Rebecca Yowler MLIS ’13 Balances Life as a Librarian, Minister and Figure Skater

The content below is an excerpt from an article written by Jillian L. Martinez, U.S. Figure Skating



June 27, 2022



Rebecca Yowler MLIS ’13 is queer, a minister and a librarian. Three words you might not expect to describe one adult skater, but Rebecca is proud to show every part of herself. 



An active skater as a college student at Transylvania University, Rebecca stepped away from skating to attend graduate school. She received a Master of Divinity, a certificate in youth ministry and a Christian Church ordination.



Rebecca served churches in Indiana and Illinois before losing her job in 2009. She returned to skating later that year as an instructor and coach to make ends meet.



“I remember driving to one of the rinks and thinking about what I liked best about college and Seminary. What I liked best was doing the research and being in the library,” Rebecca reflected. “Then, [on the radio], there was an advertisement that said, ‘Our programming is brought to you by the School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University.’ I thought that might be my sign.”



After attending an information night at Dominican University, Rebecca decided to pursue her Master of Library and Information Science degree and become a librarian. Now, Rebecca serves as an assistant librarian for research and instruction at Knox College’s Seymour Library in Galesburg. She also preaches part time.



Read more about Rebecca, including her participation in the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships.