Dec. 11, 2013
For Immediate Release
By Linda Waggener, marketing and media relations coordinator
SOMERSET, Ky. - Gina Bowles Sears has joined the staff at the Campbellsville University's Larry & Beverly Noe Somerset Education Center (SEC) as admissions counselor - degree completion support.
One of her first projects has been to coordinate a special Christmas chapel service, the first to be held since the dedication of the Larry and Beverly Noe Somerset Education Center, named in honor of the donors who provided the building. In her work she will support students, faculty and guests at the new SEC location, 3825C South Hwy. 27, Somerset, Ky.
“Gina is ideal for our Noe Center,” said Dr. H. Keith Spears, vice president for graduate and professional studies, said. “She brings knowledge of the community, a love for helping people gain an education and a spirit that matches the mission of Campbellsville University.”
CU first began providing courses in Pulaski County in 2007 in partnership with Somerset Community College as a two-plus-two degree completion opportunity for graduates of SCC. Programs offered have been Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, BS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Development and Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Classes were held at SCC as space was available. Now with the expansion into the new location, programs can be offered beyond those which will continue to be offered at SCC, helping save time for busy students who don't have time to travel or live on CU's main campus.
Sears said the first mention of Campbellsville (then College) came from her band teacher at Somerset High School who mentioned the “excellent music program” and again when she heard the Campbellsville College Choir at her church, First Baptist Somerset.
She said that in the last year she has felt called to a career where she could enjoy her life experience and belief together. She said, “I was so pleased to hear in the interview process that it was common practice at Campbellsville University to share your faith and pray with students, staff and faculty.”
She was reminded of her grandmother's shared wisdom, “there are two things that no one can take from you, God and education.” She feels this position represents a perfect combination of the two. “I finally feel at peace with what I'm doing and where I'm doing it — Campbellsville University,” she said.
Her focus includes coordinating the chapel services so that even though SEC is a regional location, it will keep to the mission of Christian higher education. She hopes to add music to the chapel services because some students as well as faculty are musically gifted and willing to share. She would like to invite the local chorus programs to sing at the chapel services and will be composing an SEC newsletter so the students and community can stay better informed of what is happening at the Larry and Beverly Noe Somerset Education Center.
Sears said, “Most of all, I want to help our students be successful. I have the utmost respect for them, having seen the sacrifices that they and their families make in order to graduate. I just want to make it the best possible experience for them.” She comes to SEC with vast experience in the helping industry and knowledge of the resources as a health education coordinator
In addition to serving as pianist at First Baptist Church Somerset, Youth Sunday School teacher and youth choir accompanist, she is a Kentucky Youth Advocate Fellow, has served on the Eastern Kentucky Child Care Coalition board, and past member of the Early Childhood Community Council. Sears is a graduate of Somerset High School, of Somerset Community College and of Cumberland College where she earned a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in religion. She is married to Robert Sears and they have a son, Nathanael.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. Regional centers are located in Somerset, Louisville and Hodgenville. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu