Jaime Waters, associate professor of Old Testament
At the CSTM, faculty and students interact in a variety of settings which allows us to build strong relationships and foster collegiality. In the classroom, faculty and students collaborate to create fun and enriching learning environments. In my Core Narrative course, for instance, students frequently lead discussions, create activities, and shape the direction of the course. I provide opportunities for students to share their perspectives, concerns, and approaches to studying Scripture. Beyond the classroom, faculty and students gather for weekly liturgy at St. Ignatius Church and daily liturgy at the CSTM chapel. We also break bread together during weekly breakfasts and lunches. These are great opportunities for prayer and fellowship that strengthen the community. There are also social and volunteer opportunities, such as barbecues, holiday parties, and Eschaton Week, a week-long celebration with events on and off campus. I have come to know students on more personal levels by attending CSTM programs and meetings. For example, I traveled with a group of students, faculty, and staff to volunteer with adults with disabilities. I also shared my experiences in the academy at a Women’s Group meeting and spoke at a community meeting on racial justice. These experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting add more depth and dimension to my life at the CSTM and help to support and strengthen relationships throughout the CSTM community.
Callid Keefe-Perry, assistant professor of contextual education and public theology
At CSTM, I view the contributions of our students as essential to our success. The close-knit community fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment where students receive personalized attention and guidance from dedicated faculty members. We're small enough that when students want to engage in office hours there is often time for complex and important 1-on-1 conversations. Likewise, when students want to consider personalized directed studies, it is something that can be viably taken up as a serious request. For me this matters because I strive to meet students where they are and this is made easier when I can actively engage with students in both their intellectual and ministerial formation. Witnessing the transformative impact of these relationships on students' lives is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring. It reinforces my commitment to fostering meaningful connections, empowering students to reach their full potential, and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. The faculty/student dynamic at CSTM constantly fuels my passion for teaching and reinforces the profound significance of our work in shaping the present and future of Christian leadership.