Meet Esther Rehbein
Esther is Dean at Mid-America Christian University, a two-time supporter of Hundred Magazine. We are honored she chose to share her story in Issue 05.
What makes you feel proud?
Looking back on my career, which ultimately led to me serving as Dean at Mid-America Christian University, I feel proud to have played a role in strengthening programs, supporting colleagues, advocating for students, and advancing teacher education on both state and national levels. Each step has stretched me, challenged me, and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. At the same time, I am humbled by the trust others placed in me, the mentors who guided me, and the teams who worked alongside me to make these accomplishments possible.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
The biggest influence in my life has been a blend of my faith, my family, and the mentors who have guided me professionally. My faith in God grounds me daily, giving me strength and direction for the work I do. My family, especially my husband, has been a constant source of encouragement and balance, reminding me of what truly matters. Professionally, I’ve been shaped by colleagues and mentors who modeled servant leadership and inspired me to advocate for students and education with integrity. Together, these influences have shaped not only my career path but also the person I strive to be.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
My biggest obstacle is often time itself — there are always more good things to do than hours in the day. I’ve had to learn how to balance deadlines, responsibilities, and personal commitments while still being fully present for students and colleagues.
What advice do you wish you could give your younger self? How might it have changed your course?
I’d tell my younger self not to be filled with self-doubt, but to embrace uncertainty and not be afraid to fail. Earlier in my career, I was very focused on following the most logical and safest path. I wish I had known that the most valuable lessons often come from taking risks, even if they don’t succeed. Had I adopted that mindset earlier, I might have helped the University in different ways because of a broadened perspective.
