Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Jeff King '95
Jeff King ’95 is an example of Jesus’ call to serve others. He gave up a lucrative career in construction management to listen to God’s calling, whose seed was nurtured at Trinity. Jeff feels that much of his spiritual foundation laid by his parents was strengthened during his days at Trinity. He attended Oldham County Middle School.
“I was looking for something different, something healthy,” Jeff said. “I was bullied mercilessly in the eighth grade by a group of guys, and I was ready for something new. I had a friend who went to Trinity. The minute I toured Trinity I knew I wanted to go there. I didn't even visit another school. On the tour, they talked about the Trinity family, and I could feel it.”
“Faith was a strong element in my family at home, and my parents were really supportive of me going to a Catholic school,” Jeff continued. “I’m so thankful for the sacrifices they made for me to attend Trinity. They were really invested in us and in Trinity.”
As a Trinity student, Jeff earned a Steinhauser Scholarship, played basketball and tennis, and ran track. He particularly enjoyed his art classes. Additionally, he was named to the Academic All-State tennis team and was a member of the National Honor Society. Jeff’s brother, Billy, is a 1998 Trinity alumnus. His cousins Brian ’09 and Evan ’13 Hancock are Trinity alumni.
Jeff fondly remembers some of his favorite teachers.
“Tennis became my main sport, and I had Coach Dan Zoeller [H’07],” Jeff said. “John Kahl [’69] was a teacher and coach who really supported me. My art teacher Jim Connell [’63] really invested in me. I loved coming into art after calculus to use a different side of my brain. Father Dave Zettle [’58] was great as well, a caring reminder that Jesus is the center of our lives and school. He also helped me find my path after Trinity. Sharon Bohannon's [H’10] community service class was an important reminder that we are not here to serve ourselves, but that God put us on the planet to serve others. Trinity showed me that there was more to life than making money. The teachers and priests who worked at Trinity did it as a calling – for something greater. I saw their example and wanted to model it. “
Jeff has not forgotten his Trinity roots.
“Trinity formed me. It helped me find something to be great at, which builds confidence,” he said. “It helped me keep Jesus first and foremost. It was Jesus' calling that helped me keep walking into these mission and leadership roles. God has us all in roles that are a fit for the way he made us, to live out our faith and help others.”
God calling
After graduating from Trinity, Jeff attended the University of Evansville, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1999. Jeff also played No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles tennis for Evansville. He was also involved with the Newman Center and the Student Christian Fellowship.
In 1999, Jeff joined The Hunt Construction Group. His first assignment was the UPS airport expansion in Louisville. Jeff gained valuable experience and knowledge that would later be used on a global scale.
In 2001, Jeff went to Sierra Leone, West Africa, to work with the poorest of the poor. It was in Sierra Leone that he was introduced to Mercy Ships, an international Christian aid organization that delivers free, world-class healthcare services and development projects to the poor. Mercy Ships runs the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship.
Jeff became a technical missionary for Mercy Ships, rebuilding villages decimated by war. In 2002, he was a team leader of a program that provided water and sanitation to the Freetown area of Sierra Leone. His next position was as construction manager for a physical therapy center for the disabled, polio victims and war amputees. Additionally, he managed the construction of a hospital for women with fistula problems from giving birth.
“We served the poorest of the poor, after their civil war, helping the country rebuild,” Jeff said. “I was able to use my engineering degree, with my faith. I went out initially for six months and stayed with the organization for ten years, living in five countries.”
It was also in Sierra Leone that Jeff met his wife-to-be, Rhiannon, a native of Surrey, England, who had come to Sierra Leone to work as a physical therapist.
In 2007, Jeff was named Mercy Ships’ Community Development Services Department manager. He coordinated the three main areas of community development – construction, water and sanitation, and agriculture training.
Jeff preached in African churches, provided clean drinking water for villages, ministered to children living in a garbage dump and shared God’s love with those around him – all of which he did as a volunteer.
Honored by Trinity
In May 2013, Jeff was honored for his life and work by receiving Trinity’s Honor Alumnus Award. Later that year, he became the first Trinity Family member to receive the Honor Alumnus Award and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year. At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Jeff and Rhiannon were serving at Mercy Ships’ International Operations Center near Dallas, Texas.
Jeff left Mercy Ships International in 2008 and moved with his family to England. He returned to Mercy Ships in 2011, working at its international headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
In 2014, Jeff joined Operation Mobilization USA, an international nonprofit that works with 6,800 missionaries in 118 countries seeking to provide humanitarian assistance, demonstrate compassion and form vibrant communities of Jesus’ followers among the least reached. He is currently vice president of mobilization. Operation Mobilization dispatches missionaries and Christian workers all over the world, many through their careers. Jeff’s career and mission have taken him all over the world, from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula to the Middle East to Vietnam to Central Asia.
Throughout his travels, Jeff has supported Trinity as a donor to the Annual Fund for financial aid. Over 43% of students receive financial aid, so it’s crucial to many Trinity families.
“I envision a world where every young man has the same opportunity I did, which is a healthy, faith-centered and nurturing environment where they can learn to be great in who God made them to be,” Jeff said.
Jeff and Rhiannon recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They have three children – Lucy, 15; Nathan, 13; and Abby, 10. Jeff and his family live in Tyrone, Georgia, where they attend a small community church
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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