I did not begin my higher education career until my early 30’s when I enrolled at Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper College).  I was thrilled to walk across the stage in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in ministry and leadership, and I began using the gifts and talents God developed in me while at RBC for a church ministry position in Hudsonville.

Because of my position in the church, I decided that a master’s degree would be helpful.  I enrolled at GVSU and began taking classes in the spring of 1998.  That led to applying and completing a Ph.D. in Family and Child Ecology in 2006.  I thanked God for helping me complete a monumental feat. I never intended to enter GRTS for another degree.

One day, my pastor came and asked me about this counseling program at GRTS.  I told him I would investigate it and get back to him.  As I began to research the program I felt a strong urge to apply for the program. Then my husband confirmed my calling.

I cannot express how thankful I am to GRTS.  It felt like I was returning to my first calling, ministry.  I believe that no matter what occupation you are called to fulfill, it is always a calling, but I felt so privileged to be back at a place that I could read, study and hear from God’s Word.

As I attended classes, issues within my family surfaced.  Attending GRTS was like a healing balm for my soul.  I learned so much about myself, but better yet, I grew to understand others so much better. I never would have dreamed that I would take the knowledge gained through those classes and naturally make it a part of how I interact with others.  My relationships with family members have changed.  The way I conduct myself in my current employment has also changed.  As I interview potential employees, I have learned to ask better questions and listen to their answers.  I have helped others who are going through tragedies in their lives.  My thirst for knowledge in this area has not run dry, and I am so thankful for this growth within my life.

The classes at GRTS challenged me to deeply examine what I believe and why.  While not perfected, I am beginning to better articulate what I believe to others because of the course requirements.  The professors—including Prof. Kennedy, Dr. Turner, Dr. Lehman, Prof. Mueller-Bell, Dr. Osborn and Dr. Wittmer—all had a great impact on my education.

Currently, I serve as the dean of academics and assessment for Professional and Graduate Studies. This summer I will complete my MBA with PGS. 

I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend GRTS.  I grew cognitively, emotionally and spiritually throughout my time there.  Of all my graduate degrees, I prize the degree from GRTS the most.  God has brought the finest faculty to GRTS and is doing remarkable things there.  I challenge anyone to see how God cam move them in ways they never imagined by attending GRTS. 

To God be the Glory!