Belhaven Leadership Council

Jessica Akiona (President)

Hometown:  Modesto, California

Major/Minor:  International Studies/Biblical Studies

Hobbies:  Playing volleyball, watching all sports, reading, running, watching movies, hanging out with friends, sometimes random crafts

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The thing I enjoy most about Belhaven is the community. You don't find that often at a large university. Once you step foot on campus, it seems as if everyone is your friend and willing to help. Smiling faces, a welcoming environment, and genuine people; this is what you experience here. Also, the fact that you meet students from all across the country with the same goal, to better themselves and their walk with Christ, isn't something you are able to be a part of often.

What advice would you give to all students?

Get involved and branch outside your comfort zone; whether it be sports, leadership, or even dance. College is a time for you to grow and stretch yourself while having a great support system. There are a variety opportunities to get involved on campus, don't waste your time.

Why BLC?

It’s hard to put into words why I love being a part of BLC. In my first two years, my life was influenced by friends in ways that I could never forget. I would not be the person I am today without the friendships of people who genuinely cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. BLC gives me the opportunity to do that for others. I want to give students opportunities to grow, succeed and build relationships; and student leadership is the perfect way to do that.

Brad Blakney (Vice President)

Hometown:  Brandon, Mississippi

Major/Minor:  Business Administration/Political Science

Hobbies:  Golfing, hunting, fishing, hanging out with friends, sleeping at night, riding jet skis, hiking, kayaking, boating

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love the servant’s heart found throughout campus. It is uncommon to find such an abundance of people from all walks of life with their own unique passion for service. This has set the tone for a kind-spirited campus that is a pleasure to come to daily. The atmosphere at Belhaven truly reflects the motto, “To serve, not to be served.”

What advice would you give to Belhaven students?

Belhaven is just like any other experience in life; you get out what you put in. If you put nothing in, don’t expect anything back. However, if you give it your all, the possibilities are endless. This is an awesome and unique campus filled with the best faculty, staff, and students. The pieces are there, but it is up to students to take the initiative to put them together for their own fulfillment. When the initiative is taken, get ready, because God will open your eyes and begin to use you in ways that you never could have expected!

Why BLC?

In the spring semester of my freshman year, the desire to serve began to grow. I did not know how, I just knew that I was meant to serve in some capacity on campus. I have always had a passion for leadership and what better way to combine the two than BLC! I have a desire to help all students in any capacity I can and to make this campus and university reach its full potential. BLC is the perfect opportunity to do so!

Ricky Howard (Student Coordinator of Activities)

Hometown:  Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Major:  Sports Administration/Business

Hobbies:  Playing basketball, reading current event articles, and hanging out with my girlfriend and other friends

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love the close-knit community here at BU. Teachers know their students on a first name basis, meaning we aren’t just numbers to them. It is rare to find professors and students alike willing to help you in your academics and also help you grow in your faith. It’s a combination that attracts students from near and far.

What advice would you give to all students?

Manage your time well, and get plugged in. You have an opportunity to “make your mark” in college and find out what you’re good at. Simply getting involved within school activities and clubs increases those opportunities tremendously.

Why BLC?

The opportunity presented itself, so I decided to pursue it. Being in any type of leadership position allows one to put their stamp on something. I’ve been involved with activities at BU, but never on leadership end of the spectrum. BLC affords me the opportunity to bring some added excitement to our campus increase student activity in our events. And I also have the rare opportunity to both serve and lead our student body. Go BU!

Simon Barinas (Student Coordinator of Intramurals)

Hometown:  Caracas, Venezuela

Major:  Business Administration and Management

Hobbies:  Playing soccer, hanging out with friends, watching movies

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love that it is a small campus where you can easily get to know people. All the events during the year, and everyone around you will make you feel like you are part of a big family. The faculty care about you, and your growth as a person.

What advice would you give to all students?

Get involved in everything you can! Enjoy your time at Belhaven because those four years pass by fast!

Why BLC?

It is a way to give something back because it has given so much to me!

Katie Rowan (Community Outreach Coordinator)

Hometown:  Owings, Maryland

Major/Minor:  Music (Collaborative Piano)

Hobbies:  Playing the piano, kayaking, biking, white-water rafting, spending time with friends and family.

