Despite Waynesburg University being Ross Owens’ last choice when choosing his college, the University has made an everlasting impact on him. 

“Waynesburg was my last choice coming in,” Owens, who also applied to Geneva College and Liberty University, said. “I knew I wanted to study ministry and geology and go to a Christian school.”

One thing that brought Owens to Waynesburg was the efforts of Chaplain Josh Sumpter.

“Chaplain Sumpter was sending me emails left and right, and that is something that I wasn’t getting from other schools,” Owens said. 

Now, the two have developed a bond that they both said will last beyond their time together at Waynesburg.

“Sumpter personally calls me out by name anywhere we go, and he introduces me to pastors, ministry leaders and scholars,” Owens said. 

“I have known Ross for four years,” Sumpter said. “I’ve had him as a student in at least six courses.”

Sumpter spoke about some of Owens’ positive attributes.

“Ross desires to put his knowledge into practice. Early in his journey at Waynesburg University, he started serving with several local churches. He applies his learning within these ministry contexts,” Sumpter said. “It is a joy to know that his education at WU is impacting others. Ross does not settle for the status quo. He desires to listen, learn, grow and impact others for Christ.”

Owens has been involved in a handful of extracurriculars on campus. He is a Bonner Scholar, has served at several churches and ministries, previously led the Black Student Union, leads a youth group in Jefferson, PA and also did a season of track & field.

He also attended the service trip to the Dominican Republic over spring break.

“I’m at a loss of words to describe it; it was such an amazing experience,” Owens said. “It was great to get to learn things from people internationally, and maybe they learned a thing or two from us as well.”

After graduating, Owens plans to head to Asbury Theological Seminary and is applying to churches and ministries in Pittsburgh to work vocationally.