Campus Life is thrilled to welcome four new members to the SILT team. Starting this month, Gantt Thomas, Jr., will serve as the new Associate Director of the office; LaJoi Boone will serve as the Assistant Director of Leadership; Melanie Cason will serve as the new Assistant Director of Student Engagement; and Damian Garza will serve as the Program Coordinator in Student Engagement.
“Filling these roles that have been vacant will mean that the SILT team is empowered to deliver on core commitment 1 of the Oxford Strategic plan and deliver an inspiring experience for students,” says Claire DePalma, Director of Life Design, Leadership & Engagement.
As we welcome these new members to the Oxford community and the SILT team, it’s important to anchor their work in the core values that steer all of Campus Life’s efforts. Whether supporting students, working with colleagues, or shaping campus culture, everything is grounded in a shared philosophy that influences leadership and service. This dedication is embodied in the Campus Life Credo, which serves as both a guiding principle and a commitment to how the team leads, collaborates, and fosters a sense of belonging on our campus.
Oxford’s Campus Life Credo is: "At Oxford College, we believe that an exceptional student experience is built on a foundation of compassionate leadership, collaborative practice, and a commitment to equity and belonging. As stewards of Campus Life, we dedicate ourselves to cultivating a thriving, inclusive, and transparent environment where students and staff alike are empowered to grow, lead, and flourish."
The newest members of our team embody these values through their work, their backgrounds, and their dedication to student success. We’re pleased to introduce them below.
Gantt L. Thomas Jr. has been a higher education professional for the past eight years, specializing in community building, curriculum design, and programmatic approaches in a Residence Life context for most of that time. By merging student voice and professional experience, Gantt aims to develop innovative approaches to campus life that will bolster both the university experience and the school's reputation. With experience working with diverse student populations, Gantt brings a culturally rich perspective to this role and aims to extend those experiences to students through communal approaches to student involvement and the SILT team! Beyond Gantt’s work commitments, he works very hard to be a good husband and dog dad to his wife of 3 years (10 years together) and two dogs (Luna [5 yrs] and Ace [1 yr]). Although he has lived in South Korea, Gantt continues to practice Korean, loves Korean food, and enjoys traveling when he can.
LaJoi Boone serves as the Assistant Director at Oxford College of Emory University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, and is pursuing her Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. LaJoi’s passion for leadership development began during her own undergraduate experience, where she thrived in student leadership roles and discovered a love for helping others grow. In her work, LaJoi is energized by creating meaningful learning experiences, facilitating programs, and mentoring students as they discover their strengths and develop confidence and self-assuredness in their lives and leadership journeys. She is committed to fostering environments where students feel seen, supported, challenged, and equipped to lead with clarity and purpose. Outside of work, LaJoi enjoys spending time with her favorite little leaders (her sons), husband, family, and friends.
Melanie A. Cason is an accomplished higher education and operations leader with a proven track record in compliance, policy development, and team leadership. She brings expertise in performance management and operational efficiency, along with a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. She most recently served as Student Engagement Program Manager and LGBTQIA Liaison at Spelman College, where she spearheaded signature initiatives, including the college’s first Lavender Graduation and Family Weekend programs, thereby enhancing campus life and community engagement. Beyond her professional achievements, Melanie has been married for 30 years, is a proud mother of three andgrandmother of three and owns a spirited miniature schnauzer. She loves to travel—the most recent adventure taking her to Greece—and enjoys creating meaningful experiences with family and friends.
Damian Garza serves as a Program Coordinator at Oxford College of Emory University. He is currently pursuing his Master of Education in College Student Affairs Administration at the University of Georgia, where he works in student involvement, leadership development, and campus programming. During his graduate practicum at Oxford College, Damian coordinated orientation initiatives. He facilitated leadership training for student leaders, experiences that helped shape his passion for student development and equitable engagement practices. Damian’s professional interests include organizational leadership, campus governance, and the intersections of higher education, law, and policy. Originally from Milledgeville, Georgia, Damian earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia. Outside of work, he enjoys music, following politics, and spending time with friends.
In the new year and new semester, the SILT team continues to look forward to partnering with students to craft their journeys at Oxford, and the new team is so excited to roll up their sleeves and do this work with and for students!
