About Us
What is Campus Ventures?
Campus Ventures is devoted to reaching college students across Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska in an effort to equip them with godly character, ministry skills, and vision to prepare them for works of service in the body of Christ.
We exist to help students grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, discover God’s purpose for their lives, and be equipped to live as lifelong disciple-makers.
At the heart of Campus Ventures is a simple conviction: spiritual growth happens best through intentional mentoring, community, and discipleship—just as modeled in the New Testament.
Our Story
The Foundation for Christian Discipleship (FCD) was formed in 1988 as an asset to our graduates by providing discipleship training seminars and resources. From its inception, the board also assumed the task of distributing contributions to those approved to be supported in their missionary or seminary endeavors.
In the spring of 1991, the governing board of FCD developed the collegiate ministry of Campus Ventures with a continued focus on discipleship and disciple-making.
Since then, Campus Ventures has grown throughout the region, serving students on campuses including:
- University of Wyoming
- Casper College
- Northwest College
- Black Hills State University
- South Dakota Mines
- Chadron State College
- Eastern Wyoming College
Campus Ventures was directed by Dave Medders until his retirement in May 2006.
Beginning in 2021, the Foundation also adopted the mission of assisting college graduates in their post-collegiate spiritual growth and ministry through CVNext, led by Dave Hughes.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help college students glorify God through knowing and loving Him, and equipping them to be lifelong disciple-makers of Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission is our call to reach this generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to influence people in such a way that they will quickly help fulfill the Great Commission.
Therefore, students are trained to disciple others by those who have been discipled themselves. Being a discipler and leader requires godly character, knowledge, ministry skills, vision, wisdom, and relational fluency.
The Foundation is committed to equipping graduates, lay leaders, and those interested in seminary and missions with the characteristics of a disciple and disciple-maker.
What We Do
We accomplish this by providing:
- Leaders who set the pace in living as devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
- A form of ministry that is culturally relevant and Biblically driven.
- Worship that expresses our love to God and creates an environment for both believers and seekers to learn about Him.
- A place for students to love, encourage, support, and help one another become fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Training opportunities that develop students as fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Leaders for the creation of new student ministries that develop fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
- An atmosphere of freedom that encourages students to penetrate their culture with truth.
Core Values
Personal Values
Knowing God
Making Jesus known to others
Development of godly character
Raising up disciples and disciple-makers
Interdependence
God’s Word as our authority
Accountability
Spiritual disciplines
7 Heart Attitudes
We Believe
The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, without error in the original
writings, and the supreme and final authority in doctrine and practice (2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Pet. 1:21; John 17:17).
There is one God eternally existing in three equal persons: Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit—who have the same nature and attributes but are distinct in office and activity (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be
God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, to reveal God and redeem sinful man. We believe He accomplished redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice and that salvation is guaranteed through His literal physical resurrection from the dead (John 1:1, 14, 18; Luke 1:35; Rom. 4:25; Rom. 8:1, 38–39).
Salvation is a gift of God received by faith in Jesus Christ alone. We believe man
is justified by grace through faith apart from works, and that all true believers are secure in Christ forever (John 10:27–30; Acts 13:38–39; Eph. 2:8–10; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 8:1, 38–39).
Our Team
Jack & Kristi Hall, FCD Director
Jack is a transported Texan who has been serving God’s purpose on college campuses in the Wyoming region for over 30 years.
He is married to Kristi Hall, and they have 3 adult children, one of whom is married and has a son named Caspian. In 1995 Jack planted a Campus Ventures at Black Hills State University. After serving 13 years in this role, Jack was appointed by the board to lead the overall Campus Ventures ministry as FCD Director, where he serves the campus directors and staff by encouraging them to walk with Jesus and share the gospel while discipling students on the college campus.
Dave & Frannie Medders, Founder & Consultant
Founder of the Foundation for Christian Discipleship in 1988 and Campus Ventures in 1991. Presently Dave consults for the Foundation and
Dave & Janelle Weeks, Operations Director, FCD
Dave and Janelle are passionate about mentoring students to become disciples of Jesus, gain leadership skills and figure out life and faith.
Dave ‘married into management’ in 1997 as a volunteer and joined staff full-time in 2006. Janelle has been discipling women and a volunteer with Campus Ventures, since before the name changed, back to when she was in college. Recently, Dave was given the opportunity to oversee the operations for Campus Ventures. In their spare time they enjoy traveling, camping and reading.
Julie Gueswel, Office Manager, FCD
Julie is the office manager for the FCD office. She went through Campus Ventures as a student at BHSU and transitioned directly to staff after receiving her degree in Business Administration.
Megan Wittenhagen, Office Administrator, FCD
Megan is a native South Dakotan who connected with Campus Ventures as a sophomore at BHSU. She graduated in 2016 and was delighted to join the FCD office part-time in June of 2018. Megan enjoys reading, watching musicals with friends, and quality time over coffee.
Dave & Crystal Hughes, CV Next Director
Dave is a Colorado native who has been serving in College Ministry for over 21 years.
He is married to his beautiful wife Crystal and they have two children. Dave’s formative years with Campus Ventures included Campus Director at Eastern Wyoming, Western Nebraska and Black Hills State University. Arranging international connections for student with host families for international assignments as Missions Coordinator. Establishing ministry strategy, building teams, leading outreach events and hosting studies. Currently Dave is serving as Director of CV Next, which involves building a new ministry for post graduates. Connecting alumni with resources to continue to build upon learnings and experience while providing support during this time of transition from student to career professional. Dave has a Masters (MA) in Ministry entrepreneurship and innovation, and leverages his education, experience and leadership expertise to establish foundations, build connections, and provide Life Coaching to further God’s mission.
Jordan & Carly Scheuerman, CV Next, Associate Staff
Jordan and Carly met at Black Hills State University in 2016, where they were both involved in CV as college students.
When Carly was a sophomore at Project Impact, she recognized just how much God had impacted her first year of college through CV, and felt the call to impact future generations for Jesus Christ! Jordan and Carly married in May of 2020, and Carly joined staff with CV at BHSU that fall.
Jordan spent four years after college in the workforce doing quite a variety of jobs. During this time, he witnessed first-hand just how easy it is to not prioritize Jesus in the “real world”. This is where his heart for upperclassmen and recent graduates grew. When he heard about CVNext, he knew that this is where God wanted him. Jordan joined staff with CVNext in the fall of 2022.
Brandy & Daniel Burge, CV Next, Associate Staff
After graduating from BHSU in 2016, Brandy went on to teach both stateside and abroad before moving back home in 2020. In 2021, she joined staff with CVNext, eager for the opportunity to connect and reconnect with alumni and encourage them in their walks with Jesus! In July 2026, she married her husband, Daniel! She delights in Jesus, savory foods, playing games, coffee shops, long walks, laughing, hiking, the beauty of nature, and the students/alumni she gets to know across all CV campuses!
Shane & Heather Vietzke, Black Hills State, Campus Director
As a college student studying communications at Oklahoma State University, Shane gained a passion for following Christ and making disciples because of the investment of his campus director.
After five years of serving as associate staff at his campus ministry at OSU, God directed him and wife to move to Spearfish and join staff with Campus Ventures. He served on staff for four years before becoming the director in 2020.
Brenda & Micah Lewis, Black Hills State, Associate Staff
Brenda first joined Campus Ventures her freshmen year of college at BHSU in 1995, then joined CV Staff after graduation in 1999.
She met Micah when he moved to Spearfish and he married into the CV Staff family in 2011. Along with their 2 children, they love hosting college students and enjoy making their home a safe and welcoming place. They are blessed to have the privilege of helping guide students’ major (and not so major) decisions as they navigate life and faith.
Mitch & Sonja Kraft, Black Hills State, Associate Staff
Mitch attended Black Hills State University as a student athlete, competing on the Track and Cross Country Teams. While at BHSU he and his wife, Sonja, caught a vision for discipleship as students in Campus Ventures.
This vision of discipleship has led them to the other side of the world and back. Mitch and Sonja have been staff with Campus Ventures for 7 years and at BHSU since 2019. They are excited to help athletes at BHSU figure out life and faith. They are also excited to have 2 great kids, Arbin and Vivian. The Krafts enjoy walks to the parks, reading books, playing board games, and anything Paw Patrol.
Tim Wolfe, Black Hills State, Intern
Tim attended South Dakota Mines and studied Mechanical Engineering, competed in cross country and track, and was discipled by Campus Ventures leadership students and staff while engaging in ministry with his fellow student-athletes during his college years. He received God’s call to vocational ministry in his last year of college and joined CV staff at Black Hills State University in Spearfish upon graduation in May 2026. Tim enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, and mountaineering and is especially well positioned to invest in campuses and students with outdoor, athletic, and adventurous backgrounds and interests. Tim’s vision for the students he works with is to see them spend their lives in fulfilling service to Christ’s kingdom, wherever the Lord may call them – to the ends of the Earth!
