For Jen Hillard, studying at Southeastern University’s Ohio Ministry Network partner site has been a transformative experience. SEU Ohio has given her the tools and support she needed to excel academically, deepen her faith, and build meaningful relationships with professors and peers.
Choosing the Right Path
Jen’s decision to major in Ministerial Leadership with a focus in Pastoral Care and Counseling was driven by her deep interest in the counseling aspect of ministry. “I would like to be a clinical counselor
someday in a ministry setting,” she explains. Her studies have broadened her perspective on ministry, showing her that it extends far beyond the walls of a church. “Ministry can be done anywhere. It’s easy to think it’s just for the church, but I’ve learned that ministry happens wherever God provides an opportunity.”
The Influence of Professors and Practicum Experiences
One of the most impactful figures in Jen’s time at SEU has been Professor Mike Hadinger. Having completed two different practicums under the guidance of Pastor Mike and his wife, Pastor Ashley, she has
witnessed firsthand what strong ministry leadership looks like. “During my first practicum, I was struggling personally, and it was affecting my work. Mike and Ashley took me out for breakfast to check in on me, offering encouragement and spiritual support. It was a much-needed form of tough love that made a lasting impact on me.”
Her practicum experiences have also helped shape her career direction. Initially believing she wanted to be a Children’s Pastor, Jen’s first practicum in children’s ministry helped her realize it wasn’t the
right fit. A year later, she took on a practicum in camp ministry — an area she had never considered before — at Heartland Conference Retreat Center in Marengo, Ohio. “I quickly fell in love with camp ministry. I continued working at the practicum site after the semester ended, and I plan to become a full-time employee there after graduation.”
Finding SEU and a Supportive Community
Jen’s path to SEU was unexpected. She initially attended a community college in her hometown, but after years of frustration with a career path she didn’t enjoy, she made the difficult decision to leave.
Unsure of what to do next, she confided in a trusted mentor from her church, who casually suggested SEU. “I had never considered attending before, but somehow, after that conversation, I knew SEU was where I was meant to be.” A visit to SEU Ohio confirmed her decision, and she enrolled the following semester.
Since joining SEU, Jen has found a strong and supportive community that has deepened her spiritual walk. “On campus, we would have spontaneous worship and prayer nights. It was common to share testimonies by the campfire. Having a group of people in the same stage of life as me has provided accountability and support for my faith.”
The Advantages of a Partner Site Model
For Jen, SEU Ohio was the perfect choice. Being closer to her family made it a practical option, and she appreciated how it accommodated older students like herself in ways a traditional campus could not. Her parents were also on board, especially given the manageable tuition cost of the partner site compared to the main campus. “What really convinced them was seeing my determination and success after struggling for so long.”
The structure of SEU’s program has been another key factor in her success. “The eight-week class sessions have helped me stay focused, and I feel like I’m completing coursework more efficiently. Only having class one to two days a week has also allowed me to work and support myself through college.”
A Lasting Impact
As Jen prepares to graduate in May 2025, she reflects on the relationships and experiences that have shaped her time at SEU Ohio. “At first, I didn’t like being the oldest student in my group. I asked God
why I had to wait so long. But now, I realize there was no other group of people I would have rather gone through this with.”
Looking ahead, she is excited to step into a full-time role in camp ministry, a passion she discovered through her practicum experiences. She wholeheartedly recommends the SEU Ohio partner site to others, emphasizing the incredible opportunities and strong sense of community. “The support here has been amazing. We know each other, build each other up, and pour life into one another. The spiritual growth I’ve experienced at SEU Ohio has been life-changing.”
Through faith, perseverance, and the support of SEU Ohio, Jen has found her calling and is ready to step confidently into her future, equipped to serve in ministry wherever God leads her.
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