Rev. Alex Holt is from Northern New England and grew up on a farm in Maine. He had no formal religious affiliation as a child and young adult but experienced spirituality in nature. He has primarily studied liberal arts with several degrees including an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry. He also was an insurance adjuster, bank manager, and university administrator before going into UU ministry. Alex is especially fond of cooking Asian food, web research and reading.  He is a long time Zen Buddhist student of Chozen Bays roshi of Great Vow Zen Monastery in Oregon and continues his training here in the Southeast.  He was until recently co-chair and long time member of the UUA Addictions Ministry Team - a national group that provides support, resources and assistance to congregations and individuals who suffer from addictions of substance or behaviors.  This ministry is a part of Alex's life having himself faced the pain and trauma of alcoholism for years before he began recovery in 2003.  He speaks widely in Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist communities on this ministry. Alex has retired from the UUA Addictions Ministry Team in order to focus on advanced interim ministry training and his full time ministry here. He is grateful to be here in Clemson and the beauty of the South. He has close family outside Asheville, NC with whom he hopes to spend time this next two years.