Q&A with the Rev. Ben Hankinson

Our new Director of Admissions reflects on his path back to the House

The Rev. Ben Hankinson, ‘14, joined Nashotah House this summer as its new Director of Admissions. Previously, Hankinson served as Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, and as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He succeeds Kristen Olver, who oversaw admissions during a period of significant growth at the House.

A native of Florence, South Carolina, Hankinson is a son of the House, having received his Master of Divinity degree in 2014. He was ordained deacon and priest that same year.

He recently spoke with Communications & Marketing Manager Lauren Cripps about returning to the House in this new role.

Q: Accepting this role is a homecoming of sorts for you. We’re glad for your return! Tell us a little bit of your background and your connection to Nashotah House, both as a student and alumnus, over the years.

A: Interestingly, I actually came to Nashotah House for the first time as a high school senior. My youth minister and his family had begun in the fall of 2004, and I’d already been approached by both him and my rector about the future possibility of ordained ministry. So, I came up to see them, and while I was here went to chapel, ate in the refectory, and sat in on classes, including one with Fr. Holtzen. It was all a bit surreal, but it’s where my story with Nashotah began.

After college, I entered discernment, and when the time was right, I did a whirlwind tour of all the seminaries to which the bishop was willing to send me. I attended Experience Nashotah as the first leg of my trip, and after that, I’m not sure the others stood a chance. Sure enough, I moved in on August 15, 2011.

I graduated in May of 2014 and then found myself back at the House for a number of events in the next year or two. I settled into a pattern of one or two classes a year in addition to usually showing up for Alumni Day and Commencement. I enjoyed workdays, helping with things like mowing, mulch, etc. Keeping up that regular presence allowed me to stay in touch with faculty and staff I knew and build new relationships along the way. I’ve enjoyed getting a chance to engage with current students over the years, and I’m getting to continue that on staff and to expand it to prospective students.

Q: The way I understand it, becoming our new Director of Admissions wasn’t something you were necessarily seeking; the job kind of found you at the right time. Do I have that right? How did you find yourself in this new position? Why did you want the job?

A: That’s right, and to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I did want the job! But one thing I’ve learned about how God often gets my attention for discernment is by speaking through other people, so I was willing to listen and see. As things progressed, I was not only increasingly interested but, more importantly, I felt a growing sense of peace about it. God was at work to use this process either to call me to a new season or to renew my call in my parish. As it turns out, it was a new season, but I am confident I would have been blessed in discerning either way.

As for wanting the job, two things converged. One, I’ve seen through diocesan-level ministry just how important it is to both identify and then equip new ministers for the Gospel. What Nashotah does is vitally important to the life of dioceses and congregations. Next, I came to see that this position is rather pastoral. It’s a big step in an individual’s or family’s life to enter discernment and to consider attending seminary. I understand that on a personal level, along with the various processes that go with it, and I get to walk through that with future ministers.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson or formative experience during your time as a parish priest that you carry with you?

A: The centrality of daily prayer and worship for keeping grounded in the midst of all the other things going on in life and ministry. It’s one of the things that I learned at the House, and that really came home in a powerful way during the COVID pandemic. It’s tempting to rely a bit too much on our own strength and understanding, and I’m so glad to have had the Daily Office and Holy Eucharist as an essential part of not only our tradition but of my consistent formation as a priest. In our rich community worship setting, I’m cherishing it anew in this season.

Q: Do you remember going through the admissions process as a prospective student years ago? What was the thing that sealed the deal for you in deciding to attend Nashotah?

A: Coming to this place and being a part of who we are and what we do is something that makes a lasting impression on people, myself included. The depth and beauty of a solemn Evensong or Eucharist in the Chapel is not easily forgotten; neither are classes that spill over into conversations at meals, or work crews that give back to the wider community. My trips in high school and during Experience Nashotah certainly left their mark on me and my desire to be here so that the rest of the admissions process felt more like confirming a decision that had already been made.

Coming to this place and being a part of who we are and what we do is something that makes a lasting impression on people, myself included.

I also really appreciated the structure of our programs. A new student, particularly those being formed for the priesthood, doesn’t know what they don’t know. With a classical curriculum, Nashotah students are prepared to be well-formed in a wide range of areas, something I later came to appreciate in parish ministry.

Q: How would you describe your approach to working with prospective students through the admissions process?

A: This may not be very surprising, but one of the things I’ve learned in ministry is the need to listen. As I said before, this position has a pastoral component, and so listening is valuable in guiding students through the process. It helps us to discern together whether Nashotah is the place for them. Then we get to sort out the plans and perhaps calm some anxieties about how it all comes together, being a familiar presence with an open door once they arrive on campus. And if not, then we send hem on their way with God’s blessing, thankful for the chance to walk with those who are pursuing God’s call in their lives and hopeful that our paths might cross again.

Q: There’s a certain timelessness about the House (some things never change!), but I also imagine it feels different to be back here again. What are your impressions of this chapter of Nashotah House history, and why are you glad to be here now?

A: There is the old adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” and I think that holds true for Nashotah. There are a number of new faces, some familiar ones in new positions, and then some folks continuing to minister faithfully just as they were doing over 17 years ago when I first came here. There is continuity in purpose and focus while there are new, creative ideas and opportunities being seized all around, and it’s exciting to see. In particular, I’m coming onboard in the midst of a season of growth, and I think that’s a testimony to the commitment of so many – new and old – to the mission of empowering the Church for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Q: You’re back in southeastern Wisconsin. What are the three destinations that you choose to visit first upon your return?

A: Starting in July, frozen custard was pretty near the top of the list with Le Duc’s and Kopps being familiar spots. Just don’t ask me to pick a favorite flavor; there are so many winners to choose from!

This is cheating a little bit, but I’m going to say the summer festivals throughout the area. Whether it’s music, cultural displays, food, or drink, you can’t go wrong with something for everyone. American Family Field for a Brewers game. I’m not sure how long it’ll take me to not call it Miller Park, but it’s a good time, especially when you go with friends. †