Sumpter named AU Chaplain and Executive Director of the Office of Christian Ministry
ASHLAND, Ohio – Joshua D. Sumpter, D.Min., has been named chaplain and executive director of the Office of Christian Ministry at Ashland University, his alma mater. He earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from AU in 2007 and a master of divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) in 2010. Sumpter will begin his duties in August.
“To a person, our search committee felt that Josh was called by God to minister to our students and community, just as others had once been called to serve him and his wife as young students on our campus,” said Jon Parrish Peede, D.A., president of AU and ATS. “At Ashland, we believe that a holistic education strengthens the mind, body and spirit. Josh will play a key role in the spiritual development of our students and the continued growth in our co-curricular ministry programs.”
Sumpter has served in various positions at Waynesburg University since 2016, including as university chaplain and an assistant professor of biblical and ministry studies. Previously, he worked as a youth pastor and associate minister for 10 years in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He is active in the Association of Youth Ministry Educators and several ministry networks in the Pittsburgh region.
Sumpter is also a frequent speaker at camps and has provided pulpit supply for a number of churches across multiple denominations. In 2024, he partnered with Footstep Ministries to begin leading “Footsteps of Paul” tours in Greece where students experienced “where the Word was written.” In 2019, he was honored with the Lucas Hathaway Excellence in Introductory Subjects Teaching Award for his work in teaching biblical studies at Waynesburg.
“It is an honor to return to my alma mater. As a student, I experienced the university’s motto, ‘Accent on the Individual,’ through the mentorship of the late Dr. Donald Rinehart, discipleship with the Rev. Joe Maggelet and leadership development through my involvement at Five Stones Community Church,” Sumpter said.
“I want to extend a special thank you to the entire search committee, led by President Peede and Dr. Robert Pool, as well as to the Office of Christian Ministry staff for sharing about the strong foundation of Christian values and student discipleship that is already taking place on campus. It is an exciting time to be an Ashland University Eagle!”
As an undergraduate at AU, Sumpter was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, worked as a groundskeeper for the baseball team and even served as the beloved Tuffy mascot at basketball games.
Sumpter recently completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary with a dissertation on first-year residential college students. He and his wife, Jessica '09, have three daughters, Adalynn, Anna and Alyson.
