#  Graduate Profile: Kelley M. Woehl, MDiv '25 

 



GRADUATE PROFILE

### Kelley M. Woehl, MDiv '25 

 

“The space where I grew the most was through interacting with my friends and classmates. From them, I learned the meaning of loyalty, the power of grace and kindness, and how better to hold life's complex realities.”



 



      ![Kelley Woehl headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-05/KelleyWoehl.jpg?h=938f2e3f&itok=YZHnRa2b) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

 

### How I've Changed 

My time at HDS has helped me grow in profound and immeasurable ways. Both within and outside of the classroom, I became a better student, theologian, and person. My time in class taught me the value of hard work and discipline—including the discipline it takes to skim a book from time to time. Similarly, my work through field ed introduced me to meaningful and new ministries and taught me how to be a better employee and coworker. I am so grateful for my advisors at MIT Addir, The UMC Connectional Table, and Harvard's Memorial Church. Thank you for taking a chance on me. Finally, the space where I grew the most was through interacting with my friends and classmates. From them, I learned the meaning of loyalty, the power of grace and kindness, and how better to hold life's complex realities. My friends have shown me a transformative love that I will treasure forever. I have changed in ways I never expected. I have become a better version of myself, and I will always be grateful for every lesson, and every person, at HDS.

### Memorable Moment

One of my favorite moments at HDS was planning and attending the “Through Hell or High Water” fundraiser for my hometown, Asheville, NC, in the wake of Hurricane Helene. What began as a response to devastation became a night of community, healing, and celebration through dance and heartfelt storytelling. The evening honored the spirit of Asheville and the richness of Appalachian culture with Contra dancing, local art, and, of course, barbecue. Thanks to the passion and creativity of classmates who share a deep love for Asheville, I was able to grieve what was lost while contributing to restoration efforts. The event captured the essence of HDS and gave me a community of support through the terrible loss. I will always carry the memory of that night, and the incredible people who made it possible.

### Future Plans

I will be leaving HDS to work for a year before continuing my pursuit of ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. My time at HDS has prepared me for this next step through theological and pastoral care education, and practical work experience in higher ed chaplaincy, church polity, and congregational ministry. I hope to take the next year to grow even more before working in a congregation as part of my ordination process. HDS has reaffirmed my dedication to ministry and given me the tools to pursue this next step.



 



 

 See also:- [ Commencement ](/featured-feeds/commencement)
- [ Graduate Profiles 2025 - MDiv ](/featured-feeds/graduate-profiles-2025-mdiv)