Cecilia is a Jacksonville native, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Jacksonville University. During her undergrad, Cecilia was a Resident Advisor, Student Ambassador, an active participant in two on-campus vocal ensembles, and the vice president of Finprov, JU’s student-led improv club. In her free time, Cecilia loves drinking hot tea, going to local music events, spending time with friends and family, and taking classes at the gym!
Residential Life Staff
Meet Our Team
The Residential Life team is comprised of professional staff members who live on campus and care deeply about serving our JU students with excellence! Once living on campus, it is best for students to contact their specific building coordinators.
Lauren Brucker M.B.A.
Director of Residential Operations
Office: Village Apartments, Bldg 1-Cascone Hall
- Ljames11@ju.edu
- Direct: 904.256.7213
Lauren is native to Louisville, Kentucky but after living across the country for most of her life, she has called Jacksonville home since 2000. Lauren is a Double Dolphin, receiving a Bachelor’s then Master’s in Business Administration from JU. She has worked in Operations for the Office of Residential Life at JU for over ten years and truly enjoys assisting student in their transition to college. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, attending Jacksonville Jaguar games and going to Disney World.
 |
Dr. Tim LeysonDirector of Residential LifeOffice: Oak Hall
|
|
|
Dr. Tim Leyson (He/They) serves as the Director of Residential Life at Jacksonville University. Dr. Leyson has over 15-years of professional experience in residential life, housing operations, living-learning assessment, student engagement initiatives and retention based practices. Dr. Leyson is passionate about building strong and inclusive communities where students are able to explore all aspects of their identity. Dr. Leyson professional research centers on leveraging living-learning communities to inspire engagement and institutional affinity. Dr. Leyson is excited to engage, connect and develop with all JU students this coming year. Dr. Leyson holds a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, Masters of Education in College Counseling from N.C. State University and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Greensboro College. |
 |
Asha Simpson, MSKSAssistant Director of Residential LifeOffice: Williams Hall
|
| Asha is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina and graduated from Jacksonville University with both her Bachelor's and Master's in Kinesiology. She joined the Residential Life Team as a Graduate Assistant in Fall 2021 and transitioned into a Coordinator role in 2022. Asha is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was involved in Student Government and the National Pan-Hellenic Council during her undergraduate time at JU. In her downtime, Asha enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, and getting her nails done! |
Jynna Embich M.Ed.
Operations Coordinator
Office: Village Apartments, BLDG 1-Cascone Hall
- Jembich@ju.edu
- Direct: 904.256.7692
Jynna completed her Bachelor’s in Construction Engineering and Master’s in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of West Florida. In undergrad she was involved in ResLife through Community Council, RHA, NRHH, and being a RA for several years. Jynna lives on campus with her wife, kids, and kitties and loves calling JU “Home”! She enjoys playing video games, especially Minecraft, The Witcher, & Halo.
Hall Coordinators
Alexandria Branstetter
Residential Life Coordinator (RLC)- North Hall
Office: North Hall
- abranst@ju.edu
- Direct: 904.256.7565
Alexandria is an East Tennessee native! She is a recent graduate from Carson-Newman University and has a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing, and Management. Alexandria has been involved in Student Affairs for over 4 years, with most of her experience in Housing and Student Activities. In her free time, Alexandria likes to hike, hammock, thrift, and explore unique, locally owned establishments!
James Demps
Residential Life Coordinator (RLC)- Botts Hall
Office: Botts hall
- jdemps1@ju.edu
- Direct: 904.256.7691
James is a JU Alumni ('22) with a degree in Theatre Arts and minors in Business Administration and Music. James is transitioning from the Office of Admissions where he served as the Fine Arts Recruiter, and he is excited to begin assisting students in a new capacity as a member of the Department of Student Life! As a fun fact, James is a lover of all things music and is even a part-time pianist in his spare time. James looks forward to building community and making Botts Hall the best it can be!
Khajeim Davidson
Residential Life Coordinator (RLC)- Williams Hall
Office: Williams Hall
- kdavids3@ju.edu
- Direct: 904.256.7536
Khajeim was born and raised in the southern heat of South Carolina. He graduated from JU with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in photography and graphic design. In his undergrad, Khajeim was a part of various student leader organizations such as Dolphin Productions, Camera Clickers, and Reslife. He enjoys everything that deals with the arts, fantasy, and spiritualism.
 |
Kenia AlcyResidential Life Coordinator (RLC)- Oak HallOffice: Oak Hall
|
| Kenia is a proud Alumna of Florida State Univeristy with degree in Public Administration and has her Master's in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. Kenia brings experience in graduate programming, career services, and student advising to our campus community. To recharge, Kenia enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, reading and staying active at the gym. She looks forward to engaging with students, faculty, and staff at JU, and is eager to provide support and foster a positive community. | |
NORTH HALL
Desk:
9am – 5pm
(904) 256-7788
Afterhours Emergency RA 24/7:
(904) 305-0030
VILLAGE APARTMENTS
Desk:
9am – 5pm
(904) 256-7538
Afterhours Emergency RA 24/7:
(904) 302-1903
WILLIAMS HALL
DESK:
9AM – 5PM
(904) 256-8989
AFTERHOURS EMERGENCY RA 24/7:
(904) 477-5150
BOTTS HALL
DESK:
9AM – 5PM
(904) 256-7691
AFTERHOURS EMERGENCY RA 24/7:
(904) 832-0100
Oak Hall
DESK:
9AM – 5PM
(904) 256-7545
AFTERHOURS EMERGENCY RA 24/7:
(904) 305-1220
** RA 24/7 numbers are intended to be for Students only. Parents are encouraged to contact Campus Security with after hours concerns.
General Questions?
Call 904.256.7538 or Email Housing@ju.edu
Division of Student Affairs Administration
Davis Student Commons – 3rd Floor
Direct: (904) 256-7067