The first time Jennifer Schiefer set foot on campus at the University of Central Arkansas, she was an agnostic freshman, firmly convinced a person could not be both intelligent and a Christian. All of that changed when she encountered the love of Jesus and the beauty of authentic community. Through the work of dedicated Chi Alpha missionaries, Jennifer experienced radical salvation. She has now dedicated her life to reaching students, discipling leaders, and training the next generation of missionaries. When she’s not busy changing the world, you can find her in a hammock with a large cup of coffee and a good book, in the garage playing with powertools, or teaching her cat, Doug, a new trick.

Laj is a Miami boy who came to UCA to play football. While at UCA, he got involved with Chi Alpha where God radically changed his life. God was not the only one who caught his heart; he fell in love with Mary in Chi Alpha and got married to her in 2008. Laj and Mary’s heartbeat is creating family with people the Lord has surrounded them with. Anyone and everyone is welcome into their lives and especially their home. In 2015 they actually began to build their own family. Now they have two amazing boys, Jase and Owen! Laj enjoys being in community, getting stronger in the gym, and perfecting his coffee craft. Mary loves hosting the latest party, trying new treats, and getting her Glover fitness on.

Alyssa Deal came to UCA Chi Alpha from Oklahoma to do the CMIT internship in 2015. Coming into college, she was a church kid who only cared about behavior modification, getting involved in Chi Alpha at Rogers State University (in Oklahoma), is where discipleship changed everything. After feeling called to the CMIT at Salt (2014-2015), she has committed the rest of her life to discipleship. She enjoys having people in her home, bike rides and trips into the woods for event decor. In December, Alyssa will be getting married and starting a new chapter!

Justin and Allison have been missionaries to the University of Central Arkansas for 4 years. Both had their lives deeply impacted by Chi Alpha as students. After graduating, they came onto staff to continue making disciples who make disciples. They met in Chi Alpha in 2016 on a blind date and have been together ever since. They love card games, cooking, hosting bonfires, and discipling students together.

Fun facts: Allison has a twin and Justin has nubs.

Skylar and Connor are Texas native who came to Arkansas in 2015. Skylar ran cross country and track for UCA while completing a B.S. in History. Connor completed his B.B.A in Accounting. They got involved in Chi Alpha their freshman year, and their lives were completely transformed by the Lord during their time as students. Upon graduating they got married! Skylar became a CMIT intern in 2019 and has been serving on staff ever since. Connor began his career as an Accountant, completed his Masters in Accountancy, and became a licensed CPA. They are both passionate about discipleship and seeing Jesus transform students’ and graduates’ lives. Some of their favorite things are going out for coffee, hiking with their dog, disc golf, crossfit, road trips, board games, and spending time with their baby girl!

Alaina came to UCA in 2015 originally pursuing a pre-med degree which quickly changed after failing her first biology exam…thankfully a degree in Communication and Public Relations was much better. She became a CMIT Intern in 2019 and has been here ever since! God has beautifully captivated her heart and has compelled her to reach university students with the Gospel of Jesus. Some of Alaina’s favorite things include finding ways to incorporate avocados in every meal, going on spontaneous adventures, and hopefully beating the fellas in a game of knockout.

Shea Terrazas started attending the University of Central Arkansas in 2017, with plans to one day become a doctor. While at UCA, she joined Chi Alpha and discipleship radically changed her walk with Christ. During her senior year, she felt God call her to the CMIT program and has been doing campus ministry since. She has witnessed the treasure of knowing Jesus and how it transforms people and wants to pass that on to others.

Victoria McCauley was born and raised in Conway, AR, graduated from UCA in 2021 with a bachelors in Psychology, and has been part of Chi Alpha since her freshman year of college (2017). Coming in as a freshman, she thought everything Jesus wanted her to do was hard, but while in Chi Alpha, Victoria learned about God’s heart for His children. As she grew in actually knowing God for who He is, Victoria began to desire being used by God to bring the Gospel to others and to watch their lives be changed.

The Davis’ met in Chi Alpha at UCA and quickly knew there was nothing better than loving God and devoting their lives to see the next generation come to know Jesus! Dalton, Makenna, and their dog Nala love all things travel, exploring, and adventure!

Nick attended the University of Central Arkansas in 2017. Toward the end of his freshman year he surrendered his life to Jesus and began to discover purpose for his life. He got connected to Chi Alpha where he found real family and met his wife Bailey, who is currently in graduate school pursuing a degree in mental health counseling. As the next few years passed, Nick realized the greatest joy in his life was watching others come alive in Christ. This led him into full-time campus ministry where he has been living his dream discipling students over the last two years. Together Nick and Bailey hope to see God establish and grow his Kingdom here on this campus!