Meet the Whitelands Team

Dr Nick Mayhew-Smith

Head of College
Office: G14

The Head of the College oversees the development of the College from a strategic level and takes part in formal events and happenings throughout the year. Nick also oversees any disputes and disciplinary action that takes place within the college grounds. If you'd like to meet with Nick then please contact the college office to arrange an appointment.

Steven Taggart

College Life Development Officer
Phone: 020 8392 3511
Office: G047

As the College Life Development Officer, Steve works with all members of the college team to help coordinate the work of the college and logistics of its running day to day and its special events. He also supports the development of their work and helps to communicate what they do to the students, staff and alumni of Whitelands. Steve is often the first point of contact if you need help with anything such as college clothing, college events, or if you'd just like a locker. If you're not sure who to ask then get in contact with Steve and he can point you in the right direction.

Jo Eskdale

Student Wellbeing Officer
Office: G12

I’m Jo, I am the designated Whitelands Student Wellbeing Officer – The wellbeing team is here to support you if you are experiencing non-academic challenges which are impacting on your wellbeing. We can talk through the issue in confidence. We can also refer and signpost you to a range of support services both within the University and externally. To contact me and book in a chat, in person, online (via Microsoft teams)-or by phone please email me on WhitelandsWellbeing@roehampton.ac.uk

Dr Daniel Eshun

Phone: 020 8392 3516
Office: Chaplaincy Office

Daniel is Whitelands local chaplain who is there to support you with any faith related needs you might have. He comes from the Church of England himself, but is happy to discuss all faiths and beliefs with anyone, and he can also easily put you in contact with one of the many other chaplains that Roehampton has across campus. Drop him an email below if you'd like to make an appointment to see him, or find him the College Chaplaincy. 

Sabiha Iqbal

Muslim Chaplain
Phone: 020 8392 3185

Sabiha is the Muslim Chaplain to Whitelands College, and the wider university. She is based in Southlands College (LS002) but regularly frequents all the Chaplaincy spaces and Prayer rooms across campus; including G042, the Islamic Prayer Room at Whitelands College.

The university has a multi-faith Chaplaincy team, who work closely together to provide a safe and welcoming experience for all students and staff. The Roehampton Chaplaincy team is here for those of faith and none, whatever college you are part of and whether you live on-campus or commute in.

Sabiha organises activities and events for all members of the university, as well as specifically for Muslims. Past activities have included; The Coexist Café (a time for student to gather over a hot drink and learn a skill, or just chillax!), the International Food Bazaar, an Eid Special Community Lunch, talks on Ramadan and Fasting (with top tips about how to balance commitments to academic work and Ramadan), Women’s Only Workouts (including yoga and badminton), and much, much more!

Gemma Bentley

Whitelands Archivist 
Phone: 020 8392 8117
Office: G13

Gemma is our college archivist and works to ensure our history archives and records are kept safe. She is part of the Library Services team, and has been working as the Whitelands College archivist since 2014. The collections are fascinating and open to explore. Contact Gemma to make an appointment or drop by to chat on Mondays.

PC Rachael Cumberbatch 

Police Officer for Metropolitan Police Service

Hi I am Rachael, I am a Police Officer for the Metropolitan Police Service. I have been a police officer for nearly 20 years and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in policing which includes safety, crime prevention, crime reporting and the law. I sit in Steve Taggart’s office at Whitelands. I have been based at Roehampton for 2 years and I am here to assist you in any way you need from the Police.  I put on events for students, I may even be in some of your lectures giving talks about policing recruitment, safety, crime prevention. I can be used as case studies for course work, help with careers advice or debate topics relevant to you. I am the smiling face of the Met and here for you, so please say hello if you see me, I love food so you will often see me in the canteen at lunchtimes! 

Shai Danmole-Ellis

Senior College Warden
Phone: 020 8392 7297

My role as Senior College Warden is to encourage positive behaviour and responsible citizenship on campus. I work closely with your Flat Reps to make sure people are living together well in College accommodation- looking out for each other and following the rules. I also work closely with your core College team on any wider behavioural and community issues. Please do contact me if you have any concerns about behaviour on campus, either in a flat or elsewhere. I also work closely alongside your core College team on disciplinary and wellbeing issues, to ensure everyone has the best experience possible of University. My team of College Wardens are available overnight and on weekends to respond to emergencies. You can contact the Wardens by calling Security on ext. 3333 using an internal phone or call directly on 020 8392 3333. Download the Roe Wellbeing App and you can use that to call Security for a College Warden as well!

Olivia Ogunbunmi

Senior College Warden
Phone: 020 8392 7297

Our roles as Senior College Wardens are to encourage positive behaviour and responsible citizenship on campus. We work closely with your Residential Community Leaders (RCLs) to make sure people are living together well in college accommodation – looking out for each other and following the rules. You are welcome to visit us if you have any concerns about behaviour on campus, either in a flat or elsewhere. We also work alongside others on serious disciplinary and wellbeing cases, to ensure everyone has the best experience of university.

Melanie Jane Hilton

College Warden
Phone: Security +44 (0) 20 8392 3333

Frankie Chantel Louise Cummings

May Monarch

Hi I am Frankie, your 143rd May Queen! As this years elected May Queen, you can expect to see me around campus organising social events, for students, to raise money for my chosen charity (JDRF). I'll also be at many Whitelands events since being a May Monarch involves being part of the student leaders team; I'll be promoting the May Day tradition and fundraising all year round. I'm happy to answer any questions about our amazing college and May Day in person, via email, or on Instagram.

Pathan Nasreen Banu

Student President

As the president of Whiteland College, I am guided by the belief that every student's voice is vital for creating meaningful change. My vision is to establish a lively, inclusive, and dynamic community where students, the Union, and the college collaborate to guarantee unparalleled educational and personal growth experiences.

Key Commitments:

1. Enhancing Accessibility & Support: Implement virtual learning options, offer short courses for academic skill-building, and increase study spaces.
2. Improving Wellbeing & Cost of Living: Establish a university bus service, launch a student food bank, provide free period products, and support mental health initiatives.
3. Fostering Community: Organize monthly events, stream sports at Sett Bar, and envision Whitelands holidays chosen by students.
4. Ensuring Safety & Celebrating Diversity: Create a safe, eco-friendly campus that promotes equality and cultural diversity.
5. Together, we can transform Whitelands College into a place where everyone thrives. We need every staff and student to support us in creating a connected and student-focused future!