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Jon Hurst is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Iliff School of Theology. He is a recent transplant to Denver from New York City and a self-describe educator, artist, lover, and diasporic soul. Prior to joining the Iliff community, Jon has held various leadership positions in the field of Higher Education and Student Affairs with focused work in the areas of Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experiential learning, Intercultural education, and Identity development.
He holds a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo and a BA in Journalism from Central State University. Along with his student affairs background, he brings a deep love for the intersection of art and spirituality. This passion and interest led to the creation of Savor Soul Productions, an arts initiative committed to producing inspired art opportunities that celebrate and explore pathways to healing, spiritual awakening, and overall well-being. While at Iliff, Jon plans to future examine ways critical, yet creative spiritual ritual formations can contest cultural biases within faith communities allowing for a re-imagining and the re-claiming of narratives that honor the inherent worth and dignity of all God’s creations.
He holds a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo and a BA in Journalism from Central State University. Along with his student affairs background, he brings a deep love for the intersection of art and spirituality. This passion and interest led to the creation of Savor Soul Productions, an arts initiative committed to producing inspired art opportunities that celebrate and explore pathways to healing, spiritual awakening, and overall well-being. While at Iliff, Jon plans to future examine ways critical, yet creative spiritual ritual formations can contest cultural biases within faith communities allowing for a re-imagining and the re-claiming of narratives that honor the inherent worth and dignity of all God’s creations.
Emily Autry, is a first-year Iliff MDiv and DU Graduate School of Social Work dual-degree student. She recently moved to Denver with her sister and their two dogs from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Emily is a lifelong Methodist and currently a certified candidate for ministry pursuing ordination as a Deacon in the Arkansas Conference. She received her Bachelor’s in Arts in Religion and Political Science from the University of the Ozarks located in Clarksville, AR. She served in Miami, FL as a Coordinator of the Fill the Table Outreach Initiative at the Florida Conference of the UMC through the Global Ministry Fellowship Program. Most recently, she was on staff at Bost Inc. in Fort Smith, AR as a staff trainer and extracurricular coordinator. At Bost, she worked with individuals with developmental and related differing abilities, and she fell in love with not-for-profit work and community development. Emily is passionate about building a vibrant and welcoming community at Iliff School of Theology. She loves getting outside in Denver, spending time with her friends and family, and meeting new people.
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