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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!
Assistant Director of Campus Life
Emily Olague is a first-generation college student from California. She attended Whittier College in 2019, studying Political Science and Psychology. During her time there, she played lacrosse, was on the Student Government and Program Board, was a member of the Metaphonian Society (Whittier's version of Fraternity and Sorority Life), served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Social Justice Coalition, and was employed as a tutor and student-athlete academic mentor. She then attended Chapman University for the War and Society graduate program to pursue military studies and archival research. During her time at Chapman, she was a graduate assistant in Housing and found her passion in Student Affairs. After grad school, she decided to head out of state where she was a Resident Director at the University of Pittsburgh and Area Coordinator at McKendree University. As a liberal arts college graduate, Emily knows how important involvement in campus activities is for students' collegiate experience and their personal development. Emily hopes to empower students to pursue leadership roles and build community to leave a lasting impact on their college campus.
As the Assistant Director for Campus Life, Emily supervises RAs, oversees the returning student residential communities, advises the FSL community, and leads Student Leadership Selection. Her mission is to empower students to strengthen their leadership skills and actively support students through their academic and personal journeys. She has a special interest in event planning and educational programming.
Beyond work, Emily is an avid Swiftie, a musical theatre lover, and a cat mother of three. She also is a makeup artist and will happily discuss all things skincare, makeup, and haircare.
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.
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.
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
She/Her
RA on Duty
I am a senior majoring in political science and minoring in economics. I am involved in Student Senate as the secretary. I also plan to be working on my honors research and working for Islamic Club and TKS. I want to be an RA to help those who find it difficult to adjust to campus so I can give back to the wonderful community of student leaders who helped me adapt to Knox.
She/Her
Delia Lönnroth is a junior majoring in accounting. She is from LaGrange, Illinois and is involved in DND Club, String Arts, Book Club, Poetry Club, and the founder of ASL Club. She wants to be an RA because she finds fulfillment in helping others find their own place in a community. She hopes that with her help all of her residents can have a space that they are a part of.
He/Him
Josh Carlos is a junior from Centennial, Colorado. He is majoring in history with a minor in peace & justice. On campus, he spends his time hanging out with his friends, playing games, hosting a radio show on WVKC, and playing Dungeons & Dragons at D&D Club. He became an RA because he enjoys helping others reach their full potential. He is looking forward to having a fun year with his residents and the RA team.
She/Her
Kyra Kellogg is a sophomore studying history and environmental studies. She is from Lake Elmo, Minnesota. On campus, she is a member of the Book Club, ASL Club, the Outdoor Adventure Club, and is involved in theatre! She also works as a research assistant in the Abolition Lab. Kyra became an RA to foster a supportive and welcoming community with her residents. She can't wait to meet everyone and have a great year!
She/Her
RA on Duty
Lissette Adame is a sophomore planning to major in education! She is from Skokie, Illinois and is involved in the Education Club. She is also a Marvel fan :) She LOVES watching movies and listening to music (she would love your song recommendations!) She became an RA to increase her involvement on campus and to make genuine connections and beautiful memories with her residents and RA team this year!
She/Her
Manavi Subba is a sophomore majoring in business management. She is from Kathmandu, Nepal and is also involved in Student Senate & Entrepreneurship Club. She became an RA to make a safe and inclusive living space. In her free time you will find her roaming, dancing and making the best out of every small moment. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and making amazing memories.
He/Him
Hello, my name is Manuel. I am from Whittier, California. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in anthropology. I play football here at Knox. I enjoy watching movies and listening to music during my free time!
He/Him
Muhammad Yahya (He/Him)is a sophomore majoring in Economics and a minor in Computer Science. He is from Karachi, Pakistan and is involved on campus as a member of the Union Board, Entrepreneurship Club and Badminton Club. Additionally, he works in the Business Office. As an international student he values community building and being a source of guidance, support and entertainment. He is looking forward to the memories he will make with his residents and the skills he will build with his RA team during the year!
