HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 8, 2014 – Faith leaders and the High Point University community gathered on Oct. 1 for the installation of the Rev. Preston Davis, minister to the university.
Davis became minister to the university in 2013. Before arriving, he was commissioned in 2011 by the United Methodist Church as a provisional elder, a three-year period pastors complete while seeking full ordination. In July, he became an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
As campus and community members filled HPU’s Hayworth Chapel, Bishop Larry Goodpaster delivered a message that highlighted the unique role of the Minister to the University, an office that represents HPU’s United Methodist tradition and commitments. Goodpaster spoke of HPU’s strong spiritual foundation, its commitment to shape students with a faith that makes them “maladjusted” to the injustices of the world, and HPU’s success in modeling what it means to be a college related to a church, as well as a church related to a college.
The following faith leaders participated in the “Laying on of Hands,” symbolizing the wide and deep connections of campus, community and church: Rev. Dr. Nancy Rankin, Northern Piedmont district superintendent for the UMC; Dr. Clinton Corcoran, chair of the HPU Religion Department; Gail Tuttle, vice president for student life; Tashina Oladunjoye, director of social services for the Salvation Army; Rev. Frank Thomas, chair for the High Point Ministers Conference; and Bishop Tom Stockton, HPU’s bishop in residence.
“Preston’s gift of mind and heart have become evident to us all,” said Dr. Carol Stoneking, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and ordained minister and elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC. “He helps us explore the connection between academic and religious life and find ways to serve and connect. Today, we welcome Preston Davis who has been apt to serve as our minister of the university and prayerfully appointed by Bishop Goodpaster for this ministry.”
“I am humbled by such a service,” said Davis. “But it is important to remember this is not about me, but the commitment of this university. It is a place committed to developing the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—for the transformation of self and the world. I’m grateful to be a player in that mission.”