Jay Dempsey
Executive Director
Jay started with The Cross in 2016 and loves working with the Greek community at UTK. As an undergrad, he did not have a Greek affiliation, but has learned to love the opportunity to work with leaders involved across campus and hungry for mentorship in developing their faith. For over a decade, Jay has focused on investing in men on campus, developing leaders, and discipling men while leading the ministry. As The Cross leader, he has worked to develop structure and strategies to help it continue to thrive for the next 25+ years.
Some of the initiatives Jay has started come from what he learned in his decade of leadership with Young Life where he learned the most effective way to do relational evangelism. Through that background, Jay has developed spaces to develop relationships and disciple men as they navigate the challenges of college and Greek Life. In the last few years, Jay has had the privilege of seeing God start the UT Presidents’ lunch focused on collaboration as fraternity and campus leaders while they hear from local leaders focusing on what makes their leadership distinct. A discipleship initiative that has grown in popularity are J-WALK where Jay gets to walk side-by-side in a 1-on-1 setting navigating what God has entrusted these men with, what He is inviting them into, and how does that align with His overall purpose for their life. As the lunches and walks have grown in popularity, so has Jay’s passion to empower others to replicate the effectiveness of growing leaders and disciples.
Jay grew up in Knoxville and graduated from The University of Tennessee in 2006 where he received a degree in marketing and management. His wife, Allie, works as the Associate Missions director at their church, Cedar Springs and has a doctorate in education. They have 3 energetic children, William, Jack , and Hannah Kate that keep them smiling.
Jay believes the greatest impact on campus is investing in the leaders within fraternity and sorority life and teaching them the gospel of grace through faith. The spiritual climate of UTK continues to shift toward years of The Cross Ministry seeing God’s faithfulness through it’s mission.
Email: jaydemps@thecrossutk.org
Phone: (865) 474-0955
Tenea McGhee
Women’s Ministry Director
Tenea is new to The Cross Ministry Staff, but not to UTK or college ministry. She is passionate about building authentic relationships, developing student leaders, and creating spaces for women to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally. With a heart for discipleship and a deep commitment to serving college students within fraternity and sorority life, Tenea helps cultivate meaningful community through outreach, mentorship, leadership development, and intentional care.
Known for her relational leadership style and creative vision, Tenea is dedicated to helping students navigate college life with purpose, faith, and confidence. Her work centers on empowering young women to embrace who they are, pursue growth, and make a lasting impact on their campuses and communities.
Tenea is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of North Texas, as well as a master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University. She is a proud wife, bonus mom, and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Through her leadership with The Cross, Tenea continues to invest in the next generation by fostering environments where students feel seen, supported, challenged, and encouraged in their walk with Christ.
Email: teneamcghee@thecrossutk.org
Jeb Beasley
Men’s Ministry Associate Director
Jeb Beasley is a 2019 graduate of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Since graduating, Jeb has maintained steady involvement within the local church, holding various leadership roles ministering to both youth and young adults.
He currently serves as the Youth Pastor at Glenwood Baptist Church in Powell, TN, and is working towards his Master's Degree in Theological Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. Additionally, he brings seven years of professional experience as an outdoor educator and program manager.
An avid outdoorsman, Jeb loves to hunt, fish, hike, and camp. His wife, Victoria, teaches at the University of Tennessee and continues to be his most valued ministry partner.
EMAIL: jebbeasley@thecrossutk.org
Sara Cate Murray
Knoxville Fellows Associate
Sara Cate Murray, a North Carolina native, graduated from Samford University in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies.
During her time at Samford, she had the opportunity to be involved in several organizations, including sorority and fraternity life. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and served as a recruitment counselor during her final two years. In this role, she had the privilege of walking alongside groups of girls participating in the Panhellenic recruitment process and supporting them throughout their experience.
When asked how she felt about working with The Cross UTK, she shared, “I am filled with gratitude and excitement about the opportunity to work with The Cross and look forward to seeing what God has in store!”
EMAIL: saracatemurray@thecrossutk.org
Board of Directors
The Cross Board of Directors is made up of local community leaders who come alongside the staff and student leadership to help carry out the vision and mission of our ministry.
Board Members
David Long
Rick Kuhlman - Alumni Committee
Mike White
Jon Fromke - Treasurer
Frank Wilk - Board Chair
Allie Welch - Secretary
Kendall Griffin
Mark Bailey
Tommy Wolf