When high school sweethearts Jakan ’19 and Kinsey ’19 Jamison began looking at college options, they both separately felt that God was calling them not too far from home in Marion, N.C., to Montreat College. Jakan studied psychology, and Kinsey studied elementary education while at Montreat. Kinsey shares, “God is always faithful and will lead you where He has you when you ask.”
Montreat was a place where Jakan and Kinsey could grow closer to the Lord and to each other. Kinsey rededicated her life to Christ when she was in high school, and Montreat provided a place for her to learn how to truly follow Christ alongside other believers. For Jakan, Montreat stretched his faith. Jakan loved being around people with different Christian perspectives, which helped him consider his convictions and hone what he truly believed.
Jakan and Kinsey were both blessed by lead faculty members in their areas of study. Jakan reflects on the impact that Dr. Greg Blanton and Dr. Megan Clunan had on him as they each encouraged him to keep going in the psychology field. Jakan also appreciated how they exemplified Christ in the classroom and demonstrated how not to compromise their beliefs. Kinsey was touched by Dr. Linda Neuzil as she led the education department. Neuzil mentored Kinsey and even helped her through a difficult time. Jakan and Kinsey invited these impactful professors to their wedding and still communicate with them today.
Kinsey works as a teacher in Marion, N.C., and the elementary education program prepared her well. She had many individualized classes that set her up for success and even allowed her to teach a few times. While you can never be fully prepared for your career until you step into it, Kinsey believes that her classes and student teaching experience prepared her well to be the teacher she is today. Kinsey also learned how to communicate well with others and what professionalism truly looks like.
Before Jakan started his current role as a financial aid counselor at Montreat, he worked in the juvenile justice system. Jakan’s psychology training served him well in this role, helping him extend compassion and understand the people he worked with. After four years of working in juvenile justice, Jakan was praying about a new career opportunity because the schedule was difficult for a young family. Jakan had been interested in returning to Montreat, and a position opened in financial services. In His perfect timing, God opened the door for Jakan to return to Montreat and serve the college in the financial aid department.
For Jakan, working at Montreat “feels like home.” Jakan offers a unique perspective, having once been in the same position as the students he works with now. He can pour into students throughout the beautiful journey that is college. He also loves how Christ-centered his workplace is. “The faith aspect strengthens our team.” Prayer is a huge part of their office, bringing a greater purpose to Jakan’s work than just a 9-to-5.
Jakan and Kinsey now live in Marion, N.C., where they are raising their two sons, Elijah and Ezra. They are grateful to Montreat for helping each of them grow. Jakan and Kinsey attended Montreat during the solidification of the college’s statement of faith. The school’s renewed commitment to Christ and Christian values demonstrated to them the value of standing firm in Christ.
“Montreat is a very special place, and I will be forever grateful for my time there. My prayer is that God will continue to bless Montreat, as He has done faithfully for many, many years, and that its students will continue to be called, equipped, and sent out as beacons of light into whatever field God places them in. The Lord is doing great things at Montreat!”