Life Directions Center Team

The Life Directions Center staff is dedicated to assisting students throughout their entire educational experience at CCU.

Class of 2016 Advisors

Stephanie Wise Stephanie has worked in higher education for over 5 years, as a Resident Director at Bryan College and administratively at Pacific Islands University. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Bryan College an is currently working on her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from CCU. In addition to advising her 2016 cohort, Stephanie is the Ministry Hours coordinator for the LDC.

Jon Poag Jon has worked in higher education for 7 years prior to coming to CCU. During that time, he worked in both the Athletic and Student Life Departments at Roberts Wesleyan College. Jon recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Northeastern Seminary. Jon is excited to assist students in their academic and personal pursuits. In addition, Jon will be the department resource for students interested in studying abroad.

Class of 2015 Advisors

Mark McCormick Mark comes to CCU after twenty-one years living in a freshman dorm as resident director at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. He is excited to be working with the class of 2015 at CCU as they all begin their journey together. He has a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Leah Smith Leah's experience in higher education includes residence life, academic success services, and administrative support. She earned an M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Baylor University. Leah is excited to be helping students pursue their purpose and calling. Along with serving the class of 2015, Leah is the coordinator for Student Success at CCU.

Class of 2014 Advisors

Carol Trejos Carol has over 17 years of working in Higher Education. Previously at CCU, she served as the Director of Residence Life and as the Director of Discipleship, Outreach and Women's Ministry. In addition to her cohort of students, Carol is the Assistant Director for Career Development. She holds a Master's degree in Education (Counseling and Guidance) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and has also completed a certificate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary.

Derek Zeller Derek graduated from CCU in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Youth Ministry and completed a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at CCU in 2010. In addition to advising his 2014 student cohort, Derek coordinates Disability Services, providing documentation evaluation as well as compliance to the American Disability Act.

Class of 2013 Advisors

Melissa Reed Melissa is completing her fourth year at CCU. In addition to advising her cohort of 2013 students, Melissa coordinates International Student Services and Third Culture resources. Melissa is also the liaison to the School of Education. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Taylor University and has been married to Dan Reed for 5 years.

Matt Jones Matt has worked in higher education for nine years. In addition to his cohort of 2013 students, Matt is the liaison to the School of Business and Leadership and School of Theology. He also teaches for the School of Theology. Matt earned his master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. through Regent University. He has been married for 15 years to Cathy and has three amazing kids.

Leadership

Joy Strickland Joy brings sixteen years of higher education experience to her role in the Life Directions Center. Joy is certified to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a well-known personality assessment, that assists students in learning about themselves and how their personality affects their studies, relationships and future career plans. Joy is the LDC liaison to the School of Humanities and Sciences. She has an M.S. in Education from Alfred University.