My name is Matt Hartley.

I am a Religious Diversity Educator and Faith Leader with a passion for cultivating youth and young adult leadership and Interfaith friendship.

I am a scholar with a M.A. in Religion from the University of Florida, with research specialty on Muslim Youth in the American South.

From 2018 to 2023, I directed the University of North Florida Interfaith Center and served in Office of Diversity and Inclusion leadership, equipping faculty, staff, and religious and non-religious students for navigating religious pluralism. The UNF Interfaith Center continued as a national model under my leadership.

As of Summer 2026, I am a Senior Adjunct Professor in Religious Studies at University of North Florida. I teach Comparative Religion and Humanities courses.

I also have 20 years of experience in youth, college, and young adult ministry, in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Episcopal Church, and was a public high school teacher for 8 years as well. I preach most Sundays, regularly at PC(USA), Disciples of Christ, and Lutheran (ELCA) churches. I teach Sunday School and Bible Studies from local churches to Zoom sessions with Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Manhattan.

In 2024, I began work as Community Coordinator for the Young Adult Transformation Collective, which I have led through the process of incorporating as a nonprofit corporation. We accompany young adults as they discern their futures, rooted in faith and justice, and equip and support the professionals who work with them.

If you’re looking for an interfaith or religious diversity educator for your organization, a leader/keynoter for your retreat, or a preacher for your pulpit, check out my professional services page and get in touch!