Van Zile moved to Detroit in 1899 and the following year became a lecturer in the Detroit College of Law, and shortly after was elected dean of the college. He was also chosen Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Michigan in 1900.
The transition of Van Zile from one location to another in 1899 had significant consequences, including his appointment as an educator at the Detroit College of Law and his subsequent election as its dean. This period also saw him being selected as the Grand Commander of the Michigan chapter of the Knights Templar in 1900.