MOBILE, Ala. — Spring Hill College has named Dr. Tracey Paul as its new Director of Residence Life, bringing to The Hill more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in residence life and student affairs.
A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Dr. Paul joins Spring Hill College with a career dedicated to building strong, student-centered residential communities that support student success, engagement and holistic well-being. She has served thousands of students across public, private and faith-based institutions, leading complex housing operations and advancing residential education initiatives that foster belonging, accountability and personal growth.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Paul to Spring Hill College,” said Mary Van Brunt, president of Spring Hill College. “Her leadership will be essential as we continue to enhance our residential program in ways that support the whole student and align with our Jesuit mission.”
Dr. Paul is widely recognized for her collaborative and student-centered leadership approach. Throughout her career, she has overseen multi-million-dollar residential portfolios, supervised and developed professional and student staff teams, and partnered closely with facilities, public safety and student support offices to ensure safe, well-maintained and engaging living environments. Her experience also includes leading residential curriculum initiatives, coordinating crisis response and student conduct processes, and serving on Student Affairs Leadership Teams, Emergency Management Teams and Behavioral Intervention Teams.
As Spring Hill College approaches its 200-year legacy of forming leaders in service to others, the institution is strengthening its focus on holistic student well-being, health and safety, and residential communities that promote connection and belonging in response to the realities of today’s student experience. Dr. Paul’s background in staff development, residential education, crisis management and facilities collaboration positions her well to guide Residence Life as these efforts continue.
Dr. Paul began her career as a hall director and advanced into senior leadership roles overseeing residence life and student engagement. She has implemented innovative programs designed to connect students with faculty, staff and campus resources to promote wellness, professional development and retention. Her dedication has earned multiple honors, including Staff Member of the Year at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine.
She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Science in Human Environmental Science from the University of Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Jackson State University. Her doctoral dissertation, Examining Job Satisfaction, Retention, and Burnout Prevention Among Hall Directors in Mississippi, informs her leadership philosophy, emphasizing staff well-being, sustainable supervision and student-centered organizational practice.
Guided by values of care, service and intentional community-building, Dr. Paul is committed to creating residential environments that support the whole student experience at Spring Hill College.