The Leadership Team

Director of Housing and Residence Life

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

Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life

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

Assistant Director of Housing for Resident Development

Dusty Abshire comes to Valdosta from Buffalo, NY after stops in housing jobs at Ball State and Huntington University in Indiana, as well as the University of South Carolina. In Buffalo, he worked for Higher Education assessment company, CampusLabs (formerly StudentVoice), as an assessment consultant for over 30 campuses. Joining the VSU staff in April 2012 as the Assistant Director of Housing for Resident Development, he is excited by the opportunity to supervise the professional and graduate hall staff, develop the summer camps and conferences program, oversee student conduct in the residence halls, and administer departmental assessments. Most importantly, he is jazzed about being in this role to positively impact the students of Valdosta State.

Dusty is a proud Hoosier with master’s degrees in Student Affairs Administration and Sociology from Ball State University and an undergraduate degree from Huntington University. He has also taught Introduction to Sociology at both institutions, as well as RA courses.

For fun, Dusty is a sports fan (and fantasy sports fan) and a movie buff. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis, as well as running and swimming, when he can find the motivation. He also takes any opportunity to attend State and County Fairs, with a bias that Indiana still has the best ones!

Phone: (229) 333-5920
Email: Dusty Abshire, dpabshire@valdosta.edu

Assistant Director of Housing for Resident Education

TBA

Phone: (229) 333-7392
Email:

Assistant Director of Housing for Residential Facilities

Ryan Teter is from Lawrenceville, GA and graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media. During his undergrad years, he was a Resident Assistant in several residence halls on campus and loved serving his fellow residents in this leadership role. After graduation, Ryan put his degree to work for him in the Radio industry as an Air Talent, Producer, and Program Director. While he loved the work he was doing in Radio, his heart led him back to Housing and Residence Life at VSU where he could fulfill his passion for working with college student personnel while earning his Master’s degree.

Ryan joined the VSU Housing Team as a full time professional in July 2004 and served the following three years as a Residence Hall Director in Georgia, Reade, and Lowndes Hall. In July 2007, Ryan became the Assistant Director of Housing for Residential Facilities and has since been 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 believes in the importance of high quality facilities as an integral part of college success and helps plan new construction and continued renovation of Valdosta State’s residence halls.

Ryan received a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Valdosta State University in 2007. With his background in residence life and continuing growth in Housing Facilities, he feels well-equipped to help students have a positive campus living experience. He is a member of state and national professional organizations including GHO, SEAHO, SACSA, and ACUHO-I. Ryan is also a VSU 1101 and RA class Instructor. Time away from work is spent with his wife (and two dogs) at Walt Disney World, coastal Georgia, and visiting family!

Phone: (229) 333-5217
Email: Ryan Teter, rdteter@valdosta.edu

The Central Staff Team

Contracts & Assignments Coordinator

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

Accounting Assistant

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

Administrative Secretary

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 to complete her undergraduate degree in Office Administration and Technology. She is a photography enthusiast and enjoys reading a variety of literature in her spare time.

Phone: (229) 333-5013
Email: Samantha Leschber, seleschber@valdosta.edu

Complex Director

Donald Coleman joined the Housing and Residence Life team in the Fall of 2012. Originally from Savannah, GA, Donald received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and a Certificate in Event and Tradeshow Planning from Georgia State University. During his time at Georgia State University, Donald was a resident assistant, orientation leader, and NASPA Undergraduate Fellow (NUFP); these student leadership positions led to his passion for student affairs. Donald went on to obtain a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Loyola University Chicago; during this time he also worked as an assistant residence director. Donald’s work in Student Affairs has taken him around the U.S. and even all the way to South Africa. He is excited to join the Blazer family.

Phone: (229) 333-5330
Email: Donald Coleman, docoleman@valdosta.edu

Complex Director

Bonnie Brackett 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. She has been a Complex Director at VSU since August of 2011.

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. Currently, Bonnie serves as the advisor of the VSU NRHH chapter and is the advisor elect for the Georgia Residence Hall Organization or GRHO. Bonnie is also active in several professional organizations including Georgia Housing Officers (GHO) and Georgia College Personnel Association (GCPA).

When Bonnie is not working with students and staff, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, photography, 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 loves to take 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 in Georgia Hall and say hello! Bonnie is always eager to talk with students and share some candy or homemade cookies!

Phone: (229) 259-5530
Email: Bonnie Brackett, babrackett@valdosta.edu

Complex Director

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

Receptionist

Born and raised in Valdosta, Amanda Musgrove joined the VSU staff in Fall 2011 as a student assistant. She became the receptionist for the Housing and Residence Life Office in Fall 2012. As a former model for a prominent agency (Grace Delmarco) in New York City, Amanda brings a creative streak to the Housing Office. As a fashion aficionado, Amanda can usually be found sporting the latest trends and styles. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, especially her daughter. She is also a big fan of the arts and admits having a weakness for shopping. Amanda is currently pursuing her degree in Office Administration but plans to obtain higher certifications in the future.

