Staff Bio (Campus Minister)

Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Elbert left Jackson in 1996 in order to attend Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, AL). While at A&M, Elbert majored in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to work for General Electric Aircraft Engines. During his time as an Engineer, the Lord was pleased to draw Elbert to Himself through numerous providential events, which at the time, seemed very unfortunate and harsh. Shortly thereafter, Elbert joined a local church, enrolled in Evangelism Explosion and found himself burdened and equipped to share the Gospel of Christ. Over the next several years, Elbert committed his time and resources to sharing Christ with friends, family, inmates at a local prison, co-workers, fraternity brothers and employees. During this time, he was providentially reacquainted Karen Cheeseboro. Early in their relationship, Karen (and a host of others) saw God’s calling upon Elbert to vocational ministry. Though it crossed Elbert’s mind, he could not fathom walking away from a great career with GE because he was unsure about how to provide for his family. He assumed he could continue to work for GE and the host of other things he was doing through the local church. Tired and torn, the words of his soon-to-be bride played a significant role in his resigning from GE, moving back to Jackson, enrolling in seminary at RTS-Jackson, and beginning a pastoral internship with Redeemer Church, PCA. Karen told him, “If God is calling you, we must go. Wherever you go, I will follow. Wherever He calls us, He will provide for us.” In May of 2004, Elbert and Karen were married. In June of 2004, Elbert resigned. In July of 2004, they moved to Jackson and began Summer Greek. His internship with Redeemer Church, which was a newly formed multi-ethnic church plant, began in the summer of 2004 as well. The Lord was then pleased to send Rev. Mike Cambell to Redeemer, as the Senior Pastor, later that year. Elbert’s growth, marriage, and love for the church was intricately shaped by Mike, the Session of Redeemer and the church. Early in 2007, Elbert sensed God’s call to start RUF at Jackson State University, through a developing friendship with Bebo Elkin (former RUF Regional Coordinator). Because RUF had never been established on a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Redeemer’s Session, RUF and the Mississippi Valley Presbytery allowed Elbert to spend his last year of seminary on the campus of JSU to “test the waters.” By the end of that year, it was obvious the LORD was at work on that campus, and that His favor and blessing was upon the ministry. In 2008, Elbert was ordained and began serving at JSU in a full-time capacity. The Lord’s favor remains upon the work and shepherding students at JSU remains thoroughly satisfying and needed. Elbert and Karen have 2 biological children (Karis Elise, born in 2006 and Elbert McGowan III, born in 2009) and hundreds of others.