Baker University is pleased to welcome the Rev. Blake Stanwood, ’12, as the next university minister. Stanwood becomes Baker’s fourth university minister and assumes the role on July 1, 2025. He replaces the Rev. Kevin Hopkins—or RevKev—who is retiring after his 11 years of service at Baker and more than 40 years working in religious and community roles.
“I am excited and overjoyed to be a part of a legacy of such phenomenal clergy who have guided so many, in such a formational time in their lives,” said Stanwood. “From the moment I set foot on the Baldwin City campus as a potential student I felt at home. It is with great honor and reverence that I am able to return to a place that has always felt like home. I can’t wait to see how the Spirit will continue to move on campus and within the lives of those who call this amazing place home. I am grateful for the opportunity to create a space for sanctuary and spiritual formation for all students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community.”
Stanwood will serve in dual roles with Baker University and Garnett First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. He brings well-rounded experiences to his new roles, including most recently serving southeastern Kansas as senior pastor at Humboldt United Methodist and Big Creek United Methodist churches. His journey includes service as senior pastor at Phillipsburg United Methodist Church, student ministries director and associate licensed local pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist in Olathe, and a member of the Congregational Care Department at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.
A proud Baker University alumnus, Stanwood earned dual majors in religion and history, graduating cum laude in 2012. During his time at Baker, he was on the Wildcat track and field team, participating in javelin and decathlon events, and was a member of several organizations including Delta Tau Delta, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Cardinal Key, parMentors, Pi Gamma Mu, Alpha Mu Gamma, and the Honor Society for International Scholars.
Stanwood continued his education at Saint Paul School of Theology with a Master of Divinity in 2018. He was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in 2023 by the first Native American bishop in the United Methodist Church, Bishop David Wilson of the Great Plains Conference.
Baker University has maintained close ties to the United Methodist Church since its founding, providing students opportunities to grow their faith. University ministry is open to all people of faith, and the university minister leads the weekly chapel services in the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel on the Baldwin City Campus each week. Stanwood assumes these responsibilities and will maintain the deep-rooted traditions from the beloved Rev. Hopkins, who will finish the school year in his role.
“We are grateful to RevKev for his service to Baker University and the community for over a decade,” said President Hoot Gibson, ’71. “RevKev has fostered a sense of belonging and spiritual growth in the university community that has made a lasting impact on countless students and staff. We look forward to cherishing our chapel services together as we close out the academic year and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
