan Moore (she/her) is a junior majoring in Biology with minors in Psychology and Health Studies. She grew up in Chicago, IL and has found a second home at Knox. She has been involved in the Knox Farm, Blessings in a Backpack, Equestrian Club, the Knox String Ensemble, and Terpsichore’s Dance Fest. Megan loves passing her knowledge to others and has a passion for helping people; she is excited to be able to do so throughout the year as an RA and be able to see people grow through this new chapter of their lives!

Moony Ueda

Moony Ueda

She/they

RA on Duty

Moony Ueda (she/they) is a sophomore planning to major in Psychology. She also works as a Japanese tutor at the Red Room. She wanted to be an RA to make residents feel welcome at Knox and help them make new friends. She is looking forward to making memories with her residents and RA team!

Morohunkeji Akinremi

Morohunkeji Akinremi

She/Her

Keji Akinremi is sophomore planning to major in cognitive and behavioral science. She is from Chicago, IL and is involved as the secretary of Harambee, PR of UNICEF, a member of Knox Student Senate, the Pre-Health Club and the Knox Enharmonic Fire. She is excited to be an RA for the purpose of helping incoming students find the transition to college easier and enjoyable while building a community that values growth and creating endless memories. 

Nathan Brooks

Nathan Brooks

He/Him

Nathan Brooks (He/Him) is a Junior from Houston, Texas. He is majoring in History with two minors, one in German and the other in Art Museum Studies. He is involved with the German club, Art History club, Blessings in a Backpack, and previously played for the Knox College Strings Ensemble. He is excited to get to know new students on campus, and to engage further in the Knox community by becoming an RA.

Nicole Yang Ruby

Nicole Yang Ruby

She/Her

RA on Duty

Nicole Yang Ruby (she/her) is a junior, double majoring in Asian Studies and Education (without licensure). She was born in Queens, New York and spent her high school years in Surabaya, Indonesia. Besides being an Duty RA on campus, she is currently an Admissions Ambassador, giving tours of the campus, Co-President of I-Club, and works in the Theatre's Scene Shop! Outside of her work time, she enjoys dancing on stage! She hopes as an RA to build a positive residential experience and be a reliable leader in the space for her residents. She's proud to be part of the RA team, and she looks forward to meeting her residents this year!

Nysa

Nysa Phulwar

She/ Her

Nysa is a junior who is majoring in biology. She is from Mumbai, India and is involved in several activities on campus such as Union Board, I-Club and the Chem Club. As a research enthusiast, Nysa also spends a great deal of time in the biology lab. But she loves meeting new people and loves helping others achieve their goals and grow and improve. She is looking forward to meeting her new residents and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone!

Rez Pena

Rez Pena

He/Him

Rez(he/him) is your run of the mill involved member of Knox! They do IT if you have have some issues with the WIFI or your Knox password. They also do Blessings In A Backpack every Tuesday at 5:45 in front of Alumni (you should join us)! Obligatory major mention, they're a Computer Science and Education Double Major. You may find them at the gym if you wake up early enough. He's Texan, but lacks the cool accent. They make up for it by having an even cooler cat. He's ready to breeze through his last academic year with his residents.

Santosh Pant

Santosh Pant

He/Him

Santosh Pant (he/him) is a sophomore at Knox College, majoring in Computer Science and Business with a minor in Mathematics. He is an international student from Nepal and a member of the South Asian Club (AAINA). Santosh works on campus as an Admissions Ambassador and a CS tutor. As an RA, he wants to help students feel at home at Knox while learning from their diverse experiences. He is excited to get to know all his residents and create a close-knit community with them.

Sikandar Mateen

Sikandar Mateen

He/Him

Sikandar Mateen is a junior majoring in neuroscience and Data Science. He is from Lahore, Pakistan and is the President of Student Senate. He is also involved in Union Board and Islamic Club. He works as an interfaith peer educator and ITS Helpdesk Worker. He wanted to be an RA to ensure that all his residents are living in a safe and comfortable environment and looks forward to making many memories with the RA team and his residents.

Smith Henke

Smith Henke

they/them

RA on Duty

Smith Henke (theythem) is from Columbia, Missouri and they love the Mountain Goats. They're a junior majoring in Creative Writing (and maybe Anthropology/Sociology). They love to walk around campus and get involved in poetry open mics and concerts held by cool folk. They wanted to be an RA in order to support first years and help people on campus grow into themselves. This year, they're looking forward to being in structured environments again and learning about and making friends with all the new Knoxies!

Returning Student Resident Assistants

Abdullah Ashal Pal

Abdullah Ashal Pal

he/him

RA on Duty

Pal (he/him) is a senior at Knox College, double majoring in Data Science and Business Marketing. Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Pal has taken on various roles on campus, including serving as a Peer Career Advisor, working in the IT department, tutoring, and previously holding positions as an Orientation Leader and Public Relations Chair for International Club. As a Resident Assistant, Pal strives to be a role model, helping others find their place on campus and is always open for friendly conversations. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing racket sports, and spending quality time with friends

Dipesh Adhikari

Dipesh Adhikari

He/Him

I am a sophomore doing a double major in Computer Science and Business Management (Accounting/Finance). I come from Kathmandu, Nepal and am excited to make memories with my residents, the RA team and everyone in general.

