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My Why: Rachael Gelsinger

Guided by Purpose and Focused on the Future

There are moments in life when leadership is not sought for recognition or influence, but embraced out of responsibility and love. For Rachael Gelsinger, joining Jessup’s Board of Trustees was one of those moments and it’s her love for a4yy��ҹ����’s mission that best encapsulates her Why Jessup?

Long before she became a board member, she witnessed firsthand the impact of a Jessup education. Her husband Nathan, a pastor known for his mentorship and transformational leadership, is an alumnus of Jessup, the place that profoundly shaped his calling. Even more meaningful is the relationship her in-laws share with the Jessup family. For decades, they have faithfully supported a4yy��ҹ����. “The Jessup family are truly salt and light of the earth people,” she said. “They consistently demonstrate true servant leadership.” 

Gelsinger’s leadership style is unpretentious, rooted in collaboration and a strong understanding that meaningful progress is rarely accomplished alone. She also looks to the teachings of Jesus. “I look at what Christ modeled for us in His conversations with religious leaders,” she said. “I see Christ modeling strength, truth and conviction by speaking the truth in love and by choosing to do what is right, even when it is difficult.” 

One of her giftings is the ability to seek out wise counsel, bring the right people together and learn from those with specialized knowledge and experience. Her strengths are in networking, relationship building and creating partnerships that move vision into action. That approach has shaped her leadership both personally and professionally.

Through the deeply personal journey of adopting children through foster care, she learned to navigate complex systems, advocate persistently for what matters most and work closely with professionals toward a shared goal. Those experiences strengthened her resilience, sharpened her ability to collaborate under pressure and heightened her compassion for others. 

Years of personal and professional experience give her a unique understanding of stewardship, organizational sustainability and the importance of aligning resources with mission and values. Her exposure to complex philanthropic initiatives and high-level leadership conversations allows her the ability to navigate challenging situations with wisdom, discernment and emotional intelligence. 

Earlier this year, under Gelsinger’s leadership, the Board launched a nationwide presidential search to identify the next leader who will guide a4yy��ҹ���� into a new era. The process was rigorous and prayerful, and she approached it as a sacred responsibility. While the journey hasn’t been easy, Gelsinger leaned heavily on her faith. Direction from James 1:5 became an anchor for her soul. “God tells us He will give us the wisdom we need, when we need it” she said. “He means it.” 

Profoundly grateful for the faculty and staff who have gone beyond the boundaries of their job descriptions to carry the university through this important season, Gelsinger has also been enriched. “It’s been inspiring and an honor to work with such incredible, mission-minded people,” she said. To her, their dedication reflects the very spirit of Christian higher education; a community of people united by shared values, servant leadership and a collective desire to invest in the next generation. 

Much progress has been made toward Jessup’s sustainable future, strengthened by renewed vision and committed leadership. But for Gelsinger, the work is still deeply personal because faithful institutions that shape the hearts, minds and souls of the next generation matter. “Not only does the Gelsinger family want to contribute to organizations that help the most vulnerable, we want to be able to contribute to organizations that are raising up the next generation of people that are going to also invest,” she said. 

Whether leading difficult conversations, guiding institutional change or building consensus around a mission, Gelsinger leads with the belief that the best outcomes happen when people come together with humility, wisdom and a shared commitment to serving something greater than themselves. When it comes to Jessup, Gelsinger said, “God is the hero of Jessup’s story. He always has been and He always will be.”