Professional Staff

Kate Cassidy started working at Clark in 2016 and currently serves as the Director of Campus Life for Residential Life & Housing. The Director of Campus Life for Residential Life & Housing provides the overall supervision and direction for Residential Life and Housing as well as overseeing the University response to code of conduct violations for graduate and undergraduate students. This position directly supervises the four professional Hall Directors in efforts to direct both strategic long term initiatives and the operational requirements of the residential experience. This position also serves as a vital member of the community in regards to on-call response, retention management, student resource allocation and the overall wellness of students as they matriculate to success.

Kate received her B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross, and her M.S. from The University of Rhode Island. In her spare time, Kate enjoys climbing rocks both indoors and outdoors, hiking, reading, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and crafting.

Derrick Hicks joined the Clark community in 2019 and currently serves as the Associate Director of Residential Life & Housing. The Associate Director works closely with the Director of Campus Life for Residential Life & Housing to provide a supportive living/learning environment for the students living on-campus. The Associate Director of Residential Life & Housing directly supervises the four professional Hall Directors in efforts to direct both strategic long term initiatives and the operational requirements of the residential experience. This position utilizes collaborative methods and strategic plans to ensure robust leadership development, trainings and programming opportunities for students and staff within the Residential Life & Housing department.

Derrick is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, but has also lived in Middletown, NY and New York City. He received his B.A. from Purchase College, and his M.S. from The University of Indianapolis. Derrick enjoys a great laugh, beautiful views, family time, listening to music, playing video games or board games, trying new adventures and new foods, DIY projects and helping others.

Drew Melendez joined the Clark University team in February of 2019 as a Hall Director & Multicultural Engagement Coordinator. As a Hall Director, Drew is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations and development of Johnson Sanford Center and the RLH Houses on Main Street and Woodland Street. Drew grew up in northern New Jersey and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from William Paterson University of New Jersey. She’s currently working on an M.S. in Counseling and College Student Personnel. She loves coffee, cats, cooking, and alliteration.

Jazzy is a proud native of Baltimore, Maryland. She  has a BA in English from McDaniel College and a MS in Counseling- College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University. In her spare time she loves to read anything she can get her hands on and binge watch television shows on Netflix. She is obsessed with Broadway musicals but her all-time favorite is Phantom of the Opera.

Brandon King is a current 5^th year student in the Environmental Science & Policy Master’s program here at Clark.  Brandon played lacrosse at Clark while also serving as a peer academic mentor as an undergraduate student, and has now come on board to the professional staff team as a part-time Graduate Hall Director for the Fall 2019 semester.  In this role, Brandon primarily supervises the RAs in Maywood & Blackstone Halls, will have open office hours for students to drop by with any questions they may have, and will assist in intervening with student concerns or conflicts.

Nia Slater-Bookhart is a proud native of the sunny Tampa, Florida. Nia recently graduated this year from Clark University with a BA in History and Community, Youth, & Education Studies (CYES). Nia is continuing her education through the Clark fifth year graduate program, Masters of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education. Nia enjoys yoga, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and watching The Office. After serving as a Resident Advisor for 2 years, Nia has come on board to the professional staff team as a part-time Graduate Hall Director for the Fall 2019 semester.  In this role, Nia primarily supervises the RAs in Wright & Hughes Halls, will have open office hours for students to drop by with any questions they may have, and will assist in intervening with student concerns or conflicts.

Taylor Anderson started working at Clark in July 2017 and serves as the Coordinator for Campus Life Operations. In her role, Taylor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Campus Life office and supervision of student office assistants. She also assists students with any housing questions and provides resources to the students and families of Clark. Before coming to Clark, Taylor was a Resident Director at McKendree University in Illinois. Taylor grew up in Minnesota and received her B.S. from Winona State University. She enjoys baking, yoga, and exploring new places.