Entrepreneurial Alums

Entrepreneurial Alums: THE COMMUNITY IN THE CALLING

By Hank ('09) and Kelsey ('10) Gibson

While studying at LETU, students apply what they have learned through real-world scenarios, collaborate in crossdiscipline interactions, and nurture their faith in the distinctly Christ-centered culture. Our alums are taking this same formula into their workplaces. Through their industry skills, college connections, and deeply rooted faith, they are leaders in their generation. The following is a story from one of many such alums, Hank Gibson.

If you told me during my last year of flight instructing at LeTourneau University in 2011 that I would be instructing 11 years later, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Back then, when I was wrapping up my final studies at LeTourneau and preparing to move to Houston with my new bride, I couldn’t wait to fly something faster than a Cessna Skyhawk and to go deeper into the wide world of aviation.

Yet, here we are.

Eight years ago, with a new baby on the way, my wife and I dreamed up a venture that we called Texas Top Aviation. Taking experience from my previous job in Houston, we moved to her hometown in the Texas Hill Country and began offering training in technically advanced aircraft.

The business grew slowly at first, but, within a year, I was receiving referrals from my customers and growing my sphere of influence. My time at LeTourneau prepared me with the aviation skills and knowledge to be a resource in the aviation community. My faith in the Lord helped me to have integrity and to take a leap of faith in starting a new business. All along the way, LeTourneau Alumni have been some of our best allies in building our business.

Texas Top Aviation now caters to owner pilots and is a one-stop shop for most of their needs—from sales and acquisitions, management, and pilot services, to our bread and butter, training owners and pilots of technically advanced aircraft to become safer and more proficient in their aircraft.

After thousands of hours in Cirrus Aircraft, Columbia/Cessna 350s and 400s, Piper PA-46’s and TBM’s, I began to see a gap in the aviation industry. I would spend 2-3 days providing initial training in a customer’s new airplane, only to spend several hours of our time teaching the pilot how to use the glass panel in the airplane. It is very difficult for a pilot who is used to steam gauges to transition to a modern glass panel cockpit. There weren’t any good resources I could send pilots to get familiar with glass panels. I ended up teaching ‘buttonology’ while also making sure I could sign them off as a safe and proficient pilot in their new aircraft.

Over and over, I would fly with customers who were good pilots but whose decisionmaking skills suffered as they fumbled with buttons and took five steps to accomplish what I knew should only take one. I started

teaching classes on the Garmin glass panels as part of the golf fly-ins I put together for my clients every year. These became a crowd favorite.

One day, my wife suggested we make an online training course so that pilots could learn to use their G-1000 units while on the ground. They wouldn’t have to waste time in the airplane running up hours on the engine and paying an instructor.

Four years later, at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisc. (simply Oshkosh to the entire aviation world), we launched The Aviator’s Academy. With the help of LeTourneau alumni Stephanie Mertz and Joshua Stewardson, along with our other fantastic employees and contractors, we had a wonderful week spreading the word about this new resource for the aviation community.

What is The Aviator’s Academy? I have learned that flying is a hands-on process. It requires multi-tasking, an understanding of complex systems, memorization and intuition. It is very rare that a pilot can read a Garmin manual or take the basic courses provided by the company and actually gain an understanding of their system. The vast majority of pilots' brains are simply not designed to learn that way.

At The Aviator’s Academy, we created video-based training with a real-life scenario that our pilots can connect with. We shot the course in a Cirrus, and we incorporate many of the decisions and pressures a pilot would experience in real life. The course is broken up into the different sections of the trip, starting with pre-flight planning and ending with a successful landing at the pilot’s home airport. Along the way, there are opportunities for the pilot’s knowledge to get tested and chances to practice aeronautical decision-making skills. I believe that when a pilot engages with the material, the learning process becomes enjoyable and effortless.

I am a firm believer in scenario-based training in aviation. Scenarios are stories that allow our brains to engage with the material better, keeping the student engaged with the material. In using scenarios, pilots who take our courses will retain knowledge and apply it to the situations that come up while flying.

Scenarios not only are great training tools in flying, but they also are applicable to life in the form of stories. My spiritual journey has been impacted by many stories of those who have gone before me in the faith. John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart and The Sacred Romance, and Donald Miller, author of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, are two authors that come to mind. These two men, through their books, greatly shaped my faith, demonstrating what a Godly man is supposed to look like (Wild at Heart) and what a life story is really supposed to be about (The Sacred Romance and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years).

It was eye-opening to me to come to the realization that God is the hero of the story, not me. He is the Savior, the champion, the protector; which means I don’t have to be.

I carried a lot of stress early on in starting Texas Top Aviation because I thought I was the hero, carrying my family on my back and doing everything I could to provide for them. When I realized that God was the hero, that allowed me to release a lot of stress, while I loosened my grip a little bit on my controlling tendencies. Then I had kids and had to learn to release control all over again!

God has also put spiritual men along my journey to be excellent examples for me to follow in my life. I’ve had business mentors, spiritual mentors, and friends who are ahead of me in experience or in the same stage as I am, allowing those voices to speak in where I really need it. Their stories, or “scenarios”, have been immensely helpful to me.

One that comes to mind was Andrew Visser at LeTourneau. Andrew was my very first flight instructor at LeTourneau. I transferred in at the start of my sophomore year from Indiana State University, so I already had my private pilot’s license. He taught me initially how to use a Garmin G1000 in a Skyhawk, then he taught me how to be a true pilot during tailwheel training in the Citabria. When I came back and worked at LeTourneau as an instructor, Andrew was my boss. He taught me a lot about flying and about life. I would sit in his office on a bad weather day and visit about God, life, family, and each of our stories. Sometimes we would both talk. Sometimes one of us would just listen. He and his family even made it to mine and Kelsey’s wedding.

Roger Braun was also a great influence on my piloting skills during my time at LeTourneau. He was my multi-engine instructor, and an excellent one at that. I gained a lot of knowledge from Roger. Finally,

Bruce Chase, who is now the chief instructor of the department, taught me how to teach. He was my CFI instructor. We spent many sweaty days in the spring of my senior year with me in the right seat of the Diamond Twin Star stumbling through learning how to be an instructor. He was patient and thorough and always kept his cool in the cockpit.

It took a long time to get to this place. My path is one I never would have guessed, but God has led me down it to a pretty exciting place. I’ve learned business management and marketing, all skills that would have been a handy minor at LeTourneau! All of our successes are due to Him, and I am so grateful for all that He has blessed us with. I am always looking for people in my journey to share my stories with and help along the way, just as God has put others in my story to take me along my path.

"It was eye-opening to me to come to the realization that God is the hero of the story, not me. He is the Savior, the champion, the protector; which means I don’t have to be."

-Hank Gibson

Entrepreneurial Alums: OUTSIDE THE BOX

By Jordan Skomer ('16)

In a constantly-evolving technological world, “every workplace, every nation” looks very different. Gone for many are the days of a 9-to-5, clock-in-and-out, position at a cubicle. The world of remote work, virtual meetings, and startup companies is here to stay. We are thrilled to see many of our alumni jump headfirst into this world with the same LeTourneau vigor and creativity that our founder demonstrated as he entered the working field over 100 years ago.

One recent graduate who loves the challenge of problem-solving and meeting client needs in this new era is Jordan Skomer. Jordan received a B.S. in Computer Science & Engineering Technology in 2016 and has spent the last seven years working as a technical architect/programmer, primarily in the DFW area. He lives in Denton, TX, with his wife, Emily, where they enjoy frequently hosting their friends for games, food, and fellowship in their home. Jordan is excited by the opportunity the future holds for learning, collaborating, evolving, and challenging the status quo.

What is your current role and position?

I currently work for my own company and directly with a parent company to provide a wide range of services across varying industries. Our focus has shifted to providing guidance, leadership, and anything in between to startups. In layman’s terms, our clients come to us with ideas, and we help them get off the ground with the end goal of eventually handing over a fully-functioning company. I primarily assist/oversee anything technically-related, such as architecture, leadership, guidance, and recommendations. We've found over the years that the startup space has grown increasingly complex and as such is filled with pitfalls, less-thantrustworthy companies, and an overwhelming amount of choices. All this caused us to pivot to the philosophy we have today as we grew tired of being the ones to come in and clean up after our clients were mishandled by another company.

What are some lessons you’ve learned working in the tech industry?

Some of the “most” important lessons I’ve learned are as follows (I say “most” important because there are many lessons to learn in the real world, and that’s what makes it challenging and interesting):

Never be afraid to ask questions or admit when you don’t know something. Always get it in writing. Your title/job/position is not directly tied to who you are as a person. Success isn’t defined by where you work, who you know, or how much you make. Just because you know that you’re right doesn’t mean you have to act like it. Be true to yourself and learn (and stick to) your limits. Truly listening is better than waiting for your turn to talk. Your age is not a weakness (although others may view it as such). Don’t be afraid to challenge “the way it always has been."

The list can go on and on, but all of these lessons would have taken many more years to learn (or never would have been learned) without the foundation and opportunities I was given while at LeTourneau. The world is in need of a new generation of thinkers to solve our ever growing problems. The way it’s always been isn’t cutting it, and there is the need for change. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, but with everything you do, do it with the respect and grace you would want bestowed upon you.

What was the most meaningful part of your LeTourneau experience and why?

Hands down the most meaningful part of my experience was forming relationships, whether those were relationships with professors or all of the lifelong friendships that sprouted from my time at LeTourneau. As I've worked across nearly every sector of business, I have come to realize that those two things are extremely rare in the collegiate space. I do not know who I would be today without my time at LeTourneau, and as I grow, I cherish my time there more and more.

How did your time at LeTourneau help shape you into the professional you are today?

The biggest thing that has given me an edge (especially in the very beginning of my career) would have to be the vast amount of hands-on learning my courses provided. This is yet another thing I have noticed that is incredibly rare but immensely helpful professionally. It allows you to start with a leg up since you have accomplished more things than most people in your same field/major. In addition, the level at which the professors make themselves available to students is phenomenal, and they have all of my respect and gratitude for everything they have done and continue to do.

