The Campus Outreach Interview (ft. Audy Smothers)

We sat down with Audy Smothers, campus director for Campus Outreach at the University of Tennessee, to talk about how authentic relationships, gospel clarity, and a strong tie to the local church can turn a four-year whirlwind into a lifelong walk with Jesus.Audy shares his own journey—from meeting Christ as a teen without discipleship to finding mentors who opened their homes and lives. That experience now fuels his work at UT, where the norm often leans toward nominal faith and cultural Christianity. We dig into the real pressures of SEC campus life, the subtle ways students drift, and the practices that help them move from “I’m good” to grounded: opening Scripture together, honest confession, and simple obedience in daily choices. You’ll hear a powerful testimony of a freshman who hid alcohol at the Orange and White game and, months later, trusted Christ, discipled others, and is now joining staff. It’s a vivid picture of multiplication in motion.We also unpack why Campus Outreach prioritizes fun and real talk in the same room—because students keep showing up where they feel safe, seen, and challenged. From large-group gatherings to small groups and one-to-ones, the aim is to connect every student to a healthy local church so spiritual growth lasts beyond graduation. Audi highlights practical ways to get involved, the reality of spiritual warfare on campus, and why prayer and financial partnership matter for frontline ministry in Knoxville. If you care about the next generation, this conversation offers hope, strategy, and plenty of real-life stories from Rocky Top.