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Amy Ehlin, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services. Amy Ehlin has served Princeton Seminary for 31 years in various roles. Currently as Senior Director of Auxiliary Services, Amy reflects on her path while focusing on the future.
When Amy Ehlin arrived on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary 31 years ago, she never envisioned spending her entire career here, but it’s a decision she has never regretted. “I’ve had so many great opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally,” she recently explained.
Amy first came to Princeton Seminary in 1993 as Assistant Food Service Provider for Aramark and was shortly promoted to Director of Food Services. In 2006, realizing how much she loved working with the Seminary, she joined the staff here as Director of Hospitality and Event Services. Today, she serves as Senior Director of Auxiliary Services.
Amy oversees Hospitality and Event Services and the 56-guest-bedroom Erdman Center, a gathering space for conferences, retreats, and meetings that host thousands of guests annually for continuing education and hybrid learning opportunities.
She also plays an active role in planning Board of Trustees meetings that occur both on and off campus.
A graduate of Widener University with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management, Amy envisioned herself working on a college campus. “It’s always changing. New students are coming in. You’re always adapting to new trends. Challenges are always going to be there, and nothing’s ever going to remain the same.”
It’s a stimulating environment where I have to constantly adapt, and it allows me to grow and learn.
Amy has worked under four Princeton Seminary presidents. She has watched the campus undergo extensive renovations and new construction. She has witnessed a diverse array of students follow their dream of serving God in the most profound way. Her job has been to create the most comfortable, conducive, and healthy environment for that sacred work, and she relishes it.
“What I love is the interdepartmental collaboration we have around public events, operational challenges, and developing strategic goals on campus,” Amy stressed. “The Seminary allows people from many different walks to collaborate with one another.”
Amy pointed to a weekly meeting run by her office where all campus service providers gather to discuss the next ten days’ worth of Seminary events. It is there where potential issues are identified and discussed. “Most importantly, this group really loves one another and has fun.”
Another aspect of Amy’s role that has provided her with enormous joy and satisfaction is her interaction with Princeton Seminary students.
I feel that my role contributes to the educational environment of our campus in meaningful ways. Auxiliary Services creates and fosters an environment where students can grow and learn inside and outside the classroom.
Amy’s department also hires students for on-campus jobs that serve as practical learning opportunities. There, she explained, they can gain valuable skills in hospitality, customer service management, logistics, and operations.
“One of the most rewarding things I experience on a yearly basis is when students come back to campus, purposely find me, and tell me, ‘I loved working for you. You taught me things I would never learn in the classroom. You taught me how to be hospitable. You taught me how to entertain. You taught me to do all the things that I have to do as a senior pastor that I would never necessarily have thought about.’ Those types of things are so meaningful.”
Amy added that her students are often the first faces visitors to Princeton Seminary would see after often long and arduous journeys and would be the first line of defense when a crisis would occur. “We provided them with necessary life skills,” she observed.
After more than three decades on the Seminary campus, Amy has found herself in a mentorship role for many of her colleagues. “I think it’s really important to listen. I think it’s important to lead by example. I strive to model collaborative behavior, and that’s what I want to see in my team as well.”
She added that her team knows they will always find a safe space when they come to her with issues that need addressing. I’m approachable. I have an open-door policy that’s 24/7 whether I’m at home or at work. I try to demonstrate a willingness to work alongside others no matter what your role is on campus.”
Ultimately, Amy strives to create a transparent, collaborative environment in which her team members feel emboldened to share their ideas and have an opportunity to shine and grow.
“I think when the team is heard, and they feel appreciated, it increases engagement and motivation to actually work collaboratively towards shared goals.”
For her entire professional career and across multiple generations, Amy has championed the enduring mission of the Seminary and has loved every minute of it. “I am so lucky to have had so many different roles that I’m never bored.”
