Residence Life Staff

Justin Heth, Ph.D.

Dean of Residence Life

Taylor University
B.A., Christian Education
Wheaton Graduate School
M.A., General Theology
Indiana State University
Ph.D., Leadership Administration in Higher Education

Having been deeply impacted by the power of relationships and authentic Christian community, Justin believes that Wheaton’s Residence Life program is one of the best venues for students to grow in character and integrity. As the Dean of Residence Life, he is committed to developing a staff that is able to cultivate campus communities that foster student’s growth in the areas of spiritual and identity formation, their ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships, cultivate a new respect and awe for kingdom diversity, and to help students learn how God uniquely made them to influence people and communities both locally and globally. He believes God uses the late night talks, new friendships, hall events, campus programs, roommate conflicts, and even broken promises to sanctify students during the college years. Students are constantly being formed spirituality and it is a privilege to have a front row seat to watch how the Lord uses blessings and trials to grow his people.   

Justin is an active member of Wheaton Bible Church, enjoys woodworking, riding his bike to work year round, and working out. Though his workday at Wheaton may end, he loves pouring into his four kids and all the refugee children that live in his neighborhood. 
Contact Justin by email
630.752.5427
Student Services Building 218

Jacob Hoekstra

Assistant Director of Residence Life

Residence Director of Apartments & Houses

Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Bible & Pre-Counseling
Liberty University
M.A., Christian Ministry: Leadership

Jacob Hoekstra is excited to join the Wheaton community after serving over a decade in Student Life at other schools including Alaska Christian College, Colorado Christian University, and Moody Bible Institute. Going back to his first years as an RA, to working with college students today, Jake continually finds himself coming back to Identity, Community, and Purpose. Students are forming their identity, establishing their community, and discovering their purpose.
Contact Jacob by email
630.752.7560
House Info
Apartment Info

Sarah Johnson

Residence Director - McManis-Evans, Williston

Union University
B.A., Biblical Languages
Wheaton Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development

Sarah has the privilege of working as a Residence Director for Upperclass Halls. She previously served in Fischer Hall as a Graduate Resident Adviser. While she now considers Wheaton to be home, she holds the beautiful rolling hills of Virginia where she spent many years dear to her heart. She also spent several years in Germany and Turkey. Sarah is most passionate about God's work, people, food and making her home a place where all of those are always present. An ideal day would be spent doing something outside with friends, hopefully eating ice cream.
Contact Sarah by email
630.752.7540
McManis/Evans Hall Info
Williston Hall Info

Chad Lowe

Residence Director - Smith-Traber

Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Biblical Studies
Wheaton Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development

Originally from Wheaton, Chad graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies. He spent 7 years working as a student pastor for Wheaton Bible Church and then as an associate pastor for Tri-Village Church. He loves spending time with his wife and daughter, reading, spending time in the great outdoors, drinking great coffee and listening to great music. Currently, Chad is learning the guitar so that he can teach his daughter when she grows up.
Contact Chad by email
630.752.7520
Smith-Traber Info

Joy Chilala Matthews

Residence Director - Fischer Hall

Cornerstone University
B.S., Social Work
Wheaton Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development

Joy served for two years as the GRA of the Michigan and Crescent Apartments and is transitioning to the role of RD in Fischer. She loves building community by being hospitable to others who share and don't share similar beliefs. She desires to see students open up their spaces to other students who do not feel welcomed as it is part of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In her free time, Joy loves going on walks, playing cards games, and trying out new things.
Contact Joy by email
630.752.7500
Fischer Hall

Kristen Ross

Administrative Assistant

Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Communications

Through providing administrative support to the dean and the residence life office, Kristen melds her desire to see students become whole and effective followers of Christ. Kristen’s love for the outdoors often finds her and her husband, Paul, traveling the back roads, or on the Prairie Path, rolling along on two wheels.
Contact Kristen by email
630.752.5427
Student Services Building 218

Housing Services Office

The Housing Services Office is responsible for the student housing selection process, meal plan management, grad housing, room change requests and off-campus housing. Elizabeth Buikema at the Housing Services Office may be contacted at housing.services@wheaton.edu or 630.752.5202. Russell Streff manages the summer housing process and he may be contacted at housing.services@wheaton.edu or 630.752.5546.

Residence Life Office

The Residence Life office is responsible for break housing. Contact Kristen Ross at the office at residence.life@wheaton.edu or phone number: 630.752.5427.

Resident Assistants

Resident Assistants are upper-class students (juniors or seniors) who live on each floor and are selected because of their desire and ability to serve fellow students. As a residence hall staff member, the RA serves as a floor manager, community builder, student leader, peer counselor and educator.