John Powell
Director of Admissions and Recruiting
Admissions Team Member since 2008

I grew up just south of Kansas City, Missouri in Lee’s Summit. All of my family is from West Texas, where much of my family still lives. I attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. What drew me to Louisville was Southern Seminary and the firm belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. I was called into ministry as a young teenager, and look forward to service in the church as a senior Pastor. I have worked in churches as youth interns, interim pastors, and minister of music, and various other staff positions.

I currently serve at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church. My wife and I first became acquainted with the church when I assumed the role of interim music minister. We got more than we bargained for, and have chosen to invest our lives with the body of believers there. I married Katherine in the summer of ’06 and have two sons. The Lord is so kind to us!

I love my job because I believe in what’s happening here at Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I count it a privilege to serve the Lord here.

Tyler Wittman
Associate Director of Admissions
Admissions Team Member since 2009

I graduated with my M.Div. in May 2010 and am now preparing for doctoral studies in the near future.  Though a Texan by birth, I consider Colorado and its beautiful mountains home.  But I left all of that in 2006 to attend Southern and joined the Admissions team at the beginning of 2009.

I have always loved to write and teach, so my fearfully-made plan is to someday join these passions in the classroom and local church.  My desire is to see people become disciples of Jesus Christ whose lives match form with content; when one is lacking, the other is deficient.  To this end, I try my best to help others pursue this same calling as seminary becomes part of their journey.  I would love to help answer any questions you have about theological education, Southern Seminary, Louisville, the application process, or anything else on your mind as you consider your next step.  Please let me know how I can help.

Amanda Hays
Assistant Director of Applications and Analytics
Admissions Team Member since 2009

My husband and I moved from Birmingham, AL to Louisville, KY in May of 2009.  During the summer of 2009 my husband, Dane, began working on his Master of Divinity and I joined the Admissions Team.  Having met in college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, God brought us together and developed a desire within us to make His glory and His gospel known among the nations.  We are grateful for the theological training Dane is receiving here at the seminary and know that God is using this time to prepare us to make disciples of all nations.

Deb Read
Assistant Director of Guest Services
Admissions Team Member since 2010

My husband Jason and I love being a part of the Southern Seminary community! We moved to Louisville from South Carolina at the beginning of 2010 so that he can pursue a Masters of Divinity in the Billy Graham School, and I’ve been blessed to be involved in the Seminary Wives Insititute. Our training at Southern, along with serving in our local church, has increased our love for Christ, for His Church, and for those who don’t know him.

A big part of our admissions experience was our personal visit to Southern’s campus. Meeting with a counselor, touring campus, talking with professors - all proved helpful in discerning God’s call on our lives to join the ranks at Southern. As a member of the admissions team, I’m blessed each day to take part in helping prospective students experience Southern Seminary firsthand. I’d love to help set up a visit for you so that you can get a taste of what God is doing on Southern’s campus! We hope you’ll visit soon!

Kody Gibson
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Team Member since 2011

Email: kcgibson@sbts.edu

I am from the great state of O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains.  At the age of 20, I moved to Arkansas to play baseball at Ouachita Baptist University.  Sometime in between the classroom, getting yelled at on the ball field, and late night discussions in the dorm rooms, I felt called to attend seminary.

As I began searching for schools the decision quickly became a no-brainer.  When I considered Southern, I saw in every discipline, whether it be biblical studies, theology and tradition, or worldview issues, the best scholarship being produced by the faculty.

I married my beautiful wife Juli in November of 2008 and we made the trip to Louisville and haven’t looked back.  We love Southern and can’t imagine what life would be like without our experience here.  As of October 2011 I am honored to serve as an Admissions Counselor at Southern.  I would love to assist you in the admissions process and show you why Southern should be your destination for theological training.

Ed Stucky
Lead Admissions Counselor
Admissions Team Member since 1999

Email: estucky@sbts.edu

I grew up in Florida and at an early age realized God was calling me into vocational ministry. I had not pictured my life going in this direction. I ran as far as I could and moved my family to Boston where I found success-according to the world’s standards. I also learned very quickly how miserable life can be living in disobedience to the One who created me for His purpose and His Glory. Eventually, however, God always gets His man.

I came to Boyce College when I was 34 years old and earned a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. I completed an MDiv in Applied Apologetics in the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth. I have served as an associate pastor for 7 years, and since June 2006 as senior pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in southwest Louisville. I am currently working on a DMin at Southern.

I know God could have prepared me for ministry in a number of ways, but I could not imagine what my life would be like without my time at Southern Seminary.

James Westbrook
Admissions Counselor & Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow
Admissions Team Member since 2010

Email:jswestbrook@sbts.edu

I am an Admissions Counselor with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who believes in SBTS’ commitment to Truth, Legacy, and Vision. I am a native to St. Louis, Missouri, where I met and married my godly wife and high school sweetheart Desireé in May of 2004. I received a Bachelor’s degree in History and Religious studies from Missouri Baptist University.

I take pleasure in spending time with God, and my wife, painting portraits (in the naturalistic style) reading, writing, exercising, playing racquetball, tennis, discussing history, and theology, and serving at my local church. I also enjoy meeting and helping others who have questions about Southern Seminary.

So whether you are pursuing an on-campus Master of Divinity diploma, or taking one of the on-line courses to begin your journey, Southern Seminary has a program to further your ministry. Or, if you’re looking for an excellent undergraduate theological education, and preparing for a life of service on the mission field, in a church, or as a school teacher, Boyce College has great options for you as well.

Allison Whitworth
Admissions Secretary for Masters Programs
Admissions Team Member since 2007

I was born and raised here in Louisville. I am currently a student at Boyce College, where I hope to graduate in the next couple years with a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Church Ministry. I am very thankful for the opportunity to study and work at Boyce College and Southern Seminary; I enjoy serving our students and their families. I hope that you will keep us in mind as you discern God’s will for your life.

Jessica Gardner
Admissions Secretary for Boyce College and Doctoral Programs
Admissions Team Member since 2011

I became part of the “Southern Seminary Family” in the Winter of 2010

after graduating from Cedarville University. It is truly a privilege for me to receive theological training and serve alongside other men and women at Southern Seminary. I look forward to assisting you with the application process and would love to help answer any questions you have!

Lauren Pascoe
Guest Services Coordinator
Admissions Team Member since 2011

I met my husband Dane in college, and we were married in May of 2011. We moved to Louisville a month later so he could pursue a M.Div. and I could earn an M.A. in counseling. After graduation, Lord willing, Dane will serve as a Navy Chaplain and I hope to reach the women and children who are left at home while their husbands are deployed. Dane is a 3rd generation Navy Brat, and we cannot wait to bring the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those serving in the U.S. Navy.

We’re so thankful and appreciative for SBTS, and how serious our leaders are about preparing students to take the Gospel to all ends of the earth. Whatever God may be ultimately calling you to do, He is first calling you to prepare; as you pray about where it is God would have you receive your training, please do not hesitate to call with questions. I would love to help coordinate your visit!