Published on January 22, 2019 by Katie Stripling  
Gatlin Bobby

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.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.

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