Associate University Minister
University Minister
- PhD, University of San Diego, Education for Social Justice
- MA, Santa Clara University, Pastoral Ministry
- BACC, University of San Diego, Accountancy
Kenny Van Tilburg holds a PhD in Education for Social Justice from the University of San Diego where his research sought to understand how, where, and to what extent undergraduate students learn about and engage with Catholic social teaching during their time in Catholic higher education. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from USD and a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University.
Kenny currently serves as an Associate University Minister at USD where he oversees several student formation programs, including the First Year Retreat, a faith-sharing group for student-athletes called the Torero Athletic Fellowship, and the Romero Immersion Program. He also oversees UM Scholars, which is a four-year scholarship program designed to provide a theological foundation and formative experiences for students to imagine their role in the Church and how they're called to foster peace, work for justice, and lead with love.
Through 1-on-1 pastoral counseling, small group formation, and larger retreat settings, Kenny accompanies students in their faith journey and personal growth as a way to help them recognize the gift of who they are and the ways that God is working in their lives. He is passionate about the intersection of faith and justice, working to encourage students to ground themselves in their faith as a means of becoming compassionate servant leaders who are committed to building a more just, sustainable, and hopeful world.
In his free time, Kenny enjoys swimming in the ocean, reading, spending time with friends, checking out many coffee shops and restaurants in San Diego, and going back home to the Los Angeles area to visit family.