Our Staff

A UNC alum, Paul considers serving at University Baptist Church his “dream job.” He loves that UBC is a place that values love, community, justice, freedom, and thinking critically about faith.

After graduating from Carolina in 2007, Pastor Paul received his ministerial training from Campbell University Divinity School, earning a Masters in Divinity in 2011 and a Doctor of Ministry in 2019.

The focus of Paul’s doctoral work was the issue of pastoral vulnerability. Paul believes that to meet its many challenges, the Church needs authentic leaders who are brave enough to let their congregations see them as the humans they are, in the same way that God revealed God’s self to us in the flesh in the person of Jesus. If the people in the pews see their leaders as their vulnerable, human selves, it will grant them permission to be more vulnerable in their own faith, helping the modern Church push back against its reputation of being inauthentic and irrelevant to real life. As a result, our pastor openly shares with us who he is, commenting freely on his life and heart, with all of its joys, sorrows, convictions, and questions.

When he’s not at church, Paul enjoys cheering on the TarHeels, running, meeting students, watching movies, working with his hands, and spending time with his wife, Eliza, and their two boys, Steven and Parrish.

Reverend Craig McCoy came to University Baptist as Minister of Music in 2010 and coordinates worship services, directs the Chancel (adult) choir, handbell choir, children’s music, solos, duets and small ensembles. He administrates communications of church publications and productions. A graduate of Georgetown College (BA) and The Southern Baptist Seminary (MCM) with additional studies in Biblical studies and counseling. Craig has also trained with applications in church conflict and resolution management. Prior to joining staff, Craig served First Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC and First Baptist, Martinsville Va. He and his wife, Robin, have two children, Brent and Mary Catherine (Catie) Briscoe and a beautiful granddaughter Emory Olivia Briscoe. Craig enjoys woodworking, cartooning and fly fishing for the elusive trout.

Allison, along with her husband Chuck James, has been a member of UBC since 1988. She became the Director of Children's Ministries in 2006 and the Minister to Children in 2024. Their children, Chelsea and Alex were nurtured and their faith formed by the loving church family at UBC. She attended UNC-Greensboro to earn both her undergraduate degree in English and a Master’s of Library Science. After joining the staff at UBC, she completed the Preschool and Children’s Ministry Certificate Program from Campbell University’s Divinity School in 2014. Allison loves being part of the UBC Book Club, attending the theatre, doing arts & crafts, dancing, going to Disney World with her family and everything Vacation Bible School. She says, “It’s the best week of the year!”

Hollie joined the UBC staff as Office Administrator in 2020 and became Minister of Administration and Communications in 2024. Before coming to Chapel Hill, she earned a MAR in Leadership at Liberty University after having earned a BA in Theater Arts & Cinema at Virginia Tech. In her role at UBC, she has the privilege to create, distribute, and maintain UBC’s communications and publications as well as conduct day-to-day church office administration in collaboration with the rest of the UBC team and UBC’s fantastic office volunteers. Hollie loves living in Chapel Hill and is encouraged to grow deeper in faith and service by the community at UBC—spreading the message of the Jesus through love and service is so apparent in everyday life here. When she is not at UBC, she can probably be found going on hiking adventures with her wonderful husband Tyler, giving her dog Kokkili way too much attention, or spending time with the rest of her beautiful family.

Michael is happy to be back “home” in Chapel Hill after being in the DC metro area and Annapolis, MD for the last 20 years. Michael was an active pianist, accompanist, and conductor in the DC metro area and served several churches in various denominations. Michael received his musical training at Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and the NC School of the Arts. With a Top Secret security clearance, Michael supports several federal government agencies as a Technical Writer and Project Manager. In his spare time, Michael enjoys walking his four-legged daughter “Miss Bella”, boating, and traveling internationally. Having traveled to all seven continents, Michael is planning for some new travel destinations in the coming year.

Jo Ellen Blaine joined the staff as UBC’s Financial Assistant in 2010. She has worked in financial positions with churches and other Christian organizations for over 30 years. As part-time Financial Assistant, she helps oversee and manage UBC’s budget, accounts, payroll, members’ contributions, and ensures UBC’s financial responsibilities are met. Outside of her position at UBC, Jo Ellen finds great satisfaction in working on mission projects with the Women’s Ministry at her home church in Durham, NC. She also enjoys sewing and refinishing old furniture in her spare time. Visiting with her children, grandchildren, and extended family is her delight.