Student Chaplains Take On New Ministry Roles On Campus

Published: December 02, 2025

Author: Dave Bell

Photo by Dave Bell

Three years ago, when Keli Pennington ’16 returned to her alma mater to assume the role of University Chaplain at Greenville University, the job description was simple: minister to the spiritual needs of the school’s 800-plus students.

Though she had recently completed a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School and was excited to engage with students at Greenville, the assignment was – to say the least – a daunting challenge.

And that’s when discussions began about adding student positions to help extend her reach. It started small, with one assistant in fall 2022, and grew to three last year. Their primary role was to meet students’ needs through building relationships.

Over the years, we have observed that students want to be spiritually supported by their peers,” Pennington said. “Knowing that, we have asked the Student Chaplains to walk alongside their peers, offering encouragement, prayer, and intentional relationships that focus on being Christ’s presence within their communities.

They have also helped plan and run spiritual formation programs on campus.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, four students have been selected and are working under a new structure to address the still-daunting ministry challenge.

“We have identified a specific area for each Student Chaplain to focus on,” said Pennington, a Peoria native. “Those areas are discipleship, prayer, outreach, and worship. Of course, their outreach efforts aren’t limited to those areas; they all work to enhance the overall spiritual life on campus. But by assigning each student chaplain to a role that matches their interests and strengths, we have already seen significantly more activities.”

The following is an introduction to this year’s student chaplains and their areas of responsibility.

Photo by Dave Bell

• Trey Johnson, Worship Chaplain:

Duties: Plan and lead worship at Vespers and other campus events; collaborate with other Student Chaplains to promote worship opportunities; and connect with students to identify their worship needs.

Background: A native of Maryville, IL, Trey is a junior majoring in biology and chemistry. He’s active in Ultimate Frisbee, Joyous Chaos, and Cultural Collective. He became a Student Chaplain “to help my fellow students feel seen and heard.” He wants to see everyone associated with the GU campus “experience Jesus on a new level that pierces deep into their hearts and leaves them forever changed.”

When asked if he’d recommend the Student Chaplain position to other students, he said: “I would recommend it, but only if you have a servant’s heart. Our job is to plant seeds and let God do the rest. If you’re willing to be humble, want to be part of something bigger than yourself, and desire to grow your relationship with Christ, then this is the perfect position for you.”

• Mylee Kessinger, Prayer Chaplain:

Duties: Lead a student prayer team that meets regularly; recruit people to pray with students at the end of Vespers or other worship services; and cultivate a culture of prayer on campus, either by organizing specific prayer events or by incorporating prayer into existing events.

Background: Mylee is a Greenville native majoring in social work and psychology. She’s the manager for the men’s soccer team and works at a coffee shop in the community. “I pursued the Student Chaplain position because I wanted to guide students – especially freshmen – toward the peace and assurance that comes from knowing the Lord,” Mylee said. “Having once been a nervous freshman myself, I want to help make each student’s first year a season of meaningful spiritual growth.”

As a Student Chaplain, Mylee wants to “meet students where they are and serve as a safe and supportive outlet for them to confide in.” Further, she wants to help cultivate a culture of prayer across the campus. “Many students are looking for something to give them peace in today’s world,” she said. “I want to help them develop a close relationship with Jesus through prayer.”

• Jacob Ogg, Community Connection Chaplain:

Duties: Plan or coordinate at least one community service event each semester; work with the University Chaplain to connect students with local churches; and build better connections between the University and local pastors and community members.

Background: A native of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Jacob is a junior with a double major in Middle Education and Secondary Education. He’s involved in The Factory Theatre, Joyous Chaos, and the Astronomy Club.

“I’m excited about being a Student Chaplain,” Jacob said, “because it’s a way I can help my peers by letting them know they’re not alone – that I’m here for them in whatever way they need. Sometimes, the biggest thing you can do for someone is to be a listening ear. Praying with people after Vespers has been meaningful because it might be the first time someone’s ever prayed for them.”

• Maddie Powell, Discipleship Chaplain:

Duties: Help the University Chaplain oversee small groups; provide support to small group leaders; and plan or coordinate at least one discipleship event each semester.

Background: Maddie is a sophomore theology major from Columbia, MO. She is excited about being a Student Chaplain because it will prepare her for future ministry opportunities. “I hope that God uses this experience to refine and focus His calling on my life. When I was a freshman, I remember feeling that I didn’t have anyone to mentor me. Now, I want to be that kind of resource for new students.”

• • •

Although each student chaplain has a specific area of responsibility, they are also expected to participate in campus events, build relationships with students, and respond to students’ spiritual needs. The team meets with Pennington as a group every other week and individually with her for personal and professional development on alternating weeks.

“I’m excited about our new structure and the people we have serving as Student Chaplains this year,” Pennington said. “They are very motivated, and they work well together. As they minister to other students, I want to be ministering to them. I want them to feel encouraged, equipped, and supported.”