Student spotlight: Relationship leads to Union

  1. Student spotlight: A second chance at seminary
  2. Student spotlight: Pay attention to the “bread crumbs”
  3. Student spotlight: Relationship leads to Union
  4. Student spotlight: The twisting path to seminary
  5. Student spotlight: Longtime educator yearns to learn more
  6. Student Spotlight: Dana Purdom digs deep
  7. Alec Powell: The Unconventional Call
  8. Kate Meeks: Theology & Food Justice
  9. Nancy Myer: Lifelong learning
  10. Senator Scott: Finding community and connection
  11. Colleen Earp: Camping, conservation, and chickens
  12. In “Reference” to Paula Skreslet
  13. Paul Smith: From police officer to pastor
  14. Heather Woodworth Brannon advocates for housing justice in Richmond

BY JEFF STAPLETON

Just a few years ago, Joaquin Ross was struggling with what he wanted to do. He was attending Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, majoring in biology and a member of the football team.

“The first two years there, I felt like I didn’t have any friends on the football team or on campus,” Ross said. “I didn’t like my classes. I just kind of stayed in my room and didn’t really talk to anybody.”

About two-and-a-half years into his time at Presbyterian, he met the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Davis, associate professor of religion and director of the Christian education program at the school. She also is a visiting associate professor of Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and received her Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Union.

Ross said Davis was part of the reason he changed his major to religion and philosophy, and why he enrolled this fall in Union’s M.Div. program.

When she suggested Union to Ross, he was apprehensive. “I don’t want to go to seminary,” he recalled telling her. “That’s not what I want to do. I don’t want to be a preacher.”

When the time came to apply for graduate school, representatives from Union visited Presbyterian College and encouraged him to apply. By the time he was halfway through the spring semester of his senior year at Presbyterian, Ross decided he should go to seminary.

The Atlanta native is interested in doing social justice work with his advanced degree. Ross said his father was racially discriminated against and he saw many instances of it while growing up.

“I want to bring awareness to the issues that are being experienced by minority populations. I just want to provide whatever help I can.”

In his free time, Ross loves to lift weights and read non-fiction religious-based books. He is intrigued by all religions.

“It doesn’t have to be Christianity based,” Ross said. “I’m really into Greek and Roman mythology, Islam, and Judaism. It gives me better insight into how the different religions work.”