*This article is the second entry in a series leading up to this year’s Giving Day, taking place Tuesday, Dec. 3.* 

As a result of the record-setting fundraising success NOBTS has recently experienced, several renovation projects have taken place across the school’s campus.  

Numerous updates have been made to campus facilities such as the Luter Student Center, Leavell Chapel and various student living facilities.  

One of the student dorms that was renovated was Carey Hall, which houses female Leavell College and NOBTS students. Beginning in 2022, various updates have been made to the dorm including a renovation of the kitchen and common room spaces.  

Abby Wilson, a second year Leavell College student majoring in theology, said these updates to Carey Hall have helped her build community and feel more at home.  

“Coming to Leavell College straight out of high school, I was worried about it feeling like home, but my nerves and worries were short-lived,” Wilson said.  

“Carey Hall is a clean environment but is lived in and feels just like home to me. The dorm has received lots of updates, starting from before I was living there. Since I've been there, the bathrooms have gotten some upgrades, and even before I started living in Carey the kitchen and all the common spaces went through a huge renovation.  

“The common rooms and kitchen are a shared space and an easy way to run into people and quickly make friends. Due to the shared space we can do events like galantines, Christmas parties and more. 

“I am incredibly thankful for the renovations across our campus, but specifically Carey. The environment is important for a place to feel like home, and that's exactly what Carey Hall has been made to be.” 

Kate Hughes, a senior Leavell College student, had plans to go to another school before the community at NOBTS quickly caught her attention during a campus visit.  

Hughes ended up living in Carey, where she would meet life-long friends.  

“Whenever you’re living in community in the dorms, you’re able to cultivate friendships easier,” Hughes said.

“Some of the friendships that I’ve made since being here, those girls are going to be in my wedding and it’s just good to know that they’re going to be there for me. Whenever they’re in ministry and whenever I’m in ministry we’ll be able to reach out to each other.” 

Staying on campus has allowed Hughes to build a variety of relationships and encounter ministry mentors.  

“Having been here for four years, I know a lot of people and they all encourage me,” Hughes said.  

“The Student Life staff encouraged and affirmed different skills and leadership abilities in me in order to run for House leadership. That was a really good experience for me to sort of see what leadership in ministry looks like. 

“The updates to the student center also allow us to have a space to feel safe and encouraged to do school. There’s been a lot of friendships that have been cultivated at Leavell College through the student center.” 

Another aspect of living in student housing is many NOBTS faculty and staff members also live on campus, allowing even more opportunity to build relationships.  

“Living on campus has helped me grow with my peers and create personal relationships with my peers and professors,” Wilson said.   

“Something so unique about living on campus is the fact that a lot of our faculty and their families live here on campus with us. It creates an opportunity to have connections with our professors deeper than the classroom level and leads to discipleship opportunities. I am so thankful for the mentoring moments I have received from my professors, all made easy and possible by living on campus.” 

Wilson expressed her gratitude for those who donated to make the updates to Carey possible. 

“I am beyond thankful for the blessing I have been able to receive and experience due to the renovations throughout my time at Leavell College,” Wilson said. “Thank you to everyone who played a part in this process. I have a grateful heart because I’ve been directly affected by all that's been done and is being done on our campus. 

“If you are considering supporting the seminary in any way, I encourage you to pray through it and consider the blessing you can bring to others.” 

Hughes said she is extremely grateful for the men and women who donated to make her education and these campus updates possible.  

“If I want sitting with them (a donor or trustee), I would just tell them thank you for the opportunity that you've given me. From their resources and donations that I’ve been able to come here and discover my call to ministry,” she said.  

“And also to be able to be encouraged and have a space to learn more about who I am in Christ and what He’s called me to do.” 

This year’s Giving Day goal is $500,000. To learn more about Giving Day, click here.