Rev. Van A. Stinson, MDiv. DMin.
Senior Minister

van@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 13

The Reverend Doctor Van A. Stinson was appointed the ninth Senior Minister of the William B. Reily Memorial University United Methodist Church on June 1, 2008.  He returned to Baton Rouge and University Church after serving as the Minister of the First United Methodist Church in Covington, Louisiana from 2005-2008.  His previous tenure in Baton Rouge was for six years, 1999-2005, as the Senior Associate Minister at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Baton Rouge.  Prior to that, he served as the pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and while in seminary served as the student intern on the staff of Grace United Methodist Church in Coshocton, Ohio and as the student pastor of the Windfall United Church of Christ in Galion, Ohio.

Van received his Master of Divinity from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio and his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

He and his wife Julie are avid dog lovers and enjoy traveling, listening to good music and eating good food.  Together they have led multiple mission teams to Mexico and were privileged to lead a mission team to South Africa that help build a woman’s clinic in Daveytown, a township outside Johannesburg.

Dr. Stinson’s primary responsibilities include preaching, teaching, leading the staff and overseeing the administrative aspects of the church.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, writing and running.  He completed his first half-marathon in 2009.

R. Lee McKinzie, MDiv.
Minister of Discipleship and Faith Formation

lee@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 12

Jay C. Hogewood, MDiv. PhD.
Congregational Care

jay@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 14

Dr. Jay Hogewood is a longtime baptist minister, which makes him all the more grateful to minister in a new way with University Methodist. He grew up in Birmingham, but has lived in Baton Rouge since 2004. Serving “bivocationally” is a real privilege to him — he works in sales as a full time career with ministry as his passion. He first experiences a “call to ministry” while participating in a Methodist Church in Birmingham. He wonders if perhaps the past 2 decades have been part of a search to get back to his spiritual roots?

Jay also has the joy of being a dad to Beck and Mariah. Their sports and other teenage activities keep him hopping. He also really loves being part of the campus community. He may not have grown up a Tiger fan, but converted as fast as he could!

As to schooling, Jay graduated Samford University (BA, English and History) and then Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University with a M. Div. After a wonderful few years at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion studying for a Ph.D., He finished his studies and dissertation from TCU, Brite Divinity School (Hebrew Bible).

Jay’s duties at University Methodist focus on visiting those who are sick in the hospital, the home bound, as well as facilitating studies in scripture for Sunday School classes and small groups.

Chris King
Director of Youth Ministries

chris@universitymethodist.org

Chris King has served as Director of Youth Ministries since October of 2008. From 2001 until then, Chris served as a volunteer leader in youth ministry at First United Methodist church here in Baton Rouge, LA. His passion for youth ministry led him to resign from a twenty year career in the business world to strengthen his commitment to and walk with Christ.

As Director of Youth Ministries, Chris is responsible for all programming and activities for youth in grades 6-12. Chris is always trying to create opportunities for teens to plug into the church no matter where they are on their faith journey. Check out the youth website at www.uumcyouth.org for more details or become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UUMCYouth.

As a native of Baton Rouge, graduate of LSU, and loyal LSU Tiger fan, Chris enjoys the unique opportunity to be a part of University United Methodist Church. He was married to his wife Amy in 1995 and has two daughters. Chris enjoys running, cooking, and sports.

Ruthie Fahey
Financial Secretary

ruthie@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 15

Ruthie Fahey joined University Church as Financial Secretary in January 2000. She and her husband, Bobby, have been members of UUMC since 1981.  Prior to joining the church staff, Ruthie worked in the banking industry for 20 years. She and Bobby have two children who grew up and were very active in the church programs.

Ruthie is responsible for all financial aspects of the church. This includes donations to the church, payment of all bills and payroll. She manages the financial position of the church with the guidance of the Finance Committee.

Kelly Surace
Communications Director

kelly@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 11

Kelly Surace was raised at University Church – baptized, confirmed, married in the Sanctuary, and joined the church staff in 2010. She and her husband, David, have enjoyed growing in their faith together here at UUMC and becoming closer to those in the church community. Kelly has a degree in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University and is also a photographer by trade.

Kelly is responsible for all communications and design work within the church, including the website, church newsletter and weekly bulletin.

Kyle Wooldridge
Office & Wedding Coordinator

kyle@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 10

Carter Smith
Director of Music

carter@universitymethodist.org – 344-0343 Ext. 19