Bernadine Allala

Bernadine Allala serves as a Residence Hall Director with the University of Mississippi Housing residence hall in Oxford, Mississippi. In this role, she engages with freshmen students each year to support their smooth transition into college and to help them thrive during their academic journey. She has been in her field for almost 5 years. Originally from Ghana, Allala is an international student pursuing her PhD in higher education after earning a master's in Student Affairs from the University of West Florida. Her professional focus includes assisting prospective and current international students from Africa with graduate school admissions and adjustment to life in the United States. In 2020, she spearheaded the formation of the African Students' Union at the University of West Florida, which has grown into a key campus organization providing community and support for African students. Allala is a member of the Southern Association of Student Affairs, CSA, and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She attributes her success to her resilience as an international student and her commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges.