SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. --Since its inception as a club level sport in 2019, John Brown University Esports has grown exponentially, acting as a social hub for over sixty students. With growth comes increased needs, and three new staff members have joined the ranks to keep up with the department's demands.
Kendace Bowe is entering her second academic year as an esports assistant. She is a student in the Graduate Counseling program and applied for a graduate assistant position in the esports department ahead of her first semester in 2025. "[W]hen my husband and I were touring the campus, we noticed JBU had an esports arena, which we were so excited about! This was such a great opportunity and a full-circle moment from the first day I learned that JBU had esports."
Bowe most enjoys watching the students engage in heartfelt competition with other universities and appreciates how video gaming has evolved from an at-home pass time into a collegiate sport all its own. "It is great to see that future generations have more opportunities in this space."
With her counseling degree, Bowe hopes to specialize in marriage and family counseling, particularly supporting perinatal mothers, with a focus in attachment-based Christian counseling.
Bowe loves spending time watching movies and exploring Arkansas with her husband and ten-month-old baby girl. "Furthermore, my faith is a big part of my life, so attending church and weekday services are essential to me, along with community outreach."
Lizzie Reimer graduated from John Brown with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May 2022. In January 2025, she returned to the JBU campus, this time as an esports spectator.
"My path to esports was unconventional, but what immediately attracted me to it was the person-centered nature of this space. Esports was made for people like my brother and many of my friends who have invested countless hours into games they love and were likely told it would never amount to anything worthwhile. Esports meets these kids where they are and tells them, 'your interest is valid; you're not alone,' all while offering them community and a unique avenue to fund their education."
After a year-and-a-half of consistently attending matches, director Dr. Kim Johnson invited Reimer to interview for an assistant position. Reimer now heads up recruitment efforts, and enjoys the lighthearted atmosphere of the arena, forming supportive relationships with the students who come through its doors.
Reimer owns a private practice in Springdale where she specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating. When not working, she can be found reading, writing, or planning her next travel adventure with friends.
Andrew Selby is a spring 2026 graduate of the game design program and joins the esports staff after playing on the Mario Kart team during his senior year. Selby had friends who were involved with the program all four years, and he saw the benefits of the esports community. "Being around people with similar interests and passions is hard to come by in a physical space but esports gave that to me. Being able to talk to people in real life about games or pop culture is the main reason I even joined."
Selby enjoys playing and designing games outside of work, and was recently married to his wife, who is also a current JBU student.
All assistants are looking forward to continued successes during the Fall 2026 esports season and are committed to supporting the director, coaches, and players who weave together to make the fabric of the program.
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