Western Carolina University
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RUF is a community of students learning how to love God, love people, and love Western Carolina University. Regardless of your beliefs or doubts, RUF is a safe place to EXPLORE Christianity and GROW in your understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. We welcome all, no matter where they are in the process, to be part of our campus ministry.
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Meet Our Team
Andrew Shank
Andrew grew up in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but ever since his family moved to Charlotte, NC right after his 13th birthday, he’s called North Carolina “home.” Andrew is a graduate of NC State, and after his college days, interned with RUF at Virginia Tech before returning to Charlotte to attend Reformed Theological Seminary. It was during these RTS days that he met, wooed, and wed his wife, Trish. After finishing seminary, Andrew spent three years as the Pastor of Discipleship at Hilton Head Presbyterian Church before moving to WCU in the summer of 2017.
Andrew and Trish have three daughters, Sophie, Maggie, and Emmaline, and together they enjoy the outdoors, board games, reading, music, making pizza together, and going on adventures.
Kate Donnell
Kate (Anderson) Donnell is from Asheville, North Carolina. She graduated from Appalachian State University (Go ‘Neers!) with a degree in Recreation Management and minor in Entrepreneurial Studies and is currently working towards a Masters in Ministry at Covenant Theological Seminary. She loves anything outdoors, whether it is hiking, running, or spending time at a lake with her husband, Andrew, and their dog, Nala. RUF played a huge role in her life while in college and she is so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of that same ministry at WCU and point these students to Christ.
Matthew Dernberger
Matthew was born in Michigan, but grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. Fun fact: he has a twin sister! He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Religious Studies and Non-Profit Leadership with a Business Administration minor. During college, Matthew became involved in RUF as a freshman and played bass in the RUF band for two years. Matthew loves going on hikes, playing music, and staying active. He loves talking about cars, music, sports, science, theology, and pretty much anything else. He is a deep lover of mountains and nature and is really excited to get to know Western’s students and its campus.