Jesse and Kayla met while attending Freed-Hardeman University, and married in December 1990. They have three children: Jacob (married to Audrey), Emily (married to Ben), and Anna, who is still at home. They also have three precious grandchildren. Jesse grew up in New Albany, Mississippi, and Kayla grew up in Arkansas and Missouri.

They have served churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee, where Jesse was the minister. He also taught Bible at Freed-Hardeman University for 14 years before coming to Harding in 2016, where he currently teaches Bible and is Associate Dean of the College of Bible. Kayla has been a homemaker, and currently works part-time as an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Publications at Harding. They both enjoy visiting their grandchildren in other states, singing praise songs, and taking day trips together.

Jesse has served as elder since January 2023.

Jesse enjoys tending his backyard garden, and Kayla enjoys baking.

Lesser-Known Facts

Jesse has a mechanical engineering degree from Tennessee Tech University. Kayla loves watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show.

Mission Work

Jesse and Kayla have been on mission trips to Scotland, Belarus, and Haiti together. Jesses continued his work in Haiti for many years, leading both medical and evangelistic teams there.

Favorite Verses

Jesse: “For Ezra had firmly resolved to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7.10)

Kayla: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. ” (Psalm 4.8)