Meet the Admissions Team

Greetings from the Admissions Team!

As you consider seminary studies, please know that the Admissions Team is always happy to serve as a resource to you and to answer your specific questions. We would love to meet you and hope that you'll come visit the campus or that we'll run into you.

Scott Poblenz, Dean of Enrollment Management

Hometown: Wyandotte, MI
Undergrad: Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)
Degree: M.Div. (May 2004)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Chemical Engineering
Favorite Class at GCTS?
"Exegesis of Revelation" with Dr. Sean McDonough
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
The rich history here, especially having to do with Christianity in America, and the amazing beauty of this area.
Hobbies/Interests?
Youth ministry, reading, and spending time with my family.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
The time I spent with my mentor in the Mentored Ministry program here was very significant for me as I prepared for ministry. The multidenominational aspect of GCTS also stretched and challenged me and, in the end, made my commitment to my tradition more robust and rich.

Jill Barlow, Director of Admissions

Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Undergrad: Meredith College (Raleigh, NC)
Degree: Master of Arts in Theology (May 2011)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Serving as Assistant Vice President of an actuarial firm and as a Young Life Leader
Favorite Class at GCTS?
"Interpreting the New Testament" with Dr. Elizabeth Shively
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
The beach is only 8 minutes from campus!
Hobbies/Interests?
Writing, live music, discipleship, running, the outdoors, and good coffee.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
The renowned faculty, the Boston Theological Institute, and the invaluable spiritual mentoring and friendship I have received as a Pierce Fellow.

Sarah Loiacono, Admissions Administrator

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Undergrad: Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL)
Degree: M.Div. (May 2011)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Finishing up my undergrad degree at Southeastern, where I served with the chaplain ministry and played college soccer.
Favorite Class at GCTS?
"Exegesis of Kingship Narratives" with Dr. Tom Petter
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
The history that took place here!
Hobbies/Interests?
Running, watching soccer games, photography, and traveling.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
Sitting in class with students from places like China, Korea, Africa and Europe as well as Anglicans, Presbyterians, Baptists, and students from a charismatic background like me. Each person is able to bring a unique perspective to the discussion.

Saul Mendoza, Admissions Processor

Hometown: Somerville, MA
Undergrad: Suffolk University (Boston, MA)
Degree: BFA in Graphic Design (May 2008)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Traveling, working and living in NYC, playing around in my art-studio, helping with Real Life Church and Hearts of Life International.
Favorite Class at GCTS?
I’ll keep you posted…
Hobbies/Interests?
Traveling, designing, running, reading and excellent coffee.
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
Snow-days! Beaches!
Why Gordon-Conwell?
Gordon-Conwell is in a beautiful location in the North Shore with renowned faculty. The vibrant and diverse community make GCTS an attractive environment for those passionately seeking knowledge and advancing the Kingdom of God.

Mike Penza, Admissions Representative

Hometown: Racine, WI
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Degree: Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, English, & Philosophy (May 2009); MDiv (2013).
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Finishing up my undergraduate degree, getting married, helping to plant a church, leading men's ministry for a parachurch organization, playing as much disc golf as possible
Favorite Class at GCTS?
Christian Apologetics with Professor Patrick Smith
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
I am now the "Boston Contact" for all of my friends and family. Everyone wants to visit and no one wants to leave. I like living in the "cool spot!"
Hobbies/Interests?
Every sport besides croquet, reading, writing, exploring Boston, finding things to climb.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
I was impressed not only by the academic standards and renowned reputation but also by the unity in the diverse plurality within the Gordon-Conwell community. I came to Gordon-Conwell not to be told what to think, but how to think well.

Teal McGarvey, Admissions Representative

Hometown: Seaford, Delaware
Undergrad: University of Mary Washington
Degree: Master of Arts in Religion, Concentration in Biblical Studies (May 2010)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Working as a Grants Assistant in Clinical Research at Duke University Health Systems
Favorite Class at GCTS?
Biblical Global Justice with Dean Borgman
Hobbies/Interests?
Reading, Hanging out with friends, the Old Testament, Kickboxing, Hospitality, and good coffee.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
The community. They are people who love Christ and want to know Him more through the study of His Word, who are doing life and learning together from one another and faculty who are highly respected in their fields.

Andrew Truschel, Student Worker

Hometown: South Hamilton, MA
Undergrad: Messiah College, Harrisburg, PA
Degree: MDiv (2013)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS:
Participating in a Fellows program with a church in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Favorite Class at GCTS:
Greek I and II (these are the only ones I've taken so far!)
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England:
The Patriots, the Celtics, and Dunkin' Donuts.
Long-Term Vocational Goal:
Pastoral ministry and teaching.
Hobbies/Sports:
Basketball, snowboarding, guitar
Why Gordon-Conwell?
GCTS offers students the chance to grow intellectually and spiritually, preparing them for ministry both within and outside of the Church.

Megan Hackman, Student Worker

Hometown: Collierville, TN
Undergrad: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
Degree: M.Div. (May 2012)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Working as a Project Manager for a business incentive company and serving with The House campus ministries at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Favorite Class at GCTS?
"Systematic Theology I" with Dr. Peter Anders
Long-Term Vocational Goal?
Local church pastorate
Hobbies/Interests?
Photography, traveling, Spanish, and piano.
What is one of your favorite things about living in New England?
Sledding (for the first time!), fresh seafood, and the diversity of cultures in this area.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
The connection my husband and I had right away with the community when visiting and the reputation Gordon-Conwell has for being passionate about the Gospel and the Kingdom Church.

Curt Kenney, Student Worker

Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
Undergrad: James Madison University
Degree: Master of Divinity (2013)
What were you doing before you came to GCTS?
Director of Programs for an overseas development NGO and planning/training volunteer for small groups at my church in Charlottesville, VA.
Favorite Class at GCTS?
“Systematic Theology I” with Professor Peter Anders
Hobbies/Interests?
Snowboarding, paddleboarding, soccer, exploring Boston and the North Shore with my amazing wife.
Why Gordon-Conwell?
The pastors, teachers, missionaries, and other GCTS alumni I’ve met who are effectively serving the Church throughout the world, the diversity of backgrounds in faculty, and the care professors take in understanding what the authors of scripture intended to say.