Residence Life

It’s much more than a cluster of buildings.

Residence life at Taylor is more than that. Halls are intentionally integrated, so underclassmen are living with and learning from upperclassmen and vice versa. In living together, students are exposed to a variety of people and opinions, as well as a host of shared experiences.

The goal is to create an environment that encourages personal and spiritual growth and fosters the basic values of Christian community, such as consideration for others, integrity and self-discipline.  Residence Hall staff work to facilitate this growth in partnership with Men's and Women's Programming.

Things to bring to campus 

Residence Halls

• Bergwall Hall
• English Hall
• Gerig Hall
• Sammy Morris Hall
• Olson Hall
• Swallow Robin Hall
• Wengatz Hall

Campus Apartments

• Campbell Hall
• Fairlane Apartments
• Wolgemuth Hall

Olson Hall

Olson Hall is the largest residence hall on campus, housing 297 women on three floors. 

Arranged in a traditional format, the rooms line each side of a central corridor. Each room is equipped with the following for each student:

• a bed
• dresser 
• desk
• chair
• book case
• wardrobe

Floors are carpeted.

The main lounge on the first floor offers a fireplace, television and kitchen area. In addition to the main lounge, there is a study lounge on the 2nd floor.

Olson is located on the southeast side of campus. Olson does not have an elevator or air conditioning.

"Living in Olson Hall has given me the chance to develop relationships with so many wonderful girls. You are constantly surrounded by people that are committed to growing closer in their walk with God." - Rachel Clemens '06

Lisa Barber, Olson Hall Director

Hi, my name is Lisa Barber and I am so thrilled to be the Olson Residence Hall Director. I am a Taylor University graduate ('03) and I lived in Olson for three years. While at Taylor, I was a Communication Studies major and I loved being an involved student. I studied abroad in Ireland my sophomore year, served as a PA my junior year and worked with the Student Activities Council my senior year.  These experiences were very shaping for me and  led me to pursue a career in Student Development. After graduating, I moved to Ireland for a year working with Taylor's Irish Studies Program then I moved to Iowa and worked at Northwestern College as a Hall Director for six years. I loved those years living and working with college students. In 2011, I decided to continue my education and move back to Taylor to begin the master's program in Higher Education and Student Development. During my first year of graduate school, I had the privilege of serving as the Graduate Assistant for Women's Programming.

I am honored to be living and working with the women of Olson Hall. Living in a residence hall is a gift that is a shaping, challenging, sharpening and encouraging experience. I know that it was for me.  My hope is that the women of Olson feel welcomed, loved, accepted, challenged and supported from the moment they move in until the last time they move out. And that we all are better for having lived together.

Email Lisa at lisa_barber@taylor.edu.

Julie Cline, Olson Assistant Hall Director

Hello. My name is Julie Cline, and I am a 2011 graduate from Taylor University. My bachelors degree is in Media Communication, Public Relations. As an undergrad, I had the experience of leading a New Student Orientation group for freshmen, participating in the Irish Studies Program as a sophomore, and serving as the President of Student Activities Council during my senior year. Throughout my time as an undergrad I felt completely loved and invested in by countless staff members and friends at this university. I was stretched and challenged in incredible ways, and it was through those mentors that I found a personal love of my own for student development. 

I am currently a student in Taylor’s Master’s of Higher Education and Student Development (MAHE) program. I feel blessed with the opportunity to serve, with Lisa, the women of Olson Hall. 

Amidst the laughing, crying, and screaming, the years I spent living in a residence hall at Taylor were the most formative of my life. I cannot express what a privilege it is for me to walk along side these women in such a time of discovery. I am beyond thrilled for all the fun memories yet to be made in Olson Hall.

Email Julie at julie_cline@taylor.edu