Spartans of UD: Katrina Richardson
Apr 25, 2018 | University Relations staff
Spartans of UD highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus. Katrina Richardson will graduate in May with a master of divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Richardson, who moved from Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Dubuque with her husband and two children to attend UDTS, participated in the Wendt Character Scholars program.
KATRINA RICHARDSON
Master of Divinity Student
1. Why did you choose to attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary?
“I chose to attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary because of the fact that God is central. This was apparent in my first phone call. Carla Gibbons, who was the distance education coordinator at UDTS, took time to talk with me on the phone and then offered to keep me in her prayers throughout the admission process. During my campus tour, I sat in on a class being taught by Christopher James, PhD, MDiv, assistant professor of evangelism and missional Christianity. He opened the class with prayer. This emphasis on prayer made UDTS outstanding.”
2. When did you realize you wanted to further your education and obtain a master of divinity?
“I realized that I would be going to seminary in 2006 when I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree and was working in a church as a secretary. However, I also knew that the timing to get my master’s degree wasn’t right yet. So I waited until almost a decade later when I sensed that the timing was right. I still do not understand the rationale behind the timing, because it was after my husband and I both had established careers, a beautiful home, and two children. Nevertheless, every detail fell beautifully into place for our family’s move from Oklahoma to Dubuque.”
3. How do you balance your family, work, and school life?
“I am a wife, a mother of two, and a seminary student – but most importantly, I am a child of God. This helps me remember that I am loved, and because of this, I am able to love others. This is both a blessing and a responsibility. Staying focused on God is the way I balance my life.”
4. What have you learned from participating in the Wendt Character Scholars program?
“I have learned a deeper understanding of justice, integrity, and compassion in the world and have acquired a passion for continuing to learn more about each of these areas. By the grace of God, I hope to inspire and lead others to live lives steeped in these essential Christian values as part of their daily routines.”
5. What advice do you have for future UDTS students?
“My advice for future UDTS students would be to stay connected to God and each other, to practice mindfulness, and to spend time with friends.”
