Making History in Uniform: HTI Scholar KMarie Tejeda and Faithful Leadership in Public Service

KMarie Tejeda (Proposal and Research HTI Scholar) has made history as the first full-time chaplain in the history of the 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard—a milestone that reflects the expanding reach of HTI scholars beyond traditional academic settings and into spaces where faith, service, and leadership converge.

A scholar at HTI member school Boston University, Tejeda brings to her chaplaincy a deep foundation in ministerial training and pastoral formation. In her role, she provides spiritual care, ethical guidance, and crisis response within a complex military environment, serving as a trusted and grounded presence for service members navigating moments of personal and communal strain.

Her groundbreaking work has received national recognition. She is featured in the article "Voices of VAANG: Chaplain KMarie Tejeda's Impact as the 192nd Wing's First Full-Time Chaplain" published by the Virginia Air National Guard, as well as in Air & Space Forces Magazine.

Alongside her public service, Tejeda's academic journey has been shaped by a distinct but equally formative experience. As a United Methodist Women of Color Scholar—a program offered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church—she has found mentorship and community that sustain her work in the academy. She reflects:

Her words illuminate a core part of HTI's mission: cultivating scholars who are sustained by mentorship, community, and shared wisdom as they navigate demanding academic and professional spaces. That foundation—built through relationships with mentors and peers—equips scholars like Tejeda to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage wherever their calling takes them.

Through scholars like Tejeda, HTI continues to see how rigorous formation and intentional community prepare leaders not only to serve faithfully, but to open doors that have never been opened before.