It is hard to put into words just how much of an impact LeTourneau has had on my professional and personal life. It is almost an understatement to say that I would not be the person I am today without the time I spent at LETU. If you're a current student, I highly recommend branching outside of your major and making connections with students you may not normally connect with (and taking advantage of all of the AMAZING international programs LETU offers). Not only will this make you a more well-rounded individual (an understanding of how things work outside of your degree of focus is a great tool to have in the industry), but it is yet another thing that makes LeTourneau so special. The world is changing rapidly and is in desperate need of new thinkers that aren't burdened with egos or preconceived notions and are ready to change the world; thinkers like you. Stay curious, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

"It is hard to put into words just how much of an impact LeTourneau has had on my professional and personal life. It is almost an understatement to say that I would not be the person I am today without the time I spent at LETU."

-Jordan Skomer

The Stakes: Owning our Calling and Finding Spiritual Hope in a Societal Tsunami

A Conversation with Dr. Steven D. Mason and Dr. Jim Denison

Dr. Jim Denison is the Chief Vision Officer of Denison Forum. Through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, DenisonForum.org, social media, interviews, and articles across the internet, Denison Forum reaches 2.6 million culture-changing Christians every month. He is the author of multiple books, including: Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Jesus’ Parables Illuminate Our Darkest Days; Respectfully, I Disagree: How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time; and the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series.

He has taught on the philosophy of religion and apologetics at several seminaries. Dr. Denison serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health, where he addresses issues such as genetic medicine and reproductive science. He is a Senior Fellow with CEO Forum as well as with the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative and the International Alliance of Christian Education. He also serves as Senior Fellow for Cultural Studies at Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement and is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received a Doctor of Divinity from Dallas Baptist University. Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia. Jim and his wife, Janet, live in Dallas, Texas. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

LeTourneau University president, Dr. Steven D. Mason, recently sat down with Dr. Jim Denison to explore his latest book, what the coming cultural tsunami means for America and particularly for private Christian universities, LeTourneau’s unique role as The Christian Polytechnic University, and how we as an institution can help educate and empower agents of redemption honoring God’s Kingdom.

Dr. Steven D. Mason You've obviously struck a chord with Christians across the world. And so, my first question is, why do you think your cultural commentary from a Christian perspective has grown so popular?

Dr. Jim Denison Well, that's a kind question. No one's asked me that. I appreciate that very much. I think there probably are two pieces inside that. The first is, the more difficult things become, the darker the room, the more obvious the light. And we live in times that in some ways are really kind of unprecedented for Christ followers. And I think people are looking for a way to understand why what's happening is happening. Not just to narrate the news, not just to describe what's happening, but to give some explanatory sort of help here—kind of connect some dots and get behind the what, to the why. And that's really kind of my background as a philosopher and what I've been doing all these years, cultural analysis, that sort of thing.

But the other side of it is, I think people are really hungry for a word from God. And that's really what we try to do, is offer a biblical response to cultural issues. I'm not a pundit. I'm not a columnist. My purpose isn't to share with people what I think. It's not an opinion column, per say. I'm not at all depreciating those that do that. I'm grateful for those who do that. But that's not really our call. Our call is to help people think biblically and redemptively about cultural issues. So, we stay out of partisan politics. We stay out of some of the divisive spirit that is sometimes I think, out there. So, I think there's just a real hunger for people that are looking for a biblical answer to the issues of the day, and that's what we've been called to do.

Mason I think that makes total sense and strikes a chord with so many people. In your address at the inaugural dinner, you said some powerful things. For the most part, you helped outline what I think are the contents of your most recent book, which I've read, and I'll talk more about that: The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians are Labeled Intolerant, Oppressive and Dangerous and How We Can Turn the Tide. I love the mental image that you paint for us in your book using this analogy. Your book does it so well. But just for our audience, just briefly review: what do you mean by tsunami, and what has caused this cultural tsunami that is coming?

Denison It's an unfortunate metaphor, in a way, for those of us in Texas who don't get around a lot of tsunamis. You don't see a lot of those in Longview. We don't see a lot of those in Dallas. You'd have to be in the Pacific Rim, really. But we're familiar with the idea in principle. A tsunami is a massive tidal wave you can see, caused by underwater forces you can't see. So, the book is premised on the belief that there are four underwater earthquakes, cultural movements, that together are creating a rising tide of opposition that is unprecedented in American history. Now, I'm not saying that we're in North Korea. We're not in China. We're not in parts of the Muslim world. But what we're experiencing, we have not experienced before in American history. And if we can understand these causes, these underwater earthquakes, these cultural movements, then we have a leg up as Christians on knowing how we can respond to this in a biblical and redemptive way. And that's the purpose of the book.

Mason What do you think is on the horizon? I mean, what is coming ahead? What is in the future for us as Christians in this world?

Denison As you boil all of that down, there really is a conventional wisdom that's taking root in the culture which believes that Christ followers in an evangelical sense, or whatever you'd want to say of us who really believe what orthodox Christianity has taught for 20 centuries about human sexuality, about the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, about marriage, about family—all these basic issues that have been, we have thought, kind of conventional biblical wisdom across all these centuries—that all of that today is now seen as dangerous to the future of society. Part of it is a rejection of religion in general. Secular ideology is taking root based in the belief that Christ followers are now a threat to the future of the culture. And that's unprecedented for us in America.

Mason How might the Body of Christ in general approach this really intimidating sort of future that we face? What can Christians do? How do we help serve as agents of redemption?

Denison I think so much these days around the statement in first Corinthians 13:13, “Now there abides faith, hope, and love—these three. But the greatest of these is love.” We need faith, first of all, in Christ as King. Jesus began his ministry by announcing, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He taught us to “seek first the Kingdom of God,” to pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” When He returns, His name will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Well, in the Bible, God's a King. And in that context, He's a King on Monday; not just Sunday. He's King of what you do in private; not just in public. You're wearing His clothes; you're breathing His air. He's King of all that is.

In our culture, God's a hobby. In our culture, we separate Sunday from Monday, spiritual from secular, religion from real-world. So, the first thing for us to do is, every single day, make God King of our lives that day. And as Ephesians 5:18 guides, “being filled with the Spirit,” be controlled by the Spirit. I would urge everyone that's reading this conversation to start every day by getting alone with God and submitting to Him—to surrender the day to Him, pray through the day. Put it in His hands; get off His throne. Someone said if you want to get along with God, stay off His throne. Live every day submitted as a living sacrifice crucified with Christ, yielded to Jesus as your King. Walk through the day, praying about your day, surrendering your day, but trusting Jesus with it. Ask Him to empower you and fill you and make you a manifestation of the presence of Christ in the fruit of the Spirit. So, make Christ your King.

Our hope is in spiritual awakening. There have been four great awakenings in American history: 1734, 1792, 1858, and 1904-1905. We're seeing a fifth great awakening around the world. More Muslims have come to Christ in the last 15 years than the previous 15 centuries. When

I was in Beijing, I was told 100,000 a day may be coming to Christ in the underground church there. I’ve been to Cuba ten times over the years. More than a million Cubans have come to Christ in the last ten years. Where people are making Christ their King, they're experiencing awakening. We need to be praying for that awakening, asking God to bring that spiritual awakening, and let it start with me.

Gypsy Smith, the great revivalist of an earlier generation, was asked how revival starts. He said, “Take a piece of chalk. Go home. Draw a circle around yourself. Get on your knees. Pray until everything inside that circle is right with God, and revival will be upon us.” So, faith in Christ as King, hope in awakening, and then love, last, is speaking the truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 says. Steve, the other side is not the enemy. Satan is the enemy and Jesus is the king. Those that are caught in the middle are victims.

John Stonestreet, my good friend, says ideas have consequences; bad ideas have victims. So, let's go to the culture as beggars helping beggars find bread. Let's go to the culture speaking the truth in love. We don't need to be cultural warriors; we need to be cultural missionaries paying forward what we've received. And with faith in Christ as King, hope in awakening, and love for those who need the grace of God that we have received, I'm convinced we can be used as salt and light in a way that can make a transforming difference in this culture to the glory of God.

Mason I want to turn to LeTourneau University specifically here in our conversation. We've done a lot of work recently as a university thinking about our story, our saga, and the particular giftedness that God has endowed us with—gifted us with, to steward as an academic ministry, as we come alongside the church and all the ways that we're called. And you mentioned that you actually had a chance to read my white paper before you came, LeTourneau University as the Christian Polytechnic University: Embracing the Saga of our Unique Organizational Calling. And you made the comment, as you know, that you did your own investigation to verify: Is that really true? Is LeTourneau such a unique place? And you seem to think that, yeah, actually in your investigation, that you agreed. Tell me more about that. Just as you've gotten to know LeTourneau over the years, tell me about that process for you.

Denison I've been following LeTourneau for years with great appreciation, but what I hadn't realized until I read your white paper, excellent paper, is the degree to which LeTourneau really is the Christian Polytechnic University. Definite article, in the sense of the only Christian Polytechnic University. If you look up polytechnic universities, universities that especially emphasize the STEM disciplines, those that are especially focusing on making contributions academically in that space and in raising up a new generation of leaders with excellence in that particular technical space, and you look at that list—and I did, I looked at a variety of different ways by which universities are labeled and understood and characterized in that way—LeTourneau is the only one which is also a Christian university, by definition, by almost creed, by culture, by formation from its founding, and is still in so many ways loyal to that mission today. The only one.

Well, why does that matter so much? Because our culture is more than ever in American history influenced by those who are leaders in the STEM disciplines. It's the scientists of our day who really are the priests in so many ways. It's those that are moving forward in engineering and in technology who are transforming our lives. I’m old enough to remember a day when the person that would have been the analogous CEO of Apple or Microsoft wouldn't have been a celebrity, wouldn't have been known to the country the way that Steve Jobs was, and that Tim Cook is now. But it's just that their technology is changing the culture so drastically, so radically. And so, people that are in these disciplines are themselves at the forefront of cultural transformation.

For a university to be built more than 75 years ago now, founded to raise up generations of Christ followers in that space, is absolutely critical to where we are as a nation today. And so that's why I consider what you're here to do, and what LeTourneau exists to do, to be so vital to our present and to our future.

Mason How do you feel like universities, especially LeTourneau University, can and should take part in this revival? You're talking about how this starts on an individual level, and then becomes collective—and here we've got a community, an academic community. What are some ways that you think that we can continue to do our part in that sort of revival, so to speak?

Denison That's a great question. I would think really on three levels. The first level is obviously for the individual. It's that we're espousing values, that we are wanting the students to know Jesus on a very personal level, to know Him on an intimate level; that we’re wanting to come alongside our students in a discipling sort of partnership at a time when so many of us are asking the hard questions.

It was when I was in college that so much of my worldview was formed, that so much of my sense of myself and of my purpose and my calling was formed, and it was those professors—I could name them to you today, even though it’s been five decades now, almost—were people that really in so many ways made a transformative kind of systemic difference in my life. So, let's see the students that are brought to our campus as our missionary opportunities, as those that have been entrusted to us. And let's partner with them. Let's pour into their lives. Let's invest in their lives relative to helping them know Jesus and make Him known.

Then, on a second level, let's raise up continued generations of excellence so that our faculty and our graduates can make a systemic difference in their specialties, in their disciplines. James Davison Hunter, at University of Virginia, a profound sociologist and in many ways I think the foremost academic thinker in the context of sociology and evangelical culture says, “culture changes top, down.” In his great book, To Change the World, he demonstrates that culture changes when you achieve your highest place of influence and live there faithfully. He calls

that ‘manifesting faithful presence.’ Well, that's what the university has an opportunity to do, is to raise up leaders in these crucial disciplines with excellence who will therefore make a systemic difference beyond the university.

So, I'm thinking about the students, I'm thinking about the academic professors and contributors and the graduates there. And then, on a third level, I'm thinking about the institution itself. What are some ways that LeTourneau as an entity can model excellence and servant leadership? What are ways that LeTourneau as an entity can be making a systemic difference in Longview and around the world? What can LeTourneau be doing? What can your influence as a university be doing to make a difference for Jesus, maybe in partnership with other institutions as well? And what can be done to model what it means to be systemically, strategically, a Christ-following university as an entity itself?

Michael Lindsey, my good friend that was at Gordon College, now at Taylor, made a statement some years ago, when he was profiling one of his books in a conversation I was leading for a group here in Dallas: ‘institutions change culture.’ That it is individuals, yes, but individuals in the platform of institutions. Steve Jobs made so much of an impression on the culture because of Apple, because of the institution that he was able to found there. You think of that across the culture, and at the end of the day, it's really the institution that becomes the platform and the energy and the impetus by which individuals can make the greatest contribution. So, I'd be asking, what can the university, as a university, do in these days to make a strategic difference and impact for Christ?

Mason What things do you think we need to be thinking about? If you were to give us a charge, so to speak, for the next decade? You know, Steve, you and LeTourneau University need to be doing these things. And you've touched on some of that just a second ago, but what would be maybe a final word of encouragement for us?

Denison Yeah, absolutely. I would. There’s a couple of negative things I'd mention quickly and then some very positive things I'd want to mention as well. On the negative side, and we're doing this in our ministry and I'm doing consulting with organizations and institutions, is something comes up a lot. I think institutionally we have to be preparing for a much more difficult future for us organizationally than has been the case so far.

I don't know that 501c3 will be in question necessarily, but that's plausible. Certainly voluntary organizations, everything from NCAA to accrediting agencies certainly could be in play as we go forward. The Religious Exemption Accountability Project, were it to prevail—I'm not saying it would, but if it would, would be a significant impact relative to federal funding for student scholarships and all that that might represent. And so now is the time to be thinking toward that. What does that mean? What does that look like? How do we want to be prepared institutionally for an equality act or something like it? What do we want to do now to be thinking in those terms? So you kind of anticipate a worst-case scenario out there as these headwinds continue, as this tsunami rises, and kind of get prepared now. Start thinking about some of that now so that we're not as surprised. Hopefully that's wasted effort. Hopefully we won't see these things become what they could become. But that's kind of on the negative side. We're wanting to be thinking and preparing for kind of a worst case. And how can we be good stewards in the midst of all that?

On the positive side, to use again, the metaphor I mentioned before, the darker the room, the more positive the light. We need to be thinking right now, I think as a Christian university, especially in your space, we need to be asking and praying and saying, God, how can we make a transformative difference, not just in Longview, but in the world? In a world that's more connected than ever before, in a world where we have capacity to shape nations on the basis of communication, communication networks and platforms, God, how can we be salt and light in a transformative way? What's our unique Kingdom calling?

I would think in Acts 1:8 terms. What's our Jerusalem calling? What impact can we make in our Jerusalem, in our Longview? What can we be doing regionally, and what can we be doing globally that's uniquely our space, that's uniquely our Kingdom assignment? What does that mean? What does that look like? And we want to think boldly and audaciously here.

When I moved to Atlanta, I became the pastor of a man named John Hagee. He became known for a statement: “Let us attempt something for God so great it is doomed to fail unless God be in it.” Let us attempt something for God so great it is doomed to fail unless God be in it. So we want a global vision. The first question isn’t what can we afford? What can we raise? What can we do? The first question is what could we do? And then trust God to give us the resources we need to accomplish the vision that He's entrusted to us.

When we think in those terms, now we're becoming change agents. Now we're becoming transformational. Now we're seizing this tsunami of opposition and making it a tsunami of opportunity for the good news of God's love. And I believe that's the kind of mindset that you bring to the table. I believe that's the kind of mindset that leaders at LeTourneau can embrace. And it will be so exciting to see what God does as he leads the university into its greatest future.

Scan here to view the full interview or visit letu.edu/denison

Christian polytechnic education

BY GRANT BRIDGMAN IN COLLABORATION WITH JONATHAN LETT, PH.D.

As LeTourneau University continues to embody the academic ministry of the Christian Polytechnic University, the integration of faith, science, and technology is core to how we carry out our mission. While this has evolved over the years, recent intentional initiatives have paved the way to participate even more in the national conversation about Christian polytechnic education, societal contributions, and human flourishing, through the lens of eternal impact.

TECHNOLOGICAL INTIMACY

What makes us human? Is it our intellect, our emotion? Is our humanity contingent upon our creativity, or maybe our productivity? Or perhaps what makes us human is deep in our soul, with meaning or purpose that is intrinsically tied to our creator. How are we meant to know the nature of our existence and how do we know what makes us uniquely human? Today, these questions are asked in a world inundated by digital information and deeply invested in technologies that promise to make human life better. Despite the vast information we have at our fingertips and the major advances we’ve made in technology, are we any closer to answering the perennial questions: what is a human? And what makes for a good life?

We are surrounded with nearly an infinite amount of information and an array of technologies which are all aimed at helping humanity to navigate some of these most basic questions about our existence. The marriage of education and technology is meant to build bridges between gaps in the pathway toward a “good” life, but is this path one which solely pursues power over parts of our world, and what defines the “good” in the "good life"?

Speaking on the nature of technology in the world today as it relates to our daily lives, Dr. Jonathan Lett, Director of the Faith, Science, and Technology Initiative at LeTourneau University, states:

“Technology is inseparable from being human. It accompanies our waking and our sleeping, our work and our worship, our recreation and rest, our being born and our dying. Devices and machines do not simply exist out there somewhere and then enter our previously established life. Technological devices are there from the very beginning: from the advanced technology of the hospital’s labor and delivery floor to the car seat that brings us safely home. It is this lifelong intimacy with technology that allows it to escape our close examination of it… We are so intimately close to technology that this familiarity makes it difficult to appreciate how much influence it exerts in every sphere of human life."

The books that we read, clothing that we wear, even the way in which certain types of food is prepared, are all examples of scientific knowledge applied in technology with the aim of making life better. If that definition applies to technology in a broad sense, a similar or parallel definition of higher education might be: learning the principles and applications of a ‘better’ philosophy of life. Given that tech shapes our fundamental experiences of being human—work, worship, recreation, rest, birth and death—perhaps higher ed ought to reflect on the question of being human in tandem with probing questions about the nature of technology. As Christians, we are called to more than basic principles and applications of philosophy. We are called to pursue a Christ-like wisdom with eternal implications.

Wisdom denotes not merely theoretical knowledge but the knowhow to respond to Christ’s call to love, according to the ways in which the world has been created. Christian wisdom requires a clear picture

"While we are more powerful than any generation in human history, we do not seem to be more happy, more healthy, more flourishing than any other generation." - Andy Crouch, Author and Praxis Partner of how human nature corresponds to God’s purpose and the skills necessary to conform our lives to this picture amidst the complexities and particularities of a broken world. In the realm of education, this brokenness is seen in a rising tide of concern about the effectiveness of four-year universities pursuing the goal of developing knowledge and skills. Whether as a contributing factor or innocent beneficiary, technology itself seems to be at the center of this dialogue. While the institution of higher education has been devoted of old to humanity’s deep questions, it has not adequately recognized the technological dimension to the questions. Many universities are not preparing their students for this dialogue, nor are they producing students with the wisdom required for this technological age. Is it even possible to focus on wisdom at a time when most higher ed institutions are primarily focused on return on investment (ROI)?

VOCATIONAL FLUENCY

Many critics of higher education are voicing concerns over the widening gap between a college graduate’s training and their actual industry knowledge and applied experience. An excerpt from a November 2022 Forbes article by Adam Wray, entitled "Moving Beyond the Dependence on College Degrees," reads: “A recent study commissioned by nonprofits American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future found that 72% of companies believe college degrees are unreliable signifiers of a person’s job-related skills and abilities, and that 68% want to hire people who don’t have college degrees. Generation Z—young Americans born after 1996—agrees with them. Nearly 60% said companies should hire high school graduates who have followed non-degree pathways. Meanwhile, most industries almost always hire for specific technical abilities rather than harder-to-measure soft skills and knowledge, like communication and problem-solving. Yet, many of the most successful executives in the technology industry have humanities backgrounds.” Are colleges and universities too far removed from the ‘golden age’ of higher education, when the sole purpose of pursuing a four-year degree was to answer the question, “how do I develop a good (or better) philosophy of life?” In his book, The Case Against Education: Why the Education System is a Waste of Time and Money, Professor Bryan Caplan of George Mason University writes: “Education’s contrarian detractors and mainstream defenders have one illusion in common: Both think they can kill two birds with one stone. The detractors find little effect of education on job skills, so they ignore the evidence that education mightily enhances worldly success. The defenders find a large effect of education on worldly success, so they ignore the evidence that education barely enhances job skills. Both sides make strong cases as long as they stick to the evidence they know. The wise approach is to take

all the evidence seriously. To understand education, we have to look at skill and success, learning and earning. Irrelevant education really is financially rewarding. Human capital purism can respond only with denial and dismay.”

Taking this reasoning at face value would make for a pragmatic valuation of both education and the technological means through which education is achieved. But what does Caplan think about the more basic questions connected to the purposes of humanity, and in this context, humanity’s attempts at betterment—attempts at teaching individuals how to be both competent employees and good people?

