Iman Bolden Selected As New Campus Minister For Limestone University

Playing a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant spiritual life on campus, while providing guidance and support to students, faculty, and staff, Iman Bolden has been selected as Limestone University’s new Campus Minister.

Bolden officially started her role at Limestone on Monday, Nov. 18.

The Gaffney native brings a wealth of experience in spiritual leadership and student engagement, having previously served as The Rise Up & Roast Program Director for The Hub Urban Ministries in Shreveport, LA. In that role, Bolden gained skills in program management, team leadership, and strategic initiative development. She launched and led a successful Christ-centered coffee business, providing job training and opportunities for survivors of human sex trafficking, poverty, and substance abuse. Through strategic planning, budget management, and operational oversight, she transformed a plan into a fully functional business that empowered survivors toward self-sustaining employment and strengthened their faith in Christ as their healer and provider.

Bolden also served for several years as a Journeyman Missionary for Send Relief, in both Shreveport and Miami, engaging in various ministry activities like evangelism, discipleship, community development, and disaster relief, as part of the North American Mission Board program. She shared the gospel and regularly pursued spiritual conversations and discipleship with community. She also coordinated and executed missional projects, leveraging partnerships and resources to benefit the Shreveport and Miami and communities. She also coached and supervised a summer cohort of college students in Miami in researching how to better benefit and engage the North Miami community, while also directing multi-faceted community initiatives.

With a deep commitment to creating an inclusive and compassionate community, Bolden said she looks forward to helping students grow in their faith, connect with one another, and serve the broader community.

“I am truly blessed and excited to join the Limestone family in supporting and nurturing our students' spiritual growth,” Bolden said. “Throughout my years in ministry, I have had the privilege of working with and sharing God’s love with many diverse groups of people, but I have always had a special place in my heart for college students. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.’ This verse is a constant reminder to me that when I place my trust in God, He is faithful to guide me along the right path. I believe that same promise is true for every student at Limestone, and I am deeply honored to walk alongside them in their spiritual journey during their time here.”

Since coming to Limestone in May of this year, President Dr. Nathan Copeland has focused on three foundational pillars to prepare students for the future, with the University striving to challenge them academically, socially, and spiritually. He said he’s confident that Bolden’s leadership will enrich the campus environment and inspire students to live with purpose and integrity.

“One of the first roles on campus that I reimagined was that of a campus minister,” Copeland explained. “Iman will serve in the important role of creating an environment for students with no faith to find one, and those who have a faith to grow it. She will not be able to give our students her faith. She will, however, be able to assist our students to develop their own. We are extremely excited to have Iman joining our campus community.”

During his recent Presidential Inauguration address, Copeland explained that Limestone is, and will continue to be, an undeniably Christian institution.

“We will create an environment for our students to ask questions and find the answers,” he said. “That said, one of the most significant aspects of spiritual growth is community.” He added that Limestone offers a diverse environment where students come from various backgrounds and faith heritages. His encouragement to Limestone’s students is to engage with their peers. He said those interactions can broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of what it means to be spiritually fulfilled.

Bolden understands that she will play an essential part in leading those spiritual journeys.

“I am eager to collaborate with other campus departments, student organizations, and community partners to address students' spiritual and emotional needs,” she noted. “My goal is to provide compassionate support and guidance to students, helping them navigate life's challenges and deepen their faith.”

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Bolden majored in International Studies with minors in Business Administration and Religious Studies.