Mandy Tarpening

Rev. Dr. Mandy Tarpening has been serving the students, staff, and faculty of Culver-Stockton College since October 2023. As Chaplain, she spends her time empowering students to grow spiritually, reflect on their gifts, and builds community through inclusive, meaning opportunities for spiritual growth, worship, and acts of service. Overseeing the Spring Break Mission Trip, “The Table” (weekly dinner, fellowship & worship), Lenten Communion, Weekly Bible Studies, “More Than A Jersey” (a ministry for Student Athletes), and All-Campus Assemblies including Thanksgiving, Advent and Lent.

She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in Religion and Philosophy. She teaches Religion in America, Ethics, Wildcat Student Leadership and Strategies for Success. She also serves as the current chair of the Caring Culture Task Force and Everyone Doing More Planning Committee as well as member of the Moorman Professorship Committee, Konneker and Retention.

Rev. Dr. Tarpening began serving local congregations within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Methodist Church in the Fall of 1995. She currently serves on the Ministry Discernment Team and the New and Vital Church Team for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Mid-America Region as well as on the Council of Ministries in Higher Education for HELM a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

A Hannibal, Missouri native, Tarpening received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy from Culver-Stockton College in 1999, a Master of Divinity Degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from South College in 2022. Chaplain Mandy is married to Terry Tarpening, a Lewis County Paramedic, and they have four adult children, Clara, Kai, Peyton, and Ethan, as well as their fur babies, Kirby and Karl.