“To plausibly qualify as a merit good (judged on the basis of benefit to society), [education] needs three ingredients. The first ingredient: worthy content—great ideas and glorious culture, which uplifts the soul. The second ingredient: skillful pedagogy—learning from enthusiastic teachers/masters of their subjects, which uplifts the soul. The third ingredient: eager students. Sharing great ideas and glorious culture with students who find them fascinating uplifts their souls.”

Now we’re getting somewhere. Or perhaps, getting some-thing. Caplan’s assessment of an educational environment which benefits society seems to be the first breath of a conversation that is developed more fully by Mercer and Ponticell in their publication of Polytechnic Education. Their publication is “a response to higher ed institutions being influenced by state and local governments to demonstrate “value for money” as well as producing educational, technological and scientific accomplishments associated with innovation and economic prosperity.” An approach to an impactful education built out in a polytechnic institution is defined as one that is “designed to blend theory and practice to solve real world problems for the benefit of society” (Mercer and Ponticell, p.47). We will come back to this shortly, but first let’s pause to explore a practical outpouring of this definition.

A POWERFUL ODYSSEY

Such an approach to education may be meaningful, but without the practical evidence for how such an institution might approach technology in relation to human flourishing, even a polytechnic university runs the risk of perceived irrelevance. In a recent interview with LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven D. Mason, author and former editor/producer at Christianity Today, Andy Crouch (The Life We’re Looking for: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World) offers an approach to technology in the context of a Christian polytechnic university.

“There is this ancient story in the western world that could be called the quest for magic. The quest to find some way to leverage the natural world to get the 'spiritual' results that we want. This was seen in the ancient world in the study of alchemy. I believe that while alchemy may be viewed as simply a part of the past, the dream of alchemy is still alive and often drives the way that we deploy technology. . . This delight of ‘impersonal power,’ of not needing other people to get something done, just needing a clue as to how the world works—I believe that this is actually the heart of magic. When we think about what it means as Christians to approach magic, or one could say, how we approach technology, I think there is a way to use technology in a personal way. I believe we were meant to have incredibly, beautifully directed power in the world. It is meant to always be deeply relational; it should always involve growth and love.”

This growth that Crouch speaks of should be the core aim of all institutions of higher education. The utilization of technology as a form of “beautifully directed power,” not from a desire to rule our world—but rather, as a force for its reconciliation. This may sound too aspirational to be achievable. But how do we go about the practice of both knowledge and application, both intellectual growth and deeply relational love? Crouch goes on to make this distinction.

“Technology is at the heart of the best things that human beings can do in the world, because it is the application of what we have learned about the way that the natural world functions. As Christians, we believe this world is ‘very good,’ and as human beings we need to pay attention to it, explore, discover, and then apply what we have learned. This is why a Christian Polytechnic University is such an important thing to have in the world. This is a crucial way that we advance the common good: applying what we know about the nature of creation for the benefit of human beings. Technology is the dominant story of the modern world. While this is a very good thing, something is clearly not going quite right. While we are

DEREK SCHUURMAN, PH.D

PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AT CALVIN UNIVERSITY

Currently a Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University, Dr. Schuurman is the author of the book Shaping a Digital World and co-author of A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers. Prof. Schuurman is a fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, part of the leadership team for the West Michigan ASA chapter, an associate fellow of the The Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, and was made a senior member of the IEEE. He is a member of the ACM, CES, ACMS, a book review editor for Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, a regular contributor to the Christian Scholars Review blog, and a regular columnist for Christian Courier. Research interests include robotics and computer vision, embedded systems and IoT, CS pedagogy, and faith and technology issues.

Scan or visit letu.edu/schuurman to view the full video interview

ANDY CROUCH

AUTHOR AND PRAXIS PARTNER

Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an M.Div. summa cum laude from Boston University School of Theology. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He served the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as senior strategist for communication. His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and several editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing. His writing explores faith, culture, and the image of God in the domains of technology, power, leadership, and the arts. He is the author of five books (plus another with his daughter, Amy Crouch): The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World, The TechWise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place, Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, and Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling.

Scan or visit letu.edu/crouch to view the full video interview more powerful than any generation in human history, we do not seem to be more happy, more healthy, more flourishing than any other generation. In fact, in some parts of the world where technology is the most advanced, we are noticing a decline in physical health. As we apply more and more of what we know about the good of the world, why is life not becoming better and better? Something seems to be missing.”

The "something missing" is clearly more than simply the three ingredients that Caplan described in creating education that is beneficial to society. The quest for magic that Crouch points to is one that seems to force a choice down two paths going opposite directions: one fueled by scientific methods and technological innovations, and one marked by philosophy, doctrine, or even faith itself. This juxtaposition of technological power and redemptive love creates an incredible tension. A tension that is found at the center of all dialogue related to topics of faith, science, and technology. A tension not unlike that of a finely tuned gearbox.

In a recent lecture at LeTourneau University, Dr. Derek Schuurman of Calvin University (author, A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers) stated, “A helpful analogy is to think about a Christian worldview as being like a gearbox. So you've got the area of application like engineering and technology that's like the tires, right? And you've got the engine of scripture, which is where we get our power from. But you don't normally connect the tires directly to the engine. What you do is you run them through a kind of gearbox. And the Christian worldview provides a way of using the power of scripture and applying them to the area of application like technology and human progress.”

To some, this may begin to sound like the sort of unhelpful theoretical analysis that has become so closely attached to the ivory tower persona of many who engage with the scholarly pursuits of higher education, yet what if there were helpful examples of such theories? Schuurman continues on:

“So how do we act as agents of reconciliation in our work and learning? Thinking more in terms of ‘design norms’ that we can see through biblical principles, rather than [labeling] certain technology as either good or bad. Firstly, we know that everything is touched by the fall. There is a difference between structure and direction. Not thinking that God's good creation persists in spite of sin, but that sin is rather like a virus that attaches itself to God's good creation and causes it to be misdirected and perverted in so many different ways. Sin doesn't create anything. Sin can only attach itself to God's good creation. So, some of the implications of that are that we don't reject anything in creation out of hand. The question ‘is technology good or bad?,’ is sort of a false dichotomy.

Secondly, we approach problems with these ‘design norms,’ which come out of biblical theology and Christian philosophy. The notion of justice, making sure that when we design products, that we think about promoting justice and giving each their due stewardship. You know, the notion of looking after the environment, financial and human resources, tending and keeping things properly. Caring has to do with loving our neighbor with cultural appropriateness, making sure that our designs fit the culture into which they're introduced, and alleviating burdens while preserving what is good. As Christians, we believe there's much more to being human than the electrochemical reactions that are going on in our brain; that we're living beings, but we also have a spirit.”

FAITHFUL SAGACITY

“Alleviating burdens, preserving what is good”. It would seem here that Schuurman is implying the possibility of a third path. A path, which spans the philosophical and the practical, brings together the secular and the sacred. The quest for magic Andy Crouch referred to is humanity’s search for the power of the supernatural. The quest of educators is the search for the next generation of innovators to solve societal problems, while also attuning their hearts to their neighbors. A third path, which leads down a difficult road—even a narrow road—as it is written in Matthew 7:14. A road involving much faith, wisdom and discernment. As Dr. Lett writes:

“The challenge of moral discernment arises not because our technological presuppositions are so far apart from a Christian perspective, but because they're so close. If we wish to discern the morality of technology in our current contexts, then we find ourselves in a difficult position of disentangling the evils from the goods we so keenly seek: the relief of suffering, the expansion of choice, protection from disease, and the increase of wealth and opportunity. Therefore, if we are to identify unfaithful forms of technology

in the midst of genuinely good pursuits, we need a fuller picture of our current context. And to see our current context truly, we need a theological perspective. We need to appreciate that the real and true context for the pursuit of technological development is the Christian vocation of bearing the image of God to cultivate the flourishing of God’s creation.

Equipping students for industry impact and societal healing all for God’s glory is a core function of Christian polytechnic education. As LeTourneau University President, Dr. Steven D. Mason writes in his publication LeTourneau University as The Christian Polytechnic University: Embracing the Saga of Our Unique Organizational Calling:

“We believe that while modern science and society pose complex questions and problems, Scripture outlines for us not simplistic answers but rather a clear vision for what human and societal flourishing looks like, what it means to be fully human, who created the world, how God is renewing all things, and to whom we will one day give an account. . . Without a coherent and true account of life’s deepest and most pervasive questions, it is at best uncertain how students are being formed, including their version of flourishing. Education is inherently formation. An educational program with loose ends prides itself on so-called neutrality and doubt as virtues of inquiry. In contrast, Christian educators work from and towards a particular version of human flourishing.”

If this version of human flourishing is our aim, the formation of our students—of ourselves—is not wholly dependent upon technical or even philosophical mastery, but rather on wisdom. Dr. Jonathan Lett, on this particular pursuit:

“Wisdom says that life is about conforming the soul to the reality of nature, to the limits of time, body, and place. Technology offers not wisdom, but a technique—a way to bend the reality of the world to conform to the order of the human will. This technique is a substitute for wisdom, a shortcut to virtue. Wisdom is cultivated by the study of the Bible in a Christian community that helps students think critically and analytically about their discipline from a theological perspective. Wisdom requires that students integrate their field of study with Christian reflection on the nature and order of the world and on the reality of the human person as created, that is, as being designed for fellowship with God and neighbor.”

The perennial questions about life and flourishing have been debated throughout history, and will continue to be so for the rest of time. While a focused conversation—even one of educational merit—may not provide answers to all the nuanced side trails, the clarity of a primary path may emerge within the context of Christian polytechnic education. A path guided not by technological power, but divine wisdom. Individually seeking not just theoretical knowledge, but the knowhow to respond to Christ’s call to love. Institutionally committing to the calling of Christian polytechnic education to be devoted to working out the pressing questions facing the world and the church today. Whereas most, if not all, Christian universities approach these major technological questions within a liberal arts setting, a Christian polytechnic university addresses these challenges from within their native polytechnic habitat. Answers to these questions will only arise from robust theological and biblical engagement with scientific and technological fields of study. As we journey on this narrow road, may we seek to foster continued conversation between the distinct academic fields of theology, ethics, engineering, and science to cultivate Christian wisdom in a technological age.

