LaGrange Chaplain helps students find sense of belonging on the Hill

Submitted by LaGrange College staff

The start of a new school year can bring a feeling of excitement but also anxiety for students away from home for the first time. The Rev. Ashley Fitzpatrick Jenkins (class of '08), who joined the staff of LaGrange College this summer as Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, aspires to provide a warm and accepting environment for the campus community.
 
"I want to cheer students on and be with them during their hardships,” Jenkins said. “If a student is having difficulty in class, making friends or finding their place in college, I would love to listen to them and assist them in locating campus resources.”
 
She said her journey to LaGrange College, where she met her husband Trey (class of ’08), began with former LaGrange College Chaplain Quincy Brown.
 
“I first met Quincy when he was the associate pastor at my grandparent’s church,” Jenkins said. “After he left the church, he became the college’s Chaplain. When I started looking at schools, my grandparents reminded me about Quincy working in LaGrange and told me to check out LaGrange College.”
 
She said another person who played a critical role in her becoming a student on ‘the Hill’ was Amy Baxter (class of ’06), who was a LaGrange College ambassador.
 
“When my mom and I came to LaGrange College, Amy was our tour guide,” Jenkins said. “After that first encounter, I developed a bond with Amy. She became my roommate a year later and remains a dear friend to this day.”
 
Jenkins said her religion classes at the college helped in her decision to pursue ministry.
 
“It was wonderful to study under such renowned scholars and then also wrestle with my call to ministry,” she said. “Writing a paper about faith and praying about my calling at the same time affirmed my calling and made me fall in love with God even deeper.”
 
During her undergraduate years, Jenkins was a Servant Scholar and held leadership roles in student organizations.
 
After graduating from LaGrange, she pursued a ministry degree at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Rev. Jenkins worked at different churches in the North Georgia United Methodist Conference before being appointed as LC’s Chaplain this summer. She has served as President of the LC Alumni Executive Committee.
 
Jenkins said she looks forward to getting to know the students.
 
“I want the students to know that they matter to me and the faculty and staff,” she said. “Everything we do is for our students.”