Gregory R. Thompson, PhD | Chair
Dr. Gregory R. Thompson has worked in collegiate student housing for the past 20 years, holding professional positions at the University of Northern Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and the University of Iowa, where he currently serves as Director of Residence Education. He holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri, and a PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Iowa. He has been heavily involved in UMR-ACUHO, including roles as a conference chair, faculty member for the Regional Entry Level Institute, Coordinator of Technology and Sustainability, and as a Past President. Greg has been involved in ACUHO-I, presenting multiple times at the annual conference and serving as a faculty member for the James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute and the Mid-Level Training Institute. Dr. Thompson’s research interests include the impact of Whiteness on students and staff at historically White institutions, Black residential learning communities, and critical theory applications in blended research methodologies. In his free time, Greg enjoys travelling to warm places to scuba dive, trying out new recipes he finds online, tending to plants and his vegetable garden, and spending time with his sons and partner.
Demarcus Merritt, Sr. | Chair-Elect
Demarcus Merritt, Sr.’s most salient and joy-serving identities include being a Black man, a husband, a father of two Black boys and one heavenly daughter, and a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He serves as the Assistant Director of Residence Life with George Mason University’s Housing & Residence Life Unit, where he serves in an inaugural role that leads the development and implementation of an inclusion strategy guiding staff training, student engagement, and belonging initiatives; serves as a liaison for identity-based offices and campus partners; and provides expert counsel to Housing & Residence Life Leadership to ensure inclusion-based decision-making.
He is a proud two-time graduate of Virginia State University (an HBCU) and is currently a doctoral student in GMU’s College of Education and Human Development program. With over 18 years as a research-scholar and change agent practitioner, he has served in multiple front-facing and mid-level leadership roles to inquire, interrogate, interpret, impact, and improve the college student and Student Affairs professional experiences.
Demarcus has contributed significantly to scholarship and service through 25+ regional and national publications and 50+ research presentations across the U.S. and internationally. His notable leadership includes previously serving as Secretary of the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) Executive Board, Co-Chair of ACUHO-I’s Professional of Color Network (now the Black Professionals Network), and faculty roles with SEAHO RELI, ACUHO-I’s NHTI, STARS College, and the 2024 Mid-Level Leadership Institute. He is concluding a two-year term as ACUHO-I’s representative on the Student Affairs Educator Certification – Inclusion, Equity, and Engagement Committee for the Higher Education Consortium and is the current President of the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers (VACUHO).
Dr. Aja C. Holmes | Consultant-in-Residence
Dr. Aja C. Holmes is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Community Living at the University of San Francisco, where she leads a comprehensive residential experience rooted in equity, care, and student belonging. With more than 25 years of experience in Housing and Residence Life, Dr. Holmes is nationally recognized for her expertise in supervision skill development, identity-conscious leadership, and inclusive training design.
She has served as faculty for ACUHO-I’s Mid-Level Leadership Institute and the National Housing Training Institute (NHTI), and has contributed to curriculum development across national associations. A dedicated practitioner-scholar, Dr. Holmes is a founding member of the Journal of Critical Thought and Praxis and currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal Committed to Social Change on Race and Ethnicity. She also serves on the Leadership Council for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and is the 2026 ACPA Convention Chair.
Dr. Holmes earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University and both her B.S. and M.S. from Illinois State University. Her research and teaching are grounded in social justice, cultural humility, and the development of future higher education leaders.
Born and raised in Chicago, she is a proud aunt, an avid reader, and an unapologetic fan of Chicago-style pizza. She brings joy, warmth, and radical honesty to every space she occupies.
2025 Faculty
Dr. Christine Bender
Dr. Christine Bender is a dedicated higher education professional with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, mentorship, and the development of emerging leaders. She holds a B.A. in Social Science Education, an M.A. in Higher Education Administration, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Her doctoral research centered on women’s leadership and the transformative role of female mentorship, reflecting her passion for creating spaces where all individuals—particularly women and underrepresented professionals—can thrive and lead with confidence.
Dr. Bender brings more than academic expertise to her work—she is a former All-American collegiate soccer player, a testament to her discipline, leadership, and collaborative spirit. These qualities have shaped her approach to team-building and strategic leadership. She is actively involved in WACUHO and currently serves as its President. Her leadership within the association has been marked by a strong focus on community-building, professional development, and inclusive practice. Additionally, Dr. Bender has twice served as a faculty member for the National Housing Training Institute (NHTI) through the Association of College and University Housing Officers–International (ACUHO-I), where she helps shape and mentor the next generation of housing and residence life professionals.
Dr. Bender is known for her thoughtful and grounded leadership style, her commitment to inclusive excellence, and her ability to cultivate mentorship and growth in those around her. Whether she is leading a professional development initiative, engaging in strategic planning, or mentoring emerging leaders, she brings heart, humor, and a deep sense of purpose to every aspect of her work.
Shylan Scott
Shylan serves as the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life at the University of Virginia. Shylan grew up in Virginia and graduated from the UVA. She earned a master’s degree from Virginia State University and completed her Ph.D. at William & Mary. Her research interests are access to higher education, hazing, and belonging. Some of her professional work outside of Residence Life has included serving as a University Ombuds and chairing the William & Mary Hazing Prevention Coalition, and involvement in SEAHO and VACUHO. She is active civically with 3E Restoration Inc.