ABOUT THE FST INITIATIVE

The Faith, Science, and Technology Initiative offers a pronounced commitment of LeTourneau to be the kind of community of learning, discourse, and moral discernment that can form the next generation of Christians capable of bearing the task of stewarding our technological culture as they participate in God’s mission to reconcile and redeem all things in Jesus Christ. One way we work toward this goal is by fostering conversation between the distinct academic fields of theology, ethics, engineering, science, and the humanities.

JONATHAN LETT, PH.D

DIRECTOR, FAITH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY

Dr. Jonathan Lett is the Director of the Faith, Science, and Technology Initiative at LeTourneau University and an Associate Professor of Theology. He works in the areas of systematic theology, theological ethics, and bioethics. His current research examines theological and biological concepts of human nature and their implications for biotechnological enhancement. He earned an M.Div. from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of St Andrews. His work has appeared in Modern Theology, Journal of Biblical Literature, Syndicate, The Blackwell Companion to Karl Barth, and in several other edited volumes. Before coming to LeTourneau, Dr. Lett worked as a campus minister, a hospital chaplain, and served in several pastoral ministry settings. As a theologian and a teacher, he pursues his calling to help others understand how their lives, and their work in particular, can bear witness to God’s redemption of the world in Christ.

A new era of LeTourneau athletics is underway.

Dr. Tim Sceggel was named the new Vice President and Director of Athletics at LeTourneau in late spring 2022. A longtime administrator within Christian college athletics, Dr. Sceggel brings years of experience to Longview.

“It is an incredible honor to be able to join you in support of LeTourneau University,” said Sceggel. “Since arriving on campus this summer, I’ve been so encouraged with the direction of the institution overall, and athletics in particular.”

Dr. Sceggel spent the last 15 years serving in multiple capacities, including Director of Athletics, at fellow CCCU institution Covenant College. He was named the AD at Covenant in 2016 and was part of the most successful period in Covenant athletics history.

A graduate of Covenant, Dr. Sceggel saw his life transformed during his college years and became motivated to lead Christian institutions’ athletic departments towards success, not only on the field but in students’ spiritual lives.

“My passion for Christian college athletics dates back to my undergraduate days as the men’s basketball manager at Covenant College, where I had a front row seat to the value of integrating our faith in the context of sports,” remarked Dr. Sceggel. “After college, I spent time working in the athletic department at Wheaton College, where I learned what it looked like to intentionally pursue excellence.”

Sceggel’s affection for transformative college experience is obvious: “If you look across the world, America is one of the only countries who combines sport with higher ed. It’s this unique aspect of a formative time in someone’s life in college combined with the gifts, talents, and abilities God’s given us athletically. America has figured out how to combine these, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, and as believers, we have an awesome opportunity to influence the culture. What better place to do that than on a Christian college campus?”

During his time at Covenant, Dr. Sceggel formulated his approach to Christian college athletics. The mantra “cultivating disciples and pursuing excellence” emanated through the athletic complexes at Covenant to remind everyone about their call to honor and glorify God through sport and developing leaders for Christ.

These experiences led Dr. Sceggel to develop the new mission of the athletic department at LeTourneau, which is to cultivate disciples and pursue excellence.

CULTIVATING DISCIPLES

In a sports culture that emphasizes wins over everything else, Dr. Sceggel has a different approach. As an institution, LeTourneau is seeking to develop leaders with Christian values and mission. Athletics are part of the college experience, and Dr. Sceggel believes his department needs to continue the mission of the institution.

“The goal of cultivating disciples is to see student-athletes encounter Christ in the context of their athletic pursuits,” said Dr. Sceggel. “Practically, this means that our coaches, trainers, and athletic communication folks will intentionally integrate their faith in their various areas of oversight.

This intentional effort is designed to help student-athletes grow in their relationship with Christ as a result of their athletic participation. If there is a student-athlete that does not yet know Jesus, we will seek to facilitate that introduction in hope that it may lead to a decision that has eternal significance.”

Discipleship within LeTourneau Athletics will look different across various teams and evolve over a student-athlete's four years on campus. It is designed to be descriptive of their experience, rather than prescriptive. This means that coaches have the flexibility to adjust their approach based on the spiritual needs of the team, which typically includes some combination of learning what it means to compete for Christ, along with team prayer, small groups, and service.

PURSUING EXCELLENCE

Integrating faith into athletics is a big piece of the puzzle for Dr. Sceggel, but he still wants LeTourneau to compete for championships on the field. However, excellence is not found only in wins but also in the classroom, community, and all aspects of the department.

“God has given our coaches and student-athletes gifts, talents, and abilities that He calls us to use for His glory. Winning is an important measurement of the pursuit of excellence, but so are academics and so many other areas,” added Dr. Sceggel.

Recently, LeTourneau student-athletes have excelled in the classroom. During the spring 2022 semester, student-athletes produced a 3.13 GPA, and 13 programs had team GPAs above 3.0. Additionally, in the most recent cohort, student-athletes graduated at an 11 percent higher rate than non-athletes and a three percent higher rate than student-athletes at other NCAA Division III institutions.

Part of Dr. Sceggel’s initial phase of instituting this mission was making new head coaching hires. During the summer, LeTourneau hired many new personnel—including head coaches—and redesigned the leadership team in athletics. Five new head coaches were brought on board during the summer, and numerous other changes occurred with department personnel to strengthen Dr. Sceggel’s mission.

As for success on the field? LeTourneau experienced lots of that during the fall 2022 season. Men’s soccer made its second-ever appearance in the American Southwest Conference tournament championship match, while volleyball also qualified for the league tournament. The YellowJackets had five major award-winners in the ASC, and seven student-athletes earned Academic All-District honors.

LOOKING AHEAD

With this mission in place, Dr. Sceggel desires to see LeTourneau become the preeminent option for student-athletes who want to grow in their relationship with Christ, get a phenomenal education, and win at a high level. “This won’t mean that we get every recruit or win every game, but I do believe that in time we will be able to position ourselves as the best place in the nation for high school students that align with our mission,” he added.

Dr. Sceggel also emphasized the role alumni and parents can play as part of this process in transforming LeTourneau Athletics. Specifically, prayer and giving.

“We deeply covet your prayers. An undertaking of this magnitude can only be achieved through a foundation in Christ. Please pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of our student-athlete's to be receptive to our discipleship efforts and for discernment for our coaches in how best to facilitate our athletes’ spiritual growth. Secondly, there are several practical needs within our department. There is a need for the Lord to bring forth folks who are excited about our mission and want to give toward that end.”

A time of departmental transition can cause trepidation, but Sceggel has demonstrated commitment and integrity in his coaching hires as well as the leadership team he’s assembled. He wants to win just as much as any other AD in the nation, but his drive to see that the department integrate faith—and in doing so provide an extension of the university’s mission—is something not often seen at other institutions. It’s hard not to be inspired when he articulates his belief in discipleship:

“When you come to the end of your life, and you’re about to depart this world, you’re not gonna say, man let me see my sweet sixteen trophy one more time; you’re gonna say give me Jesus. So, we want to equip you with Christ now to help you serve Him all the way through your life. The research even shows that students with a higher level of faith affiliation are actually better, more engaged students, and they graduate at higher levels. If we have a strong faith, that impacts everything around us.

Honestly, this is why I love Division III Athletics. D3’s whole thing is holistic development of a student-athlete. It doesn’t mean we’re any less committed to pursuing athletic success or development, but we’re framing it in a way that says this is an important piece of your college experience, but so is getting acclimated in the classroom, so is getting involved in your hall, so is becoming a student leader or an RA or whatever else you want to do. We want to develop you in all these ways so that when you leave here, you’re equipped with Christ, a great education, and a great way to understand and look at life and navigate your way through it. If we’re not doing any of those things, then we’re just shortchanging our students.”

God has given our coaches and student-athletes gifts, talents, and abilities that He calls us to use for His glory.

WELCOME

NEW HEAD COACHING STAFF

Among the change in the athletic department in 2022 was the hiring of five head new coaches. Each one is committed to Dr. Sceggel’s mission of cultivating disciples and pursuing excellence but with their own personal philosophy for achieving that. Here they articulate those personal coaching convictions in their own words.

PAUL PHILLIPS

HEAD BASEBALL COACH

My phone rang. It was Tim. My heart skipped a beat, as is normal when you get an unexpected call from your boss. Not two hours earlier, I was desperately praying to God. We had an eight-week old baby, two toddlers under the age of five, and things were tight. I could stay near family with a new job in a different industry, stick it out in my current job and pray for the Lord’s miraculous provision each month, or take a step of faith and look for other coaching jobs. I was coaching at my alma mater and didn’t think there were any high-academic Christian institutions that cared about both faith and excellence in athletics. I prayed, “Lord, I’m really stupid, and I need you to make it abundantly clear what I should do.”

When Dr. Tim Sceggel called, I knew immediately this was where God was calling me to be. It’s rare to find academic institutions that are committed to their Christian beliefs and integrating their faith into their daily lives. It’s especially rare to find academic Christian institutions that visibly care about excellence in arenas outside of academia, much less athletics. And in the Promised Land of Texas?! What could be better? I am so thrilled to be here at LETU under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Mason and Dr. Sceggel.

My vision for the baseball program is that we win a national championship, but more importantly, that we’re known for the quality of our men more than the quality of our play. My mission is that each young man who plays here leaves with a deeper relationship with Christ and with brothers in Christ from the YellowJacket family. I want these men to be better followers of Christ, better husbands, better fathers, and better leaders. To that end, we seek to recruit and develop talented student-athletes who want to step out of their comfort zones to be challenged spiritually, academically, and athletically. And I can’t imagine a better group of men to start this journey with.

My favorite verse comes from 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Competing with oneself and opponents is valuable for many reasons; however, walking with the Lord in all things, including competition, holds an everlasting value.

Our coaching staff’s vision for this program is to develop women of excellence who glorify God through success both in life and in basketball. We will strive to create value for each individual player while developing her understanding that preparation, serving others, strength in character, self-confidence, and focusing on the fundamentals and details are all key ingredients to success on and off the court.

As we walk with the Lord we wish to create an environment where we support teammates with encouragement, constructive feedback, and dedication; allow the individual athlete to thrive while keeping the team first; develop servant leaders who grow through service in the program and the community; develop self-confidence that breeds an attitude of perseverance on and off the court; progress fundamental skills and improve basketball IQ; instill enthusiasm for the game; and find joy in the competition as we strive to be good stewards of the skills and abilities God has blessed us with.

