What is RUF?

RUF has proven itself to be one of the most effective campus ministries in the nation. It is fruitful in both evangelism and discipleship, and conducts it all with a theological robustness. But in addition, RUF is an unsurpassed developer of leadership for the entire church. It produces thousands of new solid church members, hundreds of future lay leaders and elders, and dozens of new church planters.
— Tim Keller, Pastor & Author

RUF stands for 'Reformed University Fellowship.' We are the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Although we are sent to the campus by the PCA, we welcome students from all walks of life. Students from a wide variety of church and religious backgrounds are involved here at RUF; we are here for the skeptic and for the Christian alike.

Why 'reformed'?

Being 'Reformed' simply means we hold to a historic and Protestant understanding of Christianity. In short, we believe that Christianity stands upon very clear and specific truth claims.  Jesus Himself said that we must believe who He claimed to be and hold to His teachings.  Our ministry works to give students opportunities to wrestle with the truth of God’s Word in the Bible and see that the gospel speaks to every area of life. Christianity is not intended simply to make us “better” people; the Gospel makes us new people.

Why 'university'?

Jesus said, “I am making all things new!” RUF was born out of a desire to see the church minister to the world without abandoning the campus or becoming lost in it. It is the dream of RUF to be a ministry for our campus, not for ourselves.  We believe that the gospel can change any person and any place in Christ. Therefore, our leading question is not, “What kind of ministry can we be?” but rather, “What kind of university can this be?” We long to see the entirety of NMSU transformed by the power and beauty of the presence of Christ.

why 'fellowship'?

Christians are called to live within a very special community: the Church. We taste the life of heaven together. We face our struggles together. RUF is committed to building up and inviting people into this unique and loving community, but we know that the glory of the Church is not her people. Her glory is her Redeemer, Christ the Lord! Because Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, we are then delighted to gather under her care. That is where God is at work, gathering His people and strengthening them for work in His kingdom.

Meet our staff

Present on nearly two hundred college campuses worldwide, each RUF chapter is led by an ordained pastor who is under the supervision of his local presbytery. In addition, RUF chapters are staffed by interns who raise funds to reach and equip college students. RUF staff brings to New Mexico State University a heart for God and a love for the campus.

Daniel was born in Cali, Colombia, and moved to the US when he was 7 years old. He earned his journalism degree in 2015 from the University of Georgia. During college he became involved with RUF and began to explore the depths of God's grace and the cosmic scope of Christ's work. Daniel met his wife, Brittany, during an RUF student leadership retreat. After dating long-distance for two years, they couldn't take it anymore and finally got married in 2017. Daniel and Brittany moved to St. Louis, MO, in 2018 to study at Covenant Seminary. They now have a needy dog, Ringo, and an adorable daughter, Lucia. Daniel enjoys sci-fi movies, hiking, board games, and pickle ball because he's old. He's stoked to serve NMSU students by showing them the love of Jesus.

Madelaine grew up in Hickory, North Carolina and attended Appalachian State University where she studied Sociology and Spanish. She worked for RUF at NMSU as an intern where she met her husband Luke who grew up in NM. They then moved to St. Louis where Madelaine could study at Covenant Seminary for her MDiv and Luke could cheer on the Cardinals. They have a son named Bennett and a big slobbery boxer named Mogi. Madelaine enjoys dance parties and eats dessert after every meal. Her favorite parts of the day are meal times, especially when they are shared with friends. Madelaine is excited to work for RUF at NMSU!

Lilah grew up in Seattle, WA and graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Psychology and Spanish. Lilah has been a part of RUF at UW for all four years of college. She has appreciated the chance to learn more about God in a gospel centered community, make new friends, and receive mentorship from the wonderful RUF staff members. Having never lived outside of Seattle, Lilah is stoked to live in Las Cruces and explore the desert! Lilah loves meeting new people, exploring new topics, or having fun on the soccer field. Watching a movie with friends (hopefully Star Wars), reading a book on a quiet day, playing sports, or finding a new hike are all places you'll find Lilah on a Saturday afternoon.

Daniel dávalos
​Campus minister

Contact Daniel

Madelaine Smith
Campus staff

Contact Madelaine

Lilah Johnson
Ministry intern

Contact Lilah