Below you'll find information on the staff and elected officers that work hard to help run Whitelands College. Feel free to contact them with your questions or arrange a meeting with them to discuss any issues related to Whitelands College, they will be more than happy to help you.
If you have any doubts on who to contact then you can always drop your email to Steven Taggart at Steven.Taggart@roehampton.ac.uk and he can point you in the right direction.
College Staff
The staff of the college work for the University of Roehampton to support students, create a community amongst students and staff at the college and be on hand to support in their various different ways.
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.
College Warden
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
Student Elected Officers
The student elected officers are elected by the students of Roehampton to represent them in various ways and to help build and develop the community at Whitelands in partnership with the RSU and College staff.
College President and May Monarch
The Whitelands May Monarch is a unique position to Whitelands, and their duty is to raise money at the College for their nominated charity for the year. The position is elected each year in December time and they begin their reign in May.
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:
- Enhancing Accessibility & Support: Implement virtual learning options, offer short courses for academic skill-building, and increase study spaces.
- Improving Wellbeing & Cost of Living: Establish a university bus service, launch a student food bank, provide free period products, and support mental health initiatives.
- Fostering Community: Organize monthly events, stream sports at Sett Bar, and envision Whitelands holidays chosen by students.
- Ensuring Safety & Celebrating Diversity: Create a safe, eco-friendly campus that promotes equality and cultural diversity.
- 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!