As with all endeavors that have value, we must work diligently, joyfully, and consistently on a daily basis, trusting the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

SCOT MACALLISTER

HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

STEVE LORD

HEAD WOMEN’S SOCCER COACH

The day my family and I set foot on this campus in July—walking onto the soccer field just to take it all in—we had a sense of peace knowing this is exactly where God wants us at this point in our lives. Immediately, we felt welcomed by the entire LeTourneau University community, and we are beyond blessed and honored to be a part of this women’s soccer program.

On the coaching staff, I could not be more thankful to have Suzie Pjecha and my son, Jacen Lord, as graduate assistants. These two incredible coaches have already had a profound impact on this program both spiritually and technically.

This young team has adopted the model of developing a growth mindset. In all that we do, our desire is to bring attention to God’s glory through academics, athletic training, competition, and community. These players strive to be servant-minded role models with coachable attitudes, and they are purposeful in learning every day how to develop a consistent and relentless work ethic while becoming mentally tough. They invite the challenges that come with being a quality student-athlete and take pride and accountability in mastering their skill sets. I am so encouraged by what we have seen already and cannot wait to see how the next chapters unfold with this amazing group of young ladies.

John Wooden said, “Make each day your masterpiece. You cannot change yesterday, and a better tomorrow will be the result of what you do today. If you do your best, angels can do no better. And this present moment—right now—is when you have that opportunity.”

We have five priorities that we focus on in our program: faith, family, academics, soccer, and everything else. Our team this year did a good job of playing for each other and not for themselves, which is something we are looking to build on moving forward. The idea of servanthood is a vital aspect of our program, whether that is serving in the city of Longview, LeTourneau’s campus community, or the teammates that support one another.

For future recruiting classes, we are looking for young men who want to grow in their relationship with the Lord while being challenged daily. We believe God calls us to pursue excellence in everything we do, and that includes soccer, academics, and our relationships with one other. Having a culture that centers around our faith and family is vital to our program’s DNA. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Playing soccer at LeTourneau is a unique and special experience due to the relationships you build here over four years.

Those relationships will hopefully be with you for a lifetime. We have a lot of work to do on and off the pitch to make our program the very best it can be. We want to compete in championships within our conference while making a name for ourselves in Division III. We want our guys to be graduating from LeTourneau University with an eagerness to be a disciple of Christ in their specific calling, and to be great sons, siblings, and fathers in their family. It is an honor to be part of the LeTourneau University men’s soccer program, and we want our guys to understand what that means each time they practice, play, and interact with others.

BRADY VAN HOLLAND

HEAD MEN’S SOCCER COACH

HISTORIC CINDERELLA RUN

The 2022 edition of the LeTourneau men’s soccer team made an improbable run to the American Southwest Conference tournament title match.

Under first-year head coach Brady Van Holland, the YellowJackets needed to win their final three matches of the regular season in order to qualify for the conference tournament, and they did just that, besting Ozarks, Sul Ross State, and Howard Payne in a seven-day stretch to clinch the last postseason spot.

Once in the tournament, the YellowJackets advanced to the championship round for the first time since 1998, defeating no. 3 seed Hardin-Simmons and no. 2 seed Concordia (both in penalty shootouts!) in the first two rounds to reach the championship match. Although LeTourneau fell short in the title game, the team made history along the way.

Raul Torrez ('24) earned ASC Goalkeeper of the Year, while Van Holland and his staff garnered the league’s Coaching Staff of the Year award. Torrez, Bridger Roberdeau ('25) and Nahum Serrano ('25) each earned spots on the ASC All-Tournament team. LeTourneau placed five players on All-ASC teams, led by Torrez’s first team selection, while Russell Gray ('23) Emad Mohamed ('24), Karson Johnson ('26), and Serrano earned spots on the second team.

FAMILIAR TALENT. NEW COACH. NEXT LEVEL.

BY ANDREW MINDEMAN

ALISON WILLIAMS

HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH

Like many other parts of the LeTourneau athletics department, the women’s volleyball program also underwent change prior to the 2022-23 academic year. Alison Williams was named the program’s head coach in March 2022 and ushered in a new era of YellowJacket volleyball along the way.

Williams and her husband, Nick, make up the coaching staff. The duo is focused on pursuing excellence on and off the court while also creating a disciple-cultivating culture.

“I want my program to be known for excellence. We are shaping and recruiting student-athletes who pursue excellence in everything they do,” said Williams. “I want to create a program that has the character of Christ, is competitive, is committed to its academics, and is involved in the community.”

Williams’ squad saw immediate success on the court as the YellowJackets went 15-11 during the regular season and qualified for the American Southwest Conference tournament in November. LeTourneau had four All-ASC selections, including the conference’s Libero of the Year in Morgan Nix (’24).

Williams arrived at LeTourneau with previous head coaching experience at NCAA Division II member Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) and NAIA member Martin Methodist (Tenn.) spanning eight seasons. However, there was something different about LeTourneau that drew her to Texas.

“One of the biggest draws was that coaching can be a family affair here. Coaching with Nick, and my children being welcome in the LeTourneau community, was a high priority for me,” added Williams. “Spiritually, being in a place where I can live out my faith and encourage young women in their walks with Christ is a great honor and privilege.

Athletically, stepping into a program that is on the upswing and yet still has much room for growth was extremely intriguing for me. Rising to the challenge of taking a program to the next level is any coach’s dream.”

A player that fits the profile? Morgan Nix. A junior from Cypress, Texas, Nix began her collegiate career at LeTourneau in 2020-21

To see that I am thriving in the classroom and on the court, shows me that

God brought me back

to the place where I am supposed to be.

COACH ALISON WILLIAMS AND HER HUSBAND, NICK, LEAD THE TEAM IN A WARMUP BEFORE A VOLLEYBALL GAME

before leaving the institution. She decided to return this year and is a key piece of the new culture inside LeTourneau volleyball.

“When I left, I felt like something was missing. This was truly my home away from home,” said Nix. “The family environment and welcoming arms I knew I could not get anywhere else is what drew me back. I knew I still had the opportunity to play volleyball and figured I would give that another chance.”

Nix is taking full advantage of her new opportunity. On the court, she earned American Southwest Conference Libero of the Year and broke the program’s singleseason record for digs while setting two single-match records. She has ranked in the top five in the nation in both digs and digs per set throughout the year.

“Morgan has such a high ceiling and, like our program, she's still figuring out what she is capable of,” said Williams. “As the year went on, she took on greater leadership roles and expanded her presence on the court. She pursues excellence on and off the court and is a great kid. I never have to question her work ethic or drive for what she sets her mind to.”

Nix began playing volleyball at age nine and realized her potential to play collegiately during her junior year in high school.

“I knew I was talented and had the work ethic to play somewhere but did not know where I would end up. When the doors opened for me to continue playing at LeTourneau, I could not turn it down. To see the growth from where I was at nine years old, to middle school, to high school and then to now is crazy. To be doing the things I said I wanted to do is only by the grace of God.”

Now in her second go-round at LeTourneau, Nix is reaping the benefits of being challenged on the court, classroom, and spiritually. “To see that I am thriving in the classroom and on the court, shows me that God brought me back to the place where I am supposed to be. This goes to show that a minor setback prepares you for an even better comeback, and that is what I did!”

Nix’s personality and natural leadership abilities were on display throughout the season as LeTourneau competed with the best teams in the American Southwest Conference. The YellowJackets ended the year fourth in the conference and earned a trip to the conference tournament.

“Morgan is a goofy kid who is loved by her teammates. Her laugh is infectious, and she can float between anyone on the team to get along with,” said Williams. Nix added, “I love the game of volleyball, but being able to prioritize both volleyball and academics at the same time is what makes LeTourneau special. LeTourneau is a place where I can thrive.”

SNAPSHOTS: ATHLETICS

Another recent change was the restructuring of senior leadership in the department, including the elevating of responsibility for several veteran coaches. Each of these positions will operate as an extension of Dr. Sceggel’s role as Vice President and Director of Athletics, extending the reach and the capabilities of the department. The leadership team boasts a combined 35 years of experience within LeTourneau Athletics, including the longtime head coaches of baseball and men’s and women’s tennis.

ROBIN HARRISS

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONS

I handle all of the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, including game day operations, concessions, indoor and outdoor facilities management and maintenance, athletic budget management, NCAA compliance and reports, to name a few. I manage this role to free up Dr. Sceggel so things will run smoothly as he endeavors to be the best VP for our department that he can be.

What I love most about my new role is getting to deal with all of our coaches on a day-to-day basis, guiding them in the things I have learned about LeTourneau over the past 16 years—what's successful, what isn't, etc. My role keeps me busy with a number of people on campus, from HR to maintenance to chapel. In fact, I talk to pretty much every department daily. It's fascinating to see how the rest of campus works to allow coaches, professors, deans, and campus leaders to lead and disciple our students.

I've had a number of mentors during my time here at LeTourneau, but the one I spent the most time with was Coach Bob Davis. He taught me the most about how to be a Christian coach. He helped me understand that it was okay to be a 'different' kind of coach than all the rest. Watching him passionately serve the Lord AND his players over the years, I developed a firm foundation of having an identity in Christ—not in something that could be taken from you, such as coaching. While folks might still call me “coach,” what I hear is "servant," and I have Coach Davis to thank for that.

ANDREW MINDEMAN

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR COMMUNICATIONS

After spending the last 10 years at another Christian institution, I’m excited to come aboard here at LeTourneau University. I handle all communications for the athletics department, everything from social media and digital media to making sure we have online broadcasts for home games and everything in between. If something is made public from the department, it more than likely came through my office.

One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to tell the stories of our university and its students through the lens of athletics. Highlighting successes in the arena of competition is one way of promoting the LeTourneau brand, but storytelling goes much deeper than that. Every student, coach, and administrator has a unique story of how they arrived at LeTourneau and what impact the institution has had on them, and I have the pleasure of relaying those stories to the public.

Having worked in Christian higher education my entire career, I have seen the positive impact that it can have on students, coaches, administrators, and even opposing fans and players. We have an opportunity to reflect Christ in the arena of sport. It is such a cool avenue, and I love playing a part in it through my work here at LeTourneau.

LEADERSHIP

SUZANNE MERRITT

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR ADMINISTRATION/SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR, HEAD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS COACH

I have the opportunity to work with my student-athletes on a daily basis and enjoy the relationships with them. The best part of my job is being part of their lives as they grow as tennis players and, more importantly, learn more about God’s plan for their lives. I‘m also proud of the great things my former players are doing as LeTourneau alums.

