Meet the Team!
Pastor Tondala Hayward Campus Minister
Pastor Tondala Hayward has deep ties to Memphis Wesley and a heart for campus ministry. She has served Memphis Wesley as a volunteer as well as chair, vice chair, and member of the Memphis Wesley Board of Directors. Before her faithful involvement with the board, she volunteered to bring meals with her church on Tuesday nights. Pastor Tondala is very excited to be a Campus Minister for not only United Methodist students but for all students from various religious backgrounds, ethnicities, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Pastor Tondala, as many call her, is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church (UMC). She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Education with a sociology minor from the University of Memphis, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. In the United Methodist Church, she has gracefully navigated pastoring cross racial and cross-cultural churches and served on teams and boards.
Leading and participating in ministries at churches and communities along with being a licensed k-6 elementary teacher in the public school system have afforded her with many opportunities to express the love of Christ.
Tondala likes to garden, decorate, read, macrame, and watch Law and Order. She is married and has two sons, one stepdaughter and two granddaughters.
Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Her spiritual animal is an eagle.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
The scripture and spirit animal reminds her that all things are possible, when you trust God, believe in Jesus, and follow the Holy Spirit.
Ashley Harris
Associate Director of Ministry
Ashley Harris is a singer/songwriter from Memphis. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the illustrious Xavier University of Louisiana before receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Memphis.
With a background in history and music, Ashley Harris blends scholarship and faith in her work at the Memphis Wesley Foundation. Her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in History have equipped her with a deep understanding of cultural narratives, community dynamics, and the role of faith in shaping social movements—insights she applied to developing inclusive and historically conscious worship experiences. As our Graduate Director of Worship, she used her expertise in cultural narratives and social movements to create inclusive worship experiences and mentor student leaders. Now, as a Ministry Assistant, she applies her organizational and communication skills to event coordination, outreach, and community engagement.
Her vocal performance training enhances worship services, making them both meaningful and dynamic. Dedicated to fostering a welcoming and transformative faith environment, Ashley is passionate about connecting history, music, and ministry to serve the Memphis Wesley community.
Our Board of Directors
Officers
Lisa Chitwood, Chair & Personnel Team Lead
Carla Taylor, Co-Chair & Facilities Team Lead
Matthew Lott, Treasurer & Finance Team Lead
Gary Vanasek, Secretary & Development Team Lead
Elaine Cain, Nominations Team Lead
Voting Members
Rev. Charles Elliott
Ayanna Hampton
JT McCallen
Rev. Fred Morton
Rev. Dean Emerson
Danielle Seemann
James Haley II
Renee Hardaway
Rev. Christy Brown
Voting Student Representatives
Citlali Gonzalez - Christian Brothers University
Cali VanCleve - Rhodes College
Kyla Smith - University of Memphis
Campus Advisors
Danielle Seemann - University of Memphis
Rev. Dr. Michael Moore - LeMoyne-Owen College
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas - Rhodes College
Joel Vera - Christian Brothers University
Ex-Officio Members
Erv Walker, Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Trustees Chair
Eliza Ford, Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Board of Higher Education & Campus Ministry Representative
Pastor Tondala Hayward, Campus Minister
Metro District Superintendent