Building Community
Beyond the Classroom
The Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach staff creates experiences, programs, and initiatives designed to connect with, empower, and prepare students for life and ministry beyond the seminary.
From our passionate and engaging admissions team to our imaginative and pastoral Office of Student Formation and Campus Culture's programs to our outstanding Center for Academic Literacy, Columbia believes transformative academic learning takes place in, but is not limited to, the classroom.
Here, we take seriously the task of creating a broad web of support that ensures students’ success. And we like to have some fun while doing it! We are eager to partner with you on your journey to and through Columbia Theological Seminary. Get to know our staff below.
Meet Our Team!
Rev. Matthew B Rich
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Operations
A love for the transformational possibilities in theological education and his own seminary experience led Matt from congregational ministry to Columbia in 2011. As a do-it-all admissions professional, Matt enjoys both the technical side of day-to-day operations and being a pastoral presence for colleagues and prospective students. With roots in the Baptist churches of North Alabama and South Tennessee, Matt studied Religion, Congregational Studies, and Classics at Samford University before completing his MDiv at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Matt loves nature photography, gadgets, and is an armchair meteorologist. His days at home are full of outside play, reading, and making music with his wife Deedra and their two young daughters.
Rev. Matthew B Rich
Director of Admissions and Vocation
A love for the transformational possibilities in theological education and his own seminary experience led Matt from congregational ministry to Columbia in 2011. As a do-it-all admissions professional, Matt enjoys both the technical side of day-to-day operations and being a pastoral presence for colleagues and prospective students. With roots in the Baptist churches of North Alabama and South Tennessee, Matt studied Religion, Congregational Studies, and Classics at Samford University before completing his MDiv at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Matt loves nature photography, gadgets, and is an armchair meteorologist. His days at home are full of outside play, reading, and making music with his wife Deedra and their two young daughters.
Mrs. Sarah Kate Bumgarner
Connector
Sarah Kate is a lifelong Presbyterian, growing up as a PK (preacher’s kid) in churches throughout North Carolina and Southwest Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Christian Education from Presbyterian College in 2012 and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Columbia in 2018. After a decade serving Atlanta-area churches in children’s ministry, Sarah Kate recently returned to Columbia as a Connector. She relishes the opportunity to continue serving in ministry and connecting with others while also devoting more time to her family as a full-time mom. Sarah Kate adores her husband Robert, whom she met while at Presbyterian College, and their two little girls. As a former student at Columbia, Sarah Kate experienced first-hand this warm, engaging, and diverse place and hopes to use that to support new students in their own seminary journey.
Mrs. Sarah Kate Bumgarner
Connector
Sarah Kate is a lifelong Presbyterian, growing up as a PK (preacher’s kid) in churches throughout North Carolina and Southwest Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Christian Education from Presbyterian College in 2012 and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Columbia in 2018. After a decade serving Atlanta-area churches in children’s ministry, Sarah Kate recently returned to Columbia as a Connector. She relishes the opportunity to continue serving in ministry and connecting with others while also devoting more time to her family as a full-time mom. Sarah Kate adores her husband Robert, whom she met while at Presbyterian College, and their two little girls. As a former student at Columbia, Sarah Kate experienced first-hand this warm, engaging, and diverse place and hopes to use that to support new students in their own seminary journey.
Ms. Carlene A. Knights
Director, Student Financial Services
Affectionately known around campus as “Bishop Free Money,” Carlene uses her 20 years of experience working in financial aid to help students find creative ways to afford their education. As the daughter of a Bishop, Carlene saw firsthand how the careful management of financial resources could have a major affect on a ministry’s vitality and impact. Assisting students with their personal finances and helping them build skills to manage money effectively is a passion that brings Carlene joy. Her door is almost always open, so be sure to stop by when you have a chance. If the door is closed, she may be watching a ballgame (“sports are my second love, behind Christ,” she says) or off using her beautiful voice to sing with Columbia’s gospel choir.
Ms. Carlene A. Knights
Director, Student Financial Services
Affectionately known around campus as “Bishop Free Money,” Carlene uses her 20 years of experience working in financial aid to help students find creative ways to afford their education. As the daughter of a Bishop, Carlene saw firsthand how the careful management of financial resources could have a major affect on a ministry’s vitality and impact. Assisting students with their personal finances and helping them build skills to manage money effectively is a passion that brings Carlene joy. Her door is almost always open, so be sure to stop by when you have a chance. If the door is closed, she may be watching a ballgame (“sports are my second love, behind Christ,” she says) or off using her beautiful voice to sing with Columbia’s gospel choir.
PHONE
404-687-4582
OFFICE
CH201A / Box 36F