Winthrop University
Join us on Tuesdays at 8:30pm in Kindard Auditorium!
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RUF at Winthrop joyfully welcomes students from all walks of life on campus to participate in our community and explore the fullness of who Jesus Christ is from the Scriptures. We seek to increase our knowledge, love, and service of God by studying the Bible, praying together, encouraging one another, as well as having lots of fun. The heart of our mission is to reach students for Christ and equip them to serve.
Join Us
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Meet Our Team
Mark Ashbaugh
Mark serves as RUF campus minister at Winthrop University and is pleased to call Rock Hill, SC home. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, his adult years have been spent steadily moving south. The first stop was Virginia Tech, where he devoted time to studying Communications, leading Young Life, and cheering on the Hokies. After graduation, Mark resided two years in Asia with Young Life International, teaching English and sharing the Gospel. Back in the states and still heading south, Mark moved to Charlotte where he received a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in May 2013. Soon after, Mark accepted a call as Assistant Pastor at Bethel Church in Clover, SC and was ordained in November 2013.
Mark met his wife, Katherine, in college. Katherine has also been working her way south, growing up in Harrisburg, PA. She served as an MTW intern in Dublin, Ireland and holds a Masters in Biblical Studies from RTS Charlotte. The Ashbaugh's have three children, Julia ('09) and John ('12), and Emmett ('14). They are thrilled to be back on the college campus ministering to Winthrop students.
The Ashbaugh's love showing hospitality and are excited to welcome new friends from Winthrop into their home. They are truly delighted to continue in the ministry of reaching students for Christ and equipping them to serve at Winthrop University.
Katherine Ashbaugh
Katherine Ashbaugh grew up in Harrisburg, PA, but has been steadily making her way south ever since. She attended Virginia Tech, where she met her husband Mark, played field hockey, and graduated with a degree in Public Relations. After a yearlong internship with MTW in Dublin, Ireland, she and Mark married and moved to Charlotte to attend seminary at RTS. Katherine graduated with a Masters in Biblical Studies in 2013, with two children, Julia and John, already in tow. In 2014, their family moved to Rock Hill, SC, as Mark accepted the call for Campus Minister with RUF at Winthrop, and her last child, Emmett, was born. Katherine has spent the last 11 years raising her babies, volunteering with RUF Winthrop and in various ways at her home church, and working part-time for a local business. She is excited for this new season, which allows for more time with the wonderful woman of Winthrop! Katherine learns as much as she can about decorating, gardening, and personal finance. She enjoys eating (but not cooking), reading, and is happiest when she's skiing with Mark or hanging at the pool with her crew.
Madison Schipper
Madison Schipper grew up in Carroll County, Maryland, attending Carroll Community College for two years before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) where she completed a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Madison found RUF during the 2020 pandemic when Trip and Joy Beans were starting their RUF ministry at UMBC.
RUF provided Madison a place to grow both spiritually and personally. She found friends, community, and a place to learn God’s word and be consistently reminded of Christ’s love and God’s faithfulness. She wants to be a part of producing a space where students can do the same things and have support in navigating the craziness that is college (and life!). Madison loves puzzles, cross stitching, and crafts with a goal to learn all the old lady hobbies. She also loves baking, thrifting, and being outside, especially going on hikes. She is so excited to share the love of Christ at Winthrop University!
Jeff Neikirk
Jeff spent his childhood moving around before his dad took a church in Greeneville, Tennessee. He graduated from Tennessee Tech with a degree in Computer Science. While at Tennessee Tech, Jeff fell in love with the ministry of RUF. Through RUF, God taught Jeff how to be vulnerable and to love other students and their stories. Jeff is looking forward to working with students and seeing God at work!