Senior Isaiah Rife Making BU a Better Place
Bluefield University senior Isaiah Rife has had a big impact on the campus community throughout his four years at BU.
Rife is a Tazewell, Virginia, native who graduated from Tazewell High School in 2020. He now lives in Bluefield and “loves the environment, people, and opportunities” here. He is majoring in nursing with a minor in biology, and he’s also a part of the Honors Program. In addition, he is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and will graduate from BU this May.
Outside of the classroom, Rife participates in many clubs and has helped university campus life become what it is today. He serves as president of the Student Government Association, a member of BU Student Ministries, an assistant resident director for Cruise Hall, a leader of the Missions Club, a tutor, and a work-study in the Business Office. A former member of the Rams football, cross-country, and track and field teams, Rife said his participation in campus life has helped shaped him into who he is today.
“Each one of these roles has had a tremendous (impact) on the shaping of my personality and leadership capabilities,” Rife said, “and they have prepared me to enter the workforce with a strong background in leadership.”
Rife said that being this involved on campus has challenged him to improve his time management and to be mindful of making time for himself.
“From time to time, I tended to overbook myself with multiple events at the same time,” he said. “I am an ecstatic person and I love to say yes to everything, but that does not always work. As a leader, I have had to learn how to build a schedule that allows me to be productive, have time for my family and friends, and time to rest.”
Rife has been recognized for his leadership and service with many awards, including the Ram EFFORT Award, several local scholarships, Student of the Week, and the Ram Presidential Cup Award on two occasions. However, he said the most important award he has received at BU is his devotion to Christ and the life God has given him.
“A relationship with Christ is what has given me fulfillment and has awarded me a life with him,” Rife said.
Campus Pastor Mason West, a long-time friend of Rife’s, said he has enjoyed watching Rife grow in a variety of ways.
“I’ve watched Isaiah grow so much as not only a man, but a man of God,” West said. “He’s taken his spiritual journey more serious than anything in his time here at Bluefield, and he’s grown to be one of the most passionate and consistent that I know. I’ve watched him grow in his knowledge of the character of God and the truth of his word. I’ve watched him step out to share convicting and powerful messages while also leading guys in Bible study with authentic discipleship. He’s grown in many ways as a servant leader.”
West added that Rife has been a big supporter of his ministry with students on campus. He said that when he became the BU campus pastor that Rife was one of the first people to show his support and to help advance campus ministries.
“I’ve watched Isaiah love people — from peers in the classroom to ministry volunteers to people he encounters in completing his clinical hours,” West said. “It’s been amazing to watch that unfold and his character match that of Jesus.”
After graduation, Rife plans to get married to his fiancé, Abigail McComas, who is also a BU student who serves in youth ministry and at local hospitals. He also hopes to begin working as a nurse.
“As a nurse, I want to work in an intensive care unit,” Rife said, “gain as much knowledge as I can, and hopefully one day continue my education in graduate school.”
West said he expects great things from Rife after college. He also said he plans on continuing to be one of his biggest supporters.
“I expect to see Isaiah setting out to pursue and accomplish whatever God puts on his heart,” West said. “He is passionate about health and truth. I believe he will help people in more than one way — not just in his vocation, but his calling to serve the church and God’s children. I pray to be one of the biggest cheerleaders in his corner in every season of his life. His heart and pursuit of God has marked me in many ways. God only knows how much I love him and believe in him.”