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Aug 02, 2016 | EDOT Staff

Veteran Named Missioner for Episcoags

The Rev. Lisa Neilson was recently named curate-missioner for the Episcopal Student Center at Texas A&M University and Blinn College. Neilson is a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary where she is a member of the Alumni Association Executive Council.

"The university is dedicated to sending Aggie leaders out into the world prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Together we’ll figure out how to serve God in and amidst challenges that face us.  It will be a blessing to be a part of the work of Christ in this community,” Neilson said.

A native of Colorado, Nelson was ordained deacon in the Diocese of Fort Worth earlier this year.  Neilson was active in the Episcopal Campus Ministry at Syracuse University where she earned her bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army through the ROTC program.  After serving as a logistics officer in the Army, she worked in railroad management with BNSF Railway in Fort Work. 

“Lisa’s military background brings an added dimension to her ministry with A&M,” said Bishop Andy Doyle. “Our presence at Texas A&M provides a vibrant ministry built on years of creative and hard work by former missioners and we look forward to a growing profile on campus with Lisa’s leadership for both students and faculty.”

Austin Smith, a 2014 A&M graduate, continues in his work as program coordinator at the Student Center, where he was active throughout his student years. Smith has a biomedical engineering degree.