The Reverend Bobby Gatlin has been named university minister at Samford University effective January 22, 2019.
In his role, Gatlin will lead religious life initiatives in the Samford community through global missions, program coordination, pastoral care and worship experiences. He will provide leadership and vision for the Office of Spiritual Life and will oversee the university’s convocation program. Gatlin will also preach and teach on campus regularly.
“Rev. Gatlin is a gifted minister and his experience in guiding individuals as they explore and develop their faith will be a tremendous asset to our students, faculty and staff,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management R. Philip Kimrey. “At Samford, the integration of spiritual and intellectual development is foundational to our mission. Rev. Gatlin will ensure that we continue to effectively integrate our Christian mission across all aspects of the university.”
Gatlin brings to the position more than 20 years of experience serving churches in Alabama, Texas and Tennessee. For the past 16 years, he has served as the minister to students at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marrietta, Georgia. The church, which is one of the largest in metro Atlanta, has more than 8,000 members and a vibrant student ministry.
"After many years of local church student ministry, I am excited about joining the Samford family,” said Gatlin. “I look forward to meeting everyone and working to build upon an incredible campus ministry."
Gatlin is a graduate of the University of Mobile and he earned a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kerri have two children who are Samford students.
