Campus Living & Learning

Neil E. Golemo has been with Texas A&M University at Galveston since 2006 and has served as the Director of Campus Living & Learning since the Fall of 2014. During his tenure, he has seen the professional staff grow from one Masters level and live-on professional to five Masters level professionals with three living on-campus. The Campus Living & Learning Student Staff program has grown from twelve Resident Assistants, to over twenty Community Leaders and ten Company Commanders. The campus community has grown from three Residence Halls and six-hundred beds to seven Residence Halls with over 1600 beds. Dr. Golemo has been involved in many committees such as chairing the Residence Hall recommendation steering committee and assisting with the development of the TAMUG Honors Curriculum. These things along with many programs such as Halloween Howl, Campus Preview and Gig ‘Em Week have all grown during his time at Texas A&M University at Galveston. Dr. Golemo earned his B.A. in Speech Communications at Baylor University in 2004, his M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Baylor University in 2006, and received his Ph.D. in Higher Education from Texas A&M University in 2023. Dr. Golemo has been honored with many accolades, including the 2018 CEO's Meritorious Service Award, the 2018 President's award for Meritorious Service (team), and the William Paul Ricker Award for Meritorious Service in 2024.

Sarah (West) Schendzelos started her TAMUG Campus Living & Learning staff experience in the summer of 2014. She received her bachelors and masters from Oklahoma State University. Sarah has worked in a wide range of student affairs job titles throughout her undergraduate and master degrees. During her time here at Texas A&M Galveston, she has worked as a Housing Coordinator who supervised Oceans, Hullabaloo and Pacific Hall as well as Summer Camps and Conferences. Her next role was as an Assistant Director for Campus Living & Learning where she oversaw Residential Education, Housing Coordinators and Camps and Conferences. Sarah now serves as the Associate Director of Campus Living & Learning, focusing on development of staff and department processes and having increased leadership and oversight - second only to the director. Sarah has a lifelong love of the water and truly loves being a part of the Aggie family.

Carrie Rowland joined the TAMUG Campus Living & Learning team in the summer of 2018.  Before beginning her professional career in Galveston, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Higher Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs.  Carrie was previously a licensed secondary science educator and enjoys connecting with the unique student body here at TAMUG through learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.  Her primary interests in higher education are the personal development of students alongside mentorship, the curricular approach, and the opportunities provided by living on campus. Before moving into the AD Operations position, Carrie was the Housing Coordinator of Hullabaloo, Oceans, and Pacific Halls. In her current role, she oversees housing assignments and the housing application process as well as serving as the department's facilities liaison. Carrie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, emphasis in Higher Education Administration at Texas A&M University in College Station.  In addition to education, she is also passionate about animal welfare and is an advocate for selfless service through fostering and volunteering in the Galveston County and Great Houston area.

With many years of experience in higher education, Shelby is a passionate scholar practitioner who joins us from Texas A&M University College Station where she oversaw The Big Event, also known as the nation’s largest student-run service project. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration with an emphasis on Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE) from Texas A&M University, she is committed to lifelong learning. In addition to her professional role, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration in Higher Education at Texas A&M University. Her research interests include women in higher education, religious minority students in secular organizations, restorative justice, student affairs professionals, student engagement, campus traditions, and organizational culture. She is also an active member and leader in the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (TACUSPA), where she serves as the Vice President of Membership & Marketing, promoting the professional development and networking of student affairs practitioners in Texas. Her passion for learning, supporting the holistic development of students, and enhancing the student experience, drives her work and research as she aspires to continue contributing to advancing higher education.

Demeka R. Randolph came to TAMUG Campus Living and Learning in September 2023.  Demeka holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Prior to coming to TAMUG, she has worked in several local school districts as well as Texas A&M Central Texas.  She has a passion for helping others and working with students. In her spare time, she has taught group fitness and small group training for over 10 years.  She enjoys working out, singing on the praise team, reading, family time and football!

Cloe joined the TAMUG Campus Living & Learning team in the summer of 2021. Before beginning her professional career in Galveston, Cloe received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University located in Conway, South Carolina, and her Master of Science in College Student Affairs from Eastern Illinois University located in Charleston, Illinois. While complete her master’s degree, Cloe completed a thesis titled Listening to Their Voices: A Narrative on Campus Climate for Trans* Students. Cloe enjoys the beach, cooking and baking, crafting, and spending time with her dog, Bubbles. Professionally, Cloe is interested in student care and advocacy, Title IX, and inclusive climates.

Peyton Baker joined the TAMUG Campus Living & Learning team in December 2022. Before beginning her professional career in Galveston, Peyton received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana State University located in Terre Haute, Indiana, and her Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education Administration at Murray State University located in Murray, Kentucky. Peyton became a desk clerk and an RA during her undergraduate career and has been working in a University Housing setting ever since. During her time at Murray State, Peyton served as a Residence Director and also interned in the Office of Student Disability Services. What Peyton enjoys most about her career is the mix of student interaction and administrative functions. During her free time, Peyton enjoys hammocking, crafting, trying new recipes, and trying out the new Crumbl flavors!

Lonzha Dowthard brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success to the TAMUG Campus Living & Learning team as the Housing Operations Coordinator. Joining the team in the spring of 2024, Lonzha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Her journey in student support began with a passion for helping students in various capacities. With a background in social work and residential services, Lonzha possesses a keen understanding of the unique needs of students and a heartfelt dedication to fostering vibrant and supportive living and learning environments. Her experience teaching English and language arts to international students in both Kenya and Houston, Texas, has enriched her perspective on supporting students from all walks of life. At TAMUG, Lonzha is deeply invested in student success, striving to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to thrive. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to creating opportunities for students to excel academically, personally, and socially. In addition to her role as Housing Operations Coordinator, Lonzha is actively engaged in mentorship and curriculum design, seeking to enhance the student experience both inside and outside the classroom. She is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging within the housing facilities, recognizing the critical role it plays in student retention and success. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on students' lives, Lonzha approaches her work with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to see students succeed. She is thrilled to continue supporting the vibrant student community at TAMUG and contributing to the university's mission of academic excellence and student development.