Folx, there is so much happening in progressive campus ministry right now — across Michigan, across the country, and increasingly around the globe — that a handful of us simply can’t keep up with the stories. So I’m thrilled to introduce Nia Harris, who has joined ZOE On Campus as our Beat Reporter and Social Media Coordinator. (If you’ve been reading along lately, you’ve already seen her work.) I sat down with Nia this week for a quick video conversation. Here’s what you need to know. A storyteller since childhood Nia started writing as a kid — little stories she’d share with her parents as proud achievements. In middle school, her mom suggested she could make a career out of it. She loved watching the news and loved talking with people, so when she arrived at Wayne State, journalism was the obvious major. Today she writes for The South End, Wayne State’s student newspaper, which has been around since 1967. The South End has a proud history of students doing good trouble: organizing alongside workers, standing with the working poor, and telling the truth to power. That’s a lineage that fits right in with campus ministries trying to live out the teachings of Jesus in new ways. Rooted in campus ministry Nia isn’t covering campus ministry from the outside. She’s been part of Altogether Campus Ministry (serving Wayne State and U of M–Dearborn) for four or five years, and she’s watched Motor City Wesley grow through fellowship, pilgrimage, and real investment in students. She shared that Pastor Ben has made sure, more than once, that she had what she needed for school. That’s the kind of story she wants to tell. Her goal after graduation is television news — anchoring and reporting — and she named a few Detroit and Chicago producers she admires, including folks at Local 4 and Detroit PBS’s American Black Journal, for their grit and commitment to the craft. Her beat: faith journeys and civic engagement When I asked what stories she’s most eager to tell, Nia didn’t hesitate: personal faith journeys, civic engagement, and student life. She wants to spotlight how ministries give back to their communities, support students through programs and scholarships, and help people weave faith into everyday life. And yes, she’s ready with the questions. Her opening move with a campus minister? What’s your name, what inspired you to do this work, and what have been your favorite parts of the journey? Fair warning: she’ll get you talking. What’s on the story tracker We really do have a tracker, y’all. Here’s what’s coming up: * The Gay Jesus group at Stanford — shout out to our California friends * The Eco Justice Pilgrimage this June with Jen Hibben, including students planning to go — and, if they need support, a chance to share that need with all of you * A feature on UpCam Campus Ministry in Ohio * Jocelyn’s reflections from London with YAGM, and how her years in a ZOE ministry traveled with her across the pond * Altogether’s upcoming trip to Taizé — Nia’s hoping to go, but if work keeps her home, her friends are under orders to send video That last idea sparked a bigger one: there are probably a dozen young adults serving abroad through Mennonite, United Methodist, and other programs connected to our network. We’d love to hear from each of them. Testimonies of the people Near the end of our chat, Nia pitched something I can’t stop thinking about. What if people could just call in or record a testimony — a short story about what campus ministry has meant to them — and that became the heart of an article? We’ve always had prayers of the people. Maybe it’s time for testimonies of the people, too. Get in touch Got a story? Something wonderful happening in your ministry — or something hard? We want to be honest about both. Progressive campus ministry has its challenges, but the relationships we build are what carry us through as we help young adults pursue spiritual exploration, radical inclusion, social justice, and the flourishing of all creation. * Reach Nia through the contact page at zoeoncampus.org * Find her on LinkedIn as Nia Harris * Follow her on Instagram at @journal2nia And to the hiring managers out there: Nia graduates in December. She asked me to tell you, in her words, please find me. She’ll respond promptly. Welcome to the team, Nia!- CTG Get full access to ZOE On Campus at zoeoncampus.substack.com/subscribe