Cameron & Emma Golinvaux, Black Hills State, Interns
Cameron and Emma both grew up and went to high school in Gillette, WY, getting married after their sophomore year of college in 2024.
They both attended Black Hills State University, Emma majoring in Music Education and Social Studies Education, and Cameron majoring in History and minoring in American Indian Studies. At BHSU, Cameron and Emma became involved in Campus Ventures, being discipled by staff members and being invited onto CV’s student leadership team. During their time as students with CV, Cameron and Emma were able to lead a weekly Bible study for upperclassmen, disciple peers, and lead students to Christ! As interns with Campus Ventures, they are excited to continue investing in discipleship relationships and evangelizing college students!
Tyler & SheraLee Owens, Casper College, Director
Upon finally receiving the Good News of Christ, Tyler was led to Campus Ventures at Northwest College in Powell, WY where he was blessed with the discipleship all of God’s people need. After seeing the value of taking others along on our daily journey with Christ he joined Campus Ventures staff in 2013. Tyler met his wife, SheraLee, while serving in Powell and soon after moved to Casper, WY in 2021. Tyler and SheraLee now lead at Casper College along with their two children, Artemis and Abel. They yearn to share God’s way with unreached and disenfranchised people. Board games are their love language, and they relish in the idea of people arriving unannounced, opening the fridge, and feeling like they have found a “home” smelling the sweet aroma of Christ that emanates from His people.
Caden Bright, Casper College, Associate Staff
Caden Bright got connected with Campus Ventures at Casper in 2023 after his time in College. He came on staff in 2024 and is joined by his wife and baby girl as they open up their home to students in Casper.
Meghan & Peter Tenney, Casper College, Associate Staff
Meghan Tenney started following Jesus at 14, and hasn’t looked back. Formerly of South Dakota, she now calls Wyoming home. She loves Campus Ventures because she thinks it best prepares students for a lifetime following Jesus, and has been part of CV since she was a college freshman. She loves encouraging students to trust God, and helping them pursue the next adventure He has for them. She, her husband Peter, and their daughter Aravis take great delight in adventuring in God’s creation, whether that’s on the ski slopes, the whitewater, the mountains, or in the Casper College greenhouse.
Jeff & Jolene Gouldie, Chadron State, Campus Director
Jeff and Jolene moved to Chadron with their 5 kids to start Campus Ventures at Chadron State in the summer of 2021. After college Jeff lived overseas for 2 years in Asia. Jeff & Jolene met in Fort Worth, Texas, where they both attended graduate school and were married in 2006. Working at Starbucks before and after graduate school turned Jeff into a bit of a coffee snob, while helping to pay the bills. Jolene utilizes her education as a teacher to homeschool the kids. Before joining Campus Ventures, Jeff worked in business doing sales and marketing for an internet startup and consulting company for 13 years. Jolene embraces the chaos of managing the house, teaching the kids (at home and through their homeschool community), and meeting with CV women. The Gouldie’s moved to Laramie with their 5 kids to join the staff at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2018.
Beulah Black Cloud, Chadron State, Associate Staff
Beulah got plugged into CV during her freshman year at BHSU in 2018. Her involvement in CV impacted her relationship with Jesus and with others. She caught a vision of helping other college students, like herself, come to know and love Jesus.
Beulah graduated in May of 2023 and has joined as an intern at Chadron State College in Nebraska. As she begins her second year, she’s excited to see God’s work in the lives of the students. Beulah loves hanging out with friends, drinking coffee, and playing games.
Jacob Hartel, Chadron State, Associate Staff
Jacob is an intern at Chadron State College. He has been a part of Campus Ventures at Chadron State College as a student since 2021.
Originally from Hot Springs, SD, Jacob is the son of Pat and Kim Haertel, and the oldest of 6 siblings, including four sisters and one brother. His family instilled Biblical values into his life from a young age, and during high school he made a personal commitment to follow Christ.
As a music education student at Chadron State, Jacob was a founding member of Campus Ventures, and gained a passion for discipleship and student ministry. After graduating in 2024, he chose to follow God’s call to continue serving in Chadron, now as an intern with Campus Ventures.
