Phillips and Hill Join Department of Psychology

York College is pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Phillips (’78) and Mr. Jeff Hill will join the department of psychology this fall.

“After an extended search for qualified teaching faculty, we are thrilled to have both Mark and Jeff say yes to serving at York College,” said Dr. Shane Mountjoy, YC Provost. “Each of these godly men bring expertise and depth to our psychology department, and we are excited about the impact they will have on this campus. Psychology is one of the largest majors at York College, drawing students from across the United States, and I am confident the department is in good hands as we move forward.”

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Phillips is returning to York where he was an enrollment counselor (1980-82) and an assistant professor of psychology and the associate dean of students (1985-87). During that time he also served as the youth minister for the East Hill Church of Christ.

“I am excited to return to York College and to York, Neb., and have so many fond memories of my time at YC.” said Phillips. “My experience, both as a student and a staff/faculty member, helped me to gain a new perspective on the work of the church. I love York College and, I hope that being back and teaching at YC can help other students to develop the same love for the College and for Christ and His church.”

Phillips completed his doctorate in ministry with an emphasis in counseling at Ambridge University, in 1999. He also holds two masters degrees: an MAR in biblical studies from Lipscomb University (1993) and an MS in psychology from Pittsburg State University (1984). After receiving his associates from York College in 1978 he earned his bachelor degree at Freed-Hardeman University in 1980.

For the last nine years Phillips has served as the pulpit minister for the Groesbeck Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, pastoral counseling, and community mental health centers. He has also been a case manager and coordinator of foster care and adoption for Mid-Western Children's Home in Pleasant Plain, Ohio.

Mark is married to Bonnie Phillips and they have two grown children, Seth and Hannah. 

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Jeff Hill also holds two masters degrees: an MS in counseling from Concordia University - Wisconsin (2014) and an M.Div. in transformational leadership focus from Bethel Seminary (2008). He earned his bachelor of religious education at Rochester University (2001) and received his ministry and missions certification from Sunset School of Preaching in 1991.

“York was never on my radar as a place God would use me for His will,” reflected Hill. “This is what happens when you pray, ‘God, place me where I can be most effective for your kingdom.’ Looking back at the twists and turns of life, it all makes sense.”

Since 2014, Hill has been a licensed professional counselor at New Life Resources, and for the last fifteen years has been the pulpit minister at Southside Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wis. Over the past five years he has lead grief support groups for people who have lost loved ones to overdose. Along with continuing his education in counseling, Hill is a frequent speaker at retreats and volunteers at Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp each summer teaching, counseling, and mentoring.

Hill went on to say, “As a high school senior I contemplated tracks in theology and psychology. I never imagined it would culminate at a God-centered institution that prepares student academically for their future occupation that is established on a foundation of a God-centered life. This is the expansion of God's kingdom as graduates exemplify Jesus in all aspects of life. This happens one student at a time.”

Bekah Powell, a sophomore psychology major from Edmond, Okla., was able to sit in on a couple of classes given by Phillips and Hill and thought both went very well. “Dr. Phillips was very congenial and set our minds at ease right away,” Powell said. “It was more like a conversation than a class, and he kept us laughing with his jokes. It was enjoyable.”

She went on to say, “I really liked Hill’s class because I found the content interesting and he delivered it in a way that showed that he not only understood it but wanted us to take it, process it, and be able to apply it. He showed a surprising awareness of his audience, and our reactions to what he was saying led to further discussion.”

When questioned about her outlook for the psychology department, Powell added, “I think we’re headed for a place of growth — for no other reason than change usually is the way good things become better. It allows people to grow and see where problem areas are and see where your best areas are and make each one better for the benefit of everybody.”

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