Our Team
Tyler and brooke Martin
campus pastors
Tyler & Brooke have been married since 2015. They moved to Knoxville in 2016 & became directors of UTKXA in 2017. They have one son, Beniah, who was born in October of 2021.
Tyler is originally from South Arkansas & claims to be a nomad of sorts. He graduated from The University of the Ozarks with a degree in Physical Education - Health and PE. He really enjoys spending time fishing, playing sports, and traveling the world! Tyler believes that university students are the most strategic mission field in the world. By making disciples of students who live to disciple others, there's no limit to the expansion of the Kingdom of God in our world. If you’re ever looking for Tyler on campus, you can usually catch him playing ping pong or pool in the student union.
Brooke is from Manila, Arkansas (population: 3,278). She graduated from Evangel University in Springfield, MO with a degree in Biblical Studies & minors in Church Leadership & Music. Brooke is an avid couponer, loves eating sushi, is always singing, & enjoys cooking! In college, she realized that the reason that there are still unreached people in the world is because the Church hasn't been following Jesus’ plan of generational discipleship. She realized that Chi Alpha disciples students better than any organization that she had heard of & because of this, she devoted her life to it! If you’re ever looking for Brooke on campus, you’ll probably find her in front of one of the many Chick-fil-A's hanging out with her Wolf Pack ladies!
Emily Richard
staff
Emily was born & raised in Cabot, Arkansas. She attended Arkansas State University & graduated with a BS in Business Management. The #1 thing on her bucket list is to visit every US National Park, she will absolutely never say no to a day spent by the pool, and most importantly: she is a die hard Boston Celtics fan!
Emily began a relationship with Jesus on the college campus with Chi Alpha & is passionate about leading others to walk in the freedom of Christ. If you’re looking for Emily on campus, you’ll probably find her in the Student Engagement Center or on the HSS lawn!
Emily’s mom/stepdad, dad, and sister live in central Arkansas. She looks forward to visits during holidays and summer vacation!
Paul Sheesley
staff
Paul was raised in Maumelle, Arkansas & went to college not too far away from home at the University of Central Arkansas. He graduated with a degree in Biology. Paul enjoys playing basketball, eating whole strawberries (yes, the stems too) & is literally obsessed with Takis & collecting board games! Paul got involved with Chi Alpha because he heard about it while growing up in church. He is now a missionary with XA because his life was changed as a student!
Paul has been married to his wife, Megan, since 2017. They have 2 dogs, Dapper and Finn.
Jessica Wunder
staff
Jess was born in Germany, is half Colombian, but has spent the majority of her life in Tennessee. Despite being raised in the south, she ironically hates southern food. However, she is a vol fan! How can you not be when you’re a UTK alumni? In 2021, she graduated with a BS in Public Relations with a minor in Spanish from UTK. She is always looking for an opportunity to adventure and loves learning about other cultures.
Growing up in a rough home, Jesus became her refuge at a young age. She felt called to do full time ministry at age 13 and decided to serve with Chi Alpha after being a part of it all four years of college. She completed her CMIT at Austin Peay State University and is now back on Rocky Top!