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“My years at Shenandoah provided a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning,” said Phillip R. Ayers ’81. “Through graduate school and my career, Shenandoah served as the core of my educational development.”

Ayers graduated from Shenandoah in 1981 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in religion and philosophy and a minor in sacred music. During his time at the university, he was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity where he served in numerous positions and was president his senior year. He was also a member of the Student Government Association for all four years and served as president during his senior year.

Once he completed his degree from Shenandoah, Ayers began his ministry career and has served in the United Methodist Church for 40 years. “My service began in the Tennessee Conference in 1982, and I transferred to the Baltimore Washington Conference in 1984,” said Ayers. “I have served on various committees and boards and currently serve on the Central Maryland District Committee of Ordained Ministry and the Conference Leadership Development Board.”

He has also been a minister of music, chaplain for the Maryland State Police for the past 24 years and is a certified coach through the . As a professional certified coach, Ayers founded Symphony of Life Coaching and provides discipleship and mentor coaching along with EIQ assessments.

As Ayers approaches retirement, he is excited to work with the newest generation of Shenandoah students as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors to provide them with the same memorable experience he got the privilege to enjoy when he was a student.