Laurie Garrett-Cobbina 
Shaw Family Chair for Clinical Pastoral Education
M.Div., Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary
Biographical Information
Laurie Garrett-Cobbina came to San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2006 to start a groundbreaking program in Clinical Pastoral Education. She occupies the Shaw Family Chair for Clinical Pastoral Education, endowed by SFTS alumni John and Julia Shaw. In 2010, SFTS was nationally honored for its innovative CPE program. "There really isn't another CPE program quite like ours," said Garrett-Cobbina, currently in PhD studies at the Graduate Theological Union. "Our program directly links the academics of theological education with pastoral care to the community of believers. It really is a transformative educational opportunity." A daughter and granddaughter of educators, Garrett-Cobbina knows how education can be liberating and transforming. "Learning is risky," Garrett-Cobbina said. "It can change your point of view, what you believe, what you think you know, what you do, the places you go, and even the people you desire to spend time with. If you can be open to the transformative, liberating activity of education, you're also more open to the transformative, liberating activity of God in our lives." Garrett-Cobbina enjoys encounters with her students in much the same way she enjoys encounters with those being served at her CPE sites. "I am curious about people. I am interested. You never know what stories are sitting right there in front of you. People can tell very quickly if this is a pastor to whom I can tell the truth about my life," Garrett-Cobbina said. "I'm interested in the educational development of pastors who learn to do the work of pastoral ministry in a way that truly serves God's people."
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