Student Spotlight

Teresa Pratt

Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies

God orchestrated my coming to Urbana Seminary. I learned from others about the Seminary, finding out I could begin very simply as a “Visiting Student,” and just feeling like it was at a place where I belonged.

I grew up on a farm in central Illinois and married my high school sweetheart. I am a Registered Nurse and currently work in a rural public school district. We have two incredible boys who are each pursuing degrees at the University of Illinois. I believe the church is the hope of the world and seek to serve God and others on a deeper level through it.

My time at Urbana Seminary has caused me to fall in love with God more each day! I’m finding that my focus is drawn more to “being” than “doing” as a lifestyle, which is incredible considering I’ve been plagued with the “Martha Syndrome” all my life. I deeply yearn for more quiet time with God these days. I have been delighted with the diversity of students that I have shared classes with….all ages, multiple ethnicities & backgrounds, and faith communities. I really enjoy learning from people that are not cookie-cutters of me.

The most challenging thing for me while studying at Urbana Seminary is time management. I balance being a wife, mom, and daughter with a full-time job, and leadership responsibilities in my church and community. I’m so thankful that UTS allows me to take classes at a pace that fits with my life so I can maximize each one! I am also thankful for the gracious staff. EVERYONE is extremely helpful from office staff, to faculty, to the library servants.

Because of how God is molding me as a person through the classes, He is already using what I am learning in my current position as a school nurse. I serve my church as Small Group Coordinator and as a Parish Nurse. I think I function better in both these roles since starting seminary. I would love to lead more groups both inside and outside the faith community in the future, especially in the areas of prayer, healing, and discipleship/small group ministry.

If I could offer one piece of advice to prospective students it would be to remain strong and courageous! I had a lot of fears, stepping back into academia when our boys both went to college. So many people encouraged and supported me to take that step of faith. You will never know if Urbana Seminary is a “fit” until you try it!