Meet the Orientation Team
The Reverend Ellen Echols Purdum, Director of Student Life and Spiritual Formation
Greetings! I’m Ellen Purdum, Director of Student Life and Spiritual Formation at Candler. What is a Director of Student Life and Spiritual Formation? Well, I call it my “Martha and Mary” job. The “Martha” part involves working collaboratively with faculty, staff and student leaders to support the many student services, programs and activities at Candler. The “Mary” part of this role means that I spend a lot of time listening deeply to the lives of students here. It is my hope that these different aspects of my work will help foster opportunities where spiritual and vocational formation—in their many and diverse varieties—enhance students’ theological education and preparation for ministry and service.
I also am an ordained Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Atlanta and lead worship or preach most Sundays at Church of the Good Shepherd in the small town of Covington, Georgia. In my previous lives I have taught English and service learning electives at the high school level and worked for a national, ecumenical non-profit organization that supported young adults exploring or preparing for pastoral ministry. I also am an associate at the Green Bough House of Prayer, a retreat center in southern Georgia where I go to be quiet, and I live in Decatur with my husband and a rescued rat terrier named Hannah.
You’ll find me in the Office of Student Programming, on the third floor of the theology school building, in Suite 311. I look forward to meeting you!
Audrey N. Hindes, Program Associate for Academic & International Support
My name is Audrey and I am the Program Associate for Academic and International Support in the Office of Student Programming. I bring to Candler ten years of experience in theological education, both in teaching and administration. I have taught courses in biblical and religious studies, including Greek and Hebrew, at Fresno Pacific University and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and I also have taught Latin and logic at The Wilberforce School in Princeton, New Jersey. My work in theological education includes project development and management of study abroad programming, as well as experience teaching international students.
I am a native Californian who earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, followed by a year of doctoral studies in Hebrew Bible at the London School of Theology. I am a chef and cooking instructor who is passionate about food, justice and hospitality, and I look forward to sharing these gifts with you. My primary areas of responsibility in the OSP include academic support, international student support, and student international exchanges. My office is CST 318. I have wonderful tea brewing every afternoon, so drop by and say hello!
Stacey Doremus, Orientation Coordinator
I want to extend a huge welcome to all of our 2012 incoming Candler students! I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you in the coming weeks. I will be completing my Master of Divinity degree in December 2012. Candler has been an absolute blessing to me and I hope to be able to share with you the many wonderful opportunities this community has to offer its students.
Want to know a little more about me? I originally grew up in New York and I have been living in the city of Stockbridge (about 25 miles south of Emory) for the past 12 years. Over the past three years at seminary, I have worked as an ESOL Tutor and as an Orientation Assistant for Emory’s International Student and Scholar Services. I have served as a UN Delegate for the World Food Program in Peru and I have a passion for connecting children and families at home and around the world in an effort to share the love of Christ and end global hunger. I firmly believe that the bridge we build with them today is our hope for tomorrow. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time with my 11-year old son, Latin and Ballroom dancing, reading and creatively communicating Christ through interpretive signlanguage. While I am still discerning where God is calling me to be after I leave seminary, I hope to combine my passion for children and efforts to alleviate child poverty within the US and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding new student orientation or the Candler community. I can be reached at 404.727.1028 / sdoremu@emory.edu.
Tiffany Cooper, International Orientation Coordinator and Student Life Coordinator
Welcome to Candler! My name is Tiffany and I am the 2012 International Orientation Coordinator and a Student Life Coordinator for the Office of Student Programming. I am a 3rd year Master of Divinity student with research interests surrounding mental health and the Black Church. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio I attended Cincinnati Christian University where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies and Leadership in Ministry. Prior to coming to Candler, I worked professionally developing and facilitating programs and trainings in both non-profit and faith based institutions that serve women and children in marginalized communities. When I am not busy trying to save the world, I enjoy spending time in nature, music, art, journaling and naps (You need those in seminary!)
This is my 2nd year working as a Student Life Coordinator in OSP where I do a little bit of everything. My primary role is to stay in tune to the needs of the student body and assist in the development and facilitation of programs that will meet those needs. These programs range from how to stay sane in seminary to healthy eating habits and opportunities for fellowship with your peers. Thus, as a Student Life Coordinator my responsibility is to ensure that you have such an enriching seminary experience that when you leave not only will your mind have been nourished but your body and soul as well. I also perform various administrative tasks in the office and act as an encourager, smiling face, and replenisher of the candy jar (a very famous hanging spot in Candler).