Meet Our Team

Oversees all functions of the Residence Life Department.

My undergrad was spent at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa (next to Mines, the G.O.A.T.) where I majored in Secondary Education and History. My Masters degree, in Student Development and Higher Education Administration, is from the University of Iowa. I just completed my doctoral work in the summer of 2021. My research is on Autistic students and their experiences in the residence halls.

I have been at Mines since 2014, and I love working with the students and staff here. Mines people are special, there is just no other way to put it. I live north of Golden with my husband, our two dogs (Decker and Greta), and our cat, Kitty. I am a 5th generation Coloradan, and I love my state!

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.S. Counseling and Biblical Leadership (Manhattan Christian College)
M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (LCC International University)

Hi, there! I’m happy to be here and serve as an Assistant Director of Residence Life at Mines. I’m from Kansas originally and grew up playing basketball and soccer. I got to be a goalkeeper in college for two years, where I also became fascinated by cultures from around the world, leadership, and student development.

I moved to the capital city of Mongolia after college where I worked as an English teacher and Higher Education professional for five years. During those years, I got to see much of Asia and Europe and complete my master’s degree. In 2020, I moved to Colorado to further my career in Residence Life! I love being a part of the student experience and empowering students to be owners of their own growth. Outside of work, you can find me shooting hoops, hiking, and hanging out with my community. I also delight in quirky things from thrift stores – ask to see my wall art compilations sometime!

Oversees Residence Life Coordinators and their student staffs, all programming initiatives, and Signature Learning Community development.

B.A.S., Leadership & Management, Colorado Mountain College
Master of Applied Leadership & Management, Arizona State University

Hello and welcome!  I’m Alisha, the RLC for Maple. With over a decade of service in housing, I am committed to ensuring a supportive and enriching living experience for our students.

Being a Colorado native, I have a profound love for our state’s natural beauty and enjoy sharing this passion with others. My family plays a central role in my life, and I understand the importance of creating a community that feels like a second home for our students. I strive to foster a welcoming environment where every individual can thrive academically and personally.

Outside of work, you might find me spending quality time with my family, biking around campus, or attending local community events. These experiences shape my approach to building strong connections within our campus community.

I am excited to support you during your journey at Colorado School of Mines and look forward to helping create lasting memories and meaningful experiences. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or ideas to enhance the community in Maple.

Supervises student staff and oversees programming. Serves on an on-call rotation for emergency response. 

B.A. Economics, St. Lawrence University
M.S. College Student Personnel, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Hello! My name is Taffy Negonde, and I am the Residence Life Coordinator of Weaver Towers and Elm Hall. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, and I first came to the United States for my undergraduate studies. I studied Economics at St. Lawrence University, a small liberal arts school in Upstate New York, with an initial intention to pursue investment banking. However, my volunteer work in college access and my passion for student mentorship activities led me to a career in education. My education career has previously led me to English teaching in China and teaching in Zimbabwe also. These were all unforgettable experiences. Inspired to continue my career in education, I pursued a Masters in College Personnel at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Go Vols! My assistantship in residence life during my graduate school reinforced my love to work in student housing.

I am so excited to be at Mines and to join the Residence Life team. I look forward to bringing my passion for mentorship to the highly motivated students at Mines and being an influential support system in all my residence hall communities. I am a people person and I also look forward to building impactful and lifelong relations with Mines students and the community in Golden.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family, meeting new friends, mentorship activities, watching sports, playing soccer, reading, and writing. Yes, I love writing so much, and if you want a postcard, let me know. I am happy to be an Oredigger and I am grateful to be here!

Oversees administrative processes for Residence Life within the Campus Living Office.