Meet the Team

  • Rev. Eric Davis

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Eric, a Starkville native, earned a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College before continuing his theological education at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. After completing his Master of Divinity at ATS, Eric assumed the role of associate minister at Louisville United Methodist Church in 2015. Within months of his arrival, he spearheaded the launch of a contemporary worship service.

    In 2016, Eric transitioned to the position of senior pastor at Memorial United Methodist Church in Bolton, MS. Concurrently, he commenced teaching Bible at Hinds Community College and initiated the Wesley Campus Ministry on the Raymond Campus of Hinds CC. In 2018, Eric assumed the role of Executive Director at the University of Southern Mississippi Wesley Foundation.

    Alongside his ministry roles, Eric also teaches Bible at Pearl River Community College. He is happily married to Christine Davis, the Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan at Pearl River Community College. Together, they are proud parents to James and Emily.

  • Jack Riley Grace

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Jones College Wesley

    Jack Riley, originally from northeast Louisiana, spent much of his upbringing in Petal, Mississippi, and now considers himself a native of the Hattiesburg area. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing.

    During his time in college, Jack Riley served as the youth worship intern at Main Street United Methodist Church and held a variety of leadership roles at the Southern Miss Wesley Foundation, including worship, small groups, retreats, and event planning. He also filled in for pastors across Mississippi, preaching and leading worship when needed.

    In the spring of 2024, Jack Riley joined the Hub City Wesley network as Associate Director of Worship & Outreach for Southern Miss Wesley and Campus Minister for Jones College Wesley in Ellisville, Mississippi.

    He is the proud owner of a golden retriever named Wesley—his right-hand companion in ministry. Wesley has been a blessing not only in Jack Riley’s life but also as a bridge to students, often breaking the ice and helping them feel at home in the ministry.

  • Jenisha Owens

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Pearl River Wesley

    Jenisha is originally from Tupelo, MS, but as a United Methodist clergy kid, she spent much of her life moving throughout the state of Mississippi. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

    Throughout her life, Jenisha has embraced many opportunities to serve the Lord—both in the church and in the classroom. Upon arriving at Southern Miss, she quickly became an active member of the Southern Miss Wesley Foundation, where she served faithfully as Hospitality Coordinator and later as President.

    In addition to her leadership at Wesley, Jenisha also served as a youth intern at Main Street United Methodist Church and continues to lead wherever she is needed. Her heart for ministry, hospitality, and service shines through in all she does.

Connexion is the student council for Southern Miss Wesley, overseeing six key areas of the ministry. Students can serve as coordinators for a semester or a year, leading a team to fulfill their area's mission.

The seven coordinator roles in Connexion are Connexion Coordinator, Discipleship Coordinator, Missions Coordinator, Worship Coordinator, Hospitality Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, and Inter-Cultural Coordinator. Students interested in serving undergo an affirmation process where the community recognizes their commitment.

Question: Are you feeling called by God to serve the Wesley community? 

Answer: Then, enter the affirmation process by making yourself available. 

CONNEXION

Group of people posing on steps in front of building with columns

  • We are the student council for Wesley. We implement biblical truths and help lead in foundational areas. These students make themselves available to serve and invite others to serve as well. Connexion is a position held for a minimum of a semester. These students are recognized through the affirmation process held twice a year.

    • Seek Christ.

    • Feel called by God to serve Wesley.

    • Make themselves available through the affirmation process.

    • Commit to 6–8 hours of service per week.

    • Be present at weekly Wesley events.

    • Actively participate in a Kindle small group.

    • Represent the ministry.

    • Create a Connexion covenant and rule of life.

    • Serve as a coordinator in one of the following areas: Outreach, Fellowship, Worship, Discipleship, or Missions.

    • Serve until the end of the term.

    • Invite students and build teams that grow in love for God and neighbor.

    • Attend Jump Start Retreats at the beginning of each semester (Spring & Fall).

    • Attend Connexion meetings weekly for the first six weeks of the semester, then every other week.

    • Connexion Coordinator – Works with campus minister(s) to fulfill Wesley’s mission and vision. Coordinates Connexion meetings, sets the agenda, and serves as a liaison between the campus and Wesley.

    • Discipleship Coordinator – Encourages deep and intentional relationships by creating and overseeing Spark and Kindle groups.

    • Ember Missions Coordinator – Leads the community in serving as the hands and feet of God. Organizes mission teams for weekly, semesterly, and annual engagement opportunities.

    • Ignite Worship Coordinator – Develops meaningful worship rhythms within the community. Invites students to participate in worship through singing, playing instruments, and production.

    • Fellowship Coordinator – Organizes fun and engaging gatherings that strengthen relationships. Plans fellowship opportunities, including weekly events and semester retreats.

    • Outreach Coordinator – Expands Wesley’s reach beyond its walls by connecting with students and organizations. Encourages campus-wide outreach through weekly, semesterly, and annual initiatives.

  • What Am I Doing?

    • You are following your call.

    • You are making yourself available by posting your letter on the wall.

    • Follow the steps below to participate in the affirmation process.

    Steps to Participate:

    1. Read each letter from those who have made themselves available.

    2. Affirm the person you feel God is calling to serve in that area by writing their name on the provided paper and placing it in the box.

    3. Pray for each person who has made themselves available and for the impact of the community on campus.

    What Am I Not Doing?

    • Campaigning (for myself or others).

    • Running for a position.

    • Voting for or against someone.

    • Worrying about qualifications.

    What to Include in Your Letter:

    • Your name.

    • How long you can serve: Spring Semester or Full Year (January–December).

    • The area you feel called to serve.

    • Your personal calling: What does serving in this area look or feel like for you?

    • Your vision: What has God placed on your heart to do differently in this ministry?

Equinox coffee southern miss Wesley

Equinox coffee southern miss Wesley

Equinox Coffee logo with sun and stars design

Step into the inviting atmosphere of Equinox Coffee, located in the heart of campus. More than just a coffee shop, Equinox is a place to connect, feel welcomed, and enjoy a quality coffee experience. Whether grabbing a cup before class, taking a peaceful break, or unwinding after a lecture, our friendly baristas serve you a freshly brewed cup of excellence.

Situated at the Wesley Foundation on the beautiful Southern Miss campus, Equinox Coffee is your go-to destination for great coffee and meaningful connections. Visit us at 3200 Montague Boulevard, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401, where every sip brings people together.

We’re open 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, though our hours may adjust to USM’s class schedule. Stop by and experience the warmth of Equinox Coffee—your campus oasis for coffee, community, and shared moments.