Cindy Smock, commonly referred to as Sister Cindy, appeared on Northern Kentucky University’s campus in the early afternoon on Tuesday to share her personal testimony and preach her “Ho No Mo” campaign. She took to the amphitheater in front of the Student Union, drawing a large crowd to hear her story.
Smock is an Indiana native Christian campus preacher, who’s popular on social media for snippets of commentary from her teachings, particularly the ones rooted in a sexual nature.
According to Smock, the term “ho” is someone who doesn’t follow the biblical teachings about adultery and lust.
The popular social media preacher went to the University of Florida in the late 70s, claiming her time at UoF was mostly spent being a “ho”. She reflected on the lack of sexual education she had in both junior high and college. Smock said sexually transmitted diseases and infections were almost unheard of at this time. It was the lack of sexual education she had that now encourages her to speak to the collegian age group today.
“I could’ve gotten HIV, which could’ve turned into AIDS; I could’ve died,” Smock said as she crumbled to the ground.
The “Ho No Mo” slogan is rooted in an ideology that wants listeners to self-reflect on their past decisions and turn to a life that is centered around Jesus, along with following the teachings of its religious text. Smock claims those who convert to Christianity will be forgiven by God and saved from future missteps.
Smock handed out buttons with “Ho No Mo” and “Never A Ho” written on them. She also signed the backs of each of them, as they were rewarded to anyone who answered a question correctly in the crowd.
On social media, Smock’s theatrics often draw the attention of students. Some dig deeper to find she preaches a message about abstinence, anti-recreational drug use and informed decision-making as a college student.
Despite Smock’s comedic timing and theatrical gestures, she claims her goal is to be the intervention specialist she desperately needed as a college student and strives to be a religious figure, encouraging college students to go to church.
“She does this to get a rise out of people,” said Eileen Heekin, a graduate student who received a button, referring to Smock’s tone and word choice.
“It seems like she’s coming here just to start a fight,’ added sophomore Dennis Chinn.
Smock’s visit sparked both interest and debate during her four-hour presentation, keeping students engaged with commentary and jokes.
The University of Cincinnati and University of Kentucky are on Smock’s list of locations to visit in the next week.