Name: Heidi Culbertson
Graduation Year: Undergrad ’18, Graduate ‘20
Major: Undergrad, B.S. Mathematics; Graduate, MOL
Current Position: Academic Advisor & Program Specialist at Evangel University in Online & Graduate Student Services for the College of Online Learning
City and State: Springfield, MO
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I am currently one of the academic advisors for Evangel’s online undergraduate programs! I’ve worked at Evangel since 2018 and celebrate my 7-year anniversary as an employee in August.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Many of my favorite memories surround the girls on Walther 3rd South. I had the incredible opportunity to live there for 4 years, live in the same room my mom did in the late 80s, and then be the RA my senior year! Outside of the incredible student life experience, my two favorite memories are the day I got hired to work in the Center for Student Success and then the first time I got to walk at commencement as a faculty member (this year!!).
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
God put just the right people in my path. I started off as a math education major and quickly realized I didn’t want to teach. I dropped education and added business minors. But it was my leadership classes with Jon Spence that gave me more direction. His influence as a professor and then as a boss were vital in the process of me identifying and stepping into my calling. It is my life call to lead with sensitivity to help others develop their own meaningful connections – and I get to do that every single day!
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
It gave me the opportunity to find my faith for myself. I was blessed to have grown up in church, but it wasn’t as easy to navigate once I didn’t have mom or dad getting me up for church in the mornings. Then, when I graduated, I settled down in Springfield – 500 miles away from my parents in Chicago – and I had to learn to establish myself on my own. I found an incredible church community and I couldn’t imagine where I would be without my EU experience pushing me to figure out who I was in Christ away from my parents.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Don’t be afraid to go for an opportunity – even if you aren’t 100% qualified. That’s how I got my first job here at EU! You’d be surprised at what could happen if you’re not afraid to put yourself out there.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
I’d be looking for someone willing to learn all they could. I’d also look for someone who leads with compassion. Coming from someone who works with non-traditional students, leading with compassion is key in meeting them where they’re at. Many of these students are making huge sacrifices to come back to school and need someone who is willing to meet them where they’re at!