Grace College Student Affairs: Fostering Holistic Student Development

At Grace College, the Student Affairs division plays a crucial role in supporting students' holistic development. Recognizing that college is a transformative period, Student Affairs aims to guide students in discovering and developing their callings - academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Through intentional mentoring, leadership development opportunities, and engaging programs, the department provides the resources and support necessary for students to thrive in relationships, embrace whole-life worship, and engage in meaningful service.

Leadership and Vision

The vision for Student Affairs is spearheaded by key individuals dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all students.

Aaron, serving as Grace's chief student development officer, directs the vision to see every student belonging, beholding, and becoming in community. He also contributes to the classroom experience by teaching in the first-year experience program and leadership classes. Aaron's educational background includes a PhD in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University, an MA in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a BS in Communications and Biblical Studies from Grace College.

Brent serves as Grace’s Dean of Chapel and Community Life, leading spiritual formation and discipleship efforts across campus, as well as our weekly chapel services. He provides pastoral counseling and mentorship to many on our campus. Brent also leads the Youth and Family Ministry program for our Ministry Studies students. Brent’s educational background includes an MDiv in Exegetical Studies from Grace Theological Seminary and a BA in Advanced Biblical Studies from Calvary University.

Key Areas of Focus within Student Affairs

Student Affairs encompasses several key areas designed to support students' diverse needs and interests.

Residence Life

Becky oversees the Residence Life program (RDs, ARDs, RAs, and GGLs), housing selection/placement processes, and student conduct. Residence life aspires to cultivate healthy spaces where every student can thrive through authentic relationships, deepening spirituality, and intentional development. Becky loves helping students thrive and enjoys teaching in the first-year experience program. Her educational background includes an MA in Human Services - Executive Leadership from Liberty University and a BS in Nursing with a Bible minor from Cedarville University. The Residence Life program is committed to cultivating healthy spaces where students can thrive through authentic relationships, spiritual growth, and personal development.

Mentoring and Cross-Cultural Engagement

Cokiesha serves as Grace's Associate Dean of Mentoring and Cross-Cultural Engagement, providing spiritual, professional and personal mentoring. She is responsible for overseeing multicultural efforts that provide belonging and support through programming and partnership. She enjoys teaching in the first-year experience program and public speaking classes. Cokiesha’s educational background includes a MDiv from Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, BA from Fisk University and is currently working on a DMin in Theology from Truett Seminary of Baylor University. Cokiesha is the founder of Cross Spring Ministries, enjoys publishing and sharing the gospel.

Health and Counseling Services

Deb oversees Grace’s Health and Counseling Services (GHCS). GHCS engages current students at Grace College who are struggling physically or mentally in ways that impact their ability to belong, behold, and become in community. Deb also teaches in Grace’s Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Higher Education programs. Deb has a doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University, a Masters in Counseling and a BA in Elementary Education both from Grace College. In her free time, Deb loves time spent with family and friends: at the beach, enjoying a cup of coffee, experiencing a fun new restaurant, or cheering on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. The GHCS provides support to students facing physical or mental health challenges, ensuring they can fully participate in the Grace College community.

Student Involvement

Alicia oversees Student Involvement initiatives on campus, informally known as the “Office of Fun.” Student Involvement includes organizations such as Student Activities Board, Grace Intramural Program, Red Zone, Student Senate, & Action, First-Gen Success, Roots Magazine, and more. Alicia also teaches in the communication program, delighting in helping students understand how to relate to others in Christlike ways. Alicia holds a MA in Communication, Higher Education Emphasis from Grand Canyon University and a BA in Communication Arts from Malone University. Always ready for an adventure, Alicia’s recent trip to Australia completed her goal of visiting every continent. Student Involvement provides a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in campus life, from student government to recreational activities.

Latino Engagement

Benjamin serves as the Director of Latino Engagement, providing academic and spiritual support to students as they reach their higher education goals. Passionate about advocacy and connection, Benjamin works to empower students through mentorship, community engagement, and meaningful initiatives. He holds an MA in Intercultural Studies from Grace Theological Seminary and a BA in Biblical Studies from Instituto Biblico Palabra de Vida, Argentina. A lifelong soccer enthusiast and devoted Messi fan, he finds joy in cheering for Grace College’s international athletes and staying engaged with the global game.

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Administrative Support

Valerie assists the VP/Dean of Students with all executive and administrative support related to effective leadership, student success, and parent engagement. She coordinates events such as Welcome Weekend and Orientation, Conference on Mission, Family Weekend, and Commencement. Valerie also provides administrative support for the student housing process including new student placement and returning student housing selection. She holds an AS in Information Processing from Grace College. Valerie enjoys nature, coffee shops, spending time with her family and friends, and serves on the missions team at her church.

