Staff
A warm welcome to you from the Center for Vocational Reflection staff! We are available and eager to meet with students, faculty, staff, and the community to support you and your engagement with vocation. We look forward to connecting with you. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact us at 309-794-8287.
Ryan J. White
Director of the Center for Vocational Reflection
ryanwhite@augustana
(309)794-8287
Dr. Ryan J. White brings a varied background in counseling and teaching in higher education, as well as work in ministry, to Augustana's Center for Vocational Reflection. Dr. White oversees the various programs of the CVR, in addition to regularly meeting one on one with students and teaching a course on vocational discernment. He appreciates every opportunity, class, and conversation in which he gets to spend time listening to and engaging with students. "Each student has a unique background, a unique story, and exciting possibilities for the step in their journey. It is a great privilege and joy to help students see their unique gifts, discern their passions, and to be encouraged and empowered to embrace and pursue their calling."
Dr. White studied Environmental Science at Western Michigan University, then earned a B.S. in Education and Music at Grace Bible College. He went on to earn a M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Graduate Certificate in Coaching from Michigan State University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. The intersection of Dr. White's background and research in undergraduate identity development, and his experience in ministry and faith formation, has led him to a passion for work in the area of vocational discernment in young adults.
Dr. White also has a love of all things soccer, whether playing, watching, or coaching (which he does with the Augustana Football Club). He resides in Rock Island with his wife Heidi, and their three children James, Willem, and Edie.
Laura Mahn
Vocational Counselor and Volunteer Coordinator
lauramahn@augustana.edu
(309) 794-8613
Laura serves in a number of capacities in the CVR and CEC. In addition to meeting one on one with students to help them discern their calling, Laura is responsible for coordinating volunteer opportunities for students to explore their vocation by connecting them with the larger community in the Quad Cities and beyond.
Laura is thrilled that her vocational journey currently allows her to spend time with students, hearing their stories, and helping them see the possibilities their own unique journeys hold. Laura received her B.A. in Speech Communications from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She is an ordained Minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and is sometimes known by students as "Pastor Laura."
Laura hails from the Southeast region of the United States and moved to the Quad Cities in 2007. She lives in Rock Island with her husband, Jason, their two young sons and their dog.
Tom Hanson
Program Associate
tomhanson@augustana.edu
(309)794-7685
Dr. Tom Hanson served as a parish pastor for 35 years in Springfield, Centralia, and DeKalb Illinois. He also has served recently on the board of trustees at Augustana College. He has been associated with the Center for Vocational Reflection since its inception in 2001. Presently, Dr. Hanson serves the CVR as an advisor and advocate on Augustana committees, as well as a representative to community members and congregations.
Dr. Hanson is also known as both a performer and advocate of various arts throughout the Quad Cities and region. In addition to various theatrical roles in the area, he has helped lead "Vintage Voices," an area group that performs classic radio scripts and is available for special event performances.
Dr. Hanson graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, received a Masters of Divinity degree from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, the Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, and has done post-doctoral work at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and the Center for Aging, Religion, and Spirituality. Dr. Hanson is an avid bicycler, as well as an active local actor in a theater company. He lives with his wife Wanda in Rock Island.
Angela Williams
Office Coordinator of the Community Engagement Center
angelawilliams@augustana.edu
(309) 794-8612
Angie has enjoyed working at Augustana for over 9 years. She started as a part-time secretary in the Academic Affairs office and then worked as a secretary in the Math/Computer Science Department. Currently, Angie is the Office Coordinator for the Community Engagement Center and processes the Augie Choice experiences.
She graduated from the University of Iowa and still supports the Hawkeyes. Angie lives in Rock Island with her husband, Todd, and her two daughters, Katie and Maggie. She enjoys golfing, biking and gardening.
