The daily life of a college student can be demanding, between classes, homework, extra-curricular activities, and all the tasks of daily living. “Sometimes students just need a place to breathe,” shares Jennifer “Jen” Little, M.A., Campus Minister for Student Formation. “I want Campus Ministry to be a space where students feel safe to ask questions, be honest about where they are and know they don’t have to figure everything out alone.”
As part of Bushnell University’s Center for Calling and Community, Little spends her days walking alongside students through questions and challenges, moments of growth and moments of joy. From chapel gatherings and worship opportunities to conversations in her office, she sees each interaction as an opportunity to remind students that they are known and valued.
That commitment to relationships is what first drew her to Christian higher education. While earning her master’s degree at Wheaton College, Little served as a graduate resident assistant, combining residence life and discipleship work in ways that deeply shaped her calling.
Finding Community
When she came across an opening at Bushnell that blended residence life and campus ministry, it immediately felt like the right fit. “There was a job posting for an RD position that was part-time residence life and part-time campus ministry,” she said. “It was like the perfect combination of the things I was passionate about.”
The move to Eugene was a leap of faith. “My husband had never even been to Eugene before,” she said with a laugh. “So we moved here sight unseen.” More than a decade later, Bushnell and the Eugene community have become home.
We caught up with Little to talk about her journey to Bushnell, the privilege of walking alongside students in their faith journeys, and why there are always snacks waiting in her office.
Walking Alongside Students
For Little, spiritual formation is connected to helping students discover who God is calling them to become. She believes college is about more than earning a degree. It is also a season when students begin to understand their purpose, identity, and place in God’s story.
“There’s something really sacred about getting to walk with students during such a formative season of life; to invite them deeper into the story of God is such a privilege.”
Her approach to ministry is rooted in authenticity and presence. Some days that involves leading chapel or mentoring student leaders. Other days it includes students sitting in her office eating snacks, drinking coffee, and talking honestly about life.
“To be given the privilege and the honor to be a witness to students’ pain and anger and grief feels like sacred ground to me,” Little shared. “Then I get the opportunity to be a mirror, to reflect the love of God back to them.”
A Place to Connect
Over the years, one of the greatest joys of Little’s work has been watching former students continue to grow long after graduation. Many remain connected to Bushnell and to her personally, returning to visit campus, share life updates, or re-connect over coffee.
“A lot of the students that were here when I first started back in 2015 are now all 30 and have jobs and families,” she said. “The chance to have some of those relationships for such a long time, some of those folks have become some of our deepest friendships.”
Outside of chapel services and pastoral care, students also know Little for something much simpler: snacks. “A lot of students know, but I’ve always got snacks. So if you need a snack, if you need an excuse to take a break, come by my office. I’m ready for you.”
That hospitality reflects the kind of Christ-centered community Bushnell strives to cultivate, one in which students are personally known and spiritually encouraged.
A Christian Community
Little believes student spiritual formation is not confined to one office or department. Instead, she sees it woven throughout the entire Bushnell experience.
“We get the privilege of working across campus with so many different departments,” she said. “There are opportunities for us to partner together, support each other and pour into students’ spiritual formation.”
That collaborative spirit is one of the things she values most about serving at a Christian university in Eugene. From athletics and residence life to academics and student leadership, Little regularly partners with colleagues across campus to support students holistically.
Whether students arrive carrying stress, uncertainty, grief, or simply a need for conversation, Little hopes they leave feeling seen, supported and deeply loved.
“I hope students know they never have to navigate life alone,” she said. “God is present with them, and this community is too.”