I enjoy serving on the department’s leadership team as we discuss ways to strengthen our department and grow our mission of discipleship. I’m excited about the future of LeTourneau Athletics and the plans to grow our department and facilities and take care of our students. We must continue to look for ways to support our studentathletes in all areas of their college careers and with their physical and mental health.

Every year, I am inspired by my players’ dedication to being true student-athletes. They work hard and make sacrifices to be successful in the classroom and on the courts. They put in a tremendous amount of time to represent LeTourneau with excellence and integrity at every match. They learn great life lessons in time management, being good teammates, and dealing with failure and success. And, I’m inspired watching them use opportunities to share their faith through their sport with their actions and attitudes. It is really an honor to get to coach these student-athletes.

JAMES WALLACE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS, HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

I am honored to be a part of the growth and formation of the young men and women at LeTourneau: watching them struggle, succeed, learn to handle adversity, find their passion, walk into their God-given calling, and in some amazing cases, begin a relationship with Jesus.

As Assistant AD, I hope to grow involvement and collaboration between LeTourneau and the East Texas community. We are working to build corporate partnerships and increase the visibility of LeTourneau Athletics. We want to be “Longview’s University,” and as we continue to pursue excellence, we hope the community will take notice and be a part of it.

As basketball coach, I lead the 18 young men in our program and work to cultivate disciples and pursue excellence in everything that we do. We have built a program that has won conference championships, competed in multiple NCAA tournaments, and boasts the most wins of any Division III program in Texas over the past six seasons.

In addition to athletic achievements, our student-athletes move on to do incredible things after their time here at LeTourneau. They are prepared for life after learning valuable lessons through sport and being a part of something bigger than themselves.

That is what inspires me to do what I do every day. I want to be the best coach that I can be, but I also want to be the husband, father, and man of God that can lead well and be an example for the student-athletes of LeTourneau University.

Community & ConnectionChampion of

A Dean’s Perspective with Dr. Vicki Sheafer, Dean of the School of Psychology & Counseling

Edited by Kate Day

If technology asks us to explore what it means to be human, period, then the social sciences ask us to explore what it means to be human in action: in community. To examine the specific angles of human behavior relating to how people interact with each other and develop as a culture and influence the world. To analyze what we leave behind. As Christians in community, the conversation deepens further. How do we model biblical interactions in our individual and overlapping slices of society? How do we leave our circles, culture, and community better than when we first showed up in them? How do we engage in relationship with another and show up well? How do we show up well for ourselves?

This conversation, one alive and well at LeTourneau University, is particularly present in a section of Longview Hall that over the years has served many different offices and student populations. Walk into the dean’s office of the Psychology and Counseling suite, and do two things:

First, listen. You’ll hear a familiar voice who, for the past 29 years, has not only taught hundreds of classes revolving around human behavior and interaction, but also enthusiastically lives and breathes doing it well—in some expected ways, and in some surprising ones.

Second, look up. There are hundreds of photos on a wall-spanning archipelago of bulletin boards. No cork can be spotted; only snapshot after snapshot of students in caps and gowns, interlocked in triumphant, relieved duos and trios after walking the stage, celebrating what was and what’s next—in community. The common denominator in most of these scenes is the face that goes with the voice: Dr. Vicki Sheafer, Dean of the School of Psychology and Counseling, and Professor of Psychology.

We sat down to discuss these roles and found many more behind her formal job titles. Along the way we explored what it means to her to give back to the community that poured into her, how she views athletics as a level-up on the college community experience, and how psychology and counseling pair as a well-balanced marriage of true STEM education and the foundational human care that’s required for any community to truly function.

Looking Back and Giving Back

Something hit me at this year’s annual back-to-school faculty and staff gathering. Every year, we play that game where everyone stands up to be recognized for varying lengths of service. At the beginning, all faculty are standing, and then progressively sit as years of tenure are announced. After a few minutes, you’ve got the faculty with 5 years still standing, then 10, then 15… and as the number of years increases, the number of people standing starts dwindling. And then President Mason gets to 25 years. Nearly everybody sat down, and there were only a handful of us standing. I’m looking around, and then it hit me that I was one of so few standing—and out of the few, the only woman standing. Immediately I was flooded with all of these memories of when I first came to LeTourneau.

I started in August of 1994, and I was the fifth female faculty person on campus. I came straight out of grad school. I was 25. I’d just received my Ph.D. and wanted to be a teacher but didn’t really know how to do that. Because the university had just started psychology the year before I came, I was put in charge as program coordinator. My initial reaction of ‘In charge of what!? I don’t even know what I’m doing!’ softened into ‘Okay, Lord. See me through.’ One of the ways in which He did that was through a handful of female mentors who I’m grateful for to this day.

All four of those ladies were experienced and really took me under their wing and helped me so much: Lois Knouse, a math professor; Mary Ann Otwell, the women’s basketball coach; Joy Dennis, an English professor; and Sharon Feester, who was in charge of Education at that point. We formed this group, and Lois named it. She called it FEW: Faculty Exceptional Women. At least once a month for the first couple of years, they’d take me out, we’d go to their houses, and discuss my questions about university life, about teaching well and engaging well. It was nice because they’d all either been at LeTourneau for a while or had just been in education for a while. So, they helped me learn the ropes, and also successfully navigate what it’s like to be a female professor in a male-dominated industry. It was an enriching community. We made it up, and it made a difference.

So, I’m standing there thinking, "wow, there’s only a few of us left… when did I get old?" Then secondly, ‘I’m the only woman here. Wait a minute, I’m now Lois. I’m now Mary Ann. I need to do something.’ I don’t know why it hadn’t struck me before, but it really struck me. So, I started it back up again—I brought back FEW with our now 25 female faculty members. I had this urge; I have got to do something. The Lord has brought this back to my memory for a reason. In the last few years, we’ve hired a number of young female faculty members, and they need somebody. Not that there’s anything great about me. But those women did that for me, and it’s my turn to do that for the next generation.

We’ve gathered, we’ve talked, we’ve engaged, and we’ve gotten to know one another as colleagues, friends, and in mentor relationships. We sit together in chapel and break bread together. It’s a way to give back. Because at this point, I’m closer to the end of my career than to the beginning. I don’t know exactly when that’s going to be. That’s for the Lord to decide. So, what else do I need to be doing? It just hit me. FEW. "You are that person now, and you need to do that." The response has just been overwhelming. The Lord has reminded me how I benefitted from that mentoring, and now it’s my turn to be that mentor.

It was really a full circle moment for me in some ways. I think the Lord is saying, "what are you going to make the remaining years about?" Obviously, I’m going to continue to do the work of the School of Psychology & Counseling, but I kept feeling like there was something else that the Lord was bringing back to my mind that He wants me to do. Hopefully I can be of some encouragement and some help, because one day they’ll be one of the last ones standing.

Moonlighting as an Assistant Coach

My first tie-in with athletics at LeTourneau was through Mary Ann Otwell, who had started the women’s basketball team in January of 1994 and started recruiting shortly before I arrived. I had played basketball in college, and I met her during my interviews. I wanted to get involved, and Mary Ann needed an assistant coach, so I stepped in. When I was in grad school I coached at a high school, so I had a little bit of coaching experience; never as a head coach or anything. I was in charge of JV at the high school and had a great time doing it. So, I thought, ‘why not’?

That first year on the first basketball team, we had eight girls. As you know, you can’t even scrimmage with eight players. So, the team manager and I rounded us out to ten. That’s why there’s the occasional misconception that I was a student-athlete at LeTourneau: if you go back to that first year there are pictures of me playing in uniform!

I continued as the assistant basketball coach the first seven years I was here. Then, the very first year they started softball, I was the assistant softball coach because they didn’t have one and I thought ‘sure, I’ll do that too.’ Again, ‘why not’? I traveled with the teams, drove the van… the whole thing. We’d get back at 4 o’clock in the morning and I’d have class at 8:30 a.m. I kept it up for seven years, still practicing almost every day (which was incredible for keeping me in shape!). I hung up my hat from coaching when Coach Otwell retired, and that was that for me and athletics. Until it wasn’t.

Serving as the Faculty Athletic Representative

Every NCAA school has a Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) that is appointed by the president to be the liaison between the faculty and the athletic administration and the conference. I was thrilled when the president asked me to step back into the athletics world in this role five years ago. I was eager to get back in it, officially.

FAR responsibilities include signing off on eligibility, along with head coach, registrar, and AD, to verify GPA and number of credit hours to assure athletes are in good academic standing. Then, once a semester, we travel to conference meetings to cover conference policies, NCAA policies, etc. This fall marks our first in-person meeting since COVID, navigating the implications of which was a huge journey in and of itself in college athletics!

Dr. Tim Sceggel, our new athletic director, is doing a great job, and he’s going to do a great job. He’s got so many great ideas; he’s brought in some amazing coaches already. I’m so excited the energy he’s brought and the things we’re going to be doing. LeTourneau Athletics was already fantastic, but we are truly leveling up.

The Value of the Student-Athlete Experience

In college, I went to what I call a ‘church’ school. It wasn’t a Christian school. It was a ‘church school.’ It wasn’t a secular school; but it’s not LeTourneau. It was kind of halfway in between. I played both basketball and softball, so I learned a tremendous amount outside the classroom, as well as in it.

Sports teaches you so many valuable lessons. You can learn so many life lessons by being part of a team: leadership, teamwork, working with people who are different than you, being able to put aside your differences off the court when you’re on the court…it’s such good training. Now that I’ve experienced this, oh what I would have given to be a student-athlete at a place like LeTourneau. Because when you put the Christian mentorship on top of that, it’s unbelievable.

I thought I had a really good experience as a college athlete, but then I came here and was helping to coach and helping mentor and spiritually develop beyond all those other life lessons that are really important. When you add the spiritual development piece to that, the Christian discipleship piece to that, the experience is extraordinary. The possibilities are so rich. And that’s one thing I love about Dr. Sceggel’s emphasis on discipleship—we’re enriching that even further.

This is right in line with our university strategic plan, our identification with Christian Polytechnic education, and how we’re working to more deeply tie psychology into that story. This is what we do, this is who we are, and it fits right in with the heritage of hands-on, vocational, STEM-focused research and work that moves the Kingdom forward and enriches the lives of our students.

