top of page

Meet Our Staff

At John Melvin Christian University, our team is unified by a shared calling to support students in a Christ-centered way. From first-time applicants to graduating seniors, we are here to guide your academic and spiritual journey with excellence, integrity, and grace.

Administration & Leadership

Drake.jpg
Josh Laxton.jpg
Angie.png
Drake Angeron

CEO

Dr. Josh Laxton

President  / Dean of Religious Studies

Dr. Angela Houston

Provides overall vision, strategic leadership, institutional growth, fundraising, partnerships, and oversight of all university operations. Leads the university's mission while ensuring long-term sustainability, innovation, and organizational excellence.

Serves as the President of the campus culture under the CEO while providing spiritual leadership and oversight of the School of Theology, chapel, discipleship, and campus culture. Champions the integration of faith and learning throughout the university.

Provost & Academic VP

Oversees all academic affairs, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty, assessment, institutional effectiveness, and academic quality. Ensures academic excellence while advancing the university's mission through innovative and student-centered education.

Jason Houston.png
Jason Houston

Chief of Staff / Director of Compliance

Coordinates executive initiatives, oversees institutional compliance, board relations, strategic planning, human resources coordination, and cross-departmental communication while ensuring executive priorities are implemented. Serves as the CEO's principal advisor for organizational effectiveness and institutional governance.

Pete.png
Pete Della Ratta

Director of Community Relations

Leads the university's engagement with churches, businesses, civic organizations, alumni, donors, and community leaders to strengthen the university's impact and visibility. Develops strategic partnerships, oversees community outreach initiatives, cultivates philanthropic and corporate relationships, coordinates public engagement efforts, and advances the university's mission through meaningful local, regional, and national collaborations.

Leary Headshot_edited.jpg
Steve Leary

COO / Director of  Facilities, Real Estate & Campus Development

Oversees day-to-day operations, facilities management, construction projects, campus planning, real estate acquisition and development, information technology, security, auxiliary services, and long-term campus expansion. Leads operational excellence while developing sustainable campus infrastructure to support future growth.

Our Department Heads

Jenni.png
Josh Laxton.jpg
headshot - richard.jpg
Headshots-filler.png
Jenni Wilson

Dean of General Education

Dr. Josh Laxton

Dedicated to exploring the depths of scripture and guiding students toward a Christ-centered worldview.

Dean of Religious Studies

Dr. Richard Davidson

Empowering Christ-centered leaders to deepen their faith, apply biblical truth, and impact the world through ministry and service.

Director of Sports Science

Zach Potts

Guiding the next generation of spiritual leaders through practical ministry training and athletic mentorship.

Dean of Christian Business

Empowering ethical leaders to integrate faith and excel in the modern global business landscape.

Our Support Staff

Tiffani Photo.PNG
Tiffani Burks

Admissions Coordinator

Tiffani guides prospective students through the enrollment process with grace, ensuring every family feels supported and informed as they join the JMCU community.

headshot - Savannah.jpg
Savanna Wiggins

Director of Student Life

Creating a vibrant Christ-centered community where students grow in faith, leadership, service, and lifelong relationships.

mac_edited.jpg
Mike McDaniel

Athletics Administrator / Head Baseball coach (CFL Campus)

Mike manages the complex operations of our Mohawks and Mangos athletic programs, ensuring excellence in sportsmanship and administrative support.

Uzair - CFO.png
Uzair Afzal

Chief Financial Officer

Providing strategic financial leadership that strengthens our mission, drives responsible growth, and ensures long-term sustainability.

Karen.png
Karen Whalen

University Registrar

Karen oversees academic records and graduation processing, maintaining the integrity of our students' educational accomplishments at JMCU.

Headshots-filler.png
Robert Post

Study Hall Monitor / Assistant baseball coach

Mentoring student-athletes to pursue excellence in competition, academics, and faith while representing Christ with character and purpose.

headshot - Alyssa.png
Alyssa Angeron

Marketing Director

Sharing our story with creativity and purpose to inspire students, strengthen our brand, and expand our Kingdom impact.

headshot - james_edited.jpg
James Lee

Director of Media and Ministry

Using media and ministry to share the Gospel, strengthen faith, and inspire lives for the glory of God.

Headshots-filler.png
Richard Coleman

Library Services Director

Richard oversees our expansive digital libraries, providing critical research resources for all academic programs.

Headshots-filler.png
Logan Angeron

Student Success Coach / Recruiter (NWFL Campus)

Connecting students with life-changing opportunities while providing the guidance, encouragement, and support needed to succeed academically, spiritually, and personally.

Headshots-filler.png
Larry Renovales

Student Success coach / recruiter (CFL Campus)

Empowering future students to pursue their calling while supporting their success through graduation and beyond.

Todd Buckingham.jpg
Todd Buckingham

Head Softball Coach

Developing championship athletes through Christ-centered coaching, academic excellence, and unwavering character.

Headshots-filler.png
Alex De La Fe

Head Womens Basketball Coach (CFL Campus)

Building a culture of faith, discipline, and teamwork that prepares student-athletes for success on the field and in life.

Headshots-filler.png
Jesus Merced

Head Mens Basketball Coach (CFL Campus)

Building a culture of faith, discipline, and teamwork that prepares student-athletes for success on the field and in life.

Headshots-filler.png
Thomas Wright

Head Mens Basketball Coach (NWFL Campus)

Empowering student-athletes to compete with excellence, lead with integrity, and honor Christ in every aspect of the game.

Rachel.jpg
Rachel Lamoureaux

Assistant Scftball Coach

Helping build a culture of teamwork, discipline, and integrity that prepares student-athletes for success in competition and in life.

Ashleigh Wood.jpeg
Ashleigh Wood

Acting / Theater Coach

Developing confident performers who use their God-given talents to inspire, entertain, and glorify Christ through the arts.

Headshots-filler.png
David Pringle

Asst. Baseball Coach

Mentoring student-athletes to grow in faith, character, and athletic performance while contributing to a championship culture.

kam.jpg
Kamryn Cook

Head Volleyball Coach (NWFL Campus)

Inspiring student-athletes to compete with passion, grow in faith, achieve academic success, and pursue championships with integrity.

Headshots-filler.png
Dayron Gongora

Head Soccer Coach (CFL Campus)

Mentoring student-athletes to pursue excellence in competition, academics, and faith while representing Christ with character and purpose.

Headshots-filler.png
Mark King

Asst Baskeball Coach / Sponsorship Coordinator

Supporting championship programs while building strategic partnerships that advance student-athlete success and our Christ-centered mission.

Have Questions?

We invite you to reach out with any questions about our staff, faculty, or programs. At JMCU, we are here to support your journey in a student-centric, Christ-centered way.

bottom of page