Alyssa Browning: Faith, Family, and the Heart of Campus Life at Madison-Grant High School
Alyssa Browning is the Campus Life Director at Madison-Grant High School, creating a space where students feel safe, valued, and connected to a community. From lively Monday night dinners to quiet hallway conversations, Alyssa builds meaningful connections that go beyond events, fostering relationships that break down social barriers and show students the love of God.
Originally from Tipton, Indiana, Alyssa discovered her passion for youth ministry after a church internship following high school. Today, she brings energy, faith, and care to every interaction, meeting students where they are and helping them navigate the challenges of high school life.
Whether hosting an all-nighter, cheering on students at a game, or simply listening on a bench outside the school, Alyssa invests in students’ lives with heart and intention. Her work demonstrates that Campus Life isn’t just a program—it’s a community where every student can belong, grow, and be seen.
Here is her story in her own words.
Background
I didn’t grow up in Fairmount—I grew up in Tipton, Indiana, and went to school at Tri-Central, graduating with 49 kids in my class. I’m used to the small-town, small-school kind of life. In high school, I was involved in choir, volleyball, track, and even played basketball my senior year. I’ve always loved sports—volleyball was probably the sport I was best at. Track was something I started my junior year, and our 4x8 team broke the school record. I also enjoyed choir and did a musical my sophomore year, but COVID disrupted that. Academically, I did myself a disservice by not trying as hard as I could have. I was an average student, but now I enjoy learning, especially history.
I was raised in church, but I don’t think I truly surrendered my life to the Lord until I was about 18 or 19. Although I always believed in Him and went to church, youth group, and Sunday school, I hadn’t experienced Him in a real way. During my ministry internship after high school, I realized I was living off head knowledge and not truly pursuing a relationship with God. I decided I needed to either go all in or not at all. I chose “all in,” began reading my Bible, praying, and worshipping intentionally, and eventually experienced the Lord’s presence deeply. It taught me that faith involves effort and that God is present even when we don’t feel Him. I’ve learned that experiencing God’s presence isn’t just emotional—it happens in conversations with students, in moments of breakthrough, and in daily life. It’s an ebb and flow of closeness and distance, but He is always with us.
After high school, I did a church internship and discovered a passion for youth ministry. When I returned home, my uncle, Pastor Brock Meyer of Fairmount Friends, told me about an open Campus Life Director position. I had no ministry experience or degree, but I applied anyway, trusting the Lord. Three weeks later, I was hired.
Campus Life
Campus Life is a ministry of Youth for Christ, and as the Campus Life Director at Madison-Grant, I act as a youth pastor in the school. I build relationships with students, families, churches, and local businesses. I attend events, help in classrooms, and support students, all with the goal of sharing the gospel and showing them love and care.
Campus Life isn’t just a place for students to come—it’s a community. When they walk through the doors, my prayer is that everything else just fades away. With that word community, I think it’s super important that any student from any social setting, any family background, can come in and feel like they belong. And it’s also a safe place where, through the relationships being made, the goal is that they experience the love of God.
What makes it safe is the people who are there and have chosen to give their time to serve. I think a lot of people care about younger generations—whether they’re depressed, anxious, struggling at home, or struggling in school. They do care, but the people putting in the time and effort to actively make students’ lives better—that’s what makes it a safe space. It’s always having someone who is going to be there for you, who’s going to give advice, have the hard conversations and the encouraging conversations.
Among the students, social lines that usually divide just blur and, honestly, sometimes disappear. We recently were hosted by Bethel Friends Church in Fairmount, and the people who came to serve dinner asked me, “So are they all from one group? Are they all athletes?” I looked around and said, “No, we have kids from every single grade here—band, choir, academic team, football team, volleyball team, whatever.” They were amazed. “We thought that they were all best friends and were together in all the things,” they said. That night, we had probably 25 students. I’m so thankful for the model of Campus Life because it creates that kind of environment. Anybody can say, “We want this to be a safe space,” but if they don’t create a safe environment and atmosphere, the students aren’t going to feel that way.
We have anywhere from 20 to 40 students, depending on the night and what events are happening at school. We have dinner every Monday night and a meal train website where people from the community, churches, or parents can sign up to bring a meal. Whoever signs up shows up at 7 p.m. with the food. Kids start showing up around 7:10 or 7:15, because Campus Life starts at 7:17—I know it’s kind of a funny number, but it just helps the kids remember.
Most people probably know Campus Life exists, but I don’t think they realize exactly what’s happening. We do events that look like, “Oh, an all-nighter, super fun!” or “Oh, we go up to Fort Wayne, super fun!” But sometimes it’s hard to capture everything—the conversations I’m having in the lunchroom, at sporting events, or even just in the hallway. Sometimes I don’t even make it to the lunchroom because I’m talking with a student on the benches outside about how her parents are fighting or other struggles. It really is hard to capture the impact that’s taking place. I can tell stories of students, but if people aren’t putting themselves in a place to see it, it’s hard to see.
If people want to know more about what’s going on, I’ll talk more about it at our banquet on November 13. Everyone is welcome to come see the impact it’s making through students’ stories. Or they can email me at alyssa@bigjawsyfc.org.
Family
I live about 12 minutes west of Fairmount with my grandparents, Ron and Jackie Meyer. It’s been great to live close without needing to rent or buy.
My parents have been married for over 26 years. I have six siblings—two adopted—but they’ve always been part of the family. My sisters are my best friends, and my mom is one of my best friends too. My dad has been a strong, supportive presence and a great example. My grandparents have also been mentors and leaders in my life. Growing up with seven kids was never dull. We could play games and sports together and always had someone to spend time with. Holidays and traditions are especially meaningful. Every year (except one) we’ve gone to Florida for spring break, and we prioritize that trip. Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, birthdays, and even Sunday mornings together are all special memories.
Personality and Faith
People might describe me as a little crazy, fun, and bubbly. I’m an extrovert until I’m not—I enjoy people, but sometimes need to recharge alone. Challenges in my life have shaped me, though I can’t share all of them. I’ve overcome them through God’s help and a supportive family. I believe my gifts from the Lord are tied to my personality and character. I have a caring heart, sometimes to a fault, and I tend to give grace easily. I have a discerning spirit and can sense when people are struggling. I view these traits as tools for my calling.
I enjoy being active, running, and working out. I’m even running a Spartan Race—a 10K with 25 obstacles. My life, both personal and professional, is a testament to faith, family, and the power of community through Campus Life.