Residential Life Staff



The Office of Residential Life is staffed by a well-trained and knowledgeable team of professionals and paraprofessionals in administrative roles: as hall directors and as resident assistants. The Residential Life staff consists of the director, the administrative assistant, four hall directors, and 28 resident assistants. Each member of the Residential Life staff helps build community for residents in their own unique way.


Allen J. Thomas Machielson, Director of Residential Life and Associate Dean of Student Development

Allen is in his first year at Manchester. Originally from Chicago, he holds a B.F.A. from Calvin College and an M.A.T. from Sacred Heart. Allen is a fan of the T.V. show "Doctor Who," and in his free time, enjoys putting finishing touches on his new home.

Favorite part of my job:
"The great people and students that I work with."

Dottie Young, Administrative Assistant

Dottie is in her fourth year at Manchester. A resident of Wabash, Ind., she earned a B.S. in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. In her free time, Dottie enjoys reading, gardening, quilting and scrapbooking.

Favorite part of my job:
"I love the contact with students and being able to work with such an awesome Residential Life team."

Hall Directors

What is an HD?
The main focus of a hall director (HD) is to provide students with a comfortable living environment. This includes socialization, community building, sleeping, studying and a community free from harassment. HDs work with, train, develop and supervise the RAs. They work directly with RAs, DAs (desk assistants), student leaders and the students in their halls. HDs also advise their hall's Hall Council. HDs are responsible for day-to-day operation of the hall, as well as initial conduct hearings in their halls.

Matt Davenport, Schwalm Hall Director

Matthew "D-port" Davenport is in his third year as Schwalm Hall Director. Matt is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and he graduated from John Carroll University with a B.A. in Communications in 2005.  He enjoys writing new songs and singing in his free time.

Favorite part of my job:
"My interaction with my residents!! Being the HD of Schwalm has been, and continues to be, a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I have exceptional RA’s, an amazing hall council, wonderful DA’s, and my residents are second to none; we are the home of champions!!"


Nick Marinello, Helman Hall Director

Currently in his third year at Manchester, Nick is originally from St. Clair Shores, Mich. He earned a B.S. from Central Michigan University in 2005. Nick enjoys getting lost in Wikipedia during his free time.

Favorite part of my job:
"Being able to provide for students a safe and active living and learning environment."

Ryan Phillips, Oakwood Hall and East Hall Director

Ryan Phillips is in his second year as Oakwood Hall director and his first year as East Hall director. Ryan is originally from Owosso, Mich., and he graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's of Science in 2006. He enjoys watching a good movie or baseball game in his free time. 

Favorite part of my job:
"Having the opportunity to work with so many great students on a daily basis." 

Sara Bowlin, Garver Hall Director

Sara Bowlin is in her first year as Garver Hall director. Sara is originally from Elkhart, Ind., and graduated from Carroll College with a B.S. in Psychology in May of 2007. She enjoys reading a good book in her free time.

Favorite part of my job:
"Working with all the great students here at Manchester."



Resident Assistants



What is an RA?
Resident assistants (RAs) are to develop ongoing relationships with residents on the floor and are committed to helping meet the needs of residents, as students and as responsible members of the campus community. "Assisting" incorporates many aspects including: programming counseling, being a friend, upholding College and residence hall policies, dispensing information, and being available on the floor. Each of these aspects is an appropriate way to meet the needs of the residents.

Each resident assistant is primarily committed to a floor/wing and its residents. In addition, a resident assistant will have many responsibilities involving the entire residence hall. RAs are responsible in the hall for: information, counsel, supervision of hall operations, and emergency response, whether it involves people or the physical facilities.


East Hall


Garver Hall


Helman Hall


Oakwood Hall


Schwalm Hall