As we continue our journey of innovation, I want to highlight the importance of accessibility. At Winebrenner, I have the unique advantage of experiencing the institution from two perspectives: as a student and as the Director of New Student Engagement. I’d like to share my personal story, one I never imagined would lead me to where I am today.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I did not see higher education in my future. Life was busy, and the idea of returning to the classroom felt impossible. Nearly twenty years later, with a marriage and four children, I found myself enrolling in the counseling program at Winebrenner. What made this possible? Evening classes. Higher education became accessible in a way that fit my life rather than working against it. Now, I am able to balance my full-time job while pursuing my degree—something I never thought I could manage.
Accessibility has been a game-changer for me. Evening classes have opened doors I believed were firmly shut, allowing me to pursue my academic goals without sacrificing the responsibilities that matter most. In this context, accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities and removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can invest in their futures.
As Director of New Student Engagement, I am excited not just about my own journey but also about how education is becoming more accessible to others. One initiative we are particularly enthusiastic about is our partnership with Movement Church. Through this collaboration, we have brought seminary education directly into the church. Hosting a course in this community-centered space has attracted over 20 students who gather to learn, reflect, and grow together. It’s more than just a class; it’s a vibrant and shared experience of faith and learning that meets people exactly where they are.
This initiative embodies what accessibility and innovation should be. Education doesn’t have to adhere to rigid, traditional models; it should adapt to fit the lives and journeys of those seeking it. By breaking boundaries and expanding into spaces like Movement Church, we demonstrate that education can evolve and serve in the moments and places where it is needed.
As we move forward, our focus remains clear: we aim to fill gaps and address the needs we identify. Whether it’s offering evening classes, partnering with churches to create learning environments, or exploring new ways to engage students, we are committed to ensuring that education is not just an opportunity for a select few but a reality for everyone who aspires to grow.
Adam Willford, Director of New Student Engagement