Nicole Hilliard, a graduate resident director at Watson Hall, passed away at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia last Tuesday. 

After graduating with a degree in history from Rowan University, she attended GS pursuing a Master’s Degree in higher education administration.

Megan Heins, director of residence education, said in an email that Nicole was passionate about developing her students.

“She was an inspirational leader, good humored, compassionate, and a little sassy with a lot of love to give,” Heins said. “We are all deeply saddened by this loss, as Nicole held a special place in our hearts.”

The Counseling Center has been helping affected students.

“The Counseling Center is aware of this situation and has been a great partner in assisting us with working with affected students,” Heins said.

Liyah Morgan, senior psychology major, and fellow RHA officer, said she met Hilliard when she joined the resident hall executive board. 

“When Nicole walked into the room, we instantly fell in love with her personality, her Jersey twang filled the room as she told us stories about her experiences and passion for housing,” Morgan wrote in an email. “She had a personality that could shine bright in any room and work ethic that was unmatched.”

Hilliard and Morgan would eat lunch together at work where Hilliard shared her love for her job, boyfriend and nails. As an advisor, Hilliard was organized and comforting to other employees, Morgan said.

“She always was someone I felt comfortable telling my problems to whether it was about my classes, professors, personal life, and/or organizational struggles,” Morgan wrote in an email. “I felt like Nicole was someone who really cared about our wellbeing and we in turn cared about hers.”

Hilliard’s funeral service will be held Tuesday in her hometown, Woodbridge Township, New Jersey at 4 p.m.

Nathan Woodruff, The George-Anne Managing News Editor, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu