​

A new women-only club on campus is working to provide community and faith-centered connection for women at Lee University. Radiant Ministries, founded last year by junior Emily Barnes, is a student-led organization dedicated to sisterhood, prayer and growing together in Christ.

Barnes, who serves as the club’s president, said the idea for Radiant Ministries grew out of her desire to bring something similar to Delight Ministries, a national women’s faith organization, to Lee’s campus. When that was not possible, she decided to create something new.

“I had to make something from scratch, they liked it, and here we are,” Barnes said. “It was inspired by having a place for women to go and have a safe space and learn about Jesus.”

Faculty sponsor Samantha Spinks said she has been impressed watching Barnes bring the club from an idea to a recognized part of campus life.

“This was the first time I’ve ever worked with a club to take it from not being in existence at all to actually being recognized at Lee University,” Spinks said. “I’ve seen Emily take it from nothing to something viable. It’s been incredible to watch it grow.”

The club launched in spring 2025 and is now in its first full year. According to Barnes, Radiant aims to meet a need for students who want to be part of a community but may not be drawn to Greek life or other large campus groups.