Resident Life
Living on Campus Leads to Academic Success
Living on campus is a unique experience for every student as it provides an atmosphere where students will be challenged to grow as they build meaningful relationships with their peers. According to a recent study conducted by the Department of Residence at Iowa State University, students who live on-campus have a higher graduation rate compared to their peers residing off-campus. Along with a higher graduation rate, the study found that living on campus during the first year resulted in a higher return rate and an increased improvement in academic performance.
At Southwestern Christian University, the Housing and Residence Life staff is committed to student development, and our staff is equipped to ensure that all residential students are provided with the optimal learning and living environment during their stay on campus. Our Housing and Residence Life staff consists of The Director of Housing/Resident Director and nine student staff members called "Resident Assistants."
Our Director
Dreama Rivas
Resident Director
My name is Dreama and I am the Resident Director at SCU. I am a 2013 graduate of Southwestern with a Bachelor's Degree in Intercultural studies. I just finished my Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University. SCU is special to me as my brother and dad are also alumni, and I met my husband on campus during my freshman year. Prior to being the RD, I worked at Bethany Children's Health Center as a Medical Unit Clerk in the Transitional Care Unit.
When I was a student, I lived on campus during my Junior year and loved every second of it. My roommate was the RA, and I saw how influential she was in the community building of the hall. I am excited to now be the RD and help my RAs create a home-like atmosphere for the students on campus! I have an amazing team of Resident Assistants around me and we are thrilled to help and serve the SCU students in any way that we can!
Fun facts about Dreama:
- I have 2 dogs, a toy poodle named Oliver and an Australian Shepherd named Leo
- Other than the US, I have lived in 3 other countries - England, Hungary, and Chile. Hungary was my favorite!
- I love planning trips for others so much that I became a travel agent last year! Watching and helping others go on their dream vacations is one of my favorite things!
Our RAs
Each residential facility has a student Res Life Staff member in charge of each of its hall. These individuals conduct meetings every month to relay information to the other residents about upcoming announcements for the university. They are a resource for the students in their hall for tasks such as conflict management, unlocking student’s rooms in the event someone gets locked out, maintenance requests, planning fun hall events and much more.
Sam Hill - Assistant to the Resident Director/Senior RA
My name is Sam Hill, I am a senior here at SCU, and this is my third year getting to be an RA as well. I am originally from Florence, South Carolina but I love being here in Oklahoma. I am currently finishing my time here at SCU and I will graduate as a Christian Ministry major with a minor in Psychology this spring. I love getting to attend SCU and I love participating in the spiritual life here, and the friendships that I've made here are far better than I could have ever imagined (some of my best friends are other RAs on this list).
Fun facts:
- I've lived all over South Carolina and even spent 3 years of my childhood in Kansas.
- I am one of the biggest superhero/comic book nerds that you will ever meet.
- One of my favorite hobbies (especially near SCU) is to just leave campus at the drop of a hat and ride dirt roads with my friends
Nick Peach -LLC First Floor Men's RA
Brother! My name is Nick Peach. I have been at SCU for a minute. I'm looking forward to being an RA so that I can meet cool people and do life with them. I get along with most people, don't be afraid to hit me up anytime you want/need to talk. I am fairly easygoing and don't like to take life too seriously. My passions are people, ministry, and music. I've got my eyes set on that RA of the Year Award, so if you need anything at all ever, hit me up!
- I am probably in the top 6 billion drummers on planet earth, if not definitely the top 7 billion.
- I am never going to give you up and I am never going to let you down.
- I hate sand. It's coarse, rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere.
Kenny Love - LLC 2nd Floor Men's RA
Hi, my name is Kenny Love, and I'm a Junior here at SCU. I love Jesus and am passionate about serving him. I am a Christian Leadership major, and I work in the admissions office here at our university!
Fun facts about Kenny:
- I love soulful/R&B music
- I don't have a middle name
- I did fencing in the 2nd grade
Madison Rippy- LLC 3rd Floor Women's RA 
Hey My name is Madison Rippy (but everyone calls me Rippy). I am a senior here at SCU, and I graduated from Newcastle High School in 2020. I am a Psychology major and Christian Studies minor, and I hope to put a therapy center inside of a church in North Carolina one day. On campus, I work in admissions, and I am involved in the Blue Crew, The Awakening, One Voice, and Chapel Band. I enjoy long walks on the beach and getting caught in the rain. But actually, I'm so excited to meet all of you guys and to serve you and help SCU feel like home. I hope you guys are ready for a wild ride.
Fun facts about Rippy:
- I have never successfully hit a ball with a bat (even on a tee)
- I forget that my name is Madison at least daily
- Being on my hall basically means you're the coolest people on campus (I don't make the rules)
Cianna Rich- LLC 3rd Floor Women's Assistant RA
My name is Cianna Rich. I am from Tuttle, Oklahoma, and graduated from Bridge Creek High School in 2022. I am a sophomore psychology major. One day I want to get my Ph. D. and become a child psychologist. I enjoy art, walking in the park, and reading books!
Fun Facts about Cianna:
- I am a certified veterinary assistant
- I work at a daycare
- I am very good at drawing and painting
Gage Clark - North Dorms 2nd Floor Men's RA
My name is Gage Clark, I am the RA of the 2nd floor of the North Dorms. My hope for this new year is to grow in new ways, and to inspire and be inspired by the people around me!
Fun facts about Gage:
- I own a Playstation 5.
- I did not actually catch the fish in my bio picture
- I did not give 3 fun facts about myself to the website guy.
Savannah Harris- North Dorms 3rd Floor Women's RA
My name is Savannah Harris and I am from Dunn, North Carolina. I am a senior and majoring in Human Services. On campus I am involved in SGA, SAB, One Voice, The Awakening, and Psych Club. I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing board games, and taking trips to Braums!
Fun Facts about Savannah:
- I was homeschooled
- I can't do a cartwheel
- I can juggle
Sebastiao Ribeiro- Glasshouse Men's RA
I am a sophomore and the Alternate RA in the North 2nd floor. I was born in Zimbabwe and came to the United States in January 2022. I study Business Administration and play Soccer
Fun Facts about Sebastiao:
- I play bagpipes
- I sing classical music
- I support Liverpool FC (YNWA)
Johanna Banks- Glasshouse 2nd Floor Women's RA
Hey Y'all! My name is Johanna Banks, but most people call me by my nickname, Jo. I'm from Kinston, NC, where during the summer, I work at my family's business, sweetFrog, alongside of being a seasonal lifeguard for 2 local country clubs! I'm currently a sophomore studying Christian Leadership and super excited to have this opportunity through the school! I work at the IPHC DM as an intern and through school I am involved in The Awakening, the treasurer for campus life, and a member of Eagle staff. I'm super excited to meet all of you guys and get to know all of you!! Please feel free to reach out at any time! WOOHOO
Fun Facts about Johanna:
- I broke my thumb and got a concussion at a haunted house.
- My whole families name start with J's. Yes, it's confusing.
- I do not believe in Santa Clause. Sorry, but I'm actually not sorry.