Director: Rev. Lauren Odell-Scott
I have served with UCM since 1993! I received my call to ministry when I was in high school! I preached my first sermon at 17 years old at my local Presbyterian congregation. I went on to study Religion at Texas Christian University where I met and married my husband, David. Together graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN where I received a M.A. in Religion and Psychology. I was ordained in July 1980 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I pastored two congregations in Tennessee. Currently, in addition to ministry at UCM, I serve as pastor of Ledgewood Christian Church. I have served as a hospital chaplain and completed a second unit of Clinical Pastoral Education with focus on psychiatric ministry. My husband, David, is Chairperson of the Philosophy Department and Coordinator of Religious Studies here at Kent State. David and I are the proud parents of grown children, Megan and Paul. UCM is an amazing campus ministry open to all KSU students! "Wherever you are on the journey...you are welcome here!"
Campus Ministry Associate: Jodi Stillisano
As a student intern in the '90's, I really enjoyed my time spent at UCM. I am excited to be working with Lauren and the students once again! Getting to know the students and sharing in their joys and concerns are a highlight of my week. I am proud to be a part of this vital ministry at Kent State, representing the mainline churches and sharing the knowledge of God's amazing grace and unconditional love.
Secretary: Pat Satler
Pat has been a part of UCM for many years. She is a wonderful presence in the office and can light up the day of anyone who meets her. She has been working with students of Kent State almost since UCM was started and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the ministry. Along with coordinating all of the mailings of UCM Pat also puts out the newsletter Loadstone to area churches. Pat assumes many logistical responsibilities at UCM and we could not function without her. Pat is an invaluable part of the UCM staff and we are truly blessed to have her with us.
Student Interns
Matt Jackson
Matt is a UCM regular, a member of the Kent United Methodist church, and our favorite Acme employee. Matt even attended the daycare located at UCM as a little boy! Matt is a Senior at KSU, studying Spanish Translation and International Relations. He will serve UCM as the “Programming, Sports, and Ecumenical” Intern this fall. As our only male staff member, Matt will also lift heavy items and squish yucky bugs. Thanks, Matt!
Alisa Kohler
Alisa is entering her Junior year at KSU and studying Speech Pathology with a minor in Psychology.This is her third year with UCM, and her first year serving as the “Recruitment, Programming, and Interfaith” Intern. Central Trinity UMC is her home church, where she was very active in developing her youth group. Alisa brings great energy and leadership to UCM!
Brittany Saluan
Brittany is a Senior Interpersonal Communications Major with hopes in pursuing Event Planning as a career. She is new to UCM and will serve as the “Communications, Publicity, and Special Events” Intern. She is from the Northeast Ohio area and loves to travel to warmer places. Brittany enjoys meeting and working with new people. Brittany looks forward to building new relationships through this experience! Welcome to UCM, Brittany!