Rev. Beth anne Nelson,
Interim Missioner
Beth Anne leads weekly worship and facilitates weekly meals alongside the students of The Episcopal Church at Rice-Autry House. She believes in finding God’s grace through the rhythms and rituals of church life. To her, the members of God’s family, where we can seek and serve Christ daily, are the foundation of life of the church.
Beth Anne graduated with a B.S. from Michigan State University, a M.Div. from Eden Theological Seminary,, and has a Diploma in Anglican Studies from The Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. Beth Anne grew up in a Congregationalist church, was ordained in The American Baptist tradition, and found her way to the Episcopal Church through the evangelism of a priest. After moving to Texas, she served as a lay youth minister, was confirmed, ordained as a transitional deacon (2021), and a priest (2022). She went on to serve as a curate at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Northwest Houston.
Beth Anne is married to The Rev. David Nelson, whom she met while they were both doing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the same region. Together, they have two children, Grace and Faith, and their dog, Sugar.
Beth Anne enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends. She is thrilled to be appointed as the Diocesan Missioner to Rice University, where she can walk with students, faculty, and staff in their faith journeys.
She is always willing to sit down or take a walk to hear your story.
You can reach Beth Anne by email at missioner@churchatrice.org or her cell is 832-470-6530.
Evan Dunbar, Senior Warden
Evan is an Electrical and Computer Engineering major from Duncan College, will be a junior this year, and he is the Head of Melee for the Super Smash Bros. Club and work as a Trip Leader for ROPE. My home when I’m not in Houston is Birmingham, Alabama.
Autry House is the community I feel most comfortable in at Rice and is certainly my home away from home here. When I joined, I was welcomed immediately, and I plan to extend that warmth to everyone who crosses paths with us. I’m looking forward to growing in my spirituality and leadership this upcoming year as Junior Warden, and I hope to see you join us!
Cecilia Visco, undergraduate Campus Advocate
Cecilia is a sophomore from New Rochelle, NY majoring in Social Policy Analysis and minoring in Environmental Studies.
Autry House was one of the first homes I found at Rice. The Autry community is unconditionally welcoming, offering a safe space to talk about any of the ups and downs of university life. I look forward to a new year of sharing this incredible community with others!
Soren LoreNtzen, undergraduate campus advocate
Soren is a Junior from Alberta, Canada, majoring in Viola Performance at the Shepherd School of Music.
I first joined Autry House at the start of my freshman year, and since then have found it to be such a welcoming and loving community. Being surrounded by people with the same values and beliefs has made my experience at Rice incredibly fulfilling. I am excited to be on the leadership team this upcoming year, and hope to help other students feel as at home at Autry House as I do!
Malyn Selinidis, graduate campus advocate
Malyn Selinidis is a 2nd year graduate student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology program who spends their free time pursuing one too many crafting projects or gaming with friends.
I was recruited to Autry House by a friend of mine and I certainly couldn't thank them enough for that suggestion! I was looking for a church that would act not only as a welcoming community to all but that could honestly balance deep and fun discussions. On the way to the medieval festival, which we went to as a group with our wonderful priest Sarah, we talked in depth about our backgrounds and how people in our lives had influenced our beliefs before running around the festival hoping to find elf ears and jewelry. I can honestly say that that trip was a highlight for my entire first year at Rice and I am so thankful for this group!"