Meet the Wesley Welcome Team.

Reagan Smith

Welcome Team Leader
Hi, I'm Reagan! I joined Wesley in 2018 because I was looking for a church family where I could worship and be myself. Wesley definitely provided that - I made so many great friends, developed my faith, and enjoyed giving back by serving in leadership roles. After earning my bachelor's degree, I am returning to Chapel Hill for my Master if Public Policy. I am so excited for the opportunity to stick with Wesley and continue growing in faith and leadership!

Claire Bengough

Welcome Team Leader
Hi! My name is Claire, and I joined Wesley because of its welcoming and supportive environment. As a leader this year, I am looking forward to welcoming new students to the Wesley community and creating the same environment for others that drew me to this campus ministry. When I'm not with Wesley, I enjoy picnics on the quad or coffee with my friends!   

Elise Benward

Welcome Team Leader
My name is Elise and I joined Wesley last year as a freshmen because of the wonderful community environment. I am excited to help welcome in new students (and students new to Wesley) this year and help grow the best ministry on campus. Outside of Wesley, you can probably find me in the Meantime grabbing a matcha or cheering on the Heels at every basketball game!

Cooper Metts

Welcome Team Leader
Hi, I'm Cooper Metts! I'm a rising senior from Arapahoe, NC majoring in Media and Journalism. I enjoy watching and playing all types of sports, wildlife photography, and being outdoors. My favorite thing about Wesley is the Christian community and kind people. I'm super excited to help people feel welcomed to Wesley and be involved in all of our fun events!

Andrew Lockard

Welcome Team Leader
Hello! My name is Andrew Lockard, I'm a sophomore computer science and mathematics double major, from Harrisburg, North Carolina (right outside Charlotte!)  My favorite part of Wesley is the amazing community we have.  When I go to worship, small group, or any of the Wesley events I find myself surrounded by the kindest and most inviting people I've met, where I can truly be my goofy and fun self!  I joined the hospitality team because I love to meet new people and wanted to provide a personalized and friendly experience to everyone who is interested in Wesley!

Kayla Shaver

Welcome Team Leader
Hi, I'm Kayla and I am from Thomasville, NC. I'm a Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Music. I joined Wesley because of the accepting community, and I am excited to spend this year welcoming new members! I also enjoy singing, cooking, sewing, and reading in my spare time. I look forward to meeting you!

Meet the Wesley Student Leaders

Camden Whitlock

Communications and Fundraising Leader

Hi! My name is Camden Whitlock and I am a rising sophomore in UNC Wesley. I grew up within the Methodist Church at Dilworth United Methodist in Charlotte, NC and became involved with Wesley after encouragement from my youth group leader. I enjoy Wesley as a continuation of the love and community I’ve always been a part of through the church, whether that is through service, small groups, social activities or missions. On campus, I am also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, serving on their 2021-22 executive chair, a member of the UNC marathon team, and a yoga instructor for UNC campus recreation.

Andrew Withrow

Praise Band Leader

Bio 

Madison Findley

Retreat Team Leader

Hi! My name is Madison Findley, (she/her) and I am a senior from Fuquay Varina, NC. I am a geography major with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). My favorite thing about Wesley is the amazing community of people that I am able to surround myself with as I continue to grow my faith. I am super excited to plan retreats and help on the board. Outside of Wesley you can catch me spending as much time as possible outside or at any UNC sport games.

Marisa Romanat

Freshley Leader

Hi friends! I’m Marisa (she/her/hers) and I’m a sophomore at UNC, double majoring in Psychology & Religious Studies. Some of my favorite things include hikes in the Western U.S., sunset walks through UNC's campus, cooking vegan food, and wearing Carolina Blue. UNC Wesley has been a grounding and welcoming space for me during the highs and lows of college. The people in this ministry reflect the image of God through their bold compassion and intentionality in meeting people where they are. I’m excited to be able to lead freshmen this year in small group and continue to foster that kind of environment where everyone is invited to the Table!

