News
James M. Grier Web site Launched
Jun 27, 2008
Dr. James M. Grier, Distinguished Professor of Philosophical Theology has developed a new Web site located …
A Tribute to Dr. Victor M. Matthews
Apr 17, 2008
In conjunction with Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, the family of Dr. Victor Matthews has scheduled …
Student Senate
The Student Senate Leadership Team serves to represent the interests of all the enrolled students of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Leadership Team candidates apply using the McCaleb Student Senate Leadership Team Application. The leadership team is established each year and consists of the following team members:
International Student Coordinator
Neil Vilches
Responsibilities:
- Assist new international students with transition to GRTS
- Assist current international students:
- Academic (help assess if tutoring or language needs exist)
- Local community (finding a church, medical needs, transportation needs, etc.)
- Collaborate with other SSLT members on SSLT projects
- Serve as key student recruiters for admissions
Communication Coordinator
Julie Slagter
I am in my final year of the Intercultural Studies program at GRTS. This past year, I fullfilled my CLC residency in Athens, Greece, and I am currently involved at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland. My career goals are to serve in a cross-cultural ministry that focuses on women or college students.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with the Woman’s Studies event
- Promote key events (Talking Points, Chapel, Emphasis Weeks, etc.) to student body
- Collaborate with other SSLT members on SSLT projects
- Serve as key student recruiters for admissions
Tutor Coordinator
Diane Birtles
I am in my final year of the counseling program which will be my second degree at GRTS. In 2007 I graduated with an MA in Intercultural Studies. In addition to a rather traditional counseling practice, I also hope to combine these two degrees to help prepare missionaries for foreign field experience as well as support them while on the field as well as help them debrief when they come "home".
When my nose is not in a book studying, I enjoy spending time outside hiking, taking photographs and spending time with my canine roommate, Emma.
Responsibilities:
- Develop study groups for all interested students
- Assist the Dean of GRTS in identifying qualified tutors
- Assist the Dean of GRTS in identifying students that need tutoring assistance
- Collaborate with the International Student Coordinator on tutoring needs of international students
- Collaborate with other SSLT members on SSLT projects Serve as key student recruiters for admissions
If you are struggling academically, don’t wait until it’s too late - we want to help!! GRTS has tutors available to help you succeed in your classes.
Tutors are able to provide the following services:
- Prepare for tests
- Review papers
- Develop goals
- Establish effective study skills
Community Life Coordinator
Kate Meyer
This year will be my second year in the Counseling program; a degree I hope to combine with my previously earned M.Div in a "yet to be determined" setting! I am currently using my degree and ordination to serve as an health care chaplain in Fremont, so you'll most likely only see me on campus at night. When I'm not at work or in class, I enjoy spending time with my new husband, reading, kayaking, writing, and just finding time to be with friends...and laughing as much as possible! Laughter truly is good for the soul!
Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership for the GRTS Fall Picnic, GRTS Spring Banquet and other events as determined by the SSLT
- Assist with developing at least one significant community opportunity (i.e. international student dinner, one day conference or retreat) at GRTS for students
- Collaborate with other SSLT members on SSLT projects
- Serve as key student recruiters for admissions
Student Chaplain
Shane Cox
My name is Shane Cox and I am a full-time third year student at GRTS. In the summer of 2006 my wife (Heather) and our two children (Elijah and Abigail) moved to Grand Rapids. That fall I enrolled in seminary and decided to study in the M.A. in Intercultural Ministries . Last fall I started my Contextual Learning Center internship at Mosaic Life Church where I am the resident pastor working alongside my ministry mentor. The thing I appreciate about GRTS is the way our program courses and classroom discussions transfer over to my ministry experiences and practices.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the GRTS chapel program
- Assist in determining and evaluating student needs
- Collaborate with other SSLT members on SSLT projects
- Serve as key student recruiters for admissions
The aims of the Student Senate Leadership Team are as follows:
- To promote student leadership opportunities within the student body
- To encourage a true sense of koinonia in the seminary community of scholars and learners
- To develop the student and the seminary at large by contributing student perspectives and goals in the academic life of the institutions
