Jesse Spanogle named director of Campus Ministry

Jesse Spanogle, well known in the tri-state region for his parish, youth, and community ministries, has been named director of Campus Ministry at Mercyhurst University, effective Sept. 5.

Spanogle comes to Mercyhurst from St. Jude the Apostle Church where he served as pastoral associate since August 2022 and, before that, director of Faith Formation and Parish Ministries from 2012 to 2022.

In reflecting on the appointment, Spanogle said, “I am looking forward to sharing the faith, which is at the very foundation of the Mercy Mission, with our students. To accompany our students along their faith journey is something the Sisters have done for nearly 100 years, and I am honored to be part of carrying on that tradition. My vision is that Campus Ministry can become a home away from home for our students and I look forward to working with the excellent team of staff and students to bring that vision to reality.”

Spanogle has many years of experience coordinating retreats and mission trips, most recently for the Villa Maria Retreat Center, and developing social media resources and community awareness activities for the Northwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center. He also sits on many boards and committees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie.

In naming Spanogle to the position, Vice President for Mission Dr. Greg Baker said, “Jesse is deeply respected as a pastoral minister and a gifted administrator, a reputation he has earned through his commitment to caring for all people regardless of their background or circumstances. He is joyful and genuine—a natural fit to bring his skills and his larger-than-life heart to the work of pastoral care in Catholic higher education. I cannot wait to add him to our Campus Ministry team and the great group of employees and student leaders working to advance the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.”

Spanogle holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Gannon University.

He is married to Jessica Spanogle, who teaches in and is department chair for Mercyhurst’s Business Department, and they have four children.