Meet your Wesley Staff:

Rev. Ryan G. Spurrier

Campus Minister

Welcome to Wesley, a community seeking to help each other hear God's voice and grow into the women and men God is calling us to be.  Since arriving at Carolina in the summer of 2015, I have loved being part of this dynamic group striving to grow in faith and live faithfully in Chapel Hill--and all the places we go on retreats and mission trips.  I am an elder in the United Methodist Church, and before UNC, I served as an associate pastor in North Augusta and Greenwood, SC.  Before that, I earned a B.S. in Math from Clemson and a Master's of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (but don't worry, I am a Tar Heel!).  When not at Wesley, I love working out, playing ultimate Frisbee and baseball, and being a dad (my wife, Kyrsten, and I are parents to the two coolest little boys we've ever met).

Laron Dowdell

Ministry Intern 

Laron earned his Masters in Social Work at East Carolina University and is experienced providing counseling services to diverse populations of all ages in both medical and mental health settings. Laron is a staunch advocate, with a history of working passionately on behalf of oppressed communities to achieve justice, fairness, and opportunities. Laron has spent decades enhancing his knowledge, skills, and expertise to create worship and service opportunities for various demographics, including college students. Laron has  served as a minister and lead musician in Breakthrough Campus Ministry at East Carolina University. In 2006, the Lord called him as the successor of the President role in Breakthrough Campus Ministry. During this time, he implemented evangelism and prayer initiatives, submitted ideas for fundraising, created a leadership board, rebranded the ministry, and revived BCM’s social media presence. Laron also formed the broadcast media ministry, created a robust praise and worship team, and music ministry.

Laron has learned that his greatest passion is creating family through spiritual authenticity, patience, and cultural relevance. Laron’s hopes for being in ministry is to speak the full language of the Bible in a way that compels souls to catch on fire for God and mature through Kingdom discipleship.

Whitney Hall

Ministry Intern 

Hi! My name is Whitney Hall, and I am from Charlotte, NC. I am a third-year M.Div student at Duke Divinity, and I serve as a Discipleship Pastor. I love everything related to the arts, so creating music and acting in the theatre are my favorite things to do. I also lead worship for a United Methodist Church in Charlotte. I am an extrovert so I'm very comfortable in groups, and I am looking forward to connecting with undergraduate students. I have a passion for Pastoral care and am excited to journey with you!

Kevin Towers

I am a 1st year MDIV student at Duke Divinity School and am looking forward to supporting everyone in ministry this year as a UNC Wesley Intern. I am originally from North Alabama and went to undergrad at Auburn University to receive a degree in Psychology. There I was on leadership at the Auburn Wesley Foundation and a member of Auburn's Club Ultimate Frisbee team. When I am not studying, I enjoy playing sports, going to the movies, and crocheting clothes and stuffed animals.

Linda Piper

Administrative Associate

New to the staff in 2021, I started out as a UNC Wesley parent in 2010 when my son Brett was a sophomore. Since then my husband Mark and I have served on the Board of Visitors (now Wesley Advisory Council) and I've served as a Board Member. Our daughter, Kylie, and son, David, have also had a strong connection to Wesley and in fact, Brett met his wife and David met his fiancée through Wesley!
I love that I have an opportunity to work in a ministry that I'm passionate about. I look forward to helping support other staff, students, parents, alumni, board members and friends of Wesley Campus Ministry in my role here! 

Director of Development

 

We are currently hiring a new Director of Development.  If you are interested in applying, you may access the job posting here.

Liv Vermane

Communications Intern

Hi, my name is Olivia Vermane, but my friends call me Liv! I am originally from New York. I’m somewhat of an introverted extrovert, which means that I love people with all my heart but also need some occasional alone time. I’m a part time wedding photographer, but when I’m not busy snapping photos, you can usually find me drinking coffee, stuffing my face with Italian food, or watching How I Met Your Mother. I’m a Jesus-lover, a dreamer, a creator, and a community builder. I’m a first year MDiv student at Duke Divinity School, and a Communications Ministry Intern with UNC Wesley! I’m excited to be doing life with you all this year, and I can’t wait to see where God leads us together!