By Ariel C. Emberton, staff writer/photographer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Jasmine Barnett, director of church outreach and FIRST CLASS and adjunct instructor for the School of Theology, and Jamie Lawrence, executive director of ministry and church outreach, have been named the new co-campus ministers at Campbellsville University.
Barnett and Lawrence transitioned into the position in June after the retirement of Ed Pavy, who served as the director of campus ministries for the past 26 years from 1994 until June 2020. After the announcement of Pavy’s retirement, the decision was made to bring together Church Outreach and campus ministry as Faith and Community.
The two said they had conversations for several months leading up to the transition on how they could collaborate in a variety of areas. Both Barnett and Lawrence said they work very well together and think a lot alike in ministry. They agreed the partnership was a natural fit.
“I am looking forward to seeing life changes and spiritual growth in our students,” Barnett said. “I love the college age student. They are in such a crucial period of their lives, and I truly believe this to be the most impactful time for spiritual molding and mentorship,” she said.
“We want to build relationships with students, pointing them to Christ and having lifelong impact. We want to carry on a long legacy that Ed Pavy began years ago. We hear about it from alumni we meet through our travels with Church Outreach. To know we have had Kingdom impact and significance is the highest honor as a minister,” Lawrence said.
Barnett said she is very excited to serve in this role and break multiple glass ceilings. “I believe racial reconciliation begins on the spiritual level. It’s my prayer that people will adopt the model of the ministry partnership Jamie and I share. Jesus breaks color and gender barriers,” Barnett said.
The two plan to preach Jesus and see life change across Campbellsville University’s campus and centers. “I have been honored to serve alongside Ed Pavy for several years. The impact he made on my life is lasting, and I hope to make that same impact for future students,” Barnett said.
Barnett said she would not be who she is without the support of her mother, Holly Barnett; spiritual mentors, the Rev. Montel Richardson and Dr. G. Ted Taylor; and the support team and church family at Albany First Baptist Church.
Lawrence said he wanted to give honor to those who paved the way for this opportunity including Pavy and Dan Flanagan for their service as campus ministers. He also wanted to thank his mentor, Dr. Tom Stokes; pastor, Dr. Dwyane Norman; campus minister, Bryant Rudolph; and his wife, Dr. Elisha Lawrence, associate professor of education at Campbellsville University.
Both Barnett and Lawrence said they are grateful to Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, and Dr. H. Keith Spears, senior vice president and assistant to the president, for walking with them every step of the way and for their encouragement and advice.
“I am beyond excited to work alongside Jamie. He has a heart for ministry and creative mindset. Our combined gifts make for a strong team. Ed Pavy left big shoes to fill so we covet the prayers of many as we embark on this new journey,” Barnett said.
Barnett also serves on the president’s Administrative Council, the COVID-19 Cabinet and the Diversity Policy Committee and is the first person of color to serve at the administrative level. She was the recipient of the Campbellsville University Staff Servant Leadership Award in 2018.
Barnett lives in Campbellsville and is the daughter of Holly Barnett and James Tatum of Greensburg, Ky. and Cincinnati, Ohio, respectively. She is a 2008 graduate of Green County High School.
She received both her bachelor degree from Campbellsville University in 2013 and her Master of Theology and Master of Divinity in 2015 and 2020, respectively. In January she plans to begin her Ph.D.
Lawrence served as the head bowling coach at Campbellsville University from 2015 to 2019 and is a professional member of the Gospel Music Association.
He lives in Campbellsville and is the son of Jimmy Lawrence and Faye Phelps of Smiths Grove. He is married to Dr. Elisha Lawrence, and they have two children Kaylee Grace and Kellis William.
Lawrence is a 1995 Warren East High School graduate. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Kentucky University in 2002, his Master of Arts in Religion and his Master of Divinity from Liberty University in 2008 and 2014, respectively, and his Master of Theology from Campbellsville University in 2020. Lawrence plans to begin his Ph.D. in January.
Barnett can be reached at jbbarnett@campbellsville.edu, and Lawrence’s email is jwlawrence@campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.