Seth & Mary Carter, Northwest College, Campus Director
Seth and Mary Carter were discipled as students while at Northwest College and moved back to Powell to jointhe Campus Ventures staff in the fall of 2005. As a family, they and their four children continue to invest in the spiritual lives of college students. They also enjoy reading the Chronicles of Narnia, jumping on trampolines and visiting the Oregon coast.
Hunter Christner, Northwest College, Associate Staff
Hunter first got involved with Campus Ventures as a student in 2015. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, he has been serving on staff at Northwest College since 2020. In 2022, he stepped into the role of dad to his son, Camden, and together they enjoy playing ball, watching sports, and going on bike rides. Hunter is passionate about helping students come to know Jesus personally and equipping them to live out the unique ministry God has called them to in their everyday lives.
Denise & Russ Ryherd, South Dakota Mines, Associate Staff
Denise has been a wife, mom and piano teacher for over 20 years. She loves rock climbing, mountain biking, and being out in the Black Hills. Denise became involved with Campus Ventures when her oldest daughter began hosting CV Bible studies and events in their home during her time in college. She and her husband love having a house full of college students and talking about life and faith. Denise is just beginning her adventure as a staff member with Campus Ventures and is very excited to see what God has in store!
Hannah Katz, South Dakota Mines, Interim Director
Hannah began her time with CV as a student at Northwest College. There she was introduced to a real and active relationship with God.
She joined staff in 2014 with the desire to help others understand the relationship they can have with Jesus. She moved to South Dakota in 2018 where she currently serves on staff. Hannah is passionate about knowing God as He really is and helping others know Him. She longs for students to know the importance of studying God’s Word. Hannah enjoys asking questions, hanging out with friends, and being outdoors.
Heath & Riki Dancy, University of Wyoming, Campus Director
Heath Dancy grew up in Arkansas and moved to Wyoming in 2014 to work for Campus Ventures after graduating from seminary in Fort Worth.
He became the Director of the UW campus in 2016. Riki is a Wyoming girl who has been on staff with CV since graduating from UW in 2010. They were married in 2017 and have since added Annabelle, Drew, Scottie and Ava to their family.
Matthew Adams, University of Wyoming, Intern
Matthew is from Monument, Colorado and is from a Christian family with both his parents and brother going through Campus Ventures before him. He has seen God work in their lives, his life, and the lives of those around him in many different ways that CV has provided the avenue for. Matthew was a part of the University of Wyoming rugby while pursuing a degree in Math and Psychology where he saw the Lord move in so many incredible ways. He is excited to continue his mission as an intern for Campus Ventures, continuing to invest in discipleship and the rugby team where he felt called to be a part of.
Zach & Alayna Kingsmore, University of Wyoming, Intern
Zach is from Black Forest, CO, just graduated in May of 2025 from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and was recently married!
He has been attending Campus Ventures since his freshman year of college, and because of the faithfulness of the staff at the time, was able to make his faith his own. Through that time, God revealed to Him the importance of discipleship in reaching and changing lives, and gave him a heart for college students. He is now excited to join the staff as an intern, and invest in discipling college students as they enter into potentially some of the most impactful years of their lives. In his own time, he enjoys the outdoors, playing spikeball, and leading worship nights.
Jonny Moore, University of Wyoming, Intern
Jonny is originally from New Mexico and finished a degree in physics at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He moved to Laramie in 2025 to start working for Campus Ventures. Jonny grew up in a Christ-centered household but it was college students at his youth group as a teenager, and then the college ministry at New Mexico Tech that solidified his faith.
He has had the pleasure of interacting with so many wonderful CV staff members throughout his collegiate career that he felt God’s directing him to apply for a position with the University of Wyoming! Jonny has a passion for discipleship and seeing young people come to a deeper understanding of Christ. He loves playing pickleball, board games, and playing drums.
Conner Stafford, University of Wyoming, Intern
Mazelynn Sharp, University of Wyoming, Intern
Mazelynn is originally from Sundance, Wyoming, and graduated from the University of Wyoming in December 2026 with a degree in Psychology.
She first became involved with Campus Ventures as a freshman, where she quickly developed a deep love for college ministry and experienced its impact firsthand in her own life.
After seeing the heart and vision of reaching college students, Mazelynn knew she wanted to spend her post-graduation years investing in their lives through discipleship, Bible studies, and developing meaningful relationships. In her free time, she enjoys a good nap, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends!
