Features

James Miles is living out his career right now

By Austin Green · Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

James Miles rushes into the Riley Hospital for Children ER. A 2-year-old child is lying on the table in the middle of the room — not breathing. As nurses rush to the scene, Miles stands near the back of the room, frantically observing the chaos. His heart races, adrenaline building.

Sable steps in: Cultivating unity

By Charlotte Redman · Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

One Friday night in Gerig’s lobby, new Hall Director Skylar Sable stepped into the middle of a noisy Welcome Weekend tradition. Instead of slipping past the crowd towards her apartment, she sat down and joined her residence halls’ annual Mafia game.

Ella Chapman’s unconventionally successful methods

By Emma Adams · Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

The last thing anyone expects to be handed before reading the Life Together Covenant is a red Solo cup and a plastic shot glass. Yet, this is what each resident of Second South English received. Ella Chapman, a junior Christian ministry and English literature double major and the Personnel Assistant of 2SE, began reading the LTC, prompting her wingmates to take a shot of Hawaiian Punch every time she spoke the word “community.” The need to ration one’s cup of unnaturally colored chemicals quickly became apparent.Chapman’s methods may be unconventional, but they are effective.

Gibson: 'AI Made me feel more human'

By Eva Carlson · Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

We are humans, and we are accountable to God, Sarah Gibson, an artificial intelligence expert and enthusiast, said. AI was created by humans, so AI is ultimately accountable to humans, she said. We are stewards of AI, Gibson said, and we can steward it through thoughtfully reflecting what God has given us.“God has given us AI — how can I utilize it? I can utilize it for bad, and I can utilize it for good, and that’s true of everything,” she said.

Carver shares story of ministry in the classroom

By Chase Petry · Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

“I want to do the academic thing, don’t get me wrong. But when I step into that classroom, I’m there for the students. I’m there to serve them,” Clayton Carver said.Carver is the newest addition to the Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies and Philosophy department at Taylor. He was hired on an 18-month contract, filling in for both Koert Verhagen and Kevin Diller as they go on their respective sabbaticals.

Charisma Bray embraces new adventures at TU

By Anna Mitchell · Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

The thistle is the national flower of Scotland, according to the Natural Trust for Scotland website. Charisma Bray, the English Hall director, and her family lived in Scotland for eight years before returning to the midwest in the summer of 2025. Her kids missed Scotland, so they named their dog Thistle.

The Echo welcomes new faculty adviser

By Emma Adams · Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026

The Echo staff has regular turnover each year as seniors graduate, freshmen learn the ropes, and staff members switch positions. This year, however, brings significant change as the Echo staff welcomes its new faculty adviser, Travis Weik, following Alan Blanchard’s retirement.

Trudel steps into new role: round the globe to Upland

By Austin Green · Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Before even arriving at her new job, Jeannie Trudel decided to approach it as a new part of her journey with God. From Malaysia to Australia to America, Trudel knows what it is like to follow the Lord wherever he leads.

Graphics and art: the path from learning to educating

By Kate Delaney · Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Theodora Bratu, a senior graphic design major, has had anything but a conventional educational experience—and she plans on keeping it that way.

Upland Best-One celebrates 30 years

By Jane' Aubry Page · Wednesday, May 13, 2026

In 1996, Michael and Marti Pearson with their two daughters watched the Upland grain mill’s demolition — the beginning of Upland Tire and Service now known as Upland Best-One. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years,” Marti said.

A Final Four arrangement: Baker's musical opportunity

By Kate Delaney · Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Janel Baker, director of Taylor University’s Women’s Chorus, never thought she would be sitting courtside at a Final Four game in Lucas Oil Stadium listening to athletes sing her arrangement of the national anthem.

Trusting God in the journey: The Fraziers serve at TU

By Aiden Orth · Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Hank Voss, associate professor of Christian ministries, was sitting by the hot tub in a hotel in San Diego when he spotted a man walking toward him—arms full of five different theology books. “That’s my kind of person,” he thought.

Jan Dormer retires from Taylor

By Charlotte Ostric · Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Jan Dormer, director of Taylor’s TESOL and ESL programs at Taylor, is stepping down after five years. Her passion for preparing students to teach English and helping students in the ESL program at Taylor stems from her time serving as a missionary all over the world.

Megan Wetzel leads Kids Hope ministry at UCC

By Austin Green · Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Megan Wetzel is someone who understands and consistently sees firsthand the benefit of mentorship and discipleship. Wetzel is the director of Kids Hope at Upland Community Church (UCC), a ministry focused on providing mentors for elementary and middle school students in the town’s local schools.

Students volunteer at Willowfield

By Elise Hoylman · Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Taylor University students witnessed great acts of service in a small community within East Belfast, Northern Ireland through their practicums at Willowfield Parish Community Association. The Willowfield Parish Community Association was formed in 2002 by Willowfield Parish Church as a means of outreach and poverty alleviation among the local community of Inner East Belfast.

Seeing Through a Myriad of Eyes: Sacred Roots

By Charlotte Ostric · Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Isaiah Swain’s calling started with an Echo article. Swain, the assistant director of the Sacred Roots Initiative, oversees the publishing and distribution of a 35-book series of Spiritual Classics designed for the benefit and use of urban, rural and incarcerated pastors.