Student Leaders Express Desire to Grow in Faith Alongside Faculty and Staff

Photo provided by BU’s Daniel Mullins, creative content and social media coordinator.

At Bluefield University, student leaders are expressing a strong desire to deepen their spiritual journeys in partnership with faculty and staff as part of a cohesive community where growing faith is a shared experience, integral to the campus culture. 

Dr. Henry Clary, assistant professor of Christian studies, acknowledged the significant role faculty and staff play in supporting students in their spiritual growth.

“First, we can pray for our student body and student leaders to grow in wisdom and leadership skills,” Dr. Clary said. “Second, we can choose to intentionally mentor student leaders in our areas of expertise. For example, I have experience in missions and practical ministry, so I sponsor the Missions Club.” 

Both Chris Johnson, dean of students, and student ministries leader Courtney Frame spoke about the importance of faculty presence at student-led faith events. Frame noted that the lack of attendance from faculty can be disappointing and discouraging.

“We would like the adults and academic leaders on campus to step up and attend events in support of what we voluntarily offer,” Frame said. 

Student Government Association president Landon Breeden shared how faculty and staff can help students with personal challenges as a believer and a college student, noting his challenges with prioritization, time management, and learning to juggle various responsibilities.

“The faculty and staff have done an excellent job in helping me and being patient with me on this journey,” Breeden said. “A level of understanding and patience from both sides is critical.”  

He echoed the desire of his fellow student ministry leaders to see faculty and staff more present at various events.  

“It would thrill my heart to see them grow in their presence at sporting events, student engagement events, and student ministry events,” Breeden said. “Although I don’t think it’s necessary for them to be at every event, I desire to see their presence — excited, passionate, and glad to participate in our campus community.” 

Dr. Clary shares this perspective on the importance of attending student ministry events, particularly BU’s weekly chapel service. While he acknowledged that the chapel experience is primarily tailored for students, he emphasized its significance in a Christian university context.

“I attend for spiritual growth and to support the mission of BU,” Dr. Clary said. “In a word — yes, I think it should be required for faculty and staff to attend chapel services.”  

Student leader Will Austin agreed, sharing how he appreciates the connection that comes from attending faith-based gatherings with faculty and how he envisions a more united campus community, bound by strong relationships.

“For me personally, it (attending faith-based gatherings with faculty) allows me to get to know someone better and makes me more comfortable around them,” Austin said. “I think a tighter knit community would be a great thing to see. I think my previous journey with Christ, as well as my hunger for a closer relationship with God, has pushed me to grow in faith, alongside faculty and staff.”

Austin added that he believes faculty can further support students’ growth by including Bible verses in lessons.

“This will help each student learn more about the word,” he noted. 

Johnson added that faculty and staff can play a key role in students’ spiritual growth by integrating spiritual conversations into their daily interactions with students. Beyond that, Frame said faculty and staff can demonstrate support of student leaders by helping with not only attendance at events, but also setup and advertising. This kind of collaboration, she noted, not only boosts student motivation, but also creates a cycle of encouragement that fosters deeper faith and community connection.

Frame said she envisions a campus community bound by Christ where faculty share their testimonies. She believes that openness and vulnerability from faculty would earn them respect and inspire students. She also said she envisions a campus community that prioritizes spiritual growth alongside academics.

 “I would love to see everyone — faculty, staff and students — come together openly as proud followers of Christ,” she said.

Johnson agreed, noting that faculty’s participation in spiritual activities signals their commitment to the students’ spiritual health, further enhancing the community’s cohesion. Both Johnson and Frame acknowledged that pursuing spiritual growth can be challenging, particularly during difficult times. Frame shared her struggle with drifting away from faith when facing adversity. She suggested that faculty and staff can help by being more open about their own challenges and spiritual journeys. She cited several faculty members, including Dr. Kim Farmer, Professor Jessica Sykes, and ACE director Wayne Pelts as inspirations on her faith walk.

“Their unwavering support and encouragement remind me of God’s goodness and have helped me navigate challenges,” Frame said.

Beeden added that he believes that fostering a healthier campus community goes beyond just programs and initiatives.  

“Although the implementation of various programs could be positive,” Breeden said, “I think one way to ultimately heal and foster a healthier campus community would be a change in the heart posture of our campus towards spirituality.” 

The students also spoke about the challenge of setting examples and being spiritual leaders themselves on campus.

“The Lord is teaching me how to approach faculty, staff, and other students with patience, meekness, kindness, and love,” Breeden said. “There have been times where I have been very frustrated with various forms of leadership, including my own, but God is still leading me on a path that I believe is higher than what the world could offer.”

Frame said her faith has profoundly influenced her approach to leadership. She believes that true leadership involves assisting others and demonstrating vulnerability. 

 “Leading others has helped me make progress within myself,” she said. 

Johnson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that his own faith serves as the foundation of his leadership style. His guiding principle: “Does it share the Gospel without compromise?”

Austin said he strives to set an example or to be a spiritual leader on campus out of care for his fellow students.

“I think the approach to leadership is a lot easier to understand for people when the leadership comes out of care and consideration for the other person,” Austin said. “When you show someone why you hold them to a certain standard, it not only brings you closer to them but also gives them knowledge.”