University Chaplain
Years at McMurry: 3
M. Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
B.A., McMurry '99

Someone once asked Reverend Tim Kennedy, University Chaplain, if he took a special praying class in Seminary. You know, a class on how to pray on a moment’s notice. He laughed and then said, “No, but sometimes I wish that I had.” However, if you ever listen to Tim lead a group in prayer you would chuckle and wonder why he thinks he should have taken that class.

Tim’s definition of McMurry is “a community committed to the development of the whole person… mind, body and soul.” When Tim leads a group in prayer, whether before a meal, after convocation, during chapel or at the beginning of a meeting, one feels enveloped by God…mind, body and soul.

Fortunately for McMurry, Tim attacks his job with the same passion and conviction as when he prays. “The Religious Life program at McMurry is relevant, engaging and informed by our religious heritage as a United Methodist University.” Tim is a firm believer that the religious life program at McMurry helps students in their college career. He is not stating that each student needs to come to chapel, be a part of the organization, and pray in the chapel for an hour everyday, though a student could do these things. Any involvement in Religious Life is beneficial. “It is my conviction that the students involved in the religious life program have begun to model for all of us the type of commitment to diversity and respect that produces the sort of learning environment we attempt to cultivate here at McMurry.”

He has a commitment with the students of McMurry to pay his dues. “I am a product of McMurry University. I would not be who I am today if it were not for those who taught, challenged and loved me during my time here.”