This year to date, we have had 3 new faculty join us (or not so new). To get to know them better we asked them a few questions…
Dr Jude Long returns!
What’s your role at MST?
I am the Vice Principal for Educational Development and Director of Vocational Education. What does that mean? I will be working with the educational partners of both MST and Eastern in delivery and design of courses. Eastern College is a Registered Training Organisation delivering vocational education so I will also be working to support what is already happening and exploring future options. I will be teaching across both colleges.
Why did you move to MST?
After 8 years at Nungalinya College in Darwin, I felt it was the right time both for the College and for my family to return to Melbourne. It was immensely encouraging to be asked by Tim Meyers to consider reconnecting with MST and I was very excited to do so.
Tell us your background, upbringing, where you’re from, education, family?
Originally from Brisbane, I have spent more of my life in Melbourne than anywhere else, but have had stints in Sydney and Darwin. Originally working in youth ministry, I did my first theology degree with
Ridley College many years ago, and discovered a great love of learning and eventually a love of teaching. I started as a student at the Bible College of Victoria (now MST) and eventually became Dean of Students and also a lecturer for a period of 9 years. I then went to be the Principal of Nungalinya College in Darwin seeking to empower and support Aboriginal Christian leaders mostly from remote communities. I am married to Allan, and have two grown up married daughters, and 4 granddaughters.
Anything else you are “yearning” to tell us?
Working at Nungalinya was a life changing experience for me. After my studies at BCV I felt very strongly that supporting theological education was a vital aspect of cross cultural mission. I would love to see more people answer the challenge of preparing to teach and learn in cross-cultural contexts.