Belhaven Leadership Council

Brad Blakney (President)

Hometown:  Brandon, MS

Major/Minor:  Business Administration

Hobbies:  Golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, spending time with friends

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love the community and diversity found at Belhaven. The small size of the campus allows for meeting a variety of people and growing with each of them, though you may not be alike at all.

What advice would you give to all students?

Belhaven is just like any other experience in life; you get out what you put in. If you give it your all, the possibilities are endless. It is up to each student to take the initiative to put them together for their own fulfillment. When 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?

BLC is unlike any other opportunity found on campus. It allows for the opportunity to serve students through programming and leadership while also growing as a person with the BLC team. The connections that are made help you to grow as a person to reach your full potential not only now, but also later in life. Belhaven is a special place and BLC gives me the opportunity to help it reach its fullest potential.

Krista Kliewer (Vice President)

Hometown:  Santa Maria, CA

Major/Minor:  English/Creative Writing and Art

Hobbies:  Reading, writing, spending quality time with friends, world peace

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The community here is, without question, the best thing about Belhaven. The students are friendly from the get-go. There is never a lack of friends. It’s wonderful for the faculty and staff to go out of their way to help and be a support to you.

What advice would you give to all students?

Work hard while you are here. Whether you are building relationships, learning, or getting better at your sport, do it all for the glory of God.

Why BLC?

BLC is an amazing opportunity to serve the campus behind the scenes in a family-like environment. BLC is a team that works for one goal but has different individual jobs. It’s like the real world on a small scale. It prepares you for the future but is fun and encouraging in the process.

Katie Acker (Programming Coordinator)

Hometown:  Ohatchee, AL

Major/Minor:  Dance

Hobbies:  Drinking coffee with a good book, shooting sporting clays, doing anything outdoors

What do you like most about Belhaven?

The community is great! Belhaven is truly a big family. It is one of the many reasons why I initially chose and have stayed at Belhaven.

What advice would you give to all students?

Study hard but don’t waste your college years only in the books. Invest in the people God places in your life because they are who you will remember when you look back on this time!

Why BLC?

BLC is a chance to be a part of a team that is Christ-centered and student-focused. I am excited to be on this incredible team of students because of the opportunity to impact people for Christ and share what God has done for me. BLC is such an amazing opportunity to serve and be more involved on campus.

Mysie Falardeau (Student Coordinator of Activities)

Hometown:  Winston-Salem, NC

Major/Minor:  Art/Psychology

Hobbies:  Going on adventures with my friends, glass blowing, taking photos, being outdoors, running, and drinking as much coffee as humanly possible

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love the Christian environment. It’s been such a blessing to be surrounded by a group of people who not only love me, but also encourage me in my faith.

What advice would you give to all students?

Hang out with as many different people as possible, because you learn the most from those who aren’t just like you. Get involved in something you’re passionate about and stick with it. And don’t listen when you hear "there’s nothing to do in Jackson...." Jackson is full of awesome and random places to explore and there’s always something going on!

Why BLC?

Belhaven and the people here have been instrumental in shaping who I am today, and I am excited about the chance to give back!

Samantha Massoth (Student Coordinator of Intramurals)

Hometown:  Batesville, MS

Major/Minor:  Sports Medicine/Pre-Med

Hobbies:  Playing softball, hanging out with friends, watching movies, being with family, doing any activities outdoors, sleeping

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love how the campus is small which makes it easy to meet new people. People will smile and speak when they pass you even if they do not know you. Belhaven provides a sense of family where faculty know you by name, students from different walks of life are best friends, and everyone is growing together spiritually in Christ.

What advice would you give to all students?

There is no greater thing to do at Belhaven than to be involved and get out of your comfort zone. Strive to become a part of campus life!

Why BLC?

BLC is a great way to serve others. I have never experienced a leadership role on campus like I have in BLC and it is truly amazing! It is a great feeling knowing that I can make a difference. BLC gives me a great opportunity to help others get involved and have a great college experience!

Hannah Bush (Campus Life Coordinator)

Hometown:  Niskayuna, NY

Major/Minor:  Dance Performance

Hobbies:  Dance, cooking, baking, tennis, reading

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I love the community and family that you become!

What advice would you give to all students?

Get involved as much as possible! You will learn so much about yourself from experiencing different opportunities and meeting so many people along the way.

Why BLC?

It’s awesome that Belhaven allows students to take such a leadership role and help mold, create, and build up Belhaven University. I am so excited to represent this campus and help create an encouraging, exciting, and enjoyable home for all of the students here.

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. 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?

Belhaven gives you the freedom to worship God freely as you wish in a Christian environment. You also have 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!

Kelsey Johnsen (White Columns Editor)

Hometown:  Mukwonago, WI

Major/Minor:  Graphic Design

Hobbies:  Reading

What do you like most about Belhaven?

I really appreciate the opportunity that being at Belhaven has given me to form all of the close friendships that I have made.

What advice would you give to all students?

Take advantage of the community found at Belhaven and get involved!

Why BLC?

The BLC is a great way to be a part of a team that serves the best interests of the Belhaven student body.