Why did you become a hall director?:

Abraham Lincoln was a Hall Director and then he ended slavery in the United States. I figure that I could do something pretty rad like that, too. More seriously, though, I became a Hall Director because I am an educator and because I consider the residence hall experience to be educational. Living in the residence halls is not just about having a place to stay or living close to friends. I view a residence hall as a classroom, of sorts, where residents may be exposed to new people and ideas, question what they don’t understand, and find their fit within a community. Residence halls help students learn in ways that the academic classroom never could, and I feel blessed to be a part of that educational process.  

Why did you choose UNH? What attracted you to the area or to the school?:

Unlike most of the other schools I interviewed with, I felt at home with UNH. That feeling alone is what sealed the deal for me, honestly. On top of that, though, I appreciate the students-first focus of the Department of Residential Life and how seriously they take student development and growth. On the other hand, the people here have fun with their work and know how to strike the balance between work and play. I feel like I can bring my whole self into the work that I do at here in the residence halls. I feel valued and appreciated, both personally and professionally, here at UNH.  

Any previous experiences, hobbies, etc. that you would want first year students to know about you?:  

I have been working in Residence Life on one level or another for the past six years and I love what I do. As far as vitally important bits of info about me, though, I think you should know that I won a spelling bee in the fifth grade. The first CD I ever owned was TLC’s “CrazySexyCool.” Despite that fact, however, I consider myself to have fairly good taste in music. I rather enjoy tattoos. I love to draw and I will draw you something if you tell me what you’d like to have drawn. Doughnuts are my kryptonite. I try not to take things too seriously and I am generally a pretty laid-back dude. The Autobiography of Malcolm X changed my life. I enjoy playing soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and Frisbee golf. Football season is the greatest of all sporting seasons. I enjoy crypto zoology and I truly believe that Sasquatch is real. I like romantic comedies the most. I am married to a wonderful woman named Sarah. She’s the best.

Any advice for Incoming students?:

The great thing about being an incoming first-year student is that you won’t be coming onto campus alone. There will be a whole slew of students just like you coming to UNH with the same questions, concerns, and excitement that you will be bringing. Take advantage of this! Get to know your neighbors, talk to the people sitting next to you in class, and eat meals with people you don’t know. Chances are you’ll get answers you need, insight you didn’t know that you needed, and support for the things that are causing you stress. Don’t be a bystander in your own life! Don’t wait for someone to shape your college experience for you. Make the best of the years you spend in college and do the things that you want to do. Don’t be afraid to try new things! How boring it would be to leave college in four or five years as the same person you are now…

Thoughts you might be having coming into your own “1st year” at UNH?

I’ve never lived outside of the Midwest, so I am sure that UNH and the whole east coast thing will hold some surprises and challenges. On the other hand, I am very much looking forward to the experience of being out of my comfort zone. I love school, but it will be a nice change being done with my formal education. I look forward to exploring the northeast, spending time with the friends I’m sure to make here, and working with all different types of students. Please feel free to stop by or say hello whenever you see me around the building or on campus. I want to get to know you!