Vanderbilt University RUF International
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RUF International is a community for international students to build friendships and explore Christianity. We welcome Vandy students from all religious backgrounds to join us for fun cultural events and deep conversations. We hope that you will make RUF-I your home away from home!
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Meet Our Team
Andrew Terrell
Although Andrew grew up not too far from Nashville in the great state of Georgia, he has spent most of his adult life far from home in both Spain and New York City. Before serving as the Campus Minister for international students at Vanderbilt, Andrew had the same role at Columbia University in NYC for eight years. Two of Andrew’s passions are cross-cultural friendships and deep conversations about faith and spirituality. He loves getting to combine the two in his work with RUF-I! Andrew holds a B.S. in Psychology and a M.A. in Biblical Studies and is ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America. When he’s not on campus with international students, you can find Andrew reading a book, walking in the woods, or alongside his wife Olivia chasing their three young boys around the backyard.
Etta Farlow
Etta was born in Lewisville, North Carolina, and graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Biology from Western Carolina University where she was actively involved with RUF. Upon graduating, she began working for RUF at Belmont University where she was an intern. After three years of full-time ministry, she was heartbroken the internship was coming to an end. She joked "Unless RUF-I comes to Vanderbilt I guess I won't be able to continue working for RUF." Well, God had other plans and she has accepted a position on staff with RUF-I at Vanderbilt. She first became interested in International ministry when she was growing up, and now she finally has the opportunity to pursue that full-time. She is also currently enrolled at Trevecca University and is pursuing LPC licensure. She loves any and everything outdoors, going to concerts with friends, and of course, finding the best coffee in town. She loves running, trying new things, and is constantly creating something, from art to baked goods, there's always a new project on the horizon.
JT Gilbert
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, JT graduated from Samford University with a degree in Finance. While at Samford, the Lord used RUF to heavily impact his life, and for the last two years of his college career, he became deeply involved with the ministry. At Samford, the Lord also pricked JT's heart for the nations and continually refined this passion for internationals. In his free time, JT enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, game nights, and being with friends!