Chapel Experience

Jabon assists the Dean of Chapel through coordinating various elements of the chapel experience on campus. This includes planning logistics for each chapel service in collaboration with the chapel band and tech team, managing the speaker calendar, providing co-oversight to the student chapel team, and organizing special events such as Day of Worship and Midnight Chapel. He also assists in providing mentorship and counseling to students. Jabon is a recent graduate with a BA in Biblical Studies from Grace College and will complete his MDiv in Pastoral Studies this year.

Addy oversees operations within the Student Affairs office and supports the Dean of Chapel and Associate Dean of Students in areas of chapel administration, chapel attendance, student housing, and student conduct. She also writes the Apparently Newsletter for parents and grandparents of Grace College students. Addy holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Grace College. You will likely find her walking by Winona Lake, or reading at a coffee shop with her husband, Jabon.

Resident Directors

Daniel leads and serves undergraduate students living in The Lodge and Omega Hall. He holds a Masters in Non-Profit Management from Grace College, a Masters in Higher Education from Messiah University and a BS in Social Work with a minor in Bible from Cedarville University. You will often find Daniel planning his next travel trip or attending various sporting events.

Bailey leads and serves undergraduate students living in Alpha Hall. She additionally assists with Resident Assistant training and the Growth Group Leader program. She received a MS in Higher Education and a BS in Communications with a minor in Theatre, both from Grace College. You will often find Bailey with a cup of Dunkin iced coffee in one hand and a good book in the other!

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Jalen serves and oversees undergraduate students living in Beta and Indiana Hall. His goal is to cultivate a culture where everyone feels like there's a place for them. He received a BA in Visual Communication & Design with a minor in Music Technology at Grace College and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Jalen enjoys watching movies and engaging in deep conversations.

Ashleigh leads and serves undergraduate students living in Westminster and Kauffman Halls, as well as overseeing the Commuter Life program for students living off campus. She received a BA in Human Services from Moody Bible Institute. You will likely find her outside on the trails or in her kitchen trying a new recipe! She loves time with friends and family, film photography, and coffee.

Westminster Christian School: A Parallel Mission

While focusing on Grace College's Student Affairs, it's valuable to note the similar mission held by Westminster Christian School. Westminster Christian School exists to provide an environment where students encounter the love of Christ, experience transformation, and are driven toward excellence. Westminster aims to educate the whole child; preparing each child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically in order to live for God s glory and serve his kingdom. As such, all Westminster personnel will maintain the Biblical standards of high character, while working to support staff and administration with the ultimate goal of providing an enriching educational experience for students. All Westminster personnel submit to Scripture as their authority in faith and in life in order to set an example for students. In all, Westminster personnel will work to the school s end of providing a loving, transformational, and excellent environment for students to learn and grow.

The Role of the Dean of Students at Westminster Christian School

The Dean of Students at Westminster Christian School fulfills the mission of Westminster Christian School by fostering a positive and engaging student culture. This position collaborates with the Head of School, Administrative team, and faculty to provide programming and support that enable students to flourish.

The Dean of Students at Westminster Christian School plays a vital role in fostering a positive and engaging student culture.

Responsibilities include:

Student Life: Fostering a student culture that fulfills Westminster Christian School s mission and helps students live out the school s core values: love one another, be transformed to be more like Jesus, pursue excellence in all things to glorify God, and stand firmly upon Biblical truth. Collaborates with chapel leadership to oversee discipleship of student spiritual growth. Cultivates an open and approachable leadership environment that invites dialogue, creativity, and collaboration while taking into consideration student feedback. Prioritizes being a visible presence among high school and middle school students. Develop a high school student leadership program. Expand and formalize the current peer mentoring program. Supports new students and their families.
Student Management: Oversees day-to-day disciplinary issues in the high school and middle school, working closely with the Head of School, faculty, and staff. Leads teacher trainings on classroom management. Approaches discipline through the lens of restorative practices and executes a behavior management system that is grounded in a journey of helping students better understand their identity in Christ. Communicates with parents effectively and proactively regarding student behavior concerns. Assigns and coordinates detentions or other discipline measures. Monitors student attendance and contacts home to follow-up on excessive and extended absences. Maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all attendance and disciplinary records. Oversees unstructured times throughout the day in the middle school building (hallways, lunch, before/after school).
Administrative: Creates special schedules as needed for student events and activities ensuring coordination with other school departments. Partners with Student Resource Services to ensure that accommodations are being carried out with fidelity. Serves on the Administrative team. Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings. Carries out supervisory responsibilities as needed. All other duties as directed by the Head of School.

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