Sam Houston State graduate shifts from criminal justice to full-time missions work
From Criminal Justice to Campus Ministry
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Hayden Poole arrived at Sam Houston State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice. But his time on campus opened a new path — one that would take him from classrooms and textbooks into the heart of campus ministry.
Poole, who grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, said his college years were marked by a spiritual turning point. “I started following Jesus when I was in college,” he said. “The more I was doing ministry, the more my heart grew for missions. Now I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
Though he earned his degree, Poole chose not to pursue a career in law enforcement. Instead, he now serves full time with the Baptist Student Ministries at Sam Houston State, dedicating his life to evangelism, discipleship and missions.
Early Faith and a Wake-Up Call
Poole said church was always part of his upbringing. He attended services on Sundays, went to youth events and participated in summer camps. But faith, he admitted, was more of a routine than a relationship.
That changed in college. Like many students, Poole explored life outside the boundaries he grew up with. “I started living for the world,” he recalled. “It looked appealing at first, but it left me empty.”
At a low point, he turned to the BSM director for guidance. The mentor challenged him directly: baptism and church attendance alone did not equal a genuine walk with God. The conversation struck deeply. “It pierced me,” Poole said. After wrestling with the realization, he committed his life fully to Christ in his dorm room.
Finding Purpose at the BSM
Poole quickly became active in the Baptist Student Ministries. He joined Bible studies, began sharing his faith with others and learned how to disciple fellow students. For the first time, he said, faith became more than a private belief — it became action.
“I actually felt the Lord for myself,” Poole said. “It wasn’t just about checking boxes anymore. It was about living in relationship with Him.”
The more involved he became, the more he saw himself serving in ministry long-term. By graduation, Poole decided to stay on campus staff with BSM, raising his own support to continue reaching students.
Mentorship and Friendship
Poole’s ministry journey has been shaped by friendships within the BSM. One of those is with fellow student Joshua Mahshi, who described Poole as someone who consistently steps up to help others.
“When a car breaks down, Hayden’s there. When there’s work to be done around the BSM, he’s the first one to grab the tools,” Mahshi said. He also shared how Poole prayed with him for a classmate named Trayvon, who later came to faith through BSM outreach.
Stories like these, Poole said, are what keep him motivated. “Every year I think we’ve seen the peak of what God can do,” he said. “But every year He surprises us with even more.”
Life Beyond the Classroom
While at Sam Houston, Poole was also part of the athletic program as an equipment manager for the Bearkat football team. His role may have been behind the scenes, but it gave him an inside look at the teamwork and dedication that fuel a successful program.
Being connected to athletics, Poole said, gave him opportunities to build friendships and share encouragement with student-athletes, while also giving him memories from the Bearkats’ national championship season that he still treasures today.
A Community of Faith in Huntsville
Poole said one reason his ministry thrives is because of the culture of Huntsville itself. From churches to campus, he sees a community that values prayer, faith and encouragement.
“We live in a community of faith,” Poole said. “Everywhere you go, people are willing to pray and share their faith. That’s a blessing, and it’s something I never want to take for granted.”
The Impact of BSM
The fruit of BSM’s ministry has been clear in recent years. Poole said the ministry has seen dozens of students place their faith in Christ annually, with numbers growing from a handful to more than 100 in a single school year.
But just as important, he said, is the long-term impact. “When students catch fire for the Lord in college, it changes the trajectory of their lives,” Poole said. “It shapes their marriages, their families, their careers. That’s generational change.”
Support Through Prayer and Partnership
As a campus missionary, Poole raises his own financial support through a model known as ministry partner development. Donors contribute monthly, annually or with one-time gifts, allowing him to devote his time fully to campus ministry.
“The need is both prayer and financial support,” Poole explained. “I may be the one on campus, but I can’t do it without the people behind me who send, give and pray.”
Supporters can give directly to his ministry at give.txb.org/haydenpoole.
About Bearkat BSM
Bearkat BSM is a student-led Christian organization at Sam Houston State University focused on equipping students to know, live and share their faith. The group hosts Bible studies, worship gatherings, mission trips and outreach events each semester.
The ministry’s mission is to “engage students to follow Christ and transform the world.” Bearkat BSM partners with local churches and provides a space for students to grow spiritually while serving their campus and community. More information is available at www.bearkatbsm.com.