The staff of Candler’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid aren’t just emissaries for Candler; they are servant leaders committed to supporting you in your theological journey. Part guide, part counselor, part career coach, they partner with you to discover where your interests and passions and Candler’s unique brand of theological education intersect. Sure, they love to talk about Candler, but they equally love to listen to the stories and context each prospective student brings with them. Through that listening, they can help you discern your call, consider the range of academic options available, and determine how a theological degree will help prepare you for your next step. Email Candler’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
Sam is a native of “Scratch Out,” Arkansas—more officially known as New Edinburg, population 127—and comes to Candler with experience serving in both the church and the academy. He earned his MTS from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, and is currently finishing up his PhD in Christian theology at Yale, with a focus on the work of the Holy Spirit. He’s served churches in Texas as an associate pastor and as a director of music and media. Outside…
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Kathryn is a Georgia native through and through. She hails from Lilburn, graduated from UGA in 2011 with a BA in history (go Dawgs!), and earned her MDiv from Candler in 2022. She is seeking ordination as a deacon in the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. We call her Kathryn, but she’s “Aunt Kat” to her three wonderful nephews. If you want to talk about anything pop culture related, Kathryn is your go-to. When she’s not in…
ADMISSIONS ADVISOR
Tayler is a native Texan, though he likes to claim that he is a Georgia boy now. Having spent his life bouncing between a farm and the beach, he thinks this has given him the perfect balance of diligent work and living in the moment. He earned his BS in communication studies from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns!) and his MDiv from Candler. Tayler has served in variety of ministry settings including nonprofits, youth ministry, campus…
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID AND ADMISSIONS
Tammy comes to Candler’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid team from Prairie View, Texas, where she served in Prairie View A&M University’s admissions office for over 10 years. She holds an MS degree in higher education/student affairs and a BS in early childhood education, and is currently pursuing her PhD in educational leadership. Tammy describes her scholarship as “devoted to advocating for the marginalized,” and her research explores DEI issues around women and men of color in academia, LGBTQ+…
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Hailing from Winston-Salem, NC, Emily graduated from Appalachian State University with a BA in Religious Studies. After college, Emily found Candler School of Theology and has been a part of this community ever since. In 2020 Emily completed her Masters of Divinity from Candler and in 2021 she joined the Admissions Team.
Emily is an ordained deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, and she is a passionate teacher, mentor, and…
MDiv ‘24
Candler Housing Coordinator
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Alma mater: Claflin University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, where I majored in political science and religion and philosophy with a minor in African studies.
Fun fact: I’m a foodie at heart and love to create new dishes mixed with my southern roots.
What do you love about Candler?
If I had to pick one thing, it would be the mentorship provided by professors and senior students.
Activities at Candler: Black Student Caucus
What do you love about Atlanta?
The diversity—there is something for everyone regardless…
MDiv ‘24
Hometown: Seoul, Korea
Alma Mater: Methodist Theological University in Korea
Fun fact: I traveled to London in May 2023, and King Charles came out to welcome me. The real fact is that I was trapped in downtown London for over three hours due to a street parade the day before King Charles’s coronation.
What do you love about Candler?
I love the fancy vibes and friendly hospitality in Candler’s diverse atmosphere. The hospitality of the admissions office is one of the reasons I chose…
MDiv ‘24
Hometown: Rogers, Arkansas
Alma mater: Pittsburg State University, Kansas (Finance and Economics with a minor in Graphic Design)
Fun fact: I am a big racing fan, especially of NASCAR!
What do you love about Candler? I love the professors.
Why did you choose Candler? I chose Candler because the community stood out to me more than anywhere else and because of Atlanta, too, which I love for the immense amount of opportunity and diversity present here!
MDiv ‘26
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida (duuuuuuvaaal)
Alma Mater: University of North Florida
Denomination: United Methodist
Vocational goals: I plan to serve as an elder in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. My greater goal is to make the church (in spirit AND in building) a safe space for those who have traditionally not been welcomed, and to be a good advocate for them.
