MONDAY MENTION
Rachel Chase, Class of 2014 Rachel Chase transferred to Southeastern University in 2012 from Florida State College in Jacksonville. In 2014, she graduated with a major in Secondary English Education. Before she even graduated, Rachel was hired to teach 7th grade Language Arts at Fort Meade Middle Senior High School. Since then, she’s taught in several towns across Florida until settling back in Lakeland as Griffin Elementary School’s reading coach. Rachel will graduate with her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in December 2020. Rachel and her husband, Stevie, both grew up in Bartow, Florida, and reconnected while serving in youth ministry at Bartow First Assembly. They were married in June of 2014, and now have a fun and energetic 4 year old named Emmett. Rachel and her husband served as kids’ pastors in Gainesville for four years under the leadership of alumni Pastor Gary Bracewell ('85). When the opportunity for her husband to come on staff at Vivid Church in Lakeland, the Chase family relocated and are now under the leadership of alumni Pastor Robby Ratcliffe ('13).
Rachel affirms that SEU’s College of Education is top notch, and she felt extremely prepared for her career once she graduated. “Professors like Dr. Amy Bratten and Dr. Janet Deck have made lasting impressions on my life and my career. I believe they are key reasons for my success as an educator today. Not only did I receive mentorship as a future educator, but also as a Christian. I consistently received wisdom and grace from my professors.” Rachel has fond memories of connecting with other commuters at SEU, such as Chad Loving ('14). Alumni Dr. Janet Deck ('84) and her husband, alumni Pastor Kevin Deck ('85), were mentors of both Rachel and her husband. The Deck’s did Rachel and Stevie’s premarital counseling, and Pastor Kevin officiated their wedding. The relationships Rachel formed at SEU are a valuable part of her college experience. As a working mom, Rachel’s ministry extends not only to the students she coaches, but also to her family and church. She volunteers with the children’s ministry on Sundays and enjoys supporting and taking care of her family. Rachel is a wonderful example of how our alumni are Carrying the Torch in their lives.
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N