For students at SEU, college is more than a degree. These four years are a time set apart for personal, academic, and spiritual growth. The student experience is defined by deep-rooted faith, strong community, and focused academics. For Bella Jenkins, a Worship Studies major, SEU has been a place of transformation, opportunity, and building friendships that she knows she will carry with her throughout her life.
Answering the Call to Worship Studies
From a young age, Bella felt called to ministry, and knew that leading worship was God’s plan for her. Pursuing a Worship Studies degree has refined her gifts while strengthening her faith. Music has always been a special outlet, and SEU has helped her develop both her talent and her understanding of worship leadership.
One of Bella’s biggest takeaways has been learning the organizational and administrative side of worship. “Being organized is a very important skill for worship pastors,” she shared. Additionally, getting to learn from skilled staff musicians has strengthened her teamwork and leadership skills.
Professors Who Truly Care
SEU faculty aren’t just educators, they’re mentors and spiritual leaders. One of her professors, Prof. Ed Bryant, affectionately called “Papa B,” has had a profound impact on Bella. As her studio instructor and vocal coach, he has helped her grow musically and spiritually.
“Papa B has not only helped me grow as a vocalist but as a person as well. He genuinely cares about the students he interacts with. I can go to him with a need and know that he will be praying for me. What a blessing it is to have professors who care for us as students and as people.”
A Community That Feels Like Home
Choosing SEU was an easy decision for Bella. After hearing about the university from a friend, she visited campus and immediately felt a sense of belonging. “After the first step I took on this campus, the Lord said to me, ‘This is your home.’” That moment confirmed to her that SEU was where she was meant to be.
Since arriving in 2022, Bella has experienced a tight-knit community. “The friends I made my first week of freshman year are still my closest friends to this day. The Lord has been so gracious in allowing me to be in the same season of life as them. To be able to grow alongside other Christians has been beautiful to look back on.”
The SEU School of Music has also provided a space to connect and grow. “There are so many strong musicians that I get to work with in my classes. I’ve learned almost as much from them as I have from our professors.”
A Christ-Centered Education
Faith is integrated into every aspect of SEU’s curriculum. Whether in foundational core courses, ministry-focused classes, or chapel services, biblical principles are woven into learning at SEU.
The biggest spiritual lesson Bella has learned? Letting God be everything.
“Being at SEU has challenged my faith in the best ways. From the chapel services to my classes, I am always learning something new from our spiritual examples on campus. The biggest thing that SEU as a whole has taught me spiritually is to let God be my absolute everything.”
Beyond coursework, SEU offers multiple resources for spiritual and personal growth. Bella found early community in the First Year Experience (FYE) program, eventually becoming an FYE leader herself. Chapel services have been a weekly source of encouragement, and Health Services has provided accessible care when needed.
Supportive enrollment counselors and academic advisors helped Bella transition into SEU, making her degree path and course selections seamless. The Steelman library has also been a valuable resource for studying and finding music for her lessons.
Looking Ahead
With her graduation set for April of 2026, Bella looks forward to taking advantage of SEU’s practicum opportunities and the flexibility of Divine Design credits, which are built into her degree journey and will allow her to gain hands-on worship ministry experience.
Her time at SEU has reinforced a crucial lesson: each person has unique gifts from God, and success comes from embracing those gifts with confidence.“ Being here has taught me to be strong and confident in the gifts and talents that the Lord has blessed me with. Yes, there might be others that have stronger talents than I do, but there are things that He has created me for and that I can do well.”
Community Focus
SEU shines bright through its community. Professors, mentors, and friends have made Bella’s college experience truly special. For those considering SEU, her advice is simple: community is everything.
“Most importantly, I believe that the professors here are rare treasures, and they have genuinely made my time here at SEU very special.If you’re looking for a university where faith, learning, and friendships thrive, SEU is the perfect place for you!”
Decision Day is May 1!
So, why not join students like Bella and find community with SEU, too? Visit SEU.edu/withSEU to take your next steps and discover more about how you Belong with SEU.
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BS in Worship Studies
SEU School of Music
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