
There are many people that make University great. Our senior staff decern and determine and direct the vision and values of the church. The ministry leaders direct the specific ministries of the church. See the listing of Universities entire staff that bring these visions to life.


Adam is the lead pastor for West U, the West Campus of University United Methodist Church. Adam also provides leadership for the ministry that happens outside the walls of the church building. Adam received his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is married to Brittney and has a son Rylan and daughter Laurel.
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Laurinda is the primary preacher and pastor of University’s North Campus Contemporary Worship services. She is married to Robert and they have four children; Justin, Sam, Lee, and Anna. Laurinda joined the staff of University in 2011 after having served at A&M UMC in College Station for the past fifteen years. In addition to her leadership role on North Campus, Laurinda provides supervision to SK8 Church and Children & Student Ministry.

Leslie received her Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. She is married to Pastor Kit, and they have 2 beautiful children, a daughter named Luci True and a son named Jedidiah Strong.

Rev. Will Rice is the primary preacher and worship leader for University's South Campus Traditional Worship. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In addition to his worship leadership, Will oversees University's Discipleship and Communication ministries. Will and his wife Alisha have been married ten years and have two son's Joshua and Samuel.
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Jim Martin has been employed with the church since Jan 2009 after retiring from Northside School District. He served 30+ years in the San Antonio area directing the Facilities and Operations departments. A professional engineer by education and training he provides management oversight for the churches financial, maintenance and operations areas. Jim has been a member of University since 1987.

After years of ministry in consulting, teaching, and writing, Michael is delighted to be serving on the staff of University since March 1, 2010. Wife, Mary and Michael will celebrate their 42ndwedding anniversary this year and enjoy a close relationship with their two sons, their wives and our four grandchildren.

Jessica has led the church in a number of ministry areas over the past 12 years and is currently answering God's call as she helps people look to Jesus by looking more like Jesus as they develop spiritually through our Pathway to Disicpleship. She also serves as the manager of the church bookstore.

Susan Galindo is the Director of our u|ability ministry. She serves on the NEISD School Board, is a co-chair of Fiesta Especial, and is involved in organizations that impact the lives of children in our city, state and nation.

My name is Jo Gayle Kowalik. I am Director of Nursery Ministries for University including the West U. I am married; have three grown children and four young grandchildren. If you enjoy your role as a mother brace yourself for the joy found in being a grandmother! I have been on staff in this position at University for eleven years and have similar work experience at another local Methodist church for twelve years. I have a passion for nurturing children and assuring them they are important in God’s world.

Mary McKay began her music ministry part-time at UUMC in the early 80’s while she taught choirs in the NEISD public school system. She returned to the church in full time ministry in 1989 and has served UUMC ever since. Ms. McKay is married to Ben Hall and has two daughters who are both involved in music or education. The joy of Ms. McKay’s life is her granddaughter, Riley. Her passion is serving the Lord with excellence through the ministry of music at this church, and the great love she has for her volunteers.

Director of Children's Ministry - Shari is in her 27th year of ministry, the last 16 years here at University. Her heart and passion is working with children and their parents to combine a ministry that grows strong relationships with Jesus Christ in fun, creative, and exciting ways while also creating a venue that is community-minded and a place that ALL children are welcome!

Mark Swayze has been the director of contemporary worship at University United Methodist Church for the past 7 years. Swayze and his band have been branching out in hopes of leading a worship experience that ultimately connects people with the God of the universe.
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Debbie is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. She has been on staff serving University since 1993 and is the Director of Finance and Human Resources. Debbie is married to Dwayne and they have 2 sons Doug and David and daughter-in law Colby.
The Day School is looking for you for our 2012-2013 school year! Who is ready to make new friends, learn new Bible songs, and play, paint, pray...?






