I have been directing the College Transition Initiative (CTI) since it began in 2005. My hope is to create space for students, parents and youth workers to wrestle with deeper questions regarding higher education. For many students college is simply the assumed next step after high school, a time to have fun before entering the “real world.” But the experts tell us that the years between 18-25 are the most formative years in a young person’s life. Decisions are made during this time that shape people for the rest of their lives. My passion is to see young people make the most of their college years.

I attended Bloomsburg University (BA Political Science), Geneva College (MA Higher Educaiton), and I’m currently pursuing a doctorate from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I’ve worked with students in a variety of settings: college ministry, youth group volunteer, basketball coach, mentor, and teacher. My co-authored book The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness (Brazos Press) has been used as a textbook in many college classes and has been translated into Korean. Make College Count: A Faithful Guide to Life and Learning was released in 2011 by Baker Books.

Traveling to other parts of the world has been a blessing to me as well. Highlights include studying in England, searching for Braveheart sets in Ireland, scootering in Spain, playing basketball in Venezuela, leading a tsunami relief team to Thailand, teaching a college course in Russia, chaperoning a high school trip to Japan and speaking at a leadership conference in the Bahamas.

Here are a few interviews to learn more about me and the work of CTI:

CCO Interview: Preparing High School Students for the Realities of College Life

AFA Journal Interview: Keeping Faith from Fraying

Fuller Youth Institute Interview with Kara Powell (Audio)

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or questions.