Alumnus Jerrod Ramirez Serves as Federal Prison Chaplain

Alumnus Jerrod Ramirez recently became a Federal Prison Chaplain at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, Colorado. Ramirez previously served as a navy chaplain.

Jerrod and Stephanie Ramirez came to SAGU in 1999. While students, they were involved in street ministry and a local church plant. Ramirez graduated from SAGU in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries.

While a graduate student at AGTS, Ramirez became a Navy Chaplain Candidate. He interned at the US Medical Center for Federal Inmates in Springfield, Missouri, as part of his training.

Chaplain Ramirez recently completed a 3-year tour in the Navy Reserves as a Staff Chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 41 out of Ft. Worth, Texas. He is now a full-time federal prison chaplain. The Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, Colorado, houses approximately 3000 inmates, ranging from minimum to maximum custody.

According to Ramirez, “The most rewarding part of my job is ministering to men who would never come to a church, and some who never have.” Ramirez says it’s a challenge to work in a pluralistic environment, where up to 13 different faith groups are represented.

“Chaplaincy, both in the Military and Federal Prison, is very demanding. You have to be read-up and prayed-up,” Ramirez commented. “SAGU prepared me both spiritually and educationally.”