Kathryn Bowens

What degree and/or certification are you working toward or have you already earned at Whitworth?
This past June, I completed my M.A. in Theology; in September I enrolled in the Master of Education Administrative Leadership Program. 

Children? How many and what age(s)?
We are a blended family, totaling seven children: one man, 30; two women, 29; one man, 28, 2 women, 20, and one young man, 19. Of all the children, I am biological mother to two women, ages 29 and 20; I also have a biological granddaughter, 6, and another one on the way. I have six stepgrandchildren, ages 11, 10, 9, 7, 4, and 3 years. I also have three godchildren, ages 16, 5, and 4, whom I lump in and call my grandchildren. So, total grandchildren: 10, with one on the way.

Why Whitworth? Why now?
I attended Whitworth from 1999 to 2002 for my bachelor's degree, returned in 2004 to obtain my Certification in Lay Ministry, and recently obtained my M.A. in Theology here. I am very familiar and comfortable with Whitworth University. I know that I am receiving a high-quality education that many universities cannot offer.  

Best book you've ever read
The best books I have read since being a student at Whitworth have been Spiritual Friendship, Dennis Billy and Aelred of Rievaulx; as well as C.S. Lewis works that include The Abolition of Man and The Great Divorce. Outside of school, it has been the Bible.    

What's been the best part so far about attending graduate school at Whitworth?
I enjoy many facets of attending Whitworth: Classes are offered in the evenings and weekends, which makes it easier to attend without interfering in the daytime necessities of life; attending with peers the same age, with some of the same interests, makes school more enjoyable; instructors challenge you to be creative, open, and free to express yourself; and I love "out of the box" teaching and solution styles, as well as the ability to apply what I am learning in a practical everyday manner. 

Favorite movie
The Color Purple

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I have always wanted to go to Africa, to see Goree Island, and Johannesburg, South Africa, and Guinea.  Then I'd like to go from there to Israel and take the extended tours that include "Steps of the Lord," the islands that Paul visited and biblical teachings along the way.

Where do you work?
I'm currently unemployed.  However, I am collaborating with a friend in hopes of starting the first of five  transition homes. Our goal is to have the homes, as well as a consignment shop that will support funding for the homes, up and running by midsummer.

What else do you have to balance in life while pursuing academic study?
I volunteer from time to time with the Washington State Department of Corrections in the family programs as a facilitator at the Eleanor Chase Work Release Center and the Community Justice Center. I am a volunteer coordinator for the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association. I am also a state-certified chemical-dependency counselor and a case manager. I serve in ministry within my church, Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Pastor Ezra Kinlow. 

We'd be surprised to know... that I am in a video, "Transitions: An Exploration of Vocation and Calling," that Whitworth University produced. I share my life testimony of overcoming addiction, jail, and struggles. Determined to have a life of sobriety, I have come to appreciate the saving grace of Yeshua, Jesus Christ, and I am so thankful for being given the opportunities to turn my life around and to receive a high-quality education.