By Katelyn Head

Once a Forbes Top 50 Business woman, now a life-changing educator to the students she teaches yearly, Dr. Tracy Ford pulls her hair from her face as she settles, ready for questions.

Many students are intrigued to know Dr. Ford. She teaches many subjects, such as Biblical Themes, Humanities, and Literature. She is also the Dean of Worldview Studies. “The Lord brought me to Mississippi, a place that I never imagined I would end up, especially being from the Boston Massachusetts area,” she says.

Right out of college, Ford worked for a Forbes Top 50 company. “I was an asset manager for a startup company. I worked stateside and internationally for 10 years,” she said, smiling as she seems to reminisce on her life as a business woman.

Ford observes her students from afar who are making up tests in the class below her. “I came to go to seminary here after becoming a Christian and I have been here ever since,” she whispers, trying not to disturb the students.“I am in charge of the integration of the concept of the Christian Worldview across all platforms especially in the General Education core curriculum, I also assimilate new faculty and assist in the tenure process,” she says.

Because Dr. Ford’s life plans did not contain teaching, many wonder what her motivation is and what drew her to Belhaven University. “I see the opportunity to teach at Christian University as pure privilege. I am so thankful to be able to assist students as they make connections,” she said.

She goes on about her privilege working for Belhaven, “I taught adjunct for Belhaven and I loved it. In 2012 Dr. Parrott offered me a newly created position and it captured my imagination.”

Dr. Ford makes it known that it is truly an honor to work closely with the young adults that attend Belhaven. “At Belhaven we want for our students to understand how ideas and events fit together, how competing worldviews developed, and a Christ-centered view of the world has remained consistent throughout the ages,” she said.

Being in the Forbes Top 50, then transforming into an educator, Ford has made many goals for herself, “My greatest desire is to be obedient and willing to do whatever the Lord would have me do,” she explains.

Many students, such as Macey Lea, a nursing major at Belhaven University, explain how Dr. Ford has changed their life. “Dr. Ford has taught me so much, from Literature to my understanding of the Bible, she is not only a good woman to look up to, but also a good Christian to look up to,” Lea said.

“She has not only counseled me in the class room, but also in life in general, she truly is an awesome educator and I wish more professors were like her,” says Erika Smith, Senior at Belhaven University.

Dr. Tracy Ford has created a classroom where students go to do more than just learn. She’s created a safe space with an open office door for any problems a student may have and an all-around good atmosphere, all while fulfilling her personal and professional goals.

As for the future, she plans to do whatever the Lord would have her do while sticking by these few motivational scriptures: Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” and Romans 5:1-5, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”