David Roland retires after 27 years as Shorter University's Baptist Campus Minister

ROME, Ga. — After nearly four decades of ministry and 27 years of faithful service as Shorter University's Baptist Campus Minister, David Roland is retiring, and what a legacy he leaves behind.

A native of Covington, Kentucky, David earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Kentucky before sensing a deeper calling. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and from that moment, his life's work was set. He first answered the call to campus ministry at Brewton-Parker College from 1986 to 1992, then served at Georgia Tech from 1992 to 1999 before finding his home on the Hill, where he has poured his life into Shorter students ever since June of 1999.

For more than a quarter century, David has been a steady, faithful presence on this campus. Through the Baptist Campus Ministry, he built a community where students could grow in their faith, find belonging, and be challenged to live with purpose. He led countless mission trips, walking alongside students as they served others and discovered what it means to follow Christ beyond the classroom. He also fostered a meaningful partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, bringing students together across ministries in a shared pursuit of faith and community. And perhaps one of the most beloved traditions David and his wife Margaret created was opening their home each year to students for a Thanksgiving feast, ensuring that no student on the Hill had to spend the holiday far from family without a warm table and a warm welcome.

In the quiet, unseen moments, the late-night conversations, the prayers over struggling students, the open door when someone needed guidance, David and Margaret showed up, again and again, with grace and compassion.

His impact cannot be measured in programs or events. It is measured in the lives of the men and women who walked across this campus and left better because David Roland was here.

We are grateful beyond words for his dedication, his faithfulness, and his love for this university. David and Margaret, we wish you all the joy and rest of a well-earned retirement.