Western Carolina University
Join us Tuesday Nights at 8 PM in Apodaca 201
Contact
RUF is a community of students learning how to love God, love people, and love Western Carolina University. Regardless of your beliefs or doubts, RUF is a safe place to EXPLORE Christianity and GROW in your understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. We welcome all, no matter where they are in the process, to be part of our campus ministry.
Join Us
Large Group
Connect
Text @rufwcu to 81010 to sign up for our text alerts.
Meet Our Team
Andrew Shank
Andrew grew up in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but ever since his family moved to Charlotte, NC right after his 13th birthday, he’s called North Carolina “home.” Andrew is a graduate of NC State, and after his college days, interned with RUF at Virginia Tech before returning to Charlotte to attend Reformed Theological Seminary. It was during these RTS days that he met, wooed, and wed his wife, Trish. After finishing seminary, Andrew spent three years as the Pastor of Discipleship at Hilton Head Presbyterian Church before moving to WCU in the summer of 2017.
Andrew and Trish have three daughters, Sophie, Maggie, and Emmaline, and together they enjoy the outdoors, board games, reading, music, making pizza together, and going on adventures.
Ben Miserendino
Ben grew up in Fort Mill, SC, with his parents and two sisters. He graduated with a marketing degree from Clemson University. Go Tigers! During his time in Clemson, Ben got plugged into RUF and grew tremendously through the Christ-centered community it provided. Ben is a people person who loves sports and always enjoys hanging out with friends. He can’t wait to get to Western Carolina and see how God continues to work in and through him. Go Catamounts!
Faith Partington
Faith grew up in Ormond Beach, a small beach town on the east coast of Florida just north of Daytona Beach. She grew up going to church with her two older sisters and parents. She graduated from FGCU in December of 2025 with a bachelor's degree in integrated studies. Faith is so grateful for the opportunities RUF at FGCU have given her including leading Small Groups, emceeing at Large Group, serving students, planning events, and leading Large Group team. The way RUF and the people involved have loved her is a big reason why she is so excited for this new season the Lord has for her, to be able to pour into students the way she has been poured into.
Faith loves all things outdoors, including sports (you name it and she will most likely play it), anything water related, hiking, hammocking, and the beach, so she is excited to see what mountain life will look like! She loves to read, and is always down for a coffee and thrift trip. She can't wait to see all that the Lord will teach her and is excited to serve our students and spread His love.