Our Campus
Dooley Hall
Dooley Hall
First-year women live in Dooley.
Every wing has its own resident assistant and a shared community bathroom with a private bathroom included. Each room typically houses two students (individual rooms available for an extra fee) and is equipped with AC/heat and adjustable beds. There are shared laundry facilities and a lounge for gathering together on each of the second-story wings. Dooley also features a large main-floor lobby as well as a finished basement that includes a kitchenette and study space.
Housing Dimensions
Meet the Resident Director
Celena Smith
Resident Director for Dooley Hall
Hi! My name is Celena Smith, and I am the Resident Director of Dooley Hall at Northwest Nazarene University. I studied for my undergrad at what was NNC in the early/mid-nineties. After I got married, my husband returned to campus in 1999 to serve as the Sutherland Hall Resident Director when it was the home of sophomore men.
Before coming back to NNU, I accompanied my husband on his journey in the Army for 22+ years. We have four amazing children, two boys and two girls. Our sons both graduated from NNU, and our daughters are seniors at NNU this year and planning to graduate this spring. This June, my husband and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. I was a stay-at-home mom for several years, and when my children got a bit older, I returned to work in their school district as a paraprofessional focusing on the care and instruction of students with special needs. Along the way, I did some nannying, had a crafting business and worked as a personal assistant.
At NNU, I serve as a guide, mentor and support system for students living in Dooley Hall. As the Resident Director, I live in the dorm alongside students, helping them navigate the transition to college life—academically, socially and spiritually. My role includes overseeing the student RA team, creating opportunities for connection, encouraging healthy habits and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
My favorite part of this job is getting to experience the newness that every first-year student lives. Thier excitement and wonder is always very special to me and I love that I get to be a part of it.
I want students to feel at home. Living away from home, possibly for the first time, can be a large undertaking and I am honored that I get to take part in facilitating that with students. In a way, I am your dorm mom. I want to celebrate when things are accomplished, and I want to come alongside and support you when challenges arise.
I am so thankful that God has brought me to this place in my life. Being a Resident Director was something I always dreamed I would get to do; I just never expected to be awarded the opportunity. So here I am living my best life and getting a front row seat to your excitement and growth.
I chose to work at NNU because I loved being a student leader. As a Resident Assistant, the experiences I had and the relationships that were cultivated changed who I was. They allowed me to discover myself and develop my own thoughts and opinions for the first time in my life. The community NNU has created is remarkable and I am overjoyed to be a part of it.
When I’m not working, I enjoy visiting with friends, baking, going to the theater, shopping, crafting, any theme park ride I can get to and spending time with my family.
My husband and I also have two dogs that live in the dorm with us, so come on by for pets anytime. Be aware that my lab Piper will lick you in the face, and my little one Bailey will yell at you. She yells at everyone…it’s not you…it’s her. 🙂
