New staff bring intercultural and mission experience

Two new directors at Northwestern College aim to increase students’ intercultural competency through on- and off-campus experiences with diversity.

Dr. Kevin McMahan, the college’s new director of international and intercultural affairs, will work to encourage diversity and racial reconciliation among students, faculty and staff at Northwestern.

Tommy Moon, Northwestern’s new director of missions, will direct the college’s short-term missions programs, equipping students for cross-cultural experiences around the globe.

McMahan and his staff lead efforts to recruit and serve both international and American multiethnic students, assisting with visa paperwork, travel arrangements, cultural adjustment, and ongoing support once students arrive on campus.

He will also promote intercultural learning on campus through services to raise awareness, develop cross-cultural skills, and advocate for racial reconciliation.

McMahan holds a doctorate in educational leadership/systems in higher education from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Ohio State University.

Prior to joining Northwestern’s staff, McMahan was the director of international programs and international student adviser for Seattle Pacific University. He also served a year with the National Initiative for Reconciliation in South Africa while that country was undergoing its transformation from apartheid to a multiracial democracy.

McMahan replaces Todd McDonald, who is a guidance counselor at MOC-Floyd Valley High School.

Moon oversees the college’s Spring Service Project (SSP) and Summer of Service (SOS) programs, which together send approximately 250 students across the U.S. and around the world annually to serve and learn in intercultural settings.

Moon and his staff provide training, resources and post-trip debriefing for the students and also guide the students’ fund-raising efforts.

A preacher, teacher, trainer and mentor, Moon served as a missionary in Puebla, Mexico, for 17 years, where he was involved in church planting, youth ministry and leadership development.

Moon is bilingual and since 1998 served as a professor and dean of students at Puebla Bible Seminary. Prior to living in Mexico, he was involved with church and urban ministry in various Dallas communities.

Moon is completing a doctorate in leadership and spiritual formation through George Fox University in Oregon. He earned a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Moon replaces Jill Erickson, who is working in community development in Lincoln, Neb.