Alumni Stories: Kathryn Bailey

Today we have the privilege of highlighting 2002 alumni, Kathryn Bailey. Kathryn is the daughter of PCA’s very own History teacher, Dr. Gamble, and Mrs. Gamble, who was the first to stumble upon PCA’s current campus and location. Though still a very young woman, Kathryn has accomplished more than most do in a lifetime. When I commented on the vastness of her success, she humbly stated, “Success looks different for everyone”.

Kathryn, what was your time at PCA like and what from your five years here stands out in your mind?

My graduating class was the smallest graduating class PCA ever had, with only seventeen students. We all knew each other very well. It was a privilege to graduate from a smaller class due to the individualized education.

My favorite teacher was my eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Connell. He had such a passion for Christ, as well as a deep compassion for his students. I remember he had a sign on his door that said, “Whosoever Will May Enter” (from Rev.22:17). Once you walked into the classroom the backside of the door said, “Predestined to Enter Before the Beginning of Time” (from Ephesians 1:4). (Or something very similar to that) It was such a poignant, tangible way for students to understand how free will and predestination are simultaneously possible.

I spent a lot of time at the school, partly because my father taught there, and also because I tried to participate in as many extracurriculars as possible: I loved the Drama Club most, but I was also in Choir, Chess Club, Spanish Club, French Club, Chapel Team….I tried almost everything PCA had to offer except sports. I was also our Class President and valedictorian.

Do you feel your time at PCA influenced your relationship with Christ?

Mr. Connell, my eighth-grade teacher, and Dr. Pleticha, my Bible Teacher, were both brilliant theologians. They instilled in me a love for delving into the Scriptures and a thirst for knowledge about our Creator. Mr. Connell and his wife still pray for me regularly, and I make a point to visit with his wife when I travel home to New Hampshire.

Where did your educational path take you after you graduated from PCA?

I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University in 2006, and just one year later, in 2007, I graduated from Shippensburg University with a Master of Science in Communication Studies. I’m currently in the process of applying to a Master of Arts program in Public Leadership from the University of San Fransisco.

What is your current career and what led you there?

I’ve spent seventeen years serving our country as a Department of Defense Logistician:

⦁ 2019 – Present: Acquisition Logistics Manager for the US Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL

⦁ 2016 – 2019: Air Force Liaison to the US Army Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, IL

⦁ 2011-2016: Operations Logistics Management Specialist for US Army Europe HQ in Wiesbaden, Germany

⦁ 2007-2011: Tomahawk Missile Support Program Inventory Manager at the Naval Operational Logistics Support Center in Mechanicsburg, PA

I’ve provided Logistics Management for the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, and even the Special Operations Command (in that order). I’m not aware of any other DoD civilians who have served every branch of the military. While I am sure there must be others out there, it’s still an incredibly rare privilege to have been able to do that.

In 2011, I deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. At the time, I was the youngest civilian ever to have deployed through the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW). I received the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism, as well as a Non-Article Five NATO Medal.

Outside of education and career, what have you been working on?

I really enjoy traveling. I’ve been to fifty-two countries and am getting ready for my sixth international cruise next month for my birthday.

While I was deployed to Afghanistan, I had the incredible opportunity to write a column as a civilian-at-war correspondent for Foster’s Daily Democrat in PCA’s hometown of Dover.

I’ve served as a Graphic Designer for several non-profit ministries, to include Sweet Selah Ministries, South Bay Women’s Ministry, and AnimalLuver’s Dream Rescue. I also use my passion for graphic design to work with authors and publishers designing book covers. So far, I’ve created the cover art for nine published books, with two more that will be published by December.

My hobby is Photography. I’ve sold my artwork internationally; my photography has been featured in Vogue Italia, Wall Street Journal, and other publications. I currently freelance as a commercial photographer. When I lived in Germany, I ran a licensed portrait studio in Tunusstein.

I am passionate about animal rescue. I’ve fostered, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and even a snake! I partnered with three different rescues to take in more than thirty animals who were either too sick or too young to stay in a shelter until adoption.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

My children. I’ve had the privilege of fostering 14 children (thankfully not all at the same time!). I adopted my youngest daughter, Emma Rae, when she was five months old. I had been her guardian since she was born. My oldest son, Erik, was born in Germany and is a dual-citizen who has traveled to forty-seven countries with me!

Do you have a favorite Bible Verse to share with us?

I do, and it’s such a powerful one. I spent the majority of my adult years trapped in an abusive marriage, marked by domestic violence, and later child abuse against my children. God rescued us in such a miraculous way last year. Our abuser was removed, five different protection orders were put in place, and now we live in safety. “From a violent man you rescued me. Therefore, I will praise you, Lord” 2 Samuel 22:49-50. I hope to work with other domestic violence victims in the future, inspiring others to seek safety, and encouraging them that God will protect and provide even when escape feels impossible.