News
Faculty Spotlight: Holley Rushforth (Instructor of Education)
“I see each student’s potential not only to master content but to become a more thoughtful, engaged, and active participant in the greater community.”
Holley Rushforth wears many hats on campus. Whether you find her teaching the next generation of teachers or singing on the worship team, her infectious personality lights up the room.
What brought you to Roberts?
I first came to Roberts when I was in high school. My youth pastor brought me to a rehearsal for the gospel choir.
There was such incredible energy in the room. The students were diverse, very welcoming, and appreciated a genre of music that was very special to me.
After that experience, I decided to attend Roberts for my bachelor’s degree, where I studied Religion/Philosophy and the Biblical Languages: Hebrew and Greek.
How long have you been teaching here?
I have been at Roberts for two years, but in July 2022, I transitioned into Instructor of Education.
In the department of teacher education, I teach in both Traditional Undergrad and Adult Graduate Education, focusing primarily on educational psychology, lifespan development, social foundations, literacy, and methods related to the teaching profession.
Can you share your journey to becoming a professor?
I unconventionally came to teaching. I homeschooled my children from pre-K to high school. During that time, I did a lot of research about the field of education and the history, methods, and philosophies that support learning.
I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in psychology, and I look forward to starting work on a doctoral degree in educational psychology in the fall.
My courses focus on building relationships and reflecting on God’s purpose/will for their lives beyond college. I see each student’s potential not only to master content but to become a more thoughtful, engaged, and active participant in the greater community.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I like to sing! I have been singing in church choirs and worship teams for many years.
During the pandemic, I helped to record moments of worship for our Kickstart chapel videos so students could stay connected even though the campus was closed.
Watch Holley and the worship team perform God, Turn It Around!
How do you serve the community at Roberts?
The primary focus of my position at Roberts is an off-site program in Brooklyn, NY, where we offer a master’s degree in education to ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jews. There is a great need for highly effective teachers in this community.
Working in this program has broadened my understanding of diversity, equity, and belonging and the kind of love that bridges the gap between diverse cultures and religions. Each week I witness the perseverance of my students despite barriers that exist in the “digital world” of higher education, as most of our students do not have open access to the internet, computers, or smart devices.
I consider it such an honor to enter their community and have the privilege to witness their devotion and commitment to bringing God to the center of all things- including their education and professional endeavors.
How has Roberts influenced your own spiritual journey?
Roberts has given me many opportunities to grow as a professional, an academic, and a Christian. One of the most precious aspects of my job is the privilege to attend chapel with my colleagues, to pray with them, and to walk together in like-mindedness.
We are all focused on the same goal, to point our students toward Jesus Christ. It makes the work such a joy!
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
I enjoy spending time with my two teenage daughters, reading fiction, and listening to jazz records.
What is your favorite quote or verse and why?
I love this truth from scripture because it guarantees that nothing in my life is void of God’s sovereignty. He is preemptively at work in all areas of my life.
He is in control, and I can rest knowing that He sees every detail and is actively moving all the pieces of my life toward goodness, favor, purpose, and blessing.
Student Feedback