Fun fact: I just really love Coca-Cola. I love the soda flavors, the marketing, specifically the Hilltop commercial and song from…
MDiv ‘25
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Denomination: United Methodist
Vocational Goals: Ordination as an elder.
Fun fact: I have been to 49 states and 17 countries.
What do you love about Candler: I love the community of students and how approachable the professors seem to be.
What do you love about Atlanta: There is a good sports scene both collegiate and professional. There is also a lot of parks and places to go for a walk or a hike near campus and just around.
Favorite Things: Jigsaw puzzles, St. Louis cardinals baseball, and…
MDiv ‘25
Hometown: Moyamba, Sierra Leone
Alma mater: Valley View University, Accra, Ghana
Fun fact: I love DIY. I once got a mechanic’s toolbox to replace a broken piston in my car. Disassembly was fun and easy. Piecing it back, well that’s another story you will have to come ask me about.
What do you love about Candler: The Professors. Each and every class has been very formative. My top three professors I would recommend you take a class from: Dr. Kemp, Dr. Ayres, Dr
MDiv ‘26
Hometown: Florence, Alabama
Denomination: United Methodist
Vocational Goals: Ordination in the UMC with a focus on pastoral counseling for children and families
Fun fact: I lived in Ghana for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer.
What do you love about Candler?
I love that Candler is a place that pushes its students outside of their comfort zones in a loving and supportive way.
What do you love about Atlanta?
I love that Atlanta is a very cool blend of southern culture and global culture.
MDiv ‘25
Hometown: Macon, Georgia
Denomination: United Methodist
Vocational Goals: I am a certified candidate on the elder track in the UMC and look forward to serving churches.
Fun fact: I have been skydiving.
What do you love about Candler?
I love the combination of vigorous academics and authentic heart development in the classroom and in chapel. I am also so thankful for the community I have found here.
What do you love about Atlanta?
I love the variety of cultural opportunities: museums, theater and the symphony, and lots…
MDiv ‘26
Hometown: Duluth, Georgia
Denomination: Pentecostal
Vocational Goals: My heart is really with the Hispanic community and all the pain the immigrant community goes through. My goal is to cater to their needs but also to help others understand what it is the Hispanic community goes through.
Fun fact: I’ve got a decent aim with a slingshot.
What do you love about Candler?
The classes and the genuine love and concern for each of their students.
What do you love about Atlanta?
The food and entertainment (concerts…
MTS ‘24
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Denomination: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Vocational Goals: PhD and then teaching
Fun fact: I can lick my elbows.
What do you love about Candler?
I love the community that Candler provides! Even before moving here, I knew I had a place.
What do you love about Atlanta?
The concert scene! This year I managed to get tickets for at least one show every month from April to October.
MDiv ‘26
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
Denomination: Baptist
Vocational Goals: Pastoral ministry and theological teaching
Fun fact: I love cooking southern soul food!
MTS ‘25
Hometown: Colfax, Washington
Denomination: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Vocational Goals: PhD; teaching; or something else. Still discerning…
Fun fact: I’ve played the trombone since 5th grade!
What do you love about Candler?
I love that the faculty, staff, and students are so passionate about theological education and about integrating academic study with spiritual formation and justice-seeking.
What do you love about Atlanta?
I love that the people in Atlanta are so friendly and welcoming. The food is also awesome!
MDiv ‘26
Hometown: Hong Kong
Vocational Goals: Still discerning.
Fun fact: Some people say that I speak with an Irish accent, and I don’t even know how I acquired it.
What do you love about Candler?
The people.
What do you love about Atlanta?
The richness of its history and diversity of the society.
MDiv ‘25
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Denomination: United Methodist
Vocational Goals: Become an ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Fun fact: In my first week at Candler, I dropped my water bottle in chapel and it broke into multiple pieces and the water went everywhere. Some of my closest friends now are the ones who helped me clean up the water that day.
What do you love about Candler?
The people. I know it sounds cheesy, but the community at Candler is…