Spiritual Formation Team

The Rev. Dr. Rachel Toone Pies joined Montreat College in July 2018 as the Dean of Spiritual Formation. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Bible and Theology department, and holds a B.A. in Theology from Whitworth University, an MDiv. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Trinity Anglican Seminary. She is an ordained teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and loves being married to Stephen Pies – a chef, artist, and art history aficionado.

Prof. Pete Buchwald joined the Montreat College faculty in 2018 as an assistant professor of music business. Prior to coming to Montreat, he was a faculty member in the College of Arts & Media at the University of Colorado, Denver. Prof. Buchwald also taught courses in sound recording technology and songwriting at Colorado Christian University. Prior to teaching, he served as a campus minister on staff with Cru for eight years in the Boston metro area, working with arts students from Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, and others.

Prof. Buchwald began his musical career as a saxophone player and earned his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas, where he wrote songs for big band and vocal groups. He earned his master’s in recording arts at the University of Colorado. And he has worked in the music industry in a variety of contexts, including live sound, studio production, and songwriting.

When not in the classroom, Prof. Buchwald can be found fly-fishing, playing with synthesizers, writing and producing music, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.