From Angwin, CA, Geordan Penners returned to his hometown to be the new men’s residence hall dean. What brought him back to PUC was wanting to serve in a community that cares about students and be a part of shaping the culture of a residence hall. “PUC is special because it is a place where students, faculty, staff, and community members come together to worship God, serve in His name, and grow academically and spiritually,” he said. “I wanted to serve in a community that cares about students as whole people and wanted to be a part of shaping a residence hall culture where students feel known and supported right in Newton Hall.”

Since beginning his role in September, no two days have been the same, and he has loved being dean. Seeing his students grow has been one of his favorite parts of his job. “It is a privilege to walk with students through real life, helping them grow as Christ-centered leaders, friends, and adults,” he shared.

Geordan kindly answered some questions to help us get to know him better.

What are your biggest priorities for residence life this year?

My biggest priorities this year are to promote a sense of belonging and connection with God right within our hall, mentor a student leadership team that upholds standards with care and availability, and make meaningful improvements in our shared spaces.

How do you foster a community within your residence hall full of busy students?

Building community is my favorite part of the work. Our team is always brainstorming ways to come together meaningfully, including through hall worship and our Crossroads program. I’m excited to continue improving our shared spaces and hosting events like our life skills workshops and Dorm Olympics.

How do you work with your RAs to address student concerns?

We operate as a team. I meet regularly with RAs, keep communication clear, and try to make it easy for them to raise concerns early. This way, we can solve problems together and work against the instinct to carry heavy burdens alone.

Is there a recent positive change or initiative within your dorm you’re excited about? 

We are excited to keep expanding our Crossroads program (and refining our well-loved pancake recipe) while creating more opportunities for faith and connection. Renovations are underway in our dorm chapel, which has been a meaningful place for us to welcome students from across campus into Newton Hall.

What’s a fun tradition you wish your residence hall had?

I’d love a tradition of a drop-in morning run where we could run just past the airport, have a student share a worship thought and prayer, and then head back to our dorms before classes. It would take earlier bedtimes, but I believe it would be worth it. 

What experience do you hope students will take away from their time living in Grainger Hall?

I hope students leave here with the sense that they were a part of something bigger than themselves. The way we live affects the people around us, especially in a residence hall. I pray that our men recognize the power of their influence and choose to build each other up with a Christ-like presence.

What advice do you have for new students transitioning to dorm life? 

Give yourself grace. This is a big transition. My advice is to:

1. Introduce yourself and get to know your RAs, front desk workers, and your dean.
2. Ask for help sooner than you think you need it. This is your gentle reminder that asking for help is a strength, and not a weakness.
3. Build a few simple routines that ground you. 
4. Choose connection over isolation. Connection can be challenging at times, especially when misunderstandings happen. Communicating proactively and clearly goes a long way.

How do you think PUC is unique from other colleges and universities? 

PUC stands out because we genuinely trust students to take meaningful leadership roles. I believe strongly in the power of experiential learning, and I love that PUC students don’t just learn concepts; they practice service and responsibility in ways that shape who they’re becoming. PUC is a place where you can explore how God is calling you to serve and find support for your growth.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community?

It’s the everyday warmth for me. When I walk across campus, people look up, greet each other, and stop to talk. I have been on too many college campuses where students walk from class to class with earbuds in and eyes down. When I walk across our campus, I feel replenished from all the greetings and familiar faces. 

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley? 

Huge fan of breakfast foods here – so I have to say Giltwood’s Café. Go hungry and enjoy.

What would students be surprised to find out about you? 

Students are often surprised by how many career pivots I’ve made on the way to this calling. I’ve spent time in emergency response, military service and cybersecurity, and relationship therapy. While some seasons felt like starting over, I can now see how God used each step to shape my perspective and prepare me to serve with empathy and purpose. 

How do you de-stress after a long day? 

Bar none, my favorite way to de-stress is walking through the door to my wife, our little pup, and our brand-new baby. I can’t wait until he’s old enough for playful wrestling, but for now, we’re in the make-funny-faces phase. The moment he locks eyes with me, my day resets.  

Describe your perfect weekend at PUC. 

If the weather is nice, I love getting out to the Back 40 and finding stillness, presence, and communion with God. It’s awesome to be on a campus surrounded by His creation.