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
Student Leadership Manager
Phone: 020 8392 3511
Office: G13
As the Student Leadership Manager here at Whitelands College, Steve works with all the Whitelands team to help coordinate the work of the College and logistics of its running day-to-day, alongside organising special events. He also manages the Whitelands Residential Community Leaders (RCLS) & College Community Leaders (CCLS) to ensure everyone is happy in their flats and as a member of the college. Steve will often be your first point of contact if you need help with anything relating to the college. If you are not sure who to ask, then please get in contact with him and he will be able to point you in the right direction.
Oli Ottoway
Student Wellbeing Officer
Office: G12
I’m Oli, 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
Amy Watts
Student Wellbeing Officer
Office: 019
I’m Amy, 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
Send an email
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
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.
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.
Queen Keira Williams
May Monarch
Hey everyone, I’m Keira, your 146th May Monarch! A huge welcome to Whitelands and Roehampton. I hope you come to love being part of the Whitelands community as much as I do, and most importantly, feel like there’s a place for you here, because there really is a place for everyone.
This year I’ll be organising events and raising money for Nia, a charity working to end violence against women and girls. I also run Whitelands Run Club, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet people and become part of the community throughout the year.
If you’re still finding your feet or aren’t quite sure how to get involved, I’m always happy to grab a coffee, introduce you to people or help you find your place in the community. And if you see me around campus, please come and say hi!
You can follow @whitelandsmaymonarch for events, fundraising and updates throughout the year. Most of all, I hope we can continue to make Whitelands a community where we encourage one another and build each other up.
Mariyam Mehmood
Student President
Hi, I’m Mariyam Mehmood, your Whitelands College President for the upcoming academic year! I’m a Biomedical Sciences student who loves bringing people together and creating a welcoming community. I’m excited to work with students, organise fun opportunities, and make sure everyone feels included, supported, and proud to call Whitelands home.
Carlos Ruiz Gago
Deputy College President
I'm a good listener, committed, and hands-on, and I'm excited to serve as Deputy President. Wellbeing and inclusion matter deeply to me, and I want every student at Whitelands, whether international or home, to feel they truly belong. This year, I hope to build stronger connections across our community and make sure every student feels supported.
