“As soon as I set foot on campus, I knew: ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ I fell in love with PTS, and I’ve invested in the work here ever since.” – The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Cranston ’99/’25
An Unexpected Opportunity
Carolyn Cranston has served as the Seminary’s director of alumnae/i and church relations for 25 years. Following an unexpected call to ministry, she visited the Seminary’s campus and immediately felt at home. Upon graduating with her M.Div., she entered a one-year residency program in Clinical Pastoral Education at West Penn Hospital. She had planned to continue into a second year of residency, but the position of alumnae/i director opened up at PTS, and Carolyn decided to return to invest in the mission of forming people for ministry at the place that meant so much to her.
“Ministry was not in my game plan,” Carolyn says. “My background was home economics and retail management, and I was leaning toward pursuing a degree in social work. But a mentor saw unexplored gifts in me and encouraged me to go to seminary. Now, in turn, it is my delight to be that support and encouragement to others as they live into their own callings from the Lord. It’s such important work, and I’m blessed to be a part of each person’s journey.”
Journeying Alongside Others
Carolyn’s role as director of alumnae/i and church relations brings her into contact with a wide variety of people from different geographic locations, walks of life, and denominations, and with people active in many forms of ministry. “I like this role, because in it, I learn to get along with everyone—to listen and to help them realize they’re valuable, regardless of how their perspectives might differ from mine or from those of their peers,” Carolyn says. “People tap on my door and take time to share their joys and frustrations. I’m really blessed; our alums are incredible. Fascinating people. Fun connections. It’s a remarkable place to fulfill my call.” Carolyn herself recently became an alum of the Seminary again when she completed her D.Min. in Creative Writing and Public Theology in May 2025.
Giving Back
Because she has seen the profound effects of the Seminary’s work in the lives of so many alums (including her own), Carolyn also gives regularly and generously to PTS. “I give because I want to be a part of what God is doing here,” she says. “God is already at work! I recognize the opportunities I’ve been given, and I want to participate in what God is doing. I invite others to join me!” Carolyn adds that she cherishes the quality of education, the diversity of the community, and the Seminary’s ability to effectively prepare people for many forms of ministry. “PTS is great at empowering students across every walk of life. We send people out to do hospital work, nonprofit leadership, pastoral ministry, military chaplaincy . . . there’s so much variety,” she says. “We do an exceptional job of equipping people here, and it’s valuable for that to continue.”
Is it time to discern your calling for the next chapter in your life?
Connect with PTS!
Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, and Master of Theological Studies Priority Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2026
Take the next step on your journey:
- Begin your application
- Connect with an admissions counselor or request information
- Visit campus or attend a virtual information session
We look forward to discerning alongside you!
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