Excellence in Service: Teela Ruehle

Director, Student Missions & Service Projects, Center for Faith Engagement

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View the recorded presentation here.

Yellowstone Park has “Old Faithful” and Andrews University has Teela Ruehle. She wisely and diligently keeps our collective mission to serve our global and local community alive and well. During the pandemic, her faithfulness and perseverance saw the number of student missionaries we send out more than double. And back here at home, she grew our community partners and employed creative strategies to make serving locally accessible and safe. Teela does more than just move a community of people into service. She spends countless hours mentoring individual students through their calling, helping them to overcome hurdles, and journeying with them through joys and pains. 

The following comments from students bear witness:

“Teela has been a huge part of my success as a student at Andrews University by constantly showing me a taste of the love Jesus has for all of us. She always encourages me to put others before myself. This place wouldn't be the same without her.”

“Teela is a lovely person because she genuinely cares about the people around her, and not only will she do her best to show them, but will also use concrete actions to help them.”

“I know I can always count on Teela to listen and give advice whenever I need help with work and life.”

Her colleagues also affirm her passion for service:

“Teela Ruehle demonstrates the heart of service that Andrews University promotes for all our World Changers. Teela has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of refugees, those going through homelessness and abuse, as well as those experiencing food and water shortages.”

“Teela has a contagious passionate heart for Jesus that shines through student missions and community service and outreach. She demonstrates the love of Jesus to all she encounters—students, staff, faculty or strangers. She is definitely a World Changer for Jesus! And Teela enjoys life, she has fun doing her ministry.”

“Teela, you are the epitome of the phrase ‘you are a blessing.’ You have a servant’s heart. You are kind, thoughtful and always willing to help others. Thank you for being awesome!”

Congratulations, Teela, on receiving this well-deserved award.