New associate dean of residence life casts vision for his role 

By Kamryn Sanderfer

Staff Writer

Living learning communities and language-intensive housing options in which native Spanish speakers are paired with students looking to improve their language skills are just a couple of the big dreams Zack Church has for the future of residential life at Trevecca. 

Church, associate dean of residence life, replaced Rhonda Lillenthial as associate dean of residence life after she retired after serving 36 years in the position. 

“I’m looking forward to getting the rhythm of this job down…really getting my feet underneath me there, and then, you know, asking ‘What can we do with residence life in the next five years?’” said Church. 

Church first came to Trevecca as a student in 2006, during which time he served one year as a resident assistant in Benson Hall, after which he became a resident director in 2015. From there, he transitioned to the position of assistant director of residence life until May of 2024, and as Church steps into his new role as associate dean, he plans to take initiatives that will enhance the residential experience for TNU students. 

“I’ve been at Trevecca for eight years now, and I would say that Zack is one of the people who really understands both the history and where the university is going, and how to hold both of those things really well,” said Laney Yancey, assistant director of residence life for student concerns and accountability. “And he also is extremely aware of what this generation needs. He is always learning. He does his research.” 

Church said he is working to address challenges associated with the expansion of housing at TNU. Last year, Trevecca opened a new residence hall, making it the first new dorm since Benson Hall, which turns 50 this year. Despite the expansion, enrollment continues to expand at a rapid rate, proving to be another obstacle.

“There were times in August where I would have told you, ‘I don’t know if we will have a bed for everybody who needs a bed,’ but we made it. We got there and worked it all out. And since then, it’s been great. The residence life team is incredible this year,” said Church. “We are still continuing to grow, and so [we’re] having to get creative figuring out how we can house everybody and still offer an incredible residential experience. I see that as a challenge, but one that I’m really excited about vision-casting our way through.” 

Jessica Dykes, vice president and dean of student development highlighted the work Church did in his last position as assistant director of residential life, where he worked to make sure students who needed it had access to food. 

“Most recently, he helped create a partnership with TCC and helped create the concept of Rebecca’s House, which is the food pantry that we do in conjunction with TCC that he directly supports and helps our students who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Dykes. “He’s just really, really invested in this community, and, honestly, has helped in countless ways through the years.” 

Right now, Residence Life is working to complete the transition of Trevecca’s new online housing portal before January, in which StarRez will replace THD as the new housing software. This task is led by Yancey and overseen by Church. 

“It’s much more modern… it looks nicer, and it’s a lot easier for students to use,” said Yancey. “As far as what it’s capable of, it can do a lot more… especially when it comes to, like, matching with roommates and selecting their room and filling out the application.”