Meet the Gillenwater Hall Staff
Get to know your Residence Hall Directors and Resident Assistants.
Residence Hall Director
Name: John Wachal
Phone: 928-523-2941
E-mail: john.wachal@nau.edu
Education:
- Associate of Arts – Central Community College, 2006
- Bachelor of Science in History & Sociology, University of South Dakota, 2010
- Masters of Arts in Adult & Higher Education, University of South Dakota, 2012
Why I chose NAU? I believe they have a tremendous Housing and Residence Life department that genuinely cares for their students. I wanted to be a part the state’s premier residential university. I love the town of Flagstaff because of its vibrant community filled with beautiful vistas. In South Dakota their motto is “Great Places, Great Faces.” That is what I see here in Flagstaff, between the community and NAU there are so many great people and great places to go and things to do. And at the end of the day you just can’t beat life at 7,000 feet.
A little about John: First off I did not come to NAU alone. I am happily married to my wife Jodie. We are both from Nebraska. I am an avid sports fan and I love my Nebraska football. My wife played collegiate basketball at South Dakota. We are both excited to attend some sporting events while at NAU. We are also big fans of National Parks and the great outdoors (wildlife, camping, hiking, etc.) I have been involved in Residence Life in one form or another since 2005. I love to work with young leaders and help students on their path to graduation. TRUE BLUE NAU!!!
Graduate Assistant Residence Hall Director
Name: Tim Bonson
Phone: 928-523-4461
E-mail: tim.bonson@nau.edu
Education:
- Currently pursuing a School Psychology degree.
- Master of Education in Higher Education – Texas Tech University
- Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
About Tim: I am excited about working at a dynamic university where each student receives personal attention. It is especially important for me to assist students when they are outside of the classroom. I am particularly interested in academic initiatives and leadership development.
Resident Assistants
Name: Jessica Gagola
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Why I chose Northern Arizona University: It has a really good Psychology program and it is in Flagstaff.
Why I'm excited to be an RA: I get to meet people I would have never got to know without this job.
Name: Franco Marzella
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Newark, CA
Why I chose Northern Arizona University: Because I love nature.
Why I'm excited to be an RA: Because I love to assist residents.
Name: Alycia Moore
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a Chemistry minor
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Why I chose Northern Arizona University: I chose to come to NAU because of its beautiful weather and serene setting. Also, it was far enough away from home, but close enough that I could drive back if need be.
Why I'm excited to be an RA: I am excited to be an RA because I love making new friends! I hope that I can positively impact the lives of my residents, and I look forward to helping them make this year unforgettable.