Office of Residence Life 

Professional Staff

Keith Blankenship

Assistant Dean of Students/Director 

Keith is the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life here at Lehigh.  Prior to arriving at Lehigh, Keith worked with the Residential Life staff at Columbia University for eight years.  Keith is currently working on his MBA here at Lehigh.  He also has an MA in International Educational Development with a concentration in International Humanitarian Issues from Columbia University and a BA in Philosophy from Gettysburg College.  As part of his academic experience he is fortunate to have been able to spend a year studying at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia.  And while he thinks of Australia as his adopted home, Keith is originally from Cranston, Rhode Island.  Outside of his work with the Residence Life team Keith enjoys live music and appreciating the performing arts, walking around a new city, participating in outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, and golf, and is a fan of 90s disaster movies.  He's also known around the office for sending well-timed gifs.

Jean Barnard

Associate Director

Jean is one of the Associate Directors of Residence Life.  She received her master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.   Her graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Lock Haven University. Post undergrad, she has been a Hall Director, a Graduate Assistant within an Academic Department, an Assistant Director of Residence Life, and a Director and Academic Coach of an Academic Coaching & Tutoring Center at various colleges and universities in Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.  Jean joined the Lehigh University family in June of 2022 and enjoys working with the Residence Life Team.  Outside of work, Jean loves spending time with her partner and her two tiny humans. She also enjoys playing board games, gardening, and going on adventures.

Chloē Webb-Barnes

Associate Director

Chloe is the newest Associate Director of Residence Life at Lehigh.  She received her master's degree in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs from West Chester University.  Her graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Finance from West Chester University (WCU).  Chloe fell in love with Residence Life as a Resident Assistant, and chose higher education because of it. She also served as a Graduate Assistant, Graduate Hall Director, Resident Director, and Area Coordinator all at WCU before joining her new Lehigh family in January 2023. What brings Chloe the most joy in higher education? She'd say it's creating those transformational experiences for her students and staff at all levels. Outside of her passion for Residence Life, she enjoys playing with her two daughters, movie nights with her spouse, cuddles with her puppy Roman, and playing the Sims 4 when she gets the chance. She also loves crafting with her Cricut, cooking, gardening, and baking cakes & cookies! Baked goods will surely frequent her office for all to enjoy :) 

Mikki Maderas

Coordinator

Mikki joined our Res Life team in November 2021, but she has been with Lehigh for over 10 years in various coordinator positions.  Her passion and dedication is to be a valuable resource to our Lehigh community by connecting with our students and providing them with the best experience with our office.  Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, hiking, swimming, camping with family and friends and trips to the beach, which by the way, is her happy place. 

Jess Croll

Assistant Director- Singleton, Hitch, & Maida Houses (SHM)

Jess received her Master's Degree in Student Affairs Higher Education Administration from Kutztown University in 2018 while serving as a Resident Director.  Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work with minors in psychology and sociology.  Outside of Residence Life, Jess enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and exploring new places.  Jess also loves to bake and spend time with her husband Clark, their dog Lexi, family, and friends. 

Lou Gardiner

Assistant Director- Brodhead House, Farrington Square, & Warren Square

Lou received his Master's Degree in Organization Development with a concentration in Adult Learning & Education from Saint Joseph's University in 2015.  Prior to that, Lou studied Music Education at Immaculata University and received his Bachelor's in Music Education in 2012.  Lou began working at Lehigh in June of 2016.  Prior to his time at Lehigh, Lou served as a Residential Area Manager at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Outside of work, Lou is an avid outdoorsman and loves hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, snowboarding, etc. and loves to travel and try to go somewhere new anytime he can.

Angie Rizzo

Assistant Director- The Centennials

Angie received her Master's degree in Secondary Education from Lehigh University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with minors in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. Angie joined the Office of Residence Life as a professional staff member in 2022 and enjoys her work immensely. Her favorite part of this role is working with students- both residents and her staff of 24 Gryphons. Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time with her dog (Ellie), volunteering, hiking, traveling, reading, art, and paddling. 

Sean Miller

Assistant Director- McClintic-Marshall House (M&M), Taylor House, & Trembley Park Apartments

Prior to starting at Lehigh, Sean lived in Virginia while completing a Master’s in College Student Personnel Administration at James Madison University. Originally from New Jersey, Sean studied Politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, while serving as a Resident Assistant for three years. While at Catholic U, Sean was an active member of CUAllies, a student-run LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Sean has a passion for supporting students as they transition through their college experience. As a first-generation college student, Sean is especially interested in supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college. Most of all, Sean is looking forward to joining the Village staff in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment!

Aislinn Strohecker

Assistant Director- Dravo, Richards, & Drinker Houses

Aislinn is a Lehigh alumna and a former Gryphon for Richards and Dravo.  After graduating from Lehigh with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, she went on to graduate school at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and received her Master of Education degree.  At Rutgers, Aislinn served as a Hall Director for two buildings in the women's college. Her greatest joy in her role comes from connecting with students and supporting their learning and engagement, especially through challenging times.  Outside of work she is an avid reader and enjoys hiking, painting, watching new shows, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cats, Finn and Scout.

Braeden Barnett

Assistant Director- Sayre Park Village & Houses 85, 87, 88, 90, 93, 97, and Umoja 

Braeden is very excited to be starting his first year as an Assistant Director of Residence Life at Lehigh University. Braeden recently graduated with his Master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Kent State University in Kent, OH. Before that he studied English at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA (his hometown). Braeden is passionate about supporting both his residents and his student staff and is eager to learn and grow along side them all. Outside of work, Braeden loves spending time with his fiancé, Lucy, and their two cats, Pym and Voss. He is an avid movie-goer and fan of most TV shows streaming. He is also committed to teaching anyone who would like to learn how to juggle.