by Karsyn Hunter
Every day while OBU students and staff go about their days, a familiar smile, wave or conversation on campus boosts spirits. These familiar interactions are what make the OBU campus a comfortable and heartwarming place.
While everyone does their best to be kind, several people brighten students’ and staff’s days.
Keith Young (above) is one of these people.
Young does the housekeeping for OBU and started working for the campus in February 2023. Young was raised by his mother who taught him to treat everyone how you would want to be treated. He has used this advice by giving small gestures—a smile, wave or encouraging message—to everyone he passes. Young’s gestures, though simple, are impactful.
“Keith and I have a good friendship,” said student-athlete Kenzie Mosley. “Every time he sees me, he greets me with a big smile.”
Young credits his bubbly energy to God and his life-loving mindset, which he hopes rubs off on others. His presence leaves a lasting mark on the OBU community. But he isn’t alone.
The same impact can be seen from Ann McNellis (above) assistant professor of communications.
McNellis started working for OBU in 2010 and has made it her goal to make everyone feel welcome.
“[I want] everyone to feel like they have a place at OBU,” said McNellis.
Similarly to Young, McNellis draws her life advice from her mom, who always reminded her that in trouble that this too shall pass. This advice reminds McNellis to get through the tough days with a positive attitude because all the hard days eventually end. This mindset shaped McNellis for her role at OBU.
For McNellis, OBU gives her purpose, friendships and spiritual growth. Her students see this resolve and it shows she truly cares about them.
“I love going to her class. She asks me about my life and really makes me feel like she cares about me,” said senior communications major Cole Taylor.
McNellis teaches students, but she also listens to them and gives encouragement. She believes the light of the Lord and positivity will shine; she hopes her students and colleagues see that and are inspired to live it out themselves.
Another friendly presence on campus is Avery Hellmuth (above). Hellmuth has been at OBU since the fall of 2020. After graduation, she took on the role of director of compliance for OBU’s athletic department in Dec. 2024. Hellmuth uses her personal experience from being a student-athlete at OBU as a guide for the way she treats staff and students on campus.
“You can’t compete at a high level and have any kind of fun without seeing things positively. Volleyball really shaped that quality in me,” said Hellmuth.
Even through the long days in life and in sports, Hellmuth learned that one must stay positive to find joy in life. She takes this mindset into the way she engages with others.
“I love seeing people, I love talking to them. Usually when I meet with someone or just run into them, I’m excited to see them and hear how they’re doing,” Hellmuth said.
Hellmuth focuses on caring for others even simply remembering what they said the last time they saw them. People around her notice her caring efforts.
“Avery’s positivity is contagious. She makes everyone around her feel seen and valued,” said sophomore Emily Kate Jones.
Hellmuth hopes her desire to have strong relationships with others will inspire students to do the same.
“Care about the people next to you. We’re all made in the image of God, we’re all super valuable in His plan,” she said.
