Malone University appoints Rachel Hunka as new campus pastor
Malone University is proud to announce the appointment of Rachel Hunka as the Institution’s new campus pastor. A spiritually grounded leader and communicator with nearly two decades of experience, Hunka brings to Malone excitement to disciple students and cultivate Christ-centered community across campus.
Hunka has a rich background in global ministry and leadership development. Most recently, she served in a communication role for Equip & Empower Ministries, where she shaped theological messaging and spiritual content for a global audience of more than 11 million people. Her work with high-impact initiatives like Christine Caine Ministries and Propel Women has established her as a premier voice in modern discipleship and biblical communication.
“Rachel Hunka will be a strong campus pastor serving the needs of Malone students, in part because she already knows and loves them,” said President Gregory Miller, Ph.D. “This past semester, in her interim role as co-lead of our Pastoral Care Team, she has shown the capacity to lead and coach student leaders while implementing changes to promote spiritual growth in our student body. Her passion is for people to know and love Jesus — a love she demonstrates daily. Her academic studies, particularly from her doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary, has prepared her exceptionally well to foster student spiritual life on our campus. She has a long familiarity with Malone through prior service in the Office of Spiritual Formation, the Department of Bible, Theology, and Ministry, and through her ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Corey Hunka ’12 at Third Street Church in Canton. I am particularly joyful at the excitement our students have expressed about her service in this role.”
Throughout her career, Hunka has demonstrated a deep commitment to Kingdom diversity and reconciliation. As the Founder and Director of The Absurd Conference, she has successfully cast vision for ministries focused on faith and justice, building partnerships across cultural and denominational lines. Her previous roles, including General Manager of The ONE Center for Leadership, further highlight her ability to integrate rigorous leadership training with intentional spiritual formation.
“I’m looking forward to coming home to Malone once again,” said Hunka. “I am so thankful to Dr. Miller and every student, faculty, and staff member who took part in the interview process and chose to welcome me in. I have deep reverence for this role, and don’t take lightly what’s being entrusted to me. God has great things in store for our students, and I look forward to being one small piece of helping them step into the fullness of who God created them to be.”
Hunka’s extensive experience also includes freelance work with Stadia Church Planting and the RiverTree Movement, where she coached women leaders and developed curriculum designed to strengthen leadership pipelines. It will be Malone’s gain that she brings both her robust skillset and her heart for the Gospel to this new role.