Phone: (229) 333-5920
Email: Amanda Musgrove, ammusgrove@valdosta.edu

Payroll Assistant

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

Graduate Assistant (Marketing and Public Relations)

Kyle O’Bryan is from metro Atlanta, and now calls Valdosta home. He recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a BA in Marketing, and he is currently pursuing his MBA. This is his first position with Valdosta State University and he is excited to be a part of this school’s success. He enjoys coaching youth soccer at the local park and loves to play the game as well. In addition to soccer, he has a passion for discovering new music and enjoys attending concerts when he can. His involvement with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) has sparked an interest for community involvement that he plans to stay committed to. In the future, Kyle plans to run his own business.

Phone: (229) 245-2430
Email: Kyle O'Bryan, kjobryan@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Programming and Assessment)

Katie Colip is excited to join the student affairs family at VSU. Katie was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from Ball State University in 2009 with a BA in Women’s Studies and again in 2012 with another BA in Political Science. While at BSU, Katie was extremely involved in student affairs, working as a resident assistant for three years and as a conference assistant for one very exciting summer. Katie also served as the President of the Ruth Peters chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, was the Assistant Director of Administration for the Indiana Residence Hall Organization, and served on several regional and national committees for the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. Katie will be pursuing her Masters in Higher Education Leadership. Katie self-identifies as a proud nerd and in her free time tries to consume as much British science fiction and fantasy as possible.

Phone: (229) 333-5920
Email: Katie Colip, kacolip@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Residential Education)

Jill Hohnecker is excited to join the VSU Housing & Residence Life team. Jill graduated in May 2012 from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She was extremely involved on-campus, especially in student government, RHA, and the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. After spending the summer interning at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH she is ready for the move to the warmer climate. Jill is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Higher Educational Leadership and is excited for the challenging world of graduate school.

Jill is the typical Mississippi River Rat from the Midwest. She enjoys spending as much time outside and never passes up a trip to the beach or a chance to play in the water! In her free time she enjoys a good Dr. Who adventure through time, trying out an exotic recipe in the kitchen, or relaxing with a nice cup of coffee watching the sun set. She can’t wait to live in Georgia but is going to miss the cold winters and all of the gorgeous snow!

Phone: (229) 259-5152
Email: Jill Hohnecker, jlhohnecker@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Facilities)

Chad Jerkins comes to Valdosta from the small town of Fitzgerald, Georgia. He began his career with the Office of Housing and Residence Life in the summer of 2008 as a Student Facilities Assistant. He stayed with Housing until he completed his undergraduate degree in Art Education. Using his degree, Chad taught elementary school art in Statesboro, Georgia. Chad taught for only a year before he returned to the city that he greatly missed, Valdosta. Returning in the fall of 2012, Chad began a master’s program in Higher Education and rejoined the Housing and Residence Life team supervising the current Student Facilities Assistants.

Phone: (229) 245-2429
Email: Chad Jerkins, jcjerkins@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Contracts & Assignments)

As a native of Moultrie, Georgia, Alex Thomas earned a B.A. degree in Political Science from VSU in May 2011. He's a second year graduate student in the Master's of Public Administration program. As an undergraduate student at VSU, he served as president of the College Democrats and was very involved with raising awareness regarding the importance of voting and other civic duties among students.

Outside the office and classroom, he enjoys traveling to various parks and historical sites. He would much rather read news articles and blogs than any book. He is also an avid football, basketball, and soccer fan who takes the outcomes of sporting events too seriously. He's the typical armchair quarterback who lacks any athletic ability yet believes he could play professionally if the opportunity arose.

 Phone: (229) 245-2431
Email: Alex Thomas, wthomas@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Night Operations Team)

Originally from Mississippi, Teresa Patrick joins the 2012-2013 Housing Team as a recent graduate from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Educational Psychology. During her undergraduate career, Teresa served as both a Resident Assistant and a Guest Assistant for summer conferences and camps. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Outside the office and classroom, Teresa is enjoying this time as a newlywed and getting to know her new home of Valdosta. She enjoys traveling and the all things outdoors!

 Phone: (229) 219-3197
Email: Teresa Castillo, trpatrick@valdosta.edu

Graduate Assistant (Camps and Conferences)

Tisheika "Sheika" Snow ventures to Valdosta State University from the city of Orlando, Florida. After completing her business administration degree at the University of South Florida, she joined the Higher Education Leadership program at VSU. She is currently in her 2nd year of the Master's program.

Sheika enjoys volunteering in the community as well as painting, drawing and dancing. She is also an avid Harry Potter fan, one of her favorite Harry Potter quotes being “it is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

 Phone: (229) 245-2429
Email: Sheika Snow, tsnow@valdosta.edu

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