An Interview with Dr. Emily Eveland

On April 30, Wilmington Christian School announced the appointment of our new Lower School Principal, Dr. Emily Eveland. Dr. Eveland is a 2007 graduate of WCS and knows firsthand the impact a Christ-centered learning community can have in a student’s life. She brings a wealth of educational experience, expertise, and enthusiasm, and you can read more about her background and credentials HERE.
 
To get to know her better in a different way, I thought I’d share Emily’s answers from a recent interview.

Coffee or tea? Coffee
The mountains or the beach? The beach
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Morning person or night owl? Morning person
Sweet snacks or salty snacks? Sweet snacks
Airline flight or road trip? Airline flight ride
Dine in or takeout? Dine in
Favorite Foods? Pasta, Tacos, Steak
Favorite activities and hobbies? Exercising, Cooking, Crafts with my children
Favorite Authors? Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Lysa TerKeurst, Eric Carle
 
Emily, how did you come to know the Lord?
I was raised in a Christian home and regularly attended church, but it wasn’t until I transferred from a secular school to a Christian school in second grade that my love for the Lord truly began to flourish. Within just a few weeks, I came home and told my parents I wanted to invite Jesus into my heart. As a child, I could clearly sense the presence of the Lord in that classroom and felt the kind of unconditional love He desires for all His children. I’ll never forget that my second-grade teacher even came to my baptism—it was such a meaningful affirmation of my young faith. Christian education has had a profound and lasting impact on my life, and I’m deeply grateful it was part of God’s redemptive plan for me.
 
What was your favorite Bible story as a child, and how do you view it now that you're an adult?
This past school year, I’ve had the privilege of participating in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), studying Revelation: The Hope. In many ways, it reminded me of the Left Behind chapter book series I loved as a child. Though fictional, those stories stirred in me a desire to make sure my name was written in the Book of Life. Now, as an adult, diving into the fulfillment of God’s prophecies has deepened my faith and renewed my urgency to share the gospel—because Jesus is a promise keeper. Revelation 19:11 paints a powerful picture of the heavenly Warrior defeating the beast, and that hope of heaven helps keep everything in this world in its proper perspective.
 
What are a few of your favorite memories from your years at WCS?
Some of my favorite learning experiences happened beyond the four walls of the classroom. Volunteering in the kindergarten classrooms during study hall was always the highlight of my week—I loved connecting with the younger students and helping however I could. I also had the incredible opportunity to travel abroad with my teachers and classmates to Paris and London, where I gained a deeper appreciation for art and history. And one of the absolute highlights of my time in school was participating in the school musicals—I had so much fun performing in West Side Story and Oklahoma!
 
What is exemplary education?
Exemplary education combines the best research-based practices to support the development of the whole child. It’s scaffolded, personalized, and built on a collaborative approach to learning. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about studying the science of reading, instructional technology, and dual-language development. Ultimately, though, I’ve come to see that WCS has held the key all along—teaching through the lens of Biblical truth is what truly nurtures and shapes the whole child.
 
What excites you most about your new role?
Having the opportunity to nurture the next generation of Warriors in the very place where I was once nurtured as a child is truly a dream come true. Equipping WCS students with both academic excellence and the armor of God is essential, preparing them to step confidently into adulthood with faith, purpose, and conviction. I’m honored to work alongside such dedicated and passionate educators as we cultivate Godly influencers together.
  
WCS family—we invite you to welcome Dr. Eveland into her new role in the WCS community. We are confident that under her leadership, our Lower School will continue to thrive as a place where every child is known, loved, and challenged to become who God created them to be. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for an opportunity to meet her at a reception we have planned. But until then, as you see her around campus, be sure to say hello and “Welcome home!” 
Educating for Eternity,
Jonathan Nazigian
WCS Headmaster