Elyshia Perez

Elyshia Perez

She/her

Elyshia Perez (she/her) is a junior majoring in Business and minoring in Spanish Translating and Interpreting. She is from Chicago, IL. She is a member of the Softball team and Lo Nuestro. She is also on TERP! She wanted to be an RA to make residents experience here comfortable and good! She is looking forward to making memories with her residents and RA team!

Kiely Thompson

Kiely Thompson

She/Her

RA on Duty

Kiely Thompson (She/ Her) is a senior majoring in Chemistry, with a double minor in Biology and Health Studies. She is from Fountain, Colorado. She likes to read and do almost any fiber arts craft (yarn or thread crafts). She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, as well as the string art squad, chemistry club, Knox College flute choir, book club, admission office, and the honor board. She wanted to be an RA because she loves to help others find their place and enjoy their time at Knox. She is looking forward to making memories with her residents and RA team!

Kyra Kellogg

Kyra Kellogg

She/Her

Kyra Kellogg (she/her) is a senior double-majoring in History and Environmental Studies. On campus, she is a part of the Theatre Advisory Board (House Manager), Book Club, and ASL Club. She also works in the Abolition Lab and as an ENVS/FP tutor. Ask Kyra about her honors research on cooperative farming, rural liberalism and agricultural policy! She is excited to be returning to the RA team with goals of ensuring safety/wellbeing, creating community, and engaging with campus. Kyra is from Lake Elmo, Minnesota. 

Manuel Espitia

Manuel Espitia

He/Him

RA on Duty

Hello my name is Manuel, I am from Whittier CA and I am a junior here at Knox. I am a Psychology major with a minor in Sociology and I play football. I am excited to help create a great welcoming atmosphere for all students this year!

Morgan Bean

Morgan Bean

She/Her

Morgan (she/her) is a senior majoring in business and biology. She is from Chicago IL. She is a member of the Knox College softball and the women’s basketball manager. On campus she works with sports information. Morgan became an RA to be more involved on campus and be a helpful resource. She loves helping others and wants to ensure her residents have a great year!

Muhammad Ahmad

Muhammad Ahmad

He/Him

Muhammad Ahmad (he/him) is a junior majoring in data science and minoring in Computer Science and religious studies. He is from Lahore, Pakistan. He is also the president of the cricket club. He is the captain of the cricket team at Knox and is obsessed with the sport. He wanted to be an RA so that he could be a role model for students and loves to help others to find their peace. He is looking forward to meet his residents and enjoy his time with them along with the RA team.

Muhammad Yahya

Muhammad Yahya

He/Him

Muhammad Yahya is a junior double majoring in Data Science and Business. He is from Karachi, Pakistan. He wanted to be an RA to be a role model for students and loves to help others find their place. He is looking forward to making memories with his residents and RA team!

Preeti Arra

Preeti Arra

She/her

Preeti Arra (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Physics. She's from Hyderabad, India. She is the Campus Life co-chair for student senate. She loves meeting new people and is looking forward to build connections as an RA!

Ridham Dholaria

Ridham Dholaria

He/Him

RA on Duty

Ridham Dholaria is a Junior majoring in Computer science and minoring in Statistics and Business. He is originally from Gujarat, India. He is involved on-campus in the Badminton Club, Entrepreneurship Society, and Aaina club. He is a RedRoom Math tutor and he also works as a Website Content manager in the Office of Communications. His hobbies are playing chess, watching YouTube videos, and freelancing. He wants to be an RA to build a strong and supportive community where everyone is welcomed. Being an international student himself, he wants to build a "home away from home" community for everyone at Knox. He looks forward to meeting and interacting with new people around campus and having fun!

Subhan Ahmad

Subhan Ahmad

He/Him

My name is Subhan Ahmad. I am from Lahore, Pakistan and I am a Data Science Major. I use He/Him pronouns and I really enjoy meeting new people. I try to hit the gym at least four days a week and chai(Pakistani tea) is what helps me get my daily tasks done. I believe in working and studying hard but also taking out the time to enjoy and make memories, so I’m really excited to get to know you all through building a fun, welcoming community for all of us and making great memories together! I’m mostly active on my Instagram, subhanahmed20, so feel free to contact me here or email me, suahmad@knox.edu. 

Zuzanna Wrobel

Zuzanna Wrobel

She/Her

RA on Duty

Zuzanna Wróbel (She/her) is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Data Science. She is from Brzeg, Poland. She is a member of Nu Rho Psi, National Honor Society in Neuroscience. She is a Library Peer Researcher Assistant and Tutor. She wanted to be an RA to help other students feel welcomed and encouraged. She is looking forward to meet her residents and make great memories with RA team. 

Knox College

https://www.knox.edu/offices/student-development/campus-life/meet-the-staff

Printed on Thursday, November 21, 2024