Now retired, Matthew Conley was not only a longtime faculty member for Faulkner, he was also a Faulkner graduate, and served in the prison ministry for almost 25 years.
Conley was invited back to campus as this year’s Marketplace Faith Friday Forums Distinguished Alumnus for the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies and was honored for his life of ministry.
Conley graduated from Faulkner in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Magna Cum Laude honors. Immediately after graduation, he was hired as a recruiter and counselor for Faulkner’s Graduate and Adult Enrollment Division. He served in that capacity for nine years before serving as an assistant professor for Faulkner’s Bible Department.
“I had a memorable experience at Faulkner and my education served and is now serving me well,” Conley said. “My experience with most Faulkner personnel was life enriching; I believe that my experience with personnel from the Registrar’s office, Financial Aid, Business Office and EFC were great. I was particularly enriched by Dr. John Enloe, Dave Rampersad, Kenneth Randolph, Carl Cheatham, Mr. Mark Hunt, and Mrs. Beverly Tolliver.”
Conley served as a Prison Minster from 1996 until the Covid-19 pandemic closed the prison doors to outside ministries. He baptized well over 3,000 about inmates during that period and is currently a member of the Perry Hill Road church of Christ.
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As a prison minister, Conley brought the Gospel to the prisoners at Kilby Correctional Facility, Easterling Correctional Facility and Red Eagle Work Center.
Conley joined the prison ministry through University Church of Christ “to serve the Lord and spread the borders of the kingdom.” He has where he has been instrumental in the baptism of more than 3,000 inmates.