She/Her
RA on Duty
Naeun Kim is a senior majoring in biochemistry. She is from South Korea and is involved as the president of the International Club, a member of APO, a CTL chemistry tutor, and a peer educator of Health Services. She is excited to be an RA that helps your experience living on campus be enjoyable by facilitating forming connections with others, learning independence, and being a part of a vibrant community. She looks forward to planning various events and programs to form memories with your fellow residents, learn new skills, and have fun!
She/Her
Nicole Yang Ruby is a sophomore planning to double major in Asian studies and education (without licensure). She was born in New York, New York, but spent most of her teenage years in her home city, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. She currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia. She became an RA to help welcome first-year students and hopes to build a positive first-year experience for her residents. She is currently the International Club’s treasurer and is involved in Union Board and AAINA (South Asian Cultural Club). She works at Harbach Theatre's Scene Shop. Outside of organizations and work, she enjoys singing and dancing in her free time. She looks forward to meeting her residents this year!
She/They
RA on Duty
Identifying as a first-generation college student crawling into her fourth year at Knox, Nyah studies as an educational studies (non-licensure) major accompanied with double minors: psychology and peace & justice studies!! On-campus this 2023-24 academic year, she serves as historian for Educational Studies Club (previously treasurer), vice president and co-founder of Badminton Club, and works as a student worker in academic departments like the ed. studies dept. in GDH! They love direct communication, watching TV shows (send recs!), skateboarding, and playing with her friendly kitty, Estrella.
As an RA, Nyah understands that your best is going to look different every day—and that's okay!! She 100% can relate to struggling in college and is always open to talking about her experiences, along with guiding you to useful campus resources. They want you to feel comfortable in your living space so that you can be successful outside of it, too. She's a friendly face you can count on to support you! <3
She/Her
Nysa is a sophomore 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!
He/Any
Rez Peña is a junior that is double majoring in computer science and education. They are from Houston, TX and are also involved in the Union Board, Dungeons and Dragons, LARP, Blessings In A Backpack, the Knox Farm, and Student Senate. He wanted to be an RA because they are excited to help foster a thriving community and get involved on campus. He is looking forward to the experiences he'll create while nurturing and expanding powerful spaces for and with residents as well as the networks he will build with his RA team during the year!
He/Him
RA on Duty
Ridham Dholaria is a sophomore majoring in computer science. 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 works as a Web Assistant 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!
He/Him
RA on Duty
Sikandar Mateen is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience and planning to get a minor in biology. He is from Lahore, Pakistan and is also involved in Student Senate, UNICEF, and Union Board. 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.
Returning Student Resident Assistants
She/Her
Agnes Nmabila Azalimah is a junior majoring in international relations with minors in English literature and psychology. She is from Ghana, West Africa. She has a lot of experience being an international student and has interests in diversity, equity and inclusion, hence the position as an intercultural peer educator. She is a member of Harambee Club, vice president of the Knox chapter of NSLS and a student senator for the class of 2025. She loves to cook, be spontaneous, and interact with people. She took up the position of RA to impact her residents and have a good time and make memories with students. She is extremely funny and can’t wait to make you all laugh and happy.
She/Her
Amira Siddique is a senior from Moline, IL double majoring in neuroscience and music. She works as an interfaith peer educator and CTL tutor, is a member of the Knox College Choir, Chamber Singers, and Piano Chamber Ensemble, and is a co-founder of the Knox College Catan Club. Amira is excited to finish out her time at Knox creating meaningful connections with her residents and the RA team.
He/Him
RA on Duty
Anirudh Madarapu is a sophomore majoring in computer science. He is from Hyderabad, India, and is involved in the Entrepreneurship Society and STEAM Club. He enjoys solving problems and wants to contribute to Knox by serving as a resident assistant. He chose to be a RA because he finds happiness in solving the problems of people around him. His job as an AV assistant has allowed him to assist several staff members and professors with technical issues. He is very good at managing time and making decisions under pressure. He is looking forward to taking some crucial leadership skills and wants to cultivate a safe and healthy environment at Knox.
She/Her
RA on Duty
Caroline Tieman is a junior biology major from Elgin, Illinois. On campus you can find her playing trombone in Brass Ensemble, swimming with the swim team, working in the Office of Disability Services, and planning events for PreHealth Club. Caroline also lives in Book House and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She's excited to be an RA because she loves building relationships with other people and helping create a fun living environment on campus. She looks forward to creating fun new memories with her residents!
