A ‘yes’ to working at Tabor College opened a door Daniel Krebs (g’93) didn’t see coming.
He returned to his alma mater as director of student success in July 2022. When Daniel accepted the position at Tabor, he asked his father, Don, to join him at Tabor. It was one of two positions he previously held, including dean of student life from 1999-2008.
Now in his third full year, Daniel’s son, Nicholas, is the third member of the family currently on the Tabor campus. Don volunteers in the office, utilizing over 40 years of experience in education to mentor and serve Tabor students.
“Once Dad joined and Nick committed to coming here, I realized it’s a rarity,” Daniel said. “I realized how unique it is to work alongside your dad and other staff members will tell me how cool it is to see us together. I definitely don’t take that for granted.”
With stops in five school districts across Kansas, there is no denying Don’s passion for supporting students. Now at age 82, that has never wavered.
“To see a change in a student’s life over months to years, it’s still just so gratifying,” Don said after mentioning that Tabor is one of the most special places he has ever worked. “I don’t take any of the credit, the glory is God’s and the wonderful ways He blesses their lives.”
Joined in the department by Mike Barter, assistant director of student success, the trio provides academic mentoring, tutoring, and disability services. Daniel said it’s most special to set academics aside and discuss students’ walk with the Lord.
“One of the greatest blessings is mentoring and discipling a student in their spiritual walk,” Daniel said. “It ties perfectly into helping that student become successful in and out of the classroom.”
Nick, a Berean Academy graduate, is a freshman at Tabor. He has already plugged in with CCM (leading music in chapel) and Share, Prayer & Dare (SP&D) on Wednesday evenings. He is especially proud to see how his father and grandfather have influenced past and present Tabor students.
“It’s dope because I see how people really appreciate what my dad and grandpa do,” Nick said. “I only hear good things about them, and it’s cool and makes me proud of where I came from.”
Much like his parents, aunts and uncles, and grandfather, Nick is quickly integrating into campus.
“Having the opportunity to meet so many new people, I’ve liked it a lot,” Nick said. “With the opportunities music has offered, there is something special about leading your peers in worship, hearing their voices, and seeing everyone join in together.”
Daniel is one of eight siblings or in-laws to graduate from Tabor, including his wife Angie (Brungardt g’93).
“This position, from the beginning, was a door God opened,” Daniel said. “God used Tabor in wonderful ways in my life, so this opportunity to work at Tabor has been gratifying for me and my family.”
Daniel was the first of six Krebs children to attend Tabor. While his father didn’t fully grasp what the college would mean to his family at first, he’s thankful God opened the door to Hillsboro.
“From the beginning, I saw how my sons changed at Tabor, and overall, I’ve got the six best children and sons and daughters-in-law I could have ever asked for,” Don said.