03/23/2026
Dear Wesley students, alumni, and friends,
After sharing with our Board and students at Large Group this weekend, I write to share bittersweet news: I will conclude my season of ministry with the Wesley Foundation at William & Mary in June, following the conclusion of the school year.
The gift of God’s call on each of us has been a significant piece of my discernment in requesting a change of appointment. As many of you know, pastoral care has always played a significant role in my ministry, and my recent academic work centers around pastoral leadership in spaces of grief and end-of-life. My call nudged me in a pronounced way this past winter, and I felt it was time I paid attention to how God was moving in this season of my ministry. Following a period of transition over the summer, I will be appointed to the chaplaincy department at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
I recognize this news may feel sudden, confusing, and sad. I hear you, I see you, and I know how these transitional seasons can affect us. That said, one thing I can say with absolute confidence is each of you is deeply loved, and I celebrate the ministry we have been part of together over the last two years. I truly believe God sent me to Wesley to be a healing presence necessary in preparing this vital ministry for a fruitful future. In these two years, we have built upon the foundations of many years of mission and ministry here at William & Mary, including a renewed interest in our residential community, new opportunities to reintegrate spiritual formation, the implementation of necessary support and administrative structures, the launch of an exciting annual campaign which has reconnected us with several Wesley graduates spanning several years, and intentional connections with ongoing and new local church partners.
An active search process is in place with the voices of students, Board members, and others represented. I invite you all to be in prayer for a time of healthy transition. Our community is in wonderful hands with our student leadership team and Board, and I know they will continue to ensure Wesley thrives as it always has.
I am grateful for the collective ways our students, our Board, and friends of Wesley have not lost sight of how incredible this campus ministry is! Wesley is a beacon of grace and welcome on campus, and I have no doubt it will continue to radiate God’s unrelenting love in the years to come.
Please know my prayers go with each of you as you continue to embody Wesley’s abiding commitment to radical hospitality. I am thankful for the times we have shared, and I look forward to witnessing your continued ministry!
Grace upon grace,
Rev. Dr. Ryan LaRock
