In our conference, more than 800 college-age young adults are finding Christian community in one of our 15 campus ministries. There, they grow as leaders, friends, and followers of Christ. We’re in conversation with campus ministry leaders across our conference to hear what they’re learning and how young people are shaping the future church.

Episode 15 Guests

Whitney Simpson

Whitney serves as Wesley Fellowship Campus Minister at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. She longs to create an inclusive and transformative environment for students to explore faith, service, and community connection. Whitney completed her Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. As a trained spiritual director, she is passionate about soul care and holding safe spaces for others on their spiritual journeys. As a Deaconess in the United Methodist Church, she is committed to love, justice, and service. Whitney is also a published author and yoga teacher who writes about the intersection of spirituality and daily life, focusing on embodied, whole-person spiritual formation for people of all ages.

Tondala Hayward

Rev. Tondala Hayward is very excited to be a Campus Minister for not only United Methodist students but for all students from various religious backgrounds, ethnicities, gender, and socioeconomic status. She has deep ties to Memphis Wesley and a heart for campus ministry. She has served Memphis Wesley as a volunteer as well as chair, vice chair, and member of the Memphis Wesley Board of Directors. Pastor T, as many call her, is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church (UMC). She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Education with a sociology minor from the University of Memphis, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. She has gracefully navigated pastoring cross-racial and cross-cultural and served on teams and boards.

John Weaver

John Weaver is native Tennesseean and the Director and Campus Minister for Wesley at MTSU. Has been connected to a campus ministry for half of his life.

Zinnia Owens

Zinnia Owens is a junior at the University of Memphis, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Social Work, with minors in AMSL and Journalism. Her academic focus is on youth brain development and social interactions, particularly among children and adolescents. At Memphis Wesley, Zinnia has been an intern for two years, beginning her journey in social media and newsletter management before moving into event coordination. She hopes to combine her diverse experiences so that they reflect her dedication to understanding and supporting young minds.

Ashley Harris

Ashley Harris, a proud native of Memphis, is currently pursuing her graduate studies at the University of Memphis. After earning her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2019, she embarked on a transformative journey with Memphis Wesley while completing a Bachelor of Arts in History. As she serves as a worship leader and organizer, she skillfully weaves her experiences into her graduate work, focusing on multicultural music history. Through her internship at Memphis Wesley, Ashley draws upon musical insights from diverse influences to create worship experiences that resonate deeply. Her mission to inspire students through heartfelt engagement has not only enriched the organization's music program but also strengthened its ties to the vibrant Memphis community.