Campus ministry enriches the college experience

One thing that makes Kansas Wesleyan University special is their mission to grow intellectually and spiritually. 

Along with providing opportunities for academics, arts and athletics, KWU also gives it’s students the chance to experience and deepen their faith. The Campus Ministry program is there to help students on their spiritual journey and further enrich their college experience. 

KWU started a chaplaincy program 3 years ago. The schools chaplains are there to serve the whole campus and are always available for spiritual guidance, religious counseling and personal counseling. 

The chaplaincy program is filled with a team of people that choose to support the school on a volunteer basis. Each team or program at KWU has a designated chaplain apart of their program. 

The goal of a team chaplain is to be able to come in and enhance the individuals lives for the better. 

“I felt called to this role. I don’t get paid for this I do it because I love my girls and what I can do for them. My role is to help with the emotional and psychological needs of everyone because it will only strengthen all other aspects of someones life,” said Annie Boswell, Life group leader and volleyball and softball team chaplain. 

“I felt called to this role. I don’t get paid for this I do it because I love my girls and what I can do for them. My role is to help with the emotional and psychological needs of everyone because it will only strengthen all other aspects of someones life.”

You can hear more as to why Annie Boswell gives back to KWU and is apart of the host family and campus ministry programs here.

The campus ministry team includes but is not limited to:

Terry Baldwin – Christian challenge advocate and team chaplain

Annie Boswell – Life group leader and team chaplain

Aaron Flending – FCA coordinator and team chaplain

Brandon Cheeks – Student support advisor and team chaplain

Ralita Cheeks – Team chaplain 

Scott Jagodzinske – Campus minister and team chaplain

Dr. Allen Smith – Advisor and team chaplain

Rev. Nick Talbott – UMC and campus pastor and team chaplain

Rev. Eric Meyer – Team chaplain

Rev. Chelsea Shrack – Team chaplain

Rev. Shay Craig – Fine arts chaplain 

Rev. Libby Themis – Team chaplain

Rev. Gideon Achi – Team chaplain 

The campus ministry programs’ goal is to help students integrate faith into their life. As well as to nurture the whole person and create a successful college experience according to the campus ministry website. 

“Annie [Boswell] is one of the best people I have ever met. She cares so much for me and our team and I can feel it. I have never been super religious or spiritual so I was nervous to ask for her help but I never free pressure about spirituality and I am so glad she is apart of our team,” said, Taylor Suko a senior from Spirit Lake, Idaho. 

Along with scholarship opportunities for student apart of University Methodist Church (UMC), KWU campus ministry also provides the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program.