UNIVERSITY HOUSING FILLS KEY POSITIONS
We're excited to add several faces to the University Housing Team. If you see them around your hall or campus, give them a RATTLER WELCOME.
Marrese J. Whitsett Jr.- Assistant Director for Residential Operations 
Marrese J. Whitsett Jr. serves as the Assistant Director for Residential Operations. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida and educational background includes the following:
- Bethune Cookman University – Bachelor of Art in Political Science with two minors in Public Administration & International Affairs
- University of North Florida – Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership
- Florida State University – Master of Public Administration – December, 2022
"I aspire to uphold honesty and dedication to service towards those I supervise, mentor, and encounter. The mission is bigger than me and through true development, authentic leadership and effective collaboration I will be making a difference in those I serve."
Outside of being an AD, and Grad Student, his hobbies entails – traveling with family, watching football (Bethune Cookman, Florida State, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers), and playing Mortal Kombat, and Madden on the X-box.
Courtney L. Rufh - Assistant Director for Engagement and Education
Courtney L. Rufh serves as the Assistant Director for Engagement and Education. Although she's from New Jersey, she spent ten years attending school, living and working in North Carolina. She is a proud Davidson College alum, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Courtney went on to receive her M.Ed in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from UNC Greensboro in 2019. Her professional involvements include serving on the NASPA Steering Committee for New Professionals and Graduate Students and The Placement Exchange (TPE) 2023 Planning Committee. Hobbies include reading, watching TV, and visiting friends across the country when not at work. She is most excited to get to know the students at FAMU and work to support their residential experience!
Nigeria Shanay Gwinn - RESIDENT DIRECTOR, PALMETTO PHASE III APARTMENTS
Nigeria Shanay Gwinn serves as the Resident Director at Palmetto Phase III Apartments. She’s a military brat raised in Phenix City, Alabama. She received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership- Servant Leadership concentration, and lastly, a Master of Education - Higher Education concentration from Columbus State University (CSU) in Columbus, Georgia. Prior to this position, she was a Resident Assistant at CSU, Graduate Assistant at CSU, and Resident Director at Savannah State University and Middle Georgia State University. Her hobbies include traveling, cooking, laughing, and swimming. “I am honored to be joining the FAMUly, and I am ready to serve the campus.”
Monay White- RESIDENT DIRECTOR, Polkinghorne Village West
Monay White serves as the Resident Director for Polkinghorne Village West. Her passion for student affairs began as an undergraduate student at Spring Hill College. She’s had experience in career development, student involvement, campus programming, and more. Previously, she worked as a Residence Life Coordinator in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ashley Williams-Residential Program Coordinator
Ashley Williams serves as a Residential Program Coordinator. She's a Central Florida native and a two-time graduate of Florida A&M University. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication and a Master of Applied Social Science, with a concentration in Public Administration. She has experience in Workforce Development and Career Services and recently transitioned from the Career and Professional Development Center. Williams has previously worked for University Housing as both an Intern and a Clerk
Natalie Alexis- Residence Education Coordinator
Natalie Alexis serves as the Residence Education Coordinator. She is a double Rattler, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Pre-Law and a MASS in Global Security & International Affairs. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of History and Political Science. She is excited to serve the students and looks forward to helping further their academic and professional development.
Shaundra Baker - Office Assistant
Shaundra Baker is a 2008 graduate of Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree
in Psychology. She joins the OUH team with over 10 years’ experience in State Government.
Ms. Baker’s core values are personal responsibility, flexibility and empathy. In the
near future, Ms. Baker plans to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration
and continue to serve the FAMU community.
Justen Smith - Assistant Resident Director
Justen Smith is a 5-year MBA candidate from the growing city of Boynton Beach, FL. He served as the Assistant Resident Director for Sampson & Young Halls and was a Resident Assistant before that. Justen is obtaining his bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration at FAMU. He enjoys socializing, performing community-building activities, providing advice, and listening to provide the best experience for our residents; therefore, he became an RA. Several fun facts about Justen: he has a twin brother, his favorite color is blue, he occasionally plays PC games and streams on Twitch, and he knows a bit of sign language.
Arleena Jones - Assistant Resident Director
Arleena Jones serves as the Office Assistant for the Office of University Housing. Ms. Jones is a native of Quincy, Fl, and has a background in the Early Childhood field. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family; she is excited to join the FAMUly and even more excited to serve our students and their families.