Pacific Union College was pleased to welcome two individuals whom they appointed as assistant deans for the men’s and women’s dorms last fall quarter. PUC Vice President of Student and Spiritual Life, Aimee Leukert, said they were “answers to prayers,” and were welcomed with open and loving arms by the school. Ever since they arrived, they have settled in nicely, not only living up to such high praise but going above and beyond for the students of their respective residence halls.

PUC alumna Morgan Carpio filled the role of the women’s residence hall dean in Andre Hall. She graduated with a degree in biochemistry and became a dean at Rio Lindo Academy because she loved being a student dean at PUC. Six years later, Carpio is happy to serve in the very place where her passion began. The college was delighted to offer her the new dean position, given her experience as a dean, incredible work ethic, and care for students. Executive Director of Student & Spiritual Life Gena Philpott describes Carpio as “a woman of faith and steady strength who thrives on making sure her residence hall and students are taken care of and seamlessly fits with our team.”

She has been enjoying every minute of her new role, feeling blessed to meet new students and serve the Lord in this capacity. “I feel warmly welcomed on campus, and these Andre Angels are living up to their name by graciously accepting me as their dean,” Carpio said. “PUC students, in general, are such great people. Looking forward, I hope to learn even more as a dean, build stronger relationships, plan more events, and create an even better dorm culture at Andre. Also, I am very thankful to be working with an outstanding team of individuals who support and care for each other.”

Described as a calm leader, a good listener, and someone who is "approachable and cares deeply about the welfare and success of students," Geordan Penners was named as the new men’s residence hall dean for Newton Hall. He attended PUC for a year and then served in the military in cybersecurity and technology adoption. Penners completed his degrees at the University of Denver, first a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and then a Master of Social Work. From there, he began his career as a clinical therapist in a private practice in Colorado.

As PUC was looking for someone to fill this dean role, Penners and his wife were also at a crossroads in their lives, exploring new opportunities. Eventually, he found himself drawn to return to PUC, this time as a dean, which has been an energizing, humbling, and meaningful season of transition for him. He has spent a lot of time listening, learning names and stories, and getting a feel for the rhythms of Newton Hall since starting, and has been so grateful for how welcoming students and staff have been from day one.

“This current quarter has felt like a continuation of that,” Penners said, “I’m really enjoying building community with our students through hall worship, crossroads, and other shared experiences, and working closely with our RA team as we support students. I’m especially excited about improvements to our shared spaces and the ongoing renovations in our dorm chapel, which has already been such a meaningful place for connection and worship. I feel incredibly thankful to be here. It’s a privilege to walk alongside students during such an important season of their lives, and I’m continually encouraged by their openness, leadership, and care for one another.”

PUC is so grateful that the residence halls are in the trusting hands of these two wonderful individuals, who have served as excellent role models to students on campus and will continue to do so.