Student Poll: What Makes the Faculty at Garrett-Evangelical Special?

In preparation for the upcoming Faculty Issue of Aware Magazine, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary's quarterly publication, we polled a number of our students to hear their thoughts on Garrett-Evangelical's faculty:

The biggest regret of my first year of seminary? That there's still so many profs I don't know yet!  The G-ETS faculty is a great group of talented, intelligent, and genuine people! Their backgrounds and perspectives are so diverse, even conflicting at times, and yet they all convey heartfelt care for each other, their students, and the community. It would almost be worth an extra year of school to be BFFs with the profs... almost.

- Brielle Ocot, Master of Arts in Music Ministry

The faculty at Garrett strives not only challenges us academically, but they seek to help us articulate text, vocation, and calling in a practical way. One word to describe our faculty would be: responsive. From e-mail replies and twitter mentions to speedy hallway chats and in-class deep conversation, I know my professors care for me and want to see each of us succeed."

- Michael Jarboe, Master of Divinity

In a field where thousands of years of material must be navigated for personal theological development, the Garrett-Evangelical faculty has been instrumental in guiding me through the currents, offering landmarks for my own voyage into theology.

- Kwang-jin Oh,
Master of Theological Studies

I think what really separates the Garrett-Evangelical faculty is that while they do strive to challenge their students academically and theologically they also strive to see us succeed. They recognize our calling as seminarians and truly want us to be bold leaders for the church and the world.  

-Kathleen McMurray, Master of Divinity

The Garrett faculty are nurturing and committed to the students becoming bold leaders that will be co-creators with God as change takes place in the church and world."

- Christopher Grimes,
Master of Divinity

Professors at Garrett-Evangelical teach as though they really believe that we can become bold leaders who will affect change in the world.  Inside the classroom and outside of it, I have always felt encouraged and challenged by the faculty to develop my understanding of God’s call on my life in the framework of how I can best share the love of Christ with all those around me.

- Hattie Stahl, Master of Divinity

The faculty of Garrett-Evangelical pushes students to think analytically in the classroom. They are both fair and critical, thus ensuring that students will grow intellectually. They have pushed me to think in new ways and have greatly shaped my current and future scholarship. 

- Jonathon Dodrill, Ph.D.

The faculty at Garrett-Evangelical have been extremely supportive and nurturing in many ways. They have encouraged me to continue in my studies and have offered me a lot of wisdom. They have helped me claim my voice and understand my calling to teach. One day, I hope that I will be as wise and nurturing as they have been!

- Daniel Smith, Ph.D.

One of the privileges and blessings of attending Garrett-Evangelical is the faculty. They provide an atmosphere that is welcoming, engaging, and challenging to the spirit, the mind and the body. I have a deeper understanding of God, the world, and what my role is as a member of the body of Christ. 

- Annette Hankins, Master of Divinity

In my experience of the professors at G-ETS, the professors are the challenging force in every book and theological concept. They always bring the challenge to each student to look beyond the surface of the theological and biblical perspectives. Professors disclose the possibility to engage and be transformed by the underlying levels of interpretation in theological and biblical studies.  -Uziel Hernandez,  Master of Divinity

I love that the Garrett-Evangelical faculty are committed to diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence. In my two years at Garrett-Evangelical, the faculty have consistently challenged me to go beyond my comfort zone in my academic work and spiritual formation. I have a richer understanding of God, Scripture, the Church, and the world because of them, and I will be forever grateful.

- Tasha Sargent, Master of Divinity