Walking by Faith: Chris Kellner
Q. When did you first come to Waynesburg?
A. I came here in the fall of 2012.
Q. What led you here?
A. That is a really interesting story. It was God, because I had no intention of working in higher education, except for maybe way down the line after I retired from the industry to teach business. I had no interest in Residence Life. When I was a student, I was not a resident assistant. I wasn’t even RA material, to be honest. I had been called into discipline meetings as a student. I made mistakes. I wasn’t the ideal candidate for a resident director in a lot ways because I didn’t have the experience. I was working at a small start up financial firm. I had to leave because the manager was being dishonest. He was lying to clients, lying to me and lying to my coworkers, so I had to leave. I told him that I couldn’t stay if he was being dishonest with me or with the clients. I left and began looking for jobs in Pittsburgh in finance, because that is my undergraduate degree, but nothing opened up. The Lord kept every door shut other than Waynesburg. My friend who was an RD encouraged me to think about becoming a RD. He said since I’ve been a camp counselor, which is similar in that you live with the people you serve, that I would enjoy it. I loved being a camp counselor, so I said I’d think about it. The more I thought about it, the more sense it made to me, so I then applied at Grove City first. They didn’t even call me back. I contacted my alma mater, Geneva, and they turned me down right off the bat because I had no Residence Life experience and they had other candidates that were more qualified. Waynesburg was generous enough to hear me out. They called me and asked me questions preliminarily. I got through the interviews. God really opened up the door for me here and I know that it was His will for me to be here. He made it happen, because I wasn’t as qualified or experienced as the prototypical Resident Director.
Q. In what ways do you demonstrate your faith in your position at Waynesburg?
I think the biggest way is in two things: one is just love in general. That can look like saying ‘hi’ to someone or encouraging someone who looks like they aren’t having a good day. I try to be hospitable and host people in my apartment also. I have a washer and dryer that I allow anyone to come use it for free. They are able to come and do their laundry and hang out, so I’ll offer them snacks or coffee. Also, through grace and discipline, I am able to reach students. I am not perfect, and I have gotten into trouble in the past. When I made those mistakes, I was disciplined and that was beneficial because I learned from those experiences. I think disciplining here is a big way that I can share my faith. I tell people that God is trying to speak to them and tell them something. That is a big way that I have been able to connect with people. It is really cool to see myself develop relationships from discipline meetings. I go from never knowing a guy to sitting across from them at a desk in a discipline meeting and building a relationship from there. That is one big opportunity that God has given me.
Q. Have any moments that you have had with residents or faculty members touched you spiritually or affirmed your faith?
A. Definitely. There was a student here that had some medical difficulties in the middle of Johnson Commons right after the S’mores and More event. There was a large amount of students that were still there. The EMS came and security was assisting as well. Then, a student said, “Hey everybody, let’s circle up and pray for this girl.” I had never seen something like that happen. Everyone present circled up and prayed for the girl. That was really encouraging to me. It is awesome that we have that freedom here in America and here at Waynesburg University. I think that is something that might become normal. It felt normal, so it was really cool to witness.
Q. Do you feel that you are where God wants you to be?
A. Yes, and it goes beyond how amazing it is that God directed me here and gave me this opportunity. He has kept me here in very obvious ways. I was praying and fasting at the end of the year last year about staying. I didn’t stop eating, but I wasn’t eating meat or bread. I got a very clear answer. I felt I needed to stay here. It wasn’t that I wanted to leave or was trying to leave. I hadn’t applied anywhere else, but I didn’t want to stay unless God wanted me to stay. It was an act of submission, but I really wanted to stay. I was excited when I got the confirmation that I would be returning. RD’s sign a contract every year. So before I signed the contract to confirm that I would be returning for another year, I wanted to make sure that it was God’s plan.
Q. Can you explain the concept of fasting?
A. It is something that is new to me that I have really never practiced at all before. I am always encouraged by the Catholic students, faculty and staff here that fast every Lent in some fashion. I think the purpose is to rely on God and to see our reliance upon God more vividly, whether that means taking away something you love or something that you need. It is a statement to God that says, “God, I know I need you more.” It makes you realize who comes first, the gift or the giver of those gifts. It brings you closer to God, and that is why I think it is a good practice when you are trying to make a big decision. It tells God that you really want something, but you want to submit to Him and His will.