When Dana North stepped down last spring as the Residence Life director after six years with Saint Mary's, the search for a new director brought Michelle Russell to campus.

Russell, a native New Yorker, came to Saint Mary's looking for a change. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a masters in counseling from Saint Bonaventure University in New York, where she also spent four years as a hall director.

While small Catholic colleges Saint Bonaventure and Saint Mary's share similarities, Russell believes there is "something unique" about the Saint Mary's community.

"I've only been here for a little while but so far my interaction has been very positive, especially with the resident advisors and administrators," Russell said. "It has been an easy adjustment which I credit to the community."

Currently Russell is assessing the procedures of the Residence Life department and learning the day-to-day operations of the department. Russell has implemented few changes at this point but hopes to be an active part of the community.

"My goal is that students see residence life as approachable and know that we're not only here for discipline, but to offer emotional and physical support," Russell said. "I'm looking for student input and hope students will become involved in hall councils."

Russell has weekly staff meetings with resident advisors and the hall directors where they will address the concerns of students. Russell wants residence life to become a visible, active part of campus.

"I have a great understanding and love of the college experience," Russell said. "I'm compassionate towards the journey a student takes and I hope to guide students on their journey, from living on their own, to graduation and in to a educated woman."

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