Tammy (Widdoes ’88) McMahan

Communication

Biography

Tammy has been a passionate and joyful disciple of Jesus since childhood, with a deep love for the Lord and all people that has infused her life and ministry. Wife to her college best friend Mark, and mom to five grown children, Tammy has poured her hunger and delight for God’s Word into teaching and writing Bible studies for women, children, and families for more than two decades. Beginning in 2010, the uniquely age-graded inductive Sword Study series that she wrote impacted families across the nation and led to a new mission for Tammy’s whole family. In applying the Sword Study lessons on Ruth, Mark and Tammy realized that the Lord desired them to share the same abundant love and care that they had received through salvation and adoption as God’s children with modern-day “orphans and widows” (James 1:27). As a result, their 20th through 22nd foster children are currently thriving in their home outside of Chicago. The experience of fostering sibling groups inspired the creation of The Ruth Project to support other families in fostering multiple siblings in obedience to God’s Word and alliance with His heart for “the least of these” (Mathew 25:34-46).

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

My Communication Studies and Business courses helped to prepare me for real-life professional and business interactions. Being a part of a fast growing, startup franchise system upon graduation allowed me to practically utilize the book knowledge and professor mentoring that I received in my Taylor courses.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

Ops Mgr and Franchisee Trainer, Voice-Tel (1989-1995) VP of Curriculum and Events, Shelby Kennedy Foundation, organizer of The National Bible Bee, 2010-2015 Author of the family inductive, age synchronized Bible studies, the Sword Study Series. (2010-Current) Founder and Executive Director of The Ruth Project. (2020-Current) 

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

My educational courses, personal professor relationships, and spiritual opportunities at Taylor afforded me the foundation to excel in my business opportunities and personal relationships. The liberal arts aspect of Taylor gave me a well rounded base of experience to bring to the table early in my career putting me ahead of many of my peers.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

 "...the making of many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." I am certain that the above verse seems contradictory to an education of any kind, but quite the opposite. We are to gain knowledge and wisdom with the Word of God as our core. My advice is that there will always be many books, There will always be career opportunities. Our highest goal must always be to seek first the Lord—His glory—in all things, fixing our eyes on Him. Our purpose is His glory in all that we do, say, accomplish and His goal is to refine us to the likeness of His Son, Jesus. May we love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and might. Taylor was a partnering force in my life that confirmed this call and encouraged me in my educational season.