Year: Senior 

Major: Bachelor of Social Work

Hometown: Waxahachie TX by way of Miami FL. 

Q: What led you to Nelson University? 

You don’t decide to come back to college at my age without a little desperation pushing you to do so. I was terrified to return to school after so many years away. Initially, I wanted to enroll online. But God has this amazing way of putting us right where we need to be. My family and I moved to Waxahachie a few years ago, and I drove past this beautiful campus so many times.

Before I enrolled at Nelson University, my faith was crippled by a lifetime of bad choices and missed opportunities. When the time came to go back to school, I knew I needed to start by understanding why my faith had been so easily shaken over the years. Nelson University has not only given me the opportunity to pursue my education but has also become a place of healing and renewal—reminding me that it’s never too late for growth, learning, and a stronger relationship with God.

Q: What have you been involved in on campus? 

I started as a work-study for Dr. Armistead in my sophomore year. Since he was a fellow veteran, like me, we often lost track of time talking about our Army days. He was the first to suggest that our campus needed a student-led veterans club. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the time to pursue that vision until after he retired. However, with the help of another veteran, Dr. Langston, I founded the Nelson University Veterans Organization in 2024.

In my junior year, Professor Rial assigned a community-based project that required us to volunteer at a local nonprofit. That led me to Waxahachie CARE, an organization I’ve continued to support. Last year, our amazing SMA team organized a food drive, and when they received more donations than expected, I was able to use my connection with Waxahachie CARE to facilitate a large pickup of supplies—helping provide essential pantry items to vulnerable members of our community.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that my family and I have been dedicated supporters of Nelson athletics. We’ve attended most home football and basketball games during my time here—we’re proud Lions fans!

Q: What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most? 

The first time I attended chapel; I felt completely out of place. Now, it feels like home. I was raised Southern Baptist, so outward worship was unfamiliar to me. I felt uncomfortable raising my hands or praying aloud. During one chapel service, there was an altar call, and Dr. Otwell was praying over those seeking baptism in the Spirit. I trembled in my seat, crying tears that didn’t feel like my own. I didn’t go up, but afterward, I quietly emailed her. She responded within minutes, and we spoke over the phone that same day. As we prayed together (yes, I prayed aloud), she told me I had been speaking in tongues without even realizing it.

Later, she invited me to share my experience in chapel. With her guidance and a few practical tips on growing my prayer language, I learned to embrace this new gift. I consider Dr. Otwell to be a spiritual mentor. Nelson Chapel has truly become my home away from home. Now, I raise my hands without hesitation and boldly proclaim that the Holy Spirit is in this place—there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Q: How has your experience been with your major’s department?

The Department of Behavioral Health and Community Services, which includes my Social Work major, feels like a tightly knit family of supportive and present professors. From the start, I knew this department was special. My first assignment in Dr. Savell’s class was to set up an in-person meeting with him to discuss my goals and plans for both my education and future career.

Dr. Armistead later introduced me to Dr. Godsby, and after just one meeting, I walked out of her office with a note scribbled on Golden Girls-printed notepaper—words that would change the trajectory of my entire life.

Everyone in this department, from counseling and psychology to criminal justice and social work, has become my family. They have encouraged me, shared their chocolate, laughter, and tears, and, most importantly, provided me with a top-tier education and hands-on experience to fuel my passion for helping others. What I have gained here isn’t just an education—it’s a lifelong community I wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here? 

This is such a difficult question to answer because at least half a dozen professors have impacted my life in vastly different yet meaningful ways. It’s impossible to measure one person’s influence over another because each has shaped my journey in a unique way.

I’ve already mentioned a few, so I’ll highlight a few more. Professor Fenton helped me find my voice—without his guidance, I never would have discovered my love for public speaking. Professor Amy Alexander encouraged me with a single scripture when I needed it most: Proverbs 31:25. I carry it with me to this day. Dr. de Freitas has been a constant champion for my success, always offering unwavering support. Ms. Beverly convinced me to stay when the world was telling me to quit—I wouldn’t be here without her love and prayers. The same is true for Dr. Godsby and Professor Rial, whose guidance and belief in me have made all the difference. Each of these professors has left a lasting mark on my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Q: What drew you to your area of study? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future? 

After my brother served three tours in the Middle East—in places like Baghdad and Fallujah—he was never the same. He lost his way completely. Like many veterans, he refused to seek help for his PTSD, a diagnosis too many struggle to accept. Instead, many self-medicate, some lose their lives, and others watch their families fall apart.

My brother is my hero. He’s the reason I joined the military—I wanted to be just like him. But after he returned from combat, I couldn’t understand what had happened to the fun-loving big brother I once knew. My search for answers led me to a deeper understanding of the struggles veterans face, and in that pursuit, I found my calling: to serve and support those who have sacrificed so much.

Q: How do you feel that your time at Nelson is preparing you for life after college?

Life after college has already begun in many ways. Through my practicums and community service, I’ve built a network of opportunities in my field right here in my hometown. Maintaining a high GPA throughout my time at Nelson has also set me up for success—getting into a graduate program won’t be difficult, and I’ve already submitted my applications. Plus, our CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program has allowed me to complete a significant portion of my master’s degree requirements, cutting my time in graduate school in half.

More importantly, Nelson University has been a place where I could truly encounter God. When I first arrived, I asked a question that weighed on me for years: Why is my faith so easily shaken? Dr. Hayes helped me realize the answer—I had been living on the faith passed down from my mother and grandmother, but I had never truly made it my own.

At Nelson, I learned how to sit in solitude with God and drown out the noise of the world. I learned how to walk by faith, love with grace, and simply say yes when God calls. Most of all, I learned a truth that changed everything: no amount of good works will ever make Him love me more, because no amount of sin will ever make Him love me less.

Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and the personal goals you set for yourself? 

My faith is the foundation of everything in my life. It has taught me to be more discerning about the information I take in. Misinformation can be detrimental, slowly eroding what you believe if you’re not careful. In my studies, particularly social work, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of viewing others holistically—recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe Nelson University has provided me with this kind of holistic education. The curriculum is not just about learning theories and techniques, but it is also grounded in values that reflect Christ’s teachings of compassion, service, and love for others. This holistic approach has shaped my worldview and equipped me to serve others in a way that honors my commitment to serve God. I truly believe that God placed me in the field of social work. It’s not just a career choice—it’s part of His divine plan for my life. Through this journey, I have found purpose and direction, knowing that every challenge and opportunity I face in this field is part of a larger design. My faith continues to guide me as I pursue my education and set goals for the future, ensuring that my actions and choices are aligned with the values I hold dear.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen? 

Lean into it. Embrace the entire experience. Don’t wait—get involved now. Join a club or organization or create one if you have to. Find your people here, because your time at Nelson will fly by. Before you know it, you’ll be ordering your cap and gown and preparing for life after college. Make memories you can look back on when things get tough. Trust me, your professors care more than you realize. And remember, you’ll only get out of this experience what you put into it—so make it count.

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Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.