We’re honored to introduce Dr. Stephanie Sloan to the Texas Wesleyan family. She’s been a bright source of support for our students and brings a powerful vision for the future.

Tell me about your life before starting at Texas Wesleyan University.

Before starting my work at Texas Wesleyan University, my ministerial journey wove through a variety of experiences that shaped both my professional life and my calling. I earned my BBA from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where I first developed a passion for investing in people's lives. From there, I went on to complete my Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, which deepened my commitment to ministry and spiritual formation.

Over the years, I’ve served in several areas of church ministry, including consulting, church planting, leading worship, and media production. My work also expanded outside traditional church settings into hospital chaplaincy and Division I athlete chaplaincy, giving me opportunities to walk alongside people in some of the most pivotal moments of their lives.

In addition to those roles, I’ve spent more than 16 years serving on a college campus, investing in students through mentoring, programming, spiritual development, and community-building. Each of these experiences has helped shape the perspective and passion I bring to my work today.

What brought you into this realm of work?

I was drawn into collegiate campus chaplaincy because I genuinely care for people and feel called to be an extension of God’s love as they navigate the joys and challenges of life. My faith is deeply important to me, and it shapes the way I see and support others. I find great meaning in walking alongside individuals as they explore their own spiritual journeys. Whether they’re asking big questions, seeking direction, or simply needing someone to listen with compassion. Being able to accompany people in those sacred moments is what continues to inspire and sustain my work.

What changes have you made to chapel services and why?

When I first arrived on campus, I spent a great deal of time asking questions and listening to students, faculty, and staff about their experience of Spiritual Life. One of the clearest themes that emerged was that Chapel was difficult to find and that many people simply weren’t aware of when or where it was happening. Because Chapel is such an important part of our spiritual rhythm as a community, I knew accessibility and visibility had to be a priority.

In response, I moved Chapel to Gina’s Café in the Martin Center, right in the heart of campus. This central location has helped Chapel become more visible and integrated into the everyday flow of campus life. Being in such an active, welcoming space allows us to naturally engage students, faculty, and staff who might not otherwise have known about or attended Chapel. The shift has already opened new doors for connection and participation, which was exactly the goal.

I also made staffing changes to strengthen the experience and expand our capacity. I hired two Chapel interns to help support and grow the program. Cade Gordon leads worship each week, bringing consistent musical leadership and helping create an environment that invites reflection and engagement. Cole Francis coordinates our Chapel greeters and assists in following up with students, ensuring that everyone who attends feels welcomed and has opportunities to stay connected.

Together, these changes have helped Chapel become more visible, more hospitable, and more deeply connected to the life of our campus.

What are you most proud of from your time as Chaplain at TXWES so far?

I’m grateful for many things in my first year as Chaplain, but a few stand out in particular. When I began, my supervisor, Dr. Gary Stout, told me that the primary goal for my first year was simple but important: get to know people and build awareness for Spiritual Life and my role as chaplain. That guidance shaped everything I’ve done. Getting to know the people who make up this community has truly been the greatest joy of my work so far, and being the “pastor of our campus” remains my priority every single day.

I’m especially proud of the ways student leadership has grown within Chapel. Empowering students to step into meaningful roles. Whether worship, hospitality, or behind‑the‑scenes support, has created a stronger, more vibrant spiritual community. I also established the Spiritual Life Advisory Team, a group that helps me dream, plan, and shape the future of Spiritual Life at Texas Wesleyan. Their insight and partnership have already made a significant impact.

Finally, launching our new Spiritual Life app this semester has been a major milestone. It gives students easy access to Chapel information, events, spiritual resources, and opportunities to connect with our spiritual organizations. My hope is that it will continue to strengthen awareness and engagement across campus.

Altogether, these steps reflect progress in visibility, connection, and student involvement, three things that matter deeply to me and to the spiritual life of our campus.

Where is the Spiritual Life program going next year? And in the next 5 years?

As I look ahead to the coming year, my primary focus is on building a robust Spiritual Life network that includes local churches, alumni, and friends of the University. I believe this network will allow the Spiritual Life office to better support our campus by creating a community of volunteers and partners who can walk alongside our students, faculty, and staff. This kind of collaboration will help us offer deeper care, broaden our connections, and create spaces where support and spiritual engagement naturally intersect.

Looking further ahead, specifically over the next five years, I hope we will reach a place where there is no question that Texas Wesleyan sees spiritual engagement as a distinct and valued priority. Even in my short time here, many people have asked whether TXWES has always had a chaplain and have expressed genuine appreciation for having a visible, accessible spiritual presence on campus. My prayer is that this presence continues to grow and becomes woven into the identity of our community.

Five years from now, I hope Texas Wesleyan is known as a campus that provides a nonjudgmental, supportive environment for exploring spirituality for those who are seeking, while also offering meaningful opportunities for others to grow more deeply in their faith. My vision is for Spiritual Life to be a trusted, welcoming part of the Wesleyan experience, one that reflects our values, meets real needs, and helps our community flourish.

In your dream world, where would chapel and spiritual organizations convene on campus?

In my dream world, I would love to see a dedicated space on campus designed specifically for Chapel and for our spiritual organizations to gather. Having a permanent, purpose‑built location would allow us to host worship services, small groups, and events in a space that truly reflects the heart of Spiritual Life at TXWES.

I imagine this space including a prayer room for quiet reflection, a conference room where our spiritual organization teams can meet and plan, and several classrooms that could be used for training, Bible studies, and small groups. A space like this would not only support the work we’re doing now, but would also give us room to grow as we continue nurturing the spiritual life of our campus community.

What motivates you to continue doing this important work for the student body?

I’m motivated to continue this work because I believe every person on our campus deserves to know they are seen, valued, and that their presence matters. So many students are carrying heavy loads, and in a world that is often busy and distracted, being genuinely cared for can make an incredible difference.

Because of my faith in God and the way He loves me, I feel called to help our campus experience that same kind of acceptance and love. When someone encounters grace, kindness, or simply a listening ear, it stands out, and sometimes it even becomes a turning point. Getting to be part of those moments and helping create a community where people feel supported and known is what inspires me to keep doing this work every day.

How can interested alumni get involved with the Spiritual Life program on campus?

Alumni play an important role in strengthening the Spiritual Life program, and there are several meaningful ways to get involved:

1. Connect me with your faith community.
   If you’re part of a church or spiritual organization, introductions are incredibly valuable. These relationships help us create support systems for students and broaden the network of care available on campus.
2. Join our Spiritual Life Network.
   Alumni can serve as part of a volunteer network that engages and cares for specific groups on campus, whether that’s student organizations, athletic teams, academic programs, or other communities. Your presence, encouragement, and support can make a real difference.
3. Help spread the word.
   Many former Rams aren’t aware of how Spiritual Life has grown in recent years. Sharing what’s happening now with your friends from your time at TXWES helps us reconnect with alumni who may want to support, mentor, or partner with us. The more people who know, the stronger our support network becomes.

Alumni involvement helps us build a vibrant and caring spiritual community, and I’d love to welcome anyone who wants to be part of that work.