VYPE: Mrs. Crismas, when did you know you wanted to become an educator?
Jenelle Crismas: I think I knew from a very young age. Even in elementary school, I would play school with my friends. I always enjoyed the idea of teaching and helping others learn. Looking back, I can see how God was preparing my heart for a career in education long before I knew exactly what that would look like.
VYPE: Where did you attend high school, and where did you attend college?
JC: I graduated from Miltonvale High School in Miltonvale, Kansas. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.
VYPE: Who inspires you as an educator, and did you have someone in your life who inspired you to become an educator?
JC: My high school business teacher had a significant influence on me. I loved her classes and, even more importantly, the relationship I developed with her. She helped me discover the area of teaching I wanted to pursue and showed me how meaningful the relationship between a teacher and student can be. Her influence has stayed with me throughout my career and has reminded me of the importance of investing in students, not just academically but personally. As Christian educators, we have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives by showing them Christ’s love through our words, actions, and relationships.
VYPE: As the Academic Dean, what is your main duty to the students of OBA?
JC: After spending 30 years in the classroom, I have served the past eight years as Dean of Academics. My role involves many different responsibilities, from helping students select classes and explore educational opportunities to mentoring them as they navigate decisions about college and their futures. I also teach OBA seniors Personal Finance, which gives me the opportunity to help students prepare for life beyond high school. In addition, I work alongside our faculty to support the teachers who invest so much in our students. Ultimately, my desire is to help students grow academically, develop wisdom and character, and deepen their relationship with the Lord. I want them to leave OBA prepared for whatever God calls them to do, with a strong foundation in both their education and their faith.
VYPE: What makes OBA the right place for you as an educator?
JC: I knew during my very first year of teaching at OBA that this was where God wanted me to be. OBA has been the only school where I have taught, and after 38 years—30 years in the classroom and eight years as Dean of Academics—I can say that it has been a blessing to spend my career here. What makes OBA so special is the opportunity to integrate God’s Word into every aspect of learning. We are not just teaching students academic subjects; we have the privilege of helping them view the world through a biblical perspective and understand how God’s truth applies to their everyday lives.
Throughout my years at OBA, I have also had the privilege of serving as the Student Council and SPUD (Students Performing Unselfish Deeds) advisor. These roles have allowed me to work alongside students as they develop their leadership skills, learn to serve others selflessly, and recognize the importance of putting others before themselves. I love seeing students grow into leaders who understand that their gifts and abilities can be used to make a difference in the lives of others and bring glory to God.
Ultimately, I believe one of our greatest privileges as Christian educators is to point students toward Christ and help them grow in their faith, character, and understanding of God’s purpose for their lives. Being able to do that every day, both inside and outside the classroom, is a blessing, and I cannot imagine a more meaningful place to have spent my career.
VYPE: Away from school, how do you spend your free time?
JC: My favorite way to spend my free time is with my six grandchildren! They bring so much joy to my life, and I treasure the time I get to spend with them as they grow. I love being involved in their lives and having the opportunity to encourage them, invest in them, and help them develop a strong foundation of faith. Family is such a blessing, and I cherish the time I have with them.
