Carisa Ash
800-DTS-WORD (800-387-9673)
Lead Academic Advisor
cash@dts.edu
Worked at DTS since: Spring of 1999
Welcome to DTS! I am an “older sister” who enjoys serving students through the Advising Center. Why do I say “older sister?” I began my journey at DTS fall 1998 with the hopes of completing the Th.M. by spring 2002. However, the Lord had other plans! I completed the Th.M. in 2003 and then began a Ph.D. in Theological Studies. I still hope to graduate soon. Resultantly, I’ve been given wisdom that comes from just hanging around for over a decade and mostly through trial and error. My single greatest piece of advice: follow God, trust His faithfulness, and hang on for the journey of a life time! Please let us in the Advising Center walk beside you on your journey.
Two things stand out in my DTS experience: (1) faculty, and (2) good friends. And, well, I interact with both of them here at the Advising Center. I continue to experience the encouragement of faculty members who have the Kingdom in their focus. What a privilege to watch them as they continue to encourage other students to keep their eyes looking north. I also work with friends who daily challenge me to seek God’s clear guidance for my life and the lives of the students God places on my path. I regularly see the Spirit’s work not only through me, but also through those with whom I work. Have you ever experienced a ministry where people trip over one another in an effort to serve each other? I see this through the staff here in the Advising Center and hope you too can see this through us.
We exist for the greater Kingdom of God and to move you toward lifelong service. So, come on in share your ministry vision and let us encourage you along the way!
What are your hobbies or outside interests?
I enjoy the outdoors and especially fishing.
What do you do on your day off?
On my days off, I enjoy sleeping in, watching good movies, spending time with friends, serving in the church and enjoying the great outdoors.
What are your favorite foods?
I love most things peanut butter, enjoy cups of good coffee on the porch with friends on a nice morning, and like meat and potato type meals.
What is your favorite television show of all time?
Frasier, Friends, and Criminal Minds top my list of favorite television shows.
What is your favorite piece of literature?
I can’t point to a single book that tops my reading list. However, Charlotte’s Web, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Tell Tale Heart all grabbed my interest at an early age. My current reading interests range from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, to Bavinck’s Essays on Religions, Science, and Society, to the psychological-detective mystery books of Jonathan Kellerman.
What is your favorite musical artist/group/genre of music?
Grab my MP3 player and you will quickly become confused. What is Carisa’s favorite music? My music preferences range from 70s-80s rock, of which Bob Seger is my all time fave, to contemporary country, and folk (like the Civil Wars). When it comes to Christian music, I enjoy the solid theology found in the traditional hymns and in more contemporary groups like the David Crowder Band, Derek Webb, Ambassador, and Andrew Peterson.
Who is the person you admire most and why?
While I admire a few people, Robert Raikes is near the top of the list. He truly understood what “no kid left behind” meant in Christian Education. His story challenges me to reach the “least of these” with solid theology.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I think Ireland would be a cool place to live, at least based on the pictures I’ve seen. However, I dream of living in a log house in the middle of the woods and near a lake. The autumn colors are vibrant, there’s always snow at Christmas, the spring colors are vivid, and the summer days are pleasant. If you know of this place, please let me know!
