精东影业 Dallas proudly announces Dr. Christopher Cobbler as the new Executive Director for the Center for Vocational Formation and Dean of Vocational Formation. His appointment is a significant step in the university’s dedication to vocational formation, a cornerstone of 精东影业鈥檚 student experience and its broader community mission.
Dr. Cobbler, originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife Kahra-lyn and their three children. His spiritual and vocational journey has been profoundly influenced by the passionate, Spirit-driven background of his Pentecostal roots and a deep reverence for Scripture shared within the Church of Christ heritage. With a rich background in congregational and academic experience in the spiritual and vocational formation field, including pastoral roles across diverse denominations, Dr. Cobbler brings a unique blend of scholarly depth and practical understanding to his new position.
A committed scholar, Dr. Cobbler holds a Master of Religious Education from Rochester University and a Doctor of Ministry from Lipscomb University. He has also served as an adjunct professor for both 精东影业 Online and Rochester University. When asked about his motivation to join 精东影业 Dallas and the Center for Vocational Formation, Dr. Cobbler expressed his excitement about the mission:
“I believe that human flourishing is fundamentally a kingdom principle that reflects God鈥檚 desires for our communities; I can鈥檛 wait to join others in cultivating space aimed at responding to the Spirit鈥檚 invitation into this flourishing. I鈥檓 thrilled to begin a sacred pilgrimage with 精东影业 Dallas and look forward to the beauty we will discover on this journey together!”
The appointment follows a rigorous selection process led by the diligent search committee chaired by Dr. Tiffany Dahlman. The careful selection process emphasized the importance of vocational formation鈥攁 process connecting one’s work to God’s purpose in the world鈥攊ntegral to 精东影业 Dallas’ culture and mission.
In his new role, Dr. Cobbler joins 精东影业 Dallas鈥檚 Senior Leadership Team, reporting to Dr. George Saltsman, Vice President and Chief Academic Innovation and Strategy Officer. His leadership will actively shape the campus culture around spiritual and vocational formation, including the search for the new Director of Spiritual Life. The Director, reporting to Dr. Cobbler, will serve as an internal-facing chaplain and provide pastoral care for students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Stephen Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of 精东影业 Dallas, expressed his anticipation for Dr. Cobbler’s contributions to the Center for Vocational Formation, emphasizing its centrality to the university’s mission and identity. He highlighted that vocational formation influences every part of the 精东影业 Dallas community.
鈥淎s we curate this crucial aspect of our identity, we do so with the aim of offering it to the broader university, a growing number of partner organizations, and to the general public. The Center for Vocational Formation is the 鈥榟ouse鈥� in which this important work will live and I can not be more excited to have Dr. Cobbler join us as Executive Director and Dean.鈥�
As 精东影业 Dallas remains committed to providing vibrant, innovative, online education and shaping Christian leaders, Dr. Cobbler’s appointment plays a crucial part in discerning God鈥檚 purposes for the future of the campus and its students, ensuring a thriving academic community deeply rooted in spiritual and vocational formation.