Gator Wesley is comitted to leadership development through multiple programs including Upper Room Staff, Wesley Leadership Team, and Internships. The Upper Room Staff is an intensive student leadership team that assists in organizing and leading the Wesley Foundation and University United Methodist Church. Opportunities are available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been involved in Wesley ministries. Positions are for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Staff members are chosen through an application process each February for the following academic year.
The Wesley Leadership Team provides the main support in running the ministries of the Wesley Foundation. Opportunities are available to all students regardless of year in school or experience with the Wesley Foundation. Positions are available for the calender year (January through December) allowing Freshmen to experience Wesley before joining and allowing Seniors to elect to take their final semester in school to focus on graduation and their next steps in life if need be. The Wesley Leadership Team is chosen through an application process that begins in the fall for the upcoming spring.
Internships are also available to recent graduates and recent seminary graduates who would like to spend a year in campus ministry. Interns are generally in charge of a specific ministry area (missions, worship, discipleship, etc.) and help resource our student leaders. If you are interested in more details on interning at Gator Wesley, please contact David Fuquay.
Program Staff
Rev. David Fuquay
Pastor/Director
David joined the staff in January 2006, having served nine years in youth and college ministries in Mississippi and North Carolina and for more than two years as the lead pastor of a congregation in Jackson, MS. He most recently served a two-year stint at The Fund for Theological Education in Atlanta, GA. David received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Millsaps College and a M.Div. from Duke Divinity School. He is an Elder in Full Connection in the Mississippi Conference. He is the proud owner of a yellow lab named Jake and five lovely house plants.
>> Email David
Dan Wunderlich
Assistant Director
Dan graduated from the University of Florida (‘06), and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. He was a member of the Gator Wesley Foundation’s Upper Room Staff for three and a half years as an undergraduate. He is currently serving as the Assistant Director/web designer/worship leader/other duties as assigned. He plays drums, guitar, and loves Gator football. Dan plans to pursue ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church and serve as a full time campus minister.
>> Email Dan
Pam Petersen
Office Manager
I have been on staff at the Wesley Foundation since 1996 but have been involved here in one way or another since 1971. I had the somewhat unique experience of attending a meeting hosted by members of the Upper Room staff in my home town the summer before my freshman year at UF. I was the only one who came to that meeting but it began my connection to this ministry. I wanted to be a member of the Upper Room staff during my time as a student, but women weren’t allowed on staff until the 1990s. When you have a lot of time, stop by and I’ll tell you about all the other careers I had in Gainesville. I would also love to bore you with information about my family! I have seen God work through this ministry to transform the lives of many people. I know that I have received much more blessing from this ministry than I could ever repay in my service to it.
>> Email Pam
Rev. Paul and Rev. Amber Massingill
Discipleship Directors
Paul grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (’96) where he was active in student government and several service organizations. He attended Duke University Divinity School (’00), where he interned for a year alongside the distinguished Mr. David Fuquay and met the love of his life, Amber (since he already met Jesus we can say this). Amber grew up in Gainesville and attended Furman University (’96). During her undergrad time, she did internships in church ministry and political science. After a year off in Colorado, she started seminary at Duke where she met Paul on their first day…but don’t ask her about this because she doesn’t remember it happening. They married a week after graduation and spent a year living in England, serving British Methodist churches and travelling through Europe. After returning to the States, Paul & Amber served churches in Miami and the Tampa area before recently moving back to Gainesville. The Massingills have two boys - Gabe (5) and Michael (2) – who are wonderfully active and strong-willed little blessings from God.
>> Email Paul
>> Email Amber
Kara Lowe
Missions/Administrative Intern
Kara Lowe graduated from the University of Florida in 2008 with a degree in psychology. She recently returned from a month-long trip to Kenya, where she worked at a hospice center and orphanage. Kara was a member of the Upper Room Staff for two years as an undergraduate and is excited to be back on the Wesley staff this year. Kara plans to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in behavior analysis or become a professional freelance missionary/emergency response team leader. When not at church, you will likely find her dog-sitting for David.
>> Email Kara
Upper Room Staff
Hansol Bae
Sophomore- Intramurals
Greetings! My name is Hansol and I am from Pensacola. I’m originally from Kwang-ju, South Korea. I am majoring in nuclear engineering and in my free time I like to play racquetball, cards, and work on computers. I love UF Wesley because it makes me feel like a part of a community, and I know that people care about me here. I look forward to building that community further this year.
>> Email Hansol
Jeff Caldwell
Sophomore- Faith Development
I’m an electrical engineering major from Tampa. I love to play sports and be outside, especially doing things like swimming, running, camping, and mountain biking. I also have been known to stay up late playing cards with Hansol and our buddy Travis. UF Wesley has provided me a great group of friends, and I love that we can all worship, serve God, and have fun together.
>> Email Jeff
Shawn McWhinnie
Junior- Worship, Drama, Music
Hey, hey, hey! My name is Shawn McWhinnie and I am a junior this year at UF. My major is microbiology. What can I say? I like biology. I am a carnivore that loves to shred on the guitar as well as the piano. My job is to make you laugh and let’s just say that I love my job. You can catch me performing improv all around campus or hanging out in the Wesley House. UF Wesley is my home . . . literally. So come over and hang out.
>> Email Shawn
Sara Minton
Senior- Event Planning
Hey! I am a music education major with “choral emphasis” at UF. Music is my passion. One day, I hope to teach music in an elementary school somewhere. I have also found, mainly through experiences at the Wesley Foundation, that I love working with all forms of church music. I like to play outside, especially if it involves the water or camping. UF Wesley has truly become my family and support system while at college. Oh, and I flat out love Gator sports.
>> Email Sara
Martha Pennock
Junior- Weekly Events
Hi. My name is Martha Pennock. I am a third year student at the University of Florida. My goal is to graduate with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. As of right now I don’t really know where that will take me, but no matter what I am hoping to eventually get a MA and hopefully one day a Ph.D. In ten years I hope to see me done with school and successful in something I am passionate about. I love dark chocolate and hiking the Appalachian Trail. UF Wesley really is my home away from home and I hope that you join us this year!
>> Email Martha
Alyssa Sewall
Senior- Local Missions
Hey, my name is Alyssa and I am a senior at UF and a second year nursing student.. When I am not at the church or at the health science library, you can usually find me working out at one of the various gyms on campus or at Starbucks. I love sarcasm and laughing at myself. This is my fourth year at the Wesley Foundation, my second year as an Upper Room staff member, and it really is my home. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to serve God in the coming year and I can’t wait to see what happens.
>> Email Alyssa
Laurie Tweed
Sophomore- On-Campus Outreach
Hello, hello. I’m Laurie and I am a chemistry major. You’re likely to find me singing, reading, eating, or swing dancing. I also love chillaxin’ and eating ice cream - especailly Ben and Jerry’s. I love Wesley because it is a welcoming community that is willing to serve each other in any situation. So . . . basically, let’s be friends!
>> Email Laurie
Amanda Van Laningham
Junior- Hospitality and Food
Hi! My name is Amanda. I am a junior at the University of Florida and I am an anthropology major. I love music, bowling, rock climbing, reading, and cooking. I also love that UF Wesley is such a great community. I cannot wait to see you in the upcoming year!
>> Email Amanda
Alex White
Sophomore- Worship and Tech
My name’s Alex and I am a pretty laid back guy. I really like drumming (I am on the Florida Drum Line), the beach, and hanging with friends. I am a telecommunications major with an emphasis in production, but I am also minoring in music theory and composition. I love Wesley because everyone is really nice and I get a chance to make friends and play the drums. I hope to see you around this year.
>> Email Alex
