Purpose & Staff
Our Vision
With compassion, we meet students where they are and encourage them to do their best.
Our Mission
The Office of Residence Life brings students and housing together in a safe and comfortable living environment. Our staff provide services and learning experiences beyond the classroom to promote educational, social, and personal growth, as well as manage the judicial affairs for residential and commuter students.
Our Core Values
- Direct Communication: We encourage everyone to respectfully dial-direct.
- Emotional Intelligence: Increasing self-efficacy through learning opportunities based on empathy, self-awareness, motivation, social skills, and self-regulation.
- Resource Referral: We’re generalists who refer students to appropriate experts to fulfill their purpose.
- Personal Relationships: We get to know each other, and we care.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Celebrating the wide-range of differences in the human experience, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, religion, and thought. We emphasize civil discourse in a community where all must be able to feel they belong.
- Leadership: Robust opportunities to strengthen skills, get involved, and be in service to others.
Our Staff
In addition to the professional staff listed below, 26 current undergraduate students serve as resident assistants to carry out the office's purpose.
Email: adonald@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3577
Office: Whitaker Campus Center, Student Life Suite, Room 221
Amy Donald worked hard as an undergraduate student as she worked towards her degree as an educator at Shippensburg University. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood with academic honors, Amy proceeded to pursue a business partnership with her husband by owning and operating an LLC, a Golden Corral franchise, followed by a teaching role and also as the Director of a Childcare Center, but always with the goal of contributing to her community.
She is a natural educator, with the talent for inspiring the youngest student up to an employed adult. Her diversity of experiences in the business and educational field has given her a well-rounded perspective of working for the public, which continues to serve her well.
Amy's goal is to continue serving and educating Hood residents, creating positive experiences, and showing a diligent work ethic with the hope that these qualities spark the same desire in others, wherever their path may lead them.
Amy's pride and joy are her three children, Matthew, Katlyn and Ashley. Her past time is usually spent with her family, which includes the newest addition, her granddaughter Camryn. Amy loves to be outside walking her dogs, playing golf or volleyball, cooking, gardening or just enjoying the sunshine.
Education
- Bachelors of Science in Elem Ed & Cert. in Early Childhood from Shippensburg University
 | Email: opuni@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3643 Office: Meyran Hall, Rm 111 Areas responsible for: Meyran Hall Coblentz Hall Blazer Hall |
 | Email: cano@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3639 Office: Smith Hall, Rm 000 Areas responsible for Smith Hall Shriner Hall Memorial Hall |
 | Email: taylor@hood.edu Phone: 301-696-3577 Office: Whitaker Campus Center, Student Life Suite, Room 228 Pronouns: he/him/his |
Biography
LaShawn Taylor was heavily involved as a student leader during his undergraduate years at Shepherd University. After completing his bachelor’s degree in English with a creative writing concentration and a minor in communications and new media, LaShawn entered the College Student Development and Administration master’s program at Shepherd University. He served there as a hall director, mentoring and being a resource for residents and student leaders. During LaShawn’s time at Hood, he works to help students reach their full potential so that they can be successful in reaching their goals. Some of LaShawn’s hobbies include playing with his dog Tinker, writing, painting, and pretending to sing. He is also a huge fan of the Washington Football Team and enjoys acting.
Education
- M.A., Shepherd University
- B.A., Shepherd University
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