About Us
Dr. Diane Watkins, Regional Moderator 
First Christian Church DOC, Erie
Dr. Di Watkins grew up in Chanute, the daughter of two teachers. Education runs in the family; her husband and two of her three siblings are also teachers. Watkins was a science instructor at Neosho County Community College for 17 years before joining the Chanute Public School system as a district administrator 15 years ago. She is now the Assistant Superintendent of USD 413 Chanute Public Schools. She has bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degrees from Neosho County Community College and Pittsburg State University, and a doctorate in education from Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Watkins was baptized at age 10 at First Christian Church in Chanute and since her marriage in 1985, she has been a member of First Christian Church in Erie.
Dr. Watkins’ husband Mark is an educator also, teaching business at Neosho County Community College in Chanute. He recently completed his doctoral degree at Wichita State University in Educational Leadership. They have two daughters, Christian and Blair, who bring them much joy. Christian graduated from KU with degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies and served as a Peace Intern for the Christian Church, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. It was life-changing for Christian. Currently, she is attending Yale University Divinity School.
Their younger daughter, Blair, is a senior at Kansas State University, majoring in public health nutrition. She has thoroughly enjoyed attending the university and finds the athletic events exciting while somehow finding time to work out every day. The family enjoys traveling, music—especially singing together, theater, watching movies, sports, and spending time with family and friends.
One of Watkins’ favorite books is Attitudes of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. The book is a "keeper" not so much because of its literary brilliance but for the thoughts and images it brings to mind. Feelings relating to gratitude are significant. Ryan’s book states that "practicing appreciation adds 6.9 years to your life …" Other studies indicate that "90% of people found that expressing gratitude made them more joyful; 84% said it reduced stress and depression, and helped create optimism; and 78% said it gave them more energy."
Dr. Watkins says that she has much for which to be thankful. "The unwavering support of our regional staff, devotion of our pastors, members of the regional board and regional planning committees, and the many loving and supportive members of our congregations across the state exemplify the definition of serving God with a joyful heart. As regional moderator, it is a pleasure to team with passionate people who care deeply for others and aspire to serve God with a generous heart.
"Christian Church in Kansas (Disciples of Christ) is a joy-filled body of believers with attitudes of gratitude for all that we are and all that we will become by working together. It is an honor to serve as moderator of the regional board. God is so good."
First Christian Church DOC, Erie
Dr. Di Watkins grew up in Chanute, the daughter of two teachers. Education runs in the family; her husband and two of her three siblings are also teachers. Watkins was a science instructor at Neosho County Community College for 17 years before joining the Chanute Public School system as a district administrator 15 years ago. She is now the Assistant Superintendent of USD 413 Chanute Public Schools. She has bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degrees from Neosho County Community College and Pittsburg State University, and a doctorate in education from Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Watkins was baptized at age 10 at First Christian Church in Chanute and since her marriage in 1985, she has been a member of First Christian Church in Erie. Dr. Watkins’ husband Mark is an educator also, teaching business at Neosho County Community College in Chanute. He recently completed his doctoral degree at Wichita State University in Educational Leadership. They have two daughters, Christian and Blair, who bring them much joy. Christian graduated from KU with degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies and served as a Peace Intern for the Christian Church, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. It was life-changing for Christian. Currently, she is attending Yale University Divinity School. Their younger daughter, Blair, is a senior at Kansas State University, majoring in public health nutrition. She has thoroughly enjoyed attending the university and finds the athletic events exciting while somehow finding time to work out every day. The family enjoys traveling, music—especially singing together, theater, watching movies, sports, and spending time with family and friends. One of Watkins’ favorite books is Attitudes of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. The book is a "keeper" not so much because of its literary brilliance but for the thoughts and images it brings to mind. Feelings relating to gratitude are significant. Ryan’s book states that "practicing appreciation adds 6.9 years to your life …" Other studies indicate that "90% of people found that expressing gratitude made them more joyful; 84% said it reduced stress and depression, and helped create optimism; and 78% said it gave them more energy."
Dr. Watkins says that she has much for which to be thankful. "The unwavering support of our regional staff, devotion of our pastors, members of the regional board and regional planning committees, and the many loving and supportive members of our congregations across the state exemplify the definition of serving God with a joyful heart. As regional moderator, it is a pleasure to team with passionate people who care deeply for others and aspire to serve God with a generous heart. "Christian Church in Kansas (Disciples of Christ) is a joy-filled body of believers with attitudes of gratitude for all that we are and all that we will become by working together. It is an honor to serve as moderator of the regional board. God is so good."