Sterling College has announced Paul Brandes ’11 has expanded his current role as chaplain to now serve as Sterling’s associate vice president for student life and church relations. In this capacity, Brandes will focus on growing enrollments in the Department of Theology and Ministry and further partner with the Office of Student Life on tasks supporting student life.

“Paul’s unique giftedness combined with his passion for Sterling College, our mission and our students, has him well-suited for this broadened role. We are excited about the expanded impact Sterling College will make in students, churches and our community,” said Dr. Scott A. Rich, president.

As associate vice president for student life and church relations, Brandes will oversee the diversity committee, church relations and the Freeman Lecture Series in addition to continuing to oversee the work of spiritual life on campus. Brandes has served as Sterling’s chaplain since 2019 and previously served as the executive pastor for Christ Community Church’s Brookside campus in Kansas City, Mo. 

“It has been a joy to serve my alma mater the past two years, and I am eager to continue doing so in this expanded capacity. My hope is that I can add value to the Office of Student Life and deepen important external relationships with churches and schools, thereby advancing our vital mission,” said Brandes. 

Brandes holds a master of divinity in Pastoral Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy from Sterling College. Brandes and his wife, Ashley (Earle) ’09 have three sons, Bevyn, Owen and Ethan.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.