Student Stories
Purpose & Passion
Kylie Reif’s Academic Journey at OKWU
When Kylie Reif decided to transfer to Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU), it wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a faith-driven decision to follow God’s guidance. At her previous school, Kylie was on track to present marine biology research at a major conference in Hawaii. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine her love for science with her career aspirations. But something stirred within her as she prayerfully began to consider her next steps.
“I felt this tug on my heart, like God was calling me to something bigger,” Kylie reflects. “I didn’t know exactly what that was, but I had to trust Him, even if it meant stepping away from a secure academic path.”
At OKWU, Kylie found a community that supported not just her academic pursuits but also her spiritual growth. Faculty, like Dr. Mangimela, didn’t just care about her grades—they cared about her journey as a whole person. “Dr. Mangimela told me, ‘We want you here. You’re different. Bring marine biology to OKWU,’” Kylie recalls, smiling. “That gave me so much hope. I realized this wasn’t just about my academic future; it was about using my passions for a greater purpose.”
Kylie’s love for marine biology has always been rooted in her faith. She believes that God, the Creator of the ocean and all its creatures, has instilled in her a deep love for sharks and the ecosystems they inhabit. “Sharks are incredible creatures, and I believe God gave me a passion to understand them better,” she explains. “Every time I learn about them, I see God’s handiwork. It’s awe-inspiring.”
Kylie’s time at OKWU has led her to unexpected opportunities, like an internship at the Tulsa Aquarium, where she’s been able to study invertebrates while still connecting with sharks.
The opportunity came after Dr. Turner recommended her for the position, despite the aquarium not currently accepting interns. “It was like God opened the door when I least expected it,” Kylie says. “Now I’m hands-on with sharks every day, sharing my passion with staff and visitors.”
Kylie sees her work with marine life as an opportunity to serve others, using her passion for God’s creation to inspire and educate. Just as sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem, Kylie believes she is called to serve through her love for marine biology.
Becoming the kind of leader who listens
A leader sent, not for a title, but for a purpose, is what it’s all about.
Carlos Lopez remembers the uncertainty. Coming from Venezuela to Oklahoma Wesleyan University meant stepping into the unknown—new culture, new language, new expectations. But from day one, Carlos showed up ready to work. He didn’t come looking for attention. He came looking for change.
As a business student and athlete, Carlos knew education could open doors—not just for him, but for his family back home. “Carlos takes this seriously,” said Dr. Stacey Duke, one of his professors. “He’s not waiting around. He’s thinking deeply, asking the hard questions, and showing up every day with purpose.”
That purpose has grown over the years. Carlos has learned that real leadership isn’t loud. It’s faithful. And it’s often found in everyday moments—helping a teammate reset after a tough game, encouraging a classmate to speak up, or asking, “How can I grow?”
“He leads with humility,” Dr. Duke said. “He motivates others because he genuinely wants them to succeed. That’s rare.”
Now in his final year, Carlos is stepping into the fullness of his calling. He’s thinking about life beyond graduation: what it means to lead in business with ethics, faith, and courage. He’s also reflecting on how far he’s come: learning to balance a demanding athletic schedule, maintaining strong academics, and growing in spiritual maturity.
And he’s not doing it alone. At OKWU, he’s found professors who know his name, a community that supports him, and a mission that aligns with his heart.
Carlos is the kind of student OKWU was made for and the kind of graduate it exists to send. “Sending Servant Leaders” comes to life in stories like his—students shaped by the Kingdom Path, serving with Christlike love, leading with wisdom, and living out their faith wherever God calls them.
Soon, Carlos will leave OKWU, but he won’t leave behind what he’s learned. Wherever he goes next, his leadership will show up the same way it always has: in how he treats people, how he shows up, and how he quietly invites others to rise with him.