Clergy

Fran Elrod is the Senior Pastor for Clemson United Methodist Church. Fran is a graduate of Columbia College (B.A. Christian Education) and Erskine Theological Seminary (M.Div.). In addition to serving as pastor of local churches, Fran has also served as the Oncology Counselor at AnMed Health in Anderson, SC, and is also the Chairperson for the SC Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. She is married to Larry and they have three children and four grandchildren. Fran is passionate about discipleship ministries and Christian leadership development in the church, and loves to experience people growing in grace.

Steve Simoneaux is the Director of the Clemson Wesley Foundation, Campus Minister for Clemson United Methodist Church and Lead Pastor at The Vine. He previously served as Associate Pastor at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville, SC. Steve is a graduate of Clemson University and Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M.Div.). Steve's call to ministry has been influenced by his involvement in the Clemson Wesley Foundation as an undergraduate student at Clemson University.

Ministry Directors

Jamie Bryson serves as Director of Music Ministries at Clemson United Methodist Church. A native of the Highlands-Cashiers area, Jamie began playing piano at age 3 and studied private piano through high school. He earned degrees from Charleston Southern University (B. A. Church Music) and Mercer University (M. M. Church Music/Organ). A church musician for over 30 years, he has served churches in the Carolinas and Georgia, most recently at Martha Bowman Memorial United Methodist Church in Macon. Jamie is passionate about worship and helping others have meaningful worship experiences each week.

GraceAnne serves as Clemson Wesley's Assistant Director. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Class of 2018.

Amanda Thomas is the Director of Discipleship Ministries for Clemson United Methodist Church. She previously served at Midway United Methodist Church in Lexington, NC as the Program Minister and as the Western North Carolina Conference CCYM Adult Coordinator. Amanda is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Duke Divinity School (M.Div). Being an active member of First UMC Hendersonville, NC as a child and youth helped to shape her call to ministry. Sharing God’s love and being a part of the faith journey of children and youth is Amanda’s deepest passion. Amanda loves traveling and cheering on the UK Wildcats during basketball season!

Candice Bell is our Assistant Director of Children and Youth. She graduated from Clemson University in 2002 with a BS in Psychology and minor in Early Intervention. She managed The Esso Club for 20 years but truly enjoys helping children succeed and lead active spiritual and physical lives.

Administration

Anne Eldridge is the Church Administrator/Director of Communications and Director of Children's Music at Clemson UMC. She previously worked for the B.A.A. Boston Marathon. Anne is a graduate of Clemson University and Berklee College of Music.

Our Financial Secretary Terri Lee works three days a week. She is married to David and they have three children and four grandchildren.

Child Care

Jacqui Rice is the Director of Little Lights Learning Center at CUMC. Jacqui was born and raised in Clemson and her grandparents were long time members of CUMC. Jacqui graduated from Clemson University in 2010 with a B.A. in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Elementary Education. Jacqui previously taught special education in the public schools in the Charleston area before moving back to her beloved hometown in 2017. Jacqui and her husband, Greg Rice, have one daughter, Finley Grace. Jacqui enjoys spending time with family, attending Clemson athletic events, and being on the water. Jacqui and her family are excited for what God has planned for them here in Clemson.

Amy Rawls is the Director of Mother's Morning Out. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She has loved working at MMO for thirteen years. Amy and her husband, Bryan have three children.

Facilities

Our Operations Manager Eddie Thrasher joined the CUMC staff in January 2015. Eddie loves working on Jeeps. He is married to Kim and they have two wonderful daughters and two grandchildren.

Theo Tolson serves as our Church Sexton. Theo is a proud mother of three. She has been working with Clemson United Methodist Church for three years in various areas including Clemson Wesley and Little Lights Learning Center. Her background is as diverse as her interests which includes being a natural enthusiast, DIY projects , home renovation and writing.