Baker University’s Minister, Kevin Hopkins, announced he will retire after 40 years of service in religious and community roles. Reverend Hopkins has served in churches, on college campuses and in the military. His retirement will take effect on June 30, 2025.
Hopkins, who has served at Baker for almost 11 years, shared his decision to step away from ministry. Reflecting on his time, Hopkins expressed a deep appreciation for his work with the university’s diverse student population, noting the unique challenges and rewards that come with serving the young adult demographic.
“It’s a specific age group on campus with different dynamics,” said Hopkins. “There are different joys and challenges in serving in this capacity, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
When asked about memorable moments during his time at Baker, Hopkins recalled a special chapel service held in October of last year in honor of Matthew Shepard, a young man whose tragic death displayed the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. The service, which included participation from Baker’s LGBTQ+ group Total Equality Alliance (TEA), theater department and choir, was one of the most moving during his career at Baker.
“The Matthew Shepard memorial service was incredibly meaningful,” Hopkins said. “It was a deeply emotional and moving chapel, probably one of the most impactful we’ve had during my time here.”
After four decades in ministry, Hopkins said he felt it was the right time to retire. While he has not yet found his post-retirement plans, Rev Kev, as he is known around campus, is not ruling out staying involved in ministry in some form but is excited about pursuing something entirely different.
The decision to retire was also shaped by his long-standing history in ministry, which began when he was 20 years old and led him to embrace a calling he had initially resisted. Raised in a family with deep roots in the church, Hopkins said he was influenced by his two uncles who were ministers in the United Methodist Church. Despite his initial reluctance to follow in their footsteps, he eventually took on the ministry role and has never looked back.
“I’m looking forward to doing something completely different, though I’m not sure exactly what that will be,” he said.
Hopkins’ retirement marks the end of a long and dedicated career in ministry, leaving behind a legacy of service and impactful moments at Baker University and the community.
