Nelson and Rennae de Freitas serve as faculty sponsors of the Student Missions Association at Nelson University and are both faculty members in the Intercultural Studies department, where Dr. Rennae serves as department chair.

The couple served for 20 years as Assemblies of God World Missionaries in the Dominican Republic, where they helped establish King’s Castle, a discipleship ministry for youth. Dr. Rennae also helped found an anti-trafficking NGO, while Bro. Nelson served in executive leadership with the Assemblies of God in the Dominican Republic.

Both are ordained Assemblies of God ministers and are passionate about mentoring and equipping the next generation of missionaries at Nelson University.

Grant Nordan serves as the "hands and feet" of the Nelson Missions Department by providing strategic and logistical assistance to the university, SMA ministries, and trips. As a prior SMA Director of World outreach and President, Grant's heart is to disciple and connect Nelson students to their God-given calling in any way possible.

Majoring in Intercultural Studies and Church Leadership has deepened my passion for connecting with people from all walks of life. Having served as the Director of Community Outreach, I have a heart for the lost, both in DFW and around the world. I'm committed to building relationships that reflect the love of Christ and make His name known among those who don't know Him.

As SMA Secretary, I serve to meet the needs of the other execs. I also serve as assistant to the President. I oversee special SMA events like Open House, Missions Experience, and Missions Connection Week.

I am Alyssa and I have the privilege of serving as the Treasurer for SMA. My role is to help oversee the budgeting and finances of each branch, stewarding our resources to support God’s purpose. My desire is to also see the student body, faculty, and staff grow in generosity through our Giving Project by giving faithfully. I believe it takes an act of obedience and sacrifice through prayer to make an impact in our community and across the world. 

My name is Levi and I oversee the Prayer and Advocacy branch of SMA. I hope to be an educator post-graduation and teach science in secondary school. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity I have to share with my friends and family of Nelson the truth, access, and privilege we have of prayer! Christ died for our access to His Father's presence, so let's make the place we abide right there behind this torn veil.

Hello, my name is Avery Comellas, and I’m excited to serve as the Community Outreach Director. I’m a Bible and Theology major with a passion for full-time ministry and helping students discover their role in the Great Commission. My hope is to encourage students to see ministry as more than an event, but as a daily lifestyle rooted in relationship with Christ, growing in love for God, and making Him known.

Hello, my name is Cosby Cline. I am going into my junior year here at Nelson University, studying History and Legal Studies. I am incredibly excited to step into my role as Director of World Outreach this next year and look forward to seeing the Lord move throughout the year. Following my time here at university, I plan to either go into teaching or go overseas into ministry wherever the Lord calls me.  

My name is Riley Harris, I am a Religion and philosophy Major  and I’m passionate about creating clean, engaging designs and using marketing to help bring SMA’s vision to life. As the Marketing Manager, I oversee marketing for our executive team and SMA events, creating content and visuals that communicate our mission and connect with students. I love finding creative ways to make every event, announcement, and project stand out while helping SMA grow through strong, intentional marketing.