Tristan & Kendall Troftgruben, University of Wyoming, Interns
Kendall and Tristan graduated from the University of Wyoming a year apart, and after getting married on June 1st, 2026, they decided to begin their marriage by doing ministry together. As students, they were plugged into different campus ministries, Tristan with Campus Ventures and Kendall with Navigators, but they shared the same heart for the gospel and discipling others. That shared passion is what led them both to join staff with Campus Ventures. They also share a deep love for the outdoors. You can often find them climbing, biking, running, backpacking, skiing, or camping on any free day. By inviting students to experience these adventures in God’s creation with them, the door is opened to point them toward the One who made the very places where they play. Tristan and Kendall wouldn’t be who they are today without the people who mentored them, and they’re eager to be that kind of friend, mentor, and spiritual guide for the next generation.
Jacob & Jade Schneider, University of Wyoming, Interns
Jacob and Jade got married in May of 2026 and started on Campus Ventures at the University of Wyoming that August.
Jacob graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and is attending seminary as of fall 2026.
Jacob has a deep love for discipleship and studying God’s Word, and through that God has revealed the passion that Jacob has for ministry and the desire to give his life to serving God. Jacob loves playing board games, net ball, and eating cookies.
Jade graduated with a degree in psychology in December of 2025. She has a passion for getting to the heart of people. Through her time in college the Lord revealed how that can be used as a gift in ministry and discipling women. Jade loves going to a coffee shop with friends, board games, and baking cookies for Jacob.
Josie Griffin, University of Wyoming, Intern
Josie is originally from Powell, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming in December 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Apparel Design.
While at the University of Wyoming, she started attending Campus Ventures meetings after a few of the members helped her move into her freshman dorm room. The Lord worked through Campus Ventures in magnificent ways to strengthen her faith and drew Josie to pursue full-time vocational ministry after graduating. She is excited to minister to university students and walk with them as they pursue the Lord and grow in their faith!
Kacey McIntire, University of Wyoming, Intern
Kacey is originally from Cedaredge, Colorado and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Aging Studies.
After coming to the University of Wyoming in 2022, the Lord used Campus Ventures and the people within it to show her what it means to walk with Him and live her life in response to the good news! After attending Project Impact in 2025, the Lord made it so clear that vocational ministry and reaching college students was the direction He had for her life. She is so excited to see how the Lord continues to reach the campus of UW and the Laramie community.
Konrad & Grace Bradt, University of Wyoming, Intern & Associate Staff
Gracie and Konrad share a deep passion for reaching students. Gracie, a Colorado State University graduate, has been on staff with Campus Ventures since 2022. Konrad joined the team in 2025 after graduating from Colorado Christian University and gaining ministry experience through a church internship in Colorado. Married in June 2026, they love serving the Lord together, investing in the next generation of leaders and sharing the Gospel with students. In their free time, they enjoy playing games, reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends.
Jordan & Chris Acker, University of Wyoming, Associate Staff
Jordan is from Cheyenne, WY and graduated Black Hills State University in 2016 with a degree in Psychology. Participating in Campus Ventures at BHSU from 2011-2016 as a student helped Jordan build a found of faith in Jesus and grow in her personal relationship with God. Jordan joined staff after graduating to invest in college students and help them grow in their faith too and stayed in South Dakota from 2016-2019. Then in 2019, she moved to Laramie, WY to be on staff at the University of Wyoming and has been working there since!
Jordan and Chris met in Laramie, WY through CV when Chris came through as a student. They started dating in 2025 and will be married in July 2026!! They are excited to continue living and Laramie and seeing what God has in store!
Nate & Ruth Ann Purtzer, Central American Theological Seminary, Professor
Since 2011, Nate and Ruth Ann have served as missionaries in Guatemala. Nate trains pastors and leaders at Central American Theological Seminary, one of the largest and most influential Bible seminaries in Latin America. His work includes teaching biblical language courses and serving as the coordinator of the master’s programs. Additionally, Nate helps with FAM Guatemala, a local missions agency dedicated to sending and supporting Spanish-speaking missionaries. Ruth Ann supports Nate’s ministry from home, primarily by homeschooling and caring for their seven children. She also teaches a Bible study for moms.
Foundation for Christian Discipleship Board
Campus Ventures operates under the leadership and oversight of the Foundation for Christian Discipleship (FCD) Board.
The Board provides spiritual direction, accountability, and stewardship for the ministry, ensuring that Campus Ventures remains Biblically grounded and focused on its mission of disciple-making.
Matt Peterson, Board President
Becky Lane, Vice President
David Medders, Treasurer
Ty Battershell
Chris Schmit
Craig Fortunato
