CPEI’s Amanda Blue Honored as DEAC Outstanding Graduate and Distinguished Alumni

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Rev. Amanda Blue is standing at a podium. She's wearing white robes with a purple stole.


Orange Park, FL — Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) is honored to announce and congratulate Rev. Amanda Blue, a graduate of CPEI’s Clinical Pastoral Education program, on being recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) as part of its Outstanding Graduates and Famous Alumni Program during DEAC’s 2025 Annual Meeting.

This national recognition highlights Amanda’s inspiring journey and her impact on both her local community and the broader field of pastoral care.

Amanda’s journey is marked by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her pastoral calling. Reflecting on her CPE experience, Amanda shared:

“CPE was a life-giving experience. It pruned me in a way that allowed me to become much more productive, producing healthy fruit in my ministry.”

Amanda entered Clinical Pastoral Education with a dream of becoming a healthcare chaplain. Balancing full-time work and family life, she took a bold step and applied to CPEI, which became a deeply formative journey. She learned to embrace risk, trust the process, and engage in meaningful interpersonal relationships.

Rev. Dr. Ben Hayden, CPEI Educator/Supervisor at the CPEI affiliate Lived Experience, LLC, reflected on Amanda’s growth:

“Amanda came into the program searching for clear instructions — a manual for ministry — but discovered instead that pastoral care is an art, not a formula. As she let go of control and leaned into the unknown, Amanda’s natural pastoral authority emerged. By the end of her journey, she was not only leading but inspiring others with authenticity, courage, and grace.”

Amanda is Senior Pastor at Mt. Lebanon Community Church, a Global Methodist congregation, and Associate Chaplain at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield, Indiana.

About CPEI

Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) is an accredited, global provider of clinical pastoral education, equipping chaplains, counselors, and ministry leaders to serve with compassion and competence in a diverse world. As an accredited member of DEAC and IACET, CPEI is committed to maintaining the highest standards in distance and experiential education.

For more information, visit www.cpei.edu.

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