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The people at Belhaven are great; it is a very close knit environment! Several of the faculty have invested in me personally and have encouraged me to pursue a Christ-like attitude in everything I do. Through my classes, intramurals, residence life, and ministry groups, I have learned valuable lessons and formed close friendships.

What advice would you give to all students?

Get involved with one of the ministry groups on campus such as Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Student Mission Fellowship (SMF). It is very helpful to worship, pray, and learn more about God with fellow students throughout the school year. It is a great way to make friends that will spur you on in your walk with Christ.

Why BLC?

I wanted the opportunity to get involved in the lives of more students. I am excited to be able to share my faith and to help provide students with opportunities to serve and minister to the Jackson community.

Terence Stringfellow (Student Ministries Coordinator)

Hometown:  Memphis, Tennessee

Major/Minor:  Sports Administration/Business Administration

Hobbies:  Basketball, having fun with friends, getting to meet new people

What do you like most about Belhaven?

BU gives you the freedom to worship God freely as you wish in a Christian environment. Along with this, it really gives you the chance to have a one-on-one relationship with the faculty and staff knowing that they truly care about you, personally.

What advice would you give to all students?

God has put each of us here at Belhaven for a reason. Get involved!

Why BLC?

BLC gives me a great opportunity to become a leader to all students on this campus. Knowing that you are helping out and making a difference on campus is a great feeling to have!

Janelle Asher (White Columns Editor)

Hometown:  Yorktown, Virginia

Major/Minor:  Social Services

Hobbies:  Baking, being crafty, scrapbooking, decorating, making t-shirts, reading, going to the beach, dancing and singing in my car, working on White Columns

What do you like most about Belhaven?

There is nothing better than the community at Belhaven! I love the sense of family here. As for my favorite Belhaven activity, the luau or Spring Formal are a blast - they're so much fun and the food is delicious!

What advice would you give to all students?

Whether it’s a ministry, Belhaven Activities Team (BAT), or White Columns (the yearbook)...get involved on campus! That is definitely the easiest way to make friends, and where most of my favorite memories have occurred.

Why BLC?

I really enjoy working on the yearbook - it is a legacy to leave and the best way to showcase how awesome BU is. I love the family I have in BLC, along with the opportunity it gives me to serve the campus.

Ellen Thombley (Communications Coordinator)

Hometown:  Cumming, Georgia

Major:  Theatre (Production)

Hobbies:  Sewing, watching sports, designing slides for Belhaven Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), dancing on sidewalks, building theatre sets, making friends, drinking sweet tea, exploring Jackson, road-tripping to new places, going to Sneaky Beans, stargazing, and driving on Lakeland with the windows down and the music up

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The student body is an amazing creative community that loves to have fun while growing spiritually. I feel at home here because I can cater to the multiple interests I possess in an exciting environment where a majority of people know Christ. It also gives me a chance to minister to those on campus who don’t know Jesus and to allow Him to mold me into a sanctified vessel. I’ve experienced a lot of growth at Belhaven and I’m looking ahead to my final year with bittersweet emotions. I’ve loved every second of being here. Plus, I love rooting for my Blazers. "BU! YOU KNOW!"

What advice would you give to students?

Develop time management skills early so that you won't be overwhelmed when due dates come. Everything gets busier as the semester progresses; do yourself a favor and avoid procrastination. Go to campus events when you can; they really help you build relationships with people you’d never expect.

Why BLC?

I love this school and the people that I've met here; using my design knowledge for the benefit of our community is the least I could do. Communications Coordinator is a new position on the BLC, so I get the privilege and challenge of blazing my own trail and leaving clear markers for the next coordinator. I'm thrilled to be involved and I'm excited to see what God has in store for us this year!

Krista Kliewer (Campus Life Coordinator)

Hometown:  Santa Maria, California

Hobbies:  Making art, adventuring, reading, playing games, doing basically anything with friends and family

Major/Minor:  Creative Writing

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The one thing I that I like most about Belhaven is all the people that attend and work here. I can't imagine myself anywhere else for my schooling, but it would not be the same without all the amazing people here. They show real care and love.

What advice would you give all students?

Get out of your comfort zone, but while you are out of that comfort space lean on those who love you and never forget that God has you in His will.

Why BLC?

BLC is huge for me. When I came to Belhaven, I never expected to be in a position of leadership. Though I thought I was not cut out for it, God knew better. He has put this opportunity in front of me and I am so blessed. I am so excited to be serving!