If, amidst your travels beyond the St. Davids gates of Eastern University, you come upon a table adorned with a Palmer Theological Seminary and College banner, there is a strong possibility that you will meet Kevin Monaghan.
Kevin joined the seminary as Palmer’s Enrollment Coordinator in August 2023. “I was most impressed by the diversity on every level. Staff, faculty, students… the racial, gender, theological, and age diversity was everywhere.” He notes that while he’s worked for other organizations that valued diversity, Palmer was unique in the way that it was already being lived out and realized. “It’s like a microcosm of the big ‘C’ Church.”
Kevin graduated from Eastern University in 2010 with a BA in Music. His first exposure to Palmer came through his father-in-law and his wife’s aunt, both seminary alumni. “They both only expressed positive experiences about the seminary.” Now Kevin gets to hear more stories from alumni as he goes to recruiting events and invites prospective students to consider theological education. “When alumni see our table, they’re very excited to see us present. They take a lot of pride in the institution and mission they come from.”
The creation of the Enrollment Coordinator position added capacity, allowing Palmer to journey alongside prospective students more fully. Kevin is an ambassador, introducing the Palmer community and offering hospitable space for those discerning seminary. He can be found at denominational and conference events, at churches engaging the community, hosting campus tours, and conversing with new and old friends. He is excited to host an in-person visit day at the St. Davids campus on April 25!
As Kevin reflects on our mission, the Whole Gospel for the Whole World through Whole Persons, he is struck by how global Palmer’s reach really is. He gets to speak with prospective students from around the world, especially as Palmer’s accessibility through online options grows. His goal is to give potential students a taste of the Palmer mission. “I want prospective students to know that here at Palmer, we care about your spiritual formation as well as your theological education.”
About the Author
Dan lives with his wife, Libby, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Palmer Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity in 2018. He now serves full-time as the Director of College and Young Adult Ministries with the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, PA on the campuses of Eastern University and West Chester University. He also serves as a Chaplain and Seminary Storyteller for our Center for Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement.