Reverend Timothy Garvin-Leighton was Piedmont’s campus minister for the past seven and a half years. Students planned course schedules around being able to take his classes, but when he did not return at the beginning of the semester, students were left confused.
“My New Testament class was changed to another professor, and I took that class specifically because he was teaching it,” said a student who decided to major in religion because of Reverend Tim’s impact on their experience at Piedmont.
Reverend Tim taught courses such as religions of the world, ethics, and the history of Christianity, some of which are general education requirements at Piedmont. Through teaching these courses, Reverend Tim was able to interact with most of the Piedmont student population.
“He allowed for all people, regardless of religious background or current practice, to be able to participate in religion classes without judgment,” said a Piedmont student. “He advocated for everyone and made an intentional effort to make them feel seen, heard, and safe.”
Reverend Tim helped form a culture for students to learn and grow in their spiritual life, something that many students struggle with during their time in college. Not only this, but Reverend Tim also helped international students make Demorest home.
“He was very attentive and kind to us as soon as he picked us up at the airport after we arrived in the US last August,” said Pauline Reutter, a Piedmont student-athlete from Germany. “He was very welcoming and friendly, so we immediately felt that we were in good hands.”
International students, including Reutter, share stories of events that Reverend Tim coordinated or brought them to that helped them get involved in the community. Attending bike races, shopping at the Mall of Georgia, and going to the annual Christmas service are just a few thoughtful efforts that Reverend Tim made to support students of all different backgrounds.
The Academic Affairs Office has instructed students to reach out to Ineke Dyer with academic concerns and Sean Williamson for personal services such as counseling and death notifications, which were services that Reverend Tim previously supported students with.
Piedmont students are grateful for Reverend Tim’s contributions, not only to the university but also to each of their individual lives. The support he showed to students and his willingness to listen did not go unnoticed in his time as a professor and minister at Piedmont University.
“We are very disappointed that Piedmont lost Rev Tim. All of us appreciated his encouragement and his dedication to Piedmont University and its students,” said Reutter, speaking on behalf of not only herself but also fellow international students Luise van Look and Mariajose Montoya Talavera. “As international students, we know how much effort he put into us having a great experience here. We wish him and his wife the best of luck for the future.”
Reverend Tim was unable to comment on his absence.