- Dr. Vicki Sheafer

Again, every part of LeTourneau is about the spiritual formation. Athletics was doing that before, but it’s going to a new level, and I’m really excited about the intentionality with which he’s working with the coaches to institute these new core values.

Our athletes work hard—all of our students work hard—but then you add the requirements and the time of practice and workouts on top of that. Again, time management is a life skill. For the most part, our athletes really get it. And when you see their grade point average is usually a tad bit higher, which is impressive given all that they’re doing, it’s a testament to the coaches and the administration in terms of making sure that the student part is emphasized more than the athlete part, even though we’re not sacrificing the athletic part.

Team as the Ultimate Community

In Division III sports, the goal isn’t to go pro. That’s not why studentathletes come here. But there is a richness that the student-athlete part of the college experience adds, especially given the fact that in almost every case, it’s their last opportunity to play on a team.

That’s how it was in my case. I knew I wasn’t ever good enough to be professional, so I had four more years and wanted to make the most of that. I think that’s what most of our student-athletes are excited about: ‘I have four more years to compete as part of a team.’ Maybe they’re in a recreational league or something in their community one day, but it’s not the same thing. So, it’s really the last season of their lives that they can reap the benefits of being a part of a team in this way, and fully take advantage of that—to build those bonds.

To see the championship baseball team come back in October at Homecoming and see those bonds still so alive and strong, you can see how much that brotherhood still means to them. Those lifelong connections—your teammates will always be your teammates, and that adds another layer to the community here. LeTourneau has a strong community for all of our students, but when you put the extra layer of community as teammates on top of that, it makes it a really special experience.

Psychology as STEM

As we lean into embracing The Christian Polytechnic identity, I began doing some reading after always wondering why psychology wasn’t considered STEM or a science—I never understood that—and I’ve come across some things recently regarding the classification of our psychology program. Our program is currently classified as a general psychology program through the State of Texas. However, given the way we approach psychology education at The Christian Polytechnic University, we fully qualify to be classified as a research and experimental psychology program, one that is considered STEM by the NSF and all the other government agencies. So, in order to fully leverage and own our STEM-approach to psychology, we are formally reclassifying our program. In fact, we already meet all of the criteria: we are heavy on the research methods and statistics and have students actively engaging in their own original research, which is also incorporated into many of our other classes.

That’s the hands-on part of psychology: doing original research, data analysis training, and research methods training; engaging in opportunities to work on research with professors; and attending research conferences in which they present their findings. I took a group of students in April to the Southwestern Psychological Conference. It was the biggest group I’ve ever taken, and I’m hopeful we’ll have another big group including four to five students presenting again this year.

All of these things can get lost when you’re only classifying the program as general psychology. In the future, when students and faculty members engage in research, they can apply for NSF and other agency grants, which general psychology programs are ineligible for.

This is right in line with our university strategic plan, our identification with Christian Polytechnic education, and how we’re working to more deeply tie psychology into that story. Dr. Mason’s charge to faculty is to consider ‘how do you see yourself in connection

with The Christian Polytechnic identity?’, and for psychology it is abundantly clear. This is what we do, this is who we are, and it fits right in with the heritage of hands-on, vocational, STEM-focused research and work that moves the Kingdom forward and enriches the lives of our students. I’m excited for our undergraduates. It strengthens what we’re already doing and helps to put a new emphasis on that. It’s further providing opportunities to prepare students for grad school.

Priceless Psych Prep

Psychology is an incredible preparatory degree, just like business, for so many different things. You have the interpersonal, the intrapersonal, the written and oral communication skills—that’s of course what we’re emphasizing—the teamwork skills, which is what employers want. So, we’re putting more team project opportunities into our courses as well.

We want to have those skills developed in our psych majors, so whether they go into something specifically psychology or not, they’re prepared. Most of them won’t have psychology in their job title, because there aren’t a whole lot of jobs that have that label. But you find psychology majors everywhere, just like you find business majors everywhere. It’s a stereotypical reaction to wonder whether a student will actually use their psychology degree. But how can you not use your psychology degree? Are you breathing? You’re using your psychology degree. You sometimes hear "you can’t get a job with a psychology degree." You can get endless jobs. The problem is narrowing it down; not finding a job. So, it’s important to help our students and their families expand their awareness.

Psychology and business are the top two majors in America. Over 100,000 psychology degrees are granted in this country every year. Those graduates are going somewhere. They’re doing something, or there wouldn’t be that many, always. The thing is, it’s just not labeled as ‘psychology.’ But the jobs are there. And the preparatory skills that psychology majors have are what employers want. You see all the time ‘the top 10 skills employers are looking for’ and students learn every single one of them in psychology.

It can be scary, since it’s not narrow, but it’s exciting, too. It’s so exciting to see how God can use each student in wonderfully different ways, whether they go right into the workforce or grad school—and not just psychology programs, but med school, law school, physical therapy, occupational therapy, all kinds of social sciences, higher education, student affairs, business… so many areas that it can be challenging to provide a succinct answer to the question of what a psych major can do.

It’s awesome, but it does make it hard to put it into a soundbite. Take a mechanical engineer, for example. You can give a succinct description of what that individual will be doing in their career. It’s a little more difficult for business, psychology, any of the fields that are considered more preparatory in nature. But the way that the Lord uses students in their callings fueled by psychology degrees is incredible.

Cross-Disciplinary Exploration of ‘The Human Factor’

Psychology can also inform so many other disciplines and collaborate in some compelling cross-disciplinary research. Anything we can do to strengthen those ties is worthwhile; it’s so natural. I love to see how the School of Business is integrating entrepreneurial conversations with our engineering students, and the triad of business, engineering, and psychology is a very organic one. If engineers are going to be highly effective businesspeople, they’re going to need to know some psychology. It really cuts across all disciplines. Psychology in certain circles is referred to as a ‘hub science’ because of this. You can’t think of a discipline that psychology isn’t related to. I’ve participated in research projects over

If engineers are going to be highly effective businesspeople, they’re going to need to know some psychology. Psychology in certain circles is referred to as a ‘hub science’ because it cuts across all disciplines. I’ve participated in research projects over the years with numerous engineering faculty, aviation faculty… it’s the human factor in mechanics, in flying. The human factor is everywhere.

- Dr. Vicki Sheafer

the years with numerous engineering faculty, aviation faculty… it’s the human factor in mechanics, in flying. The human factor is everywhere, in every discipline.

Counseling and Psychology: The Relationship

People often ask me about the differences between these two disciplines. They are truly two distinct things. In fact, the vast majority of psychologists are not counselors. About a third are counselors, which means two thirds are doing something else. The psychology conversation can be subsumed in our culture, because that’s what we know—we know about counseling. It’s more visible. And of course, over the last few years mental health has become even more front and center for very good reasons, and it will continue to do so.

As Christians we understand that the world will continue to deteriorate and that there will be continued call for mental health professionals. And so, the pendulum may get to a place where counselors and psychologists are more even in numbers; but for now, programs are more predominantly producing psychologists—and I think most people would be very surprised by that.

I’m not a counselor; I’m a social psychologist. But I love counseling. I’ve personally, in my own life, benefitted from counseling. I’m so supportive of counseling and grateful we have a strong counseling program. About half of our on-campus majors are psychology; the other half are counseling. We offer a program that honors them both. It gives both groups the foundation they need to go on to the work world. If you’re in a counseling program, you’ll of course need to head to grad school, because you can’t become a licensed counselor without a master’s degree. But at the undergrad level, they are getting the preparation they need to get into a top tier graduate counseling program and continue their education.

The vast majority of our students do go to graduate school in something, though not all of them. So beyond assuring our curriculum prepares them for graduate school, we also want to make sure our curriculum prepares them for the work world. It’s always a balancing act between thinking about preparation for both, and we’ve tried to maintain that balance in our programs. It really is designed to serve our communities and the world, as ministers of the gospel, and whether you’re a psychologist or a counselor, you want to have as many open doors as possible.

Counseling and Self-Care

I’ve learned a lot about counseling over the years, both on the professional level and having gone through it myself. You can appreciate it on a whole different level when you’ve actually been through it. We tend to advise all of our students to go through counseling at some point. I tell students who are training to be counselors, ‘if you’re not willing to go to counseling, why would I buy what you’re selling?’ It’s valuable to be on the other side of that, to have empathy, compassion, and understanding of how nerve-wracking and difficult that is.

In counseling situations, you are dealing with people at their worst. People who are doing great don’t come to see a counselor. You are dealing with people in crisis situations who desperately need help. If you’re not willing to humble yourself, you’re not going to be a very good counselor. You’ve got to have both sides of the equation. I love the phrase ‘wounded healer’ as applied to counselors. Counselors are human. They also have a life! And stuff’s happening in their life. It’s vital they are willing to go to counseling themselves. It’s like doctors and other medical health professionals, who can notoriously under-prioritize taking care of themselves physically. It’s easy for counselors to neglect self-care.

We all, not just counselors, must get to that point where we realize we need to step back and take care of things in our own lives if we want to be effectively present for and of service to other people. No counselor is perfect. We’re all human. We all need a set of mental health tools to help take care of ourselves.

Self-Care as Biblical Self-Love

As Christians, we sometimes hear ‘self-care’, and instead hear ‘selfish.’ It’s not the same thing. I always try to talk to students about self-love. When you love your neighbor as you love yourself, what are the two elements of that? First, yes, love your neighbor, but what’s the rest of that sentence? What does it mean to love yourself? If you’re falling apart, can you love your neighbor well?

Being selfish is wrong, yes, I’ll grant you that. But taking care of yourself so that you’re at your best, so that you can love your neighbor, is critical. It’s ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ You’re doing both. It’s not an ‘either, or.’ It’s a ‘both, and.’ A ‘both at the same time.’

If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be effective for your clients, your spouse, your children, or your community. We’ve got to get past believing it’s selfish to be at your best and instead adopt the truth that ‘if I’m at my best, I can be my best helper.’ When things seem to be going okay, we can neglect all of that stuff. It’s only when something crumbles that we realize we weren’t taking loving care. And taking loving care also involves engaging lovingly in community.

Dr. Sheafer earned her Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Social Psychology from Miami University and undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Union College. She has served at LeTourneau University since 1994. While she no longer appears to play on the LETU women’s basketball team, you can find her cheering on a variety of YellowJacket sports during the year and working to foster the human-to-human connections that make an eternal difference.