Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

Senior Pastor

Rev. Katie came to UUMC as our Senior Pastor in July 2020.  Despite the challenges of beginning ministry among us in the midst of a pandemic, she was (and still is!) elated to return to lead a vibrant congregation in her own hometown. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Rev. Katie is a graduate with a B.A. in Religious Studies and Sociology from Centenary College of Louisiana and received her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Presently, she is pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University to consult and coach clergy and lay leadership in churches and non-profits using their gifts most effectively. For twenty years, she has served as a pastor, community leader, and planter of new ministries among Louisiana congregations located in Bossier City and Lake Charles, now serving for a second time here in Baton Rouge. She presently provides leadership on the Annual Conference, Jurisdictional and global levels of The United Methodist Church.  Rev. Katie is committed to continuing the rich history of UUMC while also growing our partnerships in the surrounding community and LSU's campus life.

Rev. Katie is married to Taylor Simpson, a native of Shreveport, LA, and graduated with a B.S. and Masters in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He is presently employed as the Director of Information Technology for an aviation completions business, Citadel Completions in Lake Charles. On Sundays, you might catch him in the back of the sanctuary serving faithfully as a member of the live stream team.  They have three children – a daughter, Eva, two sons, Jack and Sam.

Rev Katie Mckay Simpson
  Rev. Mary Rachel Moore

Rev. Mary Rachel Moore

Associate Pastor & Director of the Wesley Foundation revmaryrachel@universitymethodist.org
  Joseph LeBoeuf

Joseph LeBoeuf

Director of Youth Ministries youth@universitymethodist.org
  Shirley Flake

Shirley Flake

Kids Hope Director shirley@universitymethodist.org
  Lauren LeBoeuf

Lauren LeBoeuf

Welcoming & Engagement lauren@universitymethodist.org
  Johnnie Bankens

Johnnie Bankens

Director of Music & Chancel Choir johnnie@universitymethodist.org
  Susannah Craig

Susannah Craig

Director of Youth and Children's Choirs susannah@universitymethodist.org
  Geoffrey Stemen

Geoffrey Stemen

Organist organist@universitymethodist.org
  David Baker

David Baker

Director of Agape Ringers agaperingers@universitymethodist.org
  Alaina Clemons

Alaina Clemons

Church Coordinator office@universitymethodist.org
  Joyce Files

Joyce Files

Financial Secretary financial@universitymethodist.org
  Merissa Butler

Merissa Butler

Director of Communications communications@universitymethodist.org
  Gregory Hamilton

Gregory Hamilton

Facilities Manager gregory@universitymethodist.org
  Devedia Lacour

Devedia Lacour

Facilities Staff
  Shelly George

Shelly George

Facilities Staff
  Toi Davis

Toi Davis

Preschool & After School Director toi@universitymethodist.org
  Natosha Breaux

Natosha Breaux

After School Coordinator afterschool@universitymethodist.org
  Penny LeSage

Penny LeSage

UMPEA Office Administrator penny@universitymethodist.org