Grace College is pleased to welcome Brent Mencarelli as dean of undergraduate chapel and community life. Carlos Tellez left the position at the end of the 2015-16 school year to begin a multi-cultural Grace Brethren church plant in Atlanta. Mencarelli assumed the new position on July 5.
As dean of chapel, Mencarelli is tasked with creating a worship experience that allows students to grow effectively in their Christian faith. He will oversee three weekly chapel services, schedule chapel speakers and serve as a liaison to area churches. Also, Mencarelli will mentor student chaplains and plan semi-annual Days of Worship and the Conference on Mission at Grace College.
Mencarelli received his Master of Divinity degree from Grace College and a bachelor’s degree in science from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Mo. From 2008-2009, Mencarelli was a resident director (RD) at Calvary Bible College. He then served as an RD at Grace from 2013-2016. Mencarelli is also a past part-time adjunct professor at Grace. Brent is married to Amy, his wife of seven years.
“As an RD, I enjoyed being a part of a team that is committed to seeing students learn inside and outside the classroom,” Mencarelli said. “The opportunity to help students know themselves and God on a deeper level is what drives me. As dean, I hope to further that opportunity and to challenge students to serve in ways that will reflect Jesus and His character.”
“I am excited for Brent and his wife, Amy, as they transition to this new position,” said Dr. Jim Swanson, vice president for student affairs at Grace. “Brent’s work in residence life and as a part-time faculty member has prepared him well; he is a gifted scholar, speaker, and mentor. The Grace College campus will be positively impacted as Brent carries on the legacy of previous chaplains.”