Meet the Center for Calling & Career Staff

John Plating
Director of the Center for Calling & Career

Ph.D., History, The Ohio State University
B.S., History, United States Air Force Academy

706.419.1663
john.plating@covenant.edu

John Plating leads the college’s Center for Calling & Career by serving as the office’s director and external interface, working with corporations, agencies, & organizations both locally and nationally to establish internships and vocational opportunities for Covenant students. He has a profound esteem for the value and strength of a Christian liberal arts education as being foundational in shaping the lives of Covenant students, students who will go forward and shape the world of the next generation.

Prior to coming to Covenant, John worked as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the academic component at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He also served as an associate professor of history, with specialties in military history and the history of technology, with his main published work covering the history of “the Hump,” the largest airlift operation of World War II.  John was a senior pilot in the US Air Force, where he flew as an instructor and C-130 transport pilot, logging combat flying time during US military operations in the Balkans in the late 1990s. While stationed in Germany, he directed the airlift of nuclear weapons throughout the European theater.

Emily Whiteman
Assistant Director of the Center for Calling & Career

M.A., Higher Education & Student Development, Wheaton College (IL)
B.A., Christian Education Ministries, Biola University (Minor in Biblical & Theological Studies)

706.419.1156
emily.whiteman@covenant.edu

Emily Whiteman partners with Covenant College students and alumni as they engage in vocational exploration, prepare for meaningful work, and confidently pursue opportunities after graduation. She enjoys helping students recognize the value of their education and experiences, articulate their strengths with confidence, and take thoughtful next steps toward their vocational goals.

Before joining the Center for Calling & Career, Emily’s professional journey was shaped by experiences in human resources, career services, and student development. While completing her M.A. at Wheaton College, she worked in the Center for Vocation and Career, helping students explore vocational paths, prepare for opportunities after graduation, and communicate their stories effectively to employers and graduate programs. Most recently, she spent five years cultivating community and mentoring students in Residence Life at Covenant College. Together, these experiences enable her to guide students with both an employer's perspective and a student development lens as they prepare for life after Covenant. Emily and her husband, Philip, have one son, Milo, and enjoy spending time together at local coffee shops, exploring Chattanooga, skiing, and visiting the coast of Maine where she grew up.