Born and raised in San Diego, Rick grew up primarily at the beach or baseball diamond. He stayed close to home and studied philosophy and theology, and minored in psychology, at Point Loma Nazarene University ('05). During college, Rick was heavily involved in a variety of ministry opportunities—he was a junior high youth pastor, Resident Assistant, and youth director for a Christian non-profit which worked with homeless and at-risk teens. The living-learning experience at PLNU really captured Rick's passion, and that launched his career in college student development. Rick has worked professionally with Christian college students since 2006. The journey has led him from California, to Ohio, and now to Kirkland, Washington, where he serves as Vice President for Student Development at Northwest University. Along the way, Rick went to seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary ('10) and earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University ('20).

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Also in 2006, Rick married his wife, Shelley, who is an artist, writer, and adjunct professor. They have a son, River (b. 2018), and daughter, Eden (b. 2021). 

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Interests include family time, golf, running, baseball, reading, coffee, cook-outs, bonfires, and pretty much any activity on or near a large body of water.