Senior Administration

I am simultaneously astonished and yet somehow not surprised to find myself here at the University of the South, a place one might argue is THE Episcopal center for learning. One the one hand, I’m a layperson working at a seminary which sometimes gives people pause. On the other hand, I was born and raised in The Episcopal church, went to an Episcopal day school, have worked for Episcopal institutions, and have a degree in theology from this very place. Around here we like to say that “theological education is the birthright of all the baptized.” As a lay person, I am proud and grateful for all the University has done, and is doing, to help advance theological education for the whole Church.

After 30 years of parish ministry, and almost that many as a field education supervisor, it is a great joy to be working with seminarians as they prepare for and engage with the wide range of contextual education that Sewanee offers. In field education and CPE, years of discernment and the demands of a challenging theological education find their fruition as a seminarian begins to practice the work of ministry in parish or chaplaincy. Supporting the wonderful parish clergy who serve as mentors and supporting the work of the Advanced Degree Program means I get to work with an amazing group of clergy and leaders in our Church.

Years ago, when I was seeking a seminary to attend, I fell in love with the School of Theology at Sewanee. It was certainly the right place for me as a seminarian and now I am thrilled to be back and in a role that allows me to assist others in their formation for ministry. In my role as associate dean for community life, I work closely with students and their families to connect them with a variety of resources that can enhance their seminary experience. I also collaborate with faculty, staff, and others as needed to help provide an environment of seamless pastoral care and support. I am passionate about overseeing key aspects of community life for students — from new student orientation to deployment assistance for upcoming graduates. It is an exciting time to be at Sewanee, and an honor to facilitate community building that equips church leaders to do the ministry to which they have been called.

Because my own life has been transformed by the healing power of God, I consider myself a voice for transformation and therefore seek to help people encounter the sacred Mystery at the heart of the universe from which such healing transformation springs. As a naturally interdisciplinary thinker, I weave together any threads I find that will add beauty to the tapestry of psycho-spiritual wholeness and well-being, and that will lead us all to what I call “common flourishing.” It is this mission that is at the core of my leadership style, my teaching, and my scholarship. The abundant life that Jesus promised is the birthright of all beings and of the earth itself, and so it is my hope that my work with the Beecken Center and the School of Theology as a whole will help make manifest that birthright.

I was drawn to Sewanee after graduating from the Education for Ministry program at my local church in Hume, Va. The opportunity to live, and continue to learn, in such a beautiful place was one that I couldn't resist. Sharing wonderful stories and exciting news has always been a passion of mine and I consider my position at the School of Theology as having provided me with the chance to tell the best story of all.

Family is my deepest passion, and I am committed to do what I can to make good things happen for them. I approach my work with that same philosophy by doing what I can to enhance the learning experience for students and the work environment for colleagues. I enjoy my work as part of a caring community, working together to equip leaders for ministry.

I had the good fortune to grow up as an Episcopalian in the Diocese of Alabama, a place I still consider home. At eight years old, I discovered Camp McDowell where I saw a glimpse of the way the world could be. Camp served as a backdrop as I developed some of my most meaningful and foundational relationships. It was at camp that I realized that I am a beloved child of God. I consider it an act of grace that I’m now able to play a small role in forming the future leaders of the church so that others might have opportunities to experience the gift of God’s love.