Hankinson named Director of Admissions

Hankinson pictured at a reception for hybrid-distance students this summer.

Nashotah House has named the Rev. Benjamin Hankinson as its Director of Admissions.

An alumnus of Nashotah House, Hankinson brings a passion for its mission and a deep understanding of what it means to be a Nashotah student. He assumes his position July 11.

Hankinson succeeds Kristen Olver, who oversaw admissions during a period of significant growth at Nashotah House.

Hankinson has served as rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, since 2020. Previously, he served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Within the Diocese of Springfield, Hankinson has served in various capacities, including as President of the Standing Committee, Dean of the Eastern Deanery, a member of the Diocesan Council, Coordinator for Youth Ministry, Chair of the Department of Youth, St. Michael’s Youth Conference Director, an Episcopal Church Camp Board Member and Lead Spiritual Director, and a member of the Constitution and Canons Committee.

A native of Florence, South Carolina, Hankinson first came to Nashotah House in 2005 to visit his youth minister and family in their first year of seminary. He later returned for Experience Nashotah in 2011 and matriculated later that year. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 2014 and was ordained deacon and priest that same year.

Hankinson is excited to serve as the next Director of Admissions, immersing himself again in the life of the seminary; connecting with students, faculty, staff, and their families; and helping future ministry leaders – clergy and lay – find a home for their formation at Nashotah House just as he did.