Meet the McDonald Hall Staff
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: Kevin Moore
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ
Why I Chose Northern
Arizona University: I came to NAU because I have always loved Flagstaff and everything that it has to offer. It is a great outdoorsy town and all the people here are friendly and make it a great place to live.
Why I am excited to be
an RA: I wanted to become an RA so that I could help new students to NAU and to Flagstaff be as comfortable as they can be in their new environment so that they can reach a higher level of success in their academic careers. I also have always enjoyed interacting with people and being a resource for people when they need help. The RA position was a job that allowed me to complete all of these things and helped me to stay more focused as a student as well.
Name: Marley Swan
Major: Elementry & Special Education with an Art minor
Hometown: Tempe, AZ
Why I Chose Northern
Arizona University: I chose NAU for the wonderful Education Program, the small town and the cool weather.
Why I'm excited to be
an RA: I am an RA because I want to connect with residents and make their NAU experience the best it can be.