Kerry Bean

Kerry Bean, '81 is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Tolono, IL and is an instructor in speech communication at Parkland College in Champaign, IL

Kerry has been married to Cindy Alleman Bean for more than 20 years.  They have two sons, and have lived in several places over the years but have in settled in Southern Illinois since 2001.  Since leaving higher education and entering the ordained ministry, he has kept on a dual track of serving in the parish or in camp and conference ministry.  Now Kerry is returning to his education roots as a part time Instructor in speech communication.  In addition, he has tried to remain active in community theater through the years. 

Kerry's advice to future graduates: "Be nimble!  The playing field of life and career seems to change more and more rapidly these days.  Be prepared to follow a variety of career paths.  And, of course, I'd recommend a solid grounding in speech communication: it will serve you well in nearly any profession.

What MC meant to Kerry: "I continue to be a great believer in liberal arts education.  I graduated from MC with two majors (Religious Studies was the other) and a minor in Economics.  I was very well prepared for grad school, but I could have also pursued a career in business, in radio broadcasting or even the professional theater (for the truly brave of heart!).  The experience of getting personal attention by the faculty at MC really has stayed with me.  Class sizes were always small and I even had a couple of face-to-face meetings with the College president.  This does not happen at most schools, believe me."

How MC prepared Kerry for the world of work: "Well, I did some very important and formative reading of religious thinkers, philosophers, and theologians in college.  But I would say that my courses in public speaking, theater, and rhetorical criticism are the ones that I put to most use on a regular basis (both at the church and in my classes).  Public speaking is such a central part of my vocation--and all my training began at MC.  Additionally, I am writing more and more plays--and that began with my theater arts studies as well."