Ramsey Jeanty joined Campus Ministry in fall of 2024, bringing more than a decade of experience in higher education, where he has dedicated his career to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for students. LMU This Week sat down with Jeanty to talk about how his blend of pastoral care and counseling informs his approach to ministry, rooted in empathy, cultural competence, and understanding mental health. In his role as campus minister for ecumenical student life at LMU, he is “honored to walk alongside students in their personal and spiritual growth.”
LMU This Week: Why did you want this position? What drew you to LMU?
Ramsey Jeanty: When I read the job description, I was drawn to the fact that LMU was looking for a campus minister committed to anti-racism, justice, gender-inclusion, and trauma-informed. It was as if someone put all my passions into a proverbial blender.
LMUTW: What do you think so far, how has the transition been into Campus Ministry?
RJ: Trying to remember the flood of new names, faces, and LMU acronyms has been a challenge, but I also have such a welcoming team that has been gracious with me. It’s been a joy to work with the undergrads here and meet more students each week at The Well on Wednesday nights.
LMUTW: What programs are you most enthusiastic about? Do you have any new programming in mind for our students?
RJ: I’m excited to use my theology training and my marriage and family therapy training for a program in partnership with the interfaith council discussing faith and relationships. I’m also excited to partner with the Office of Black Student Services for a program called Let’s Have Church. I’m hearing from faculty and students alike that folks are looking forward to it too.
LMUTW: What does “ministry” mean to you?
RJ: I think of the words of Jesus to his followers, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That’s what ministry is to me – reaching out to people – and thus reaching out to God.
LMUTW: What has been life giving to you at LMU so far?
RJ: It’s been life-giving to participate with students in the ways they view the LMU mission. Two instances I’ve gotten to see that so far are the Search Retreat, which invited students to disconnect from their routine and connect with God and others; and the Brothers of Consciousness, who recently hosted “BOC Academy” which was an event that introduced eighth grade and ninth grade Black youths to college.
LMUTW: Anything else you would like to add?
RJ: I am simply happy to serve our students. I want to encourage my colleagues with a quote I heard at a recent conference for campus ministers, “We are hired by institutions, but we don’t serve institutions. We serve students. We serve God.” It’s in that spirit that I’ll end with a quote from one of my favorite movies, “Selena,” “Me siento muy – me siento muy . . . excited!”
