Nikki Hoffpauir

Nikki Hoffpauir serves as Vice President of Student Leadership University (SLU), where she helps lead the mission of equipping and inspiring the next generation of Christian leaders to live with purpose and influence. What makes Nikki’s leadership especially meaningful is that her story with SLU began as a student—part of the ministry’s first graduating class—and has come full circle through nearly three decades of service.

As a teenager, Nikki encountered a vision for her life through SLU that would shape her calling and future. In her very first Dream Session, she wrote down goals that felt far beyond her reach—yet through God’s faithfulness, those dreams became reality. She went on to travel across the country and internationally as a student leader and speaker, appearing on national media outlets such as The Today Show and CNN, engaging with policymakers, and even visiting the White House. Named National SADD Student of the Year, Nikki used her platform to advocate for young people and champion issues of health, safety, and leadership.

Today, Nikki leads from that same foundation of faith and calling. Her journey fuels a deep passion to see students recognize that God has a unique purpose for their lives and that He can do immeasurably more than they could ask or imagine. She is committed to creating transformative experiences where students are challenged, equipped, and sent out to lead with character, courage, and conviction.

A graduate of Florida State University  (with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with a focus in public service) and George Washington University (with a Master of Public Administration with a focus in non profit management),  Nikki also served with AmeriCorps through City Year in Washington, D.C., investing in students and communities in need.

Nikki is known around the office for her superhero capes and impressive machete collection, Nikki brings energy, creativity, and adventure into everything she does.  When she is not leading students or planning unforgettable experiences, you can usually find her backpacking, camping, cooking, or making memories with family. Nikki and her husband, Brady, have been married for 19 years and have two children, Mackenzie and Tucker. They live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and are active members of Carmel Baptist Church.