He/Him
Bruno Freitas is a Sophomore from Salvador, Brazil. He is double-major student in Theatre and Economics, who is passionate about Scientific Production, Black and LGBT rights, and Education. In his year at Knox, Bruno was awarded with funding from the Paul K. and Evelyn Elizabeth Cook Richter Memorial Fund for his Independent Research on the Implications of Colonization on Black community's Affection. In addition, he is a treasurer for A.B.L.E and a member of Union Board. As an R.A, he looks forward to learning from different people and cultivating a meaningful, respectful, and peaceful environment for residents.
She/Her
Farida Itangishaka is a junior majoring in ANSO and minoring in peace/justice and social services. She is from Tanzania and is the vice president of Harambee! She wanted to become an RA to experience more leadership roles and to be a part of a community. Also, she wants to spread awareness to her residents, but also learn from them!
She/Her
RA on Duty
Jessie Quach is a senior majoring in computer science. She comes from a coastal city in Vietnam named Da Nang. She is also a CTL Tutor and a peer career leader. Being an RA, Jessie wanted to dedicate her last year bringing the most memorable and helpful experience to her resident. She hopes to contribute to creating a safe, relaxed and comfortable environment for the Knox community.
She/Her
RA on Duty
Kiely Thompson is a junior majoring in chemistry. She is from Fountain, Colorado, and is also involved in the String Arts Club, Knox swimming and diving, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Book Club. She wanted to be an RA because she loves to help others feel supported and connected on campus. She is looking forward to all the fun and memories this next year will bring!
She/Her
Morgan Bean (she/her) is a junior majoring in business and minoring in economics. She is from a south suburb of Chicago and is a part of the softball team at Knox. She wanted to be an RA because she loves helping others and wants to help others have a great experience at Knox. She is looking forward to making memories with her residents and having a great year!
He/Him
Muhammad Subhan Munir is a junior majoring in data science and economics. Subhan is an international student from Islamabad. He is an alumni ambassador as well as a math tutor on campus. He is part of the Islamic, Cricket, and International Clubs on campus. His main aim is to build a healthy environment for students on campus to grow and learn accordingly. He is really motivated and committed to the resident assistant role this upcoming academic year.
He/Him
RA on Duty
Oscar Gardella is a senior double majoring in psychology and computer science. He is from Saratoga, California and is president of LARP Club, and an active member of the Piano Chamber Ensemble, and the Knox College Choir. He became an RA because he wanted to give back to the lovely community and connect everyone on campus just a little bit more. He is looking forward to becoming friends with his residents and leaving a lasting imprint on his peers!
He/They
RA on Duty
Red Engel is a junior majoring in art history. They are from Chicago, Illinois and is also co-vice president of service with the campus chapter of APO, the graphic designer for The Knox Student, and a radio host with WVKC. They wanted to be an RA because they love to meet new people and create memorable experiences. They are looking forward to an exciting year with residents!
He/Him
My name is Subhan Ahmad. I’m a sophomore majoring in computer science and have played an active role in Union Board as well as Knox Islamic Club. I’m from Lahore, Pakistan. I wanted to be an RA so I can meet new people and create a safe space for my residents to improve, enjoy and make endless memories.
She/Her
Teagan Springer is majoring in anthropology & sociology, and studio art. She is from the Chicagoland area, and is also interested in environmental studies and Spanish. She loves spending time painting at WAC, canoeing at Green Oaks, working at the Knox Farm, and talking with friends at the caf! This year, she's also serving as a Sustainability and Resiliency Project Leader (SRPL) and the Senate Sustainability Chair. As an RA, she's excited to build community relationships and help others feel at home at Knox.
She/Her
RA on Duty
Ulpanay Djoldasova is a junior majoring in biology and considered a pre-med student. She is from Nukus, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. She also holds a position of a membership chair in UNICEF Club, as well as a member of Pre-Health Club on campus. She wanted to be an RA because she likes meeting new people and talking as well as helping them :) She is very excited to meet more people!
https://www.knox.edu/offices/student-development/campus-life/meet-the-staff
Printed on Monday, April 15, 2024