According to new alumni board member Joshua McCauley ’14, Shenandoah helped him reach his career goals through the inspiration provided by professors and mentors.
They taught me that whatever I do, I need to do it with passion and joy.”
McCauley is currently associate pastor at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Ashland, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion while at Shenandoah and obtained a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. McCauley felt called to youth and college age ministry in part because of his mentors at Shenandoah, Dean of Spiritual Life Justin Allen, D.Min., and Vice President for Student Life Rhonda VanDyke, D. Min. “I am starting my second year in my position, and s a part of my position, I have the privilege to do ministry on the campus of Randolph-Macon College and to work with the students,” said McCauley. “My position is rewarding for me as I am getting to use what I have learned from Shenandoah and Wesley in my ministry.”
It is important to stay active and to give my time to SU because of the experiences I received at Shenandoah. I want to see the opportunities that I had continue on for the students to come.”
McCauley is most excited to return to campus and reconnect with the faculty, staff and students present, as well as returning to Winchester for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in early May.
“Some of my fondest memories include traveling to several countries including Haiti, Scotland, France and the Bahamas.” During the trip (lead by President Fitzsimmons) to Haiti, McCauley was part of a team helping to establish a victim of the 2010 earthquake back into her home setting after physical therapy in Winchester. In Scotland and France, he went on pilgrimages for spiritual reflection, learning and growth, and the Bahamas was a faith-based mission trip where he worked with Bahamas Methodist Habitat and with an organization that houses persons living with HIV and AIDS. While at Shenandoah, McCauley was also involved in a number of student organization he looks back on fondly, such as the Student Government Association, Track and Field team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“It is an honor to serve as a member of the Board of Alumni where I get to see the success of Shenandoah from the new buildings to the strengthening of programs,” said McCauley. “I look forward to my continued service in the years to come.”