Who We Are

Eugene Habecker is the President Emeritus of Taylor University and previous Chairman of the Board for Christianity Today. He also served in presidencies at the American Bible Society (1991-2005) and Huntington University (1981-1991). Eugene received his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University, his master’s degree from Ball State University, and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of Temple University School of Law (JD) and is an inactive member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Eugene is the recipient of nine honorary degrees and has traveled in more than 90 countries.

Laura Lynch serves as the Director of Development for the Christian Study Center of Gainesville at the University of Florida. Laura and her husband Jay had the privilege of launching the Christian Study Center of Gainesville in 2000. In the study center’s early days, Laura served as building manager, volunteer recruiter, prayer team leader, and publicity manager. Laura received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia where she was involved in many campus ministries, including the Center for Christian Study. Laura has experience serving on numerous boards, most recently with Gainesville Thrives, an educational non-profit.

Sarah Hamersma is an Associate Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs in the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, where she is also a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Policy Research. Sarah trains students interested in public service and policy analysis, and her research is focused on examining both intended and unintended consequences of anti-poverty programs. Prior to joining the faculty at Syracuse University, Sarah taught at the University of Florida. She received her doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mike Weaver is the Executive Director of the Bradley Study Center at Virginia Tech. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech, and he has earned master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Duke Divinity School. Currently, Mike is a doctoral candidate in theology at the University of Winchester in the UK. Prior to assuming his role at the Bradley Study Center, Mike served six years as a deputy commandant for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, where he provided guidance, mentoring and education for cadets in a campus-based residential leadership development program. He also serves on the board of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni, Inc.

Mia Chung-Yee is the Executive Director of the Octet Collaborative at MIT. Mia has enjoyed great success internationally as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. In 1993, she won first prize at the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and in 1997 she received the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the highest recognition for young concert artists in the United States. Mia graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, a master’s degree from Yale University, and a doctorate from The Juilliard School. She served as Professor of Music and Artist in Residence at Gordon College from 1991 to 2011 and joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music as Professor of Musical Studies in 2012. Mia’s introduction to the Christian study center movement occurred in 2018 when she was a guest lecturer at Cornell’s Chesterton House.

David Hobbet is an Associate Partner with McKinsey and Company where he helps mission-driven organizations and leader deliver significant and sustainable impact. Much of his work focuses on higher education, including strategy development, new program design and launch, enrollment management, organizational design, and transformational change. Prior to McKinsey, David served as the Executive Director of the Veritas Forum and he also has significant experience in global economic development and social sector leadership more broadly.

Mike Weaver is the Executive Director of the Bradley Study Center at Virginia Tech. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech, and he has earned master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Duke Divinity School. Currently, Mike is a doctoral candidate in theology at the University of Winchester in the UK. Prior to assuming his role at the Bradley Study Center, Mike served six years as a deputy commandant for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, where he provided guidance, mentoring and education for cadets in a campus-based residential leadership development program. He also serves on the board of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni, Inc.

Sarah Hamersma is an Associate Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs in the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, where she is also a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Policy Research. Sarah trains students interested in public service and policy analysis, and her research is focused on examining both intended and unintended consequences of anti-poverty programs. Prior to joining the faculty at Syracuse University, Sarah taught at the University of Florida. She received her doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

David Hobbet is an Associate Partner with McKinsey and Company where he helps mission-driven organizations and leader deliver significant and sustainable impact. Much of his work focuses on higher education, including strategy development, new program design and launch, enrollment management, organizational design, and transformational change. Prior to McKinsey, David served as the Executive Director of the Veritas Forum and he also has significant experience in global economic development and social sector leadership more broadly.