Our Team

Lexa Pope

Lexa and her husband Michael moved to Chattanooga in 2019 to pioneer this Chi Alpha and officially stepped on campus in 2020 when their staff arrived to the city. Lexa became sole campus director when the Lord led Michael to pursue a career in business. Married since 2017, they have one daughter, Penny, and a beloved chocolate lump- I mean lab- Roux. 

Lexa experienced God in a life-altering way in college, which motivates her to bring the same opportunity to encounter God to the amazing students at UTC. Any given day you might find her sneaking off to Smoothie King, going on a run, hosting a party, cleaning up from a party, or planning the next party. 

Carter & Emma Bangert

Carter and Emma Bangert are high school sweethearts from Nashville, TN, now serving together with Chi Alpha. Married since May 2023, they’re passionate about creating space for college students to encounter the presence of God and live fully alive in Him.

Emma graduated from TTU with a major in Elementary Ed and a minor in becoming your bff.   Emma’s got a green thumb that could make a cactus bloom, loves coffee, as well as consuming cheese.

Carter met Jesus during his time at UTC and is now on staff. He loves pour-over coffee, soccer, and any outdoor adventure.

Together, they’re a fun-loving duo who believe that every moment—whether shared over a meal or in ministry—can be filled with hope, honor, and the presence of God.

Austin Moore

Austin is a Memphis native who moved to Chattanooga in 2020 for the ROTC program at UTC. After just one semester, he felt led to leave school and step into full-time ministry with Chi Alpha. Now in his second year on staff, Austin is passionate about seeing college students reconciled to Jesus and is excited for what God has in store this year. 

He and his wife Lily—who just began her first year teaching 3rd grade—have been married for one wonderful year (whoop!). Austin loves playing drums, fishing for bass, spending intentional time with friends, and taking a thoughtful pause before answering just about any question. 

Abby Price

Abby, a UTC alum from Knoxville, met Jesus during her college years and is passionate about seeing people experience freedom in Christ. She’s a thoughtful and intentional leader who loves walking with students and helping them discover their identity and purpose in Jesus. 

Abby loves a challenge whether it’s tackling Spartan Races or organizing every detail she can find. When she is not planning her week or orchestrating a heist level prank she can be found spending time with her husband Josh and her beloved cat, Rose., Abby and Josh have been married for one year are committed to growing in faith and living out the gospel with grace and intentionality.