Academic Books 2021: Education, Arts & Sciences

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EDUCATION, ARTS & SCIENCES @LeTourneau University


CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS & MATH

BIOLOGY & KINESIOLOGY

HISTORY, POLITICAL SCIENCE & CRIMINAL JUSTICE


EDUCATION

COMMUNICATIONS & ENGLISH

“We desire to produce students who are not just well-wrounded but also well-grounded. We impart to our students the wonderful gifts of writing and reading and speaking— indispensable skills that our graduates will use in their professional and personal lives. Bottom line, we certainly want to equip our students for the careers they have chosen, but we also want them to be mindful and appreciative of God’s many good gifts—the gift of reading, the gift of communication, the gift of music, and the gift of thoughtfully considering what it means to be a flourishing human being created in the image of God.” – DR. STAN COPPINGER, DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ARTS & SCIENCES


B I O LO G Y & K I N E S I O LO G Y Whether you’re working toward an advanced medical or health-related degree, pursuing graduate work or aiming to teach life sciences or coach at the high school level, our biology and kinesiology programs provide the ultimate in practical learn-by-doing. Through experience, you’ll be expertly prepared for a career impacting countless lives. Work in our Interdisciplinary Mobility Lab, which provides space and equipment for collaborative research between biology, kinesiology and engineering majors. Engage in meaningful research in close collaboration with your professors, with the opportunity to present your findings at academic conferences and publish your data in scientific journals. Our faculty will also help you land the kind of field-related internships that provide unparalleled learning experiences that give you an edge on entrance applications and in the job market. After all, we believe that every workplace—and hospital room, classroom and lab—is a mission field.

OUR STUDENTS ARE GOING INTO REAL RESEARCH. “They’re being taught cutting-edge techniques to which very few undergraduates, or even graduates, have access. It’s quite exciting. I enjoy teaching because I see it as a calling. I look at it as a privilege, to be part of somebody’s life.” –DR. FREDERICK BALIRAINE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY ACCELERATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Put your dream of becoming an athletic trainer on the fast track by earning your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and master’s degree in athletic training in just five years, thanks to our partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University.

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PRE-HEALTH Looking to go to medical school, dental school or into another health-related profession? Our dedicated advisor helps pave your pathway to entrance, along with clinically-oriented courses that allow you to explore the medical field and to shadow professionals. A pre-med orientation also focuses on working toward the good of the community, an emphasis which continues with annual participation in the Global Missions Health Conference.

WHEELS TEAM

LETU’s Wheels team researches wheelchair function, the goal being to improve the lives of people with disabilities by providing feedback to wheelchair manufacturers specializing in low-resource settings. The students work with companies that don’t have the means to do complete testing on the human aspect of wheelchairs. By conducting field study on campus and abroad, the team collects feedback and provides input to the manufacturers on improved design.


C H E M I S T R Y, P H Y S I C S & M AT H STEM is in our DNA. And here, it means sponsored research projects that make your résumé stand out with rare undergraduate research opportunities. It also means attending weekly science seminars featuring leading national experts and engaging one-on-one with top-tier faculty as you prepare for an exceptional career in industry or academics. Work side-by-side with your professors on research funded by the Welch Foundation. Recent projects have included medicinal drug synthesis, water purification methods, computational chemistry and computational atomic & molecular physics. Discover the life-changing advances brought to you by biomathematics. Choose a pre-health pathway, or pair science and engineering to pursue graduate study in chemical engineering or engineering physics. “THE BLACK PLAGUE, SPANISH FLU, AND MORE RECENTLY, THE ZIKA VIRUS ARE PANDEMICS THAT HAVE ROCKED THE WORLD. LETU math students, particularly in biomathematics and math modeling courses, have used differential equations, statistics and other analytical tools to predict epidemics and determine methods to control outbreaks. In that way, students use their academic skills to learn how to solve some of the globe’s greatest problems.” – DR. CURTIS WESLEY, PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS

“LETU’S PHYSICS PROGRAM IS VERSATILE. IN ADDITION TO PHYSICS COURSES, we’re able to take electrical and mechanical engineering classes. It’s a really comprehensive program that’s preparing me well for either a career right out of college or acceptance into post-graduate programs.” – AXEL VELAZQUEZ, B.S. ENGINEERING PHYSICS, ‘16

“I’D LIKE TO WORK AT A COMPANY LIKE IBM OR APPLE and design new computer-chip or circuitry materials to improve their electronic devices. My undergraduate research experience at LETU provided a solid recommendation for being accepted into grad school.” – MELINDA HOYT, B.S. CHEMISTRY, ‘15, pictured with her sister, Carolyn (right) B.S. CHEMISTRY, ‘17

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WITH PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING CONCENTRATIONS AVAILABLE, chemistry students are prepared for successful careers right after graduation. They also have the option to pursue medical, veterinary, dental or pharmacy school or graduate studies in chemical engineering, physics and molecular biology.

WHAT IS THE SPEED OF SOUND? At LETU, our students actively find answers to such questions in our physics labs. Our hands-on learning style transforms interesting concepts and theories into concrete experiments and observations.

MATH DEGREES ARE MULTIFACETED and serve as a foundational bridge for a number of STEM majors at LETU, including engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences, as well as math education.


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CRIMINAL JUSTICE The entire field of criminal justice is filled with judgment calls. At LeTourneau, we equip students to make these decisions and understand human rights from a biblical perspective—and to take an ethical approach to law, policy and enforcement of the law. Our criminal justice programs will prepare you to succeed in an industry constantly in need of highly qualified men and women of moral excellence. You’ll learn from faculty with decades of experience as police chiefs, criminologists, district attorneys, administrative law judges and more. Also, the school has been awarded a charter membership of the Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society, the academic and professional honor society for homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and all protective security disciplines.

“At LeTourneau University, we emphasize that criminal justice is a shalom-seeking vocation. Our vision for criminal justice is that our graduates love the communities they serve and seek to advance peace and wholeness through restored relationships, so that all may flourish.” -MARK MOLAND, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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HISTORY & POLITICAL SCIENCE Learn the knowledge and skills you need to embark on an exciting career in government, education, politics, public policy, law or humanitarian work. Pick your passion— history, homeland security, national security, political leadership or advocacy relief and development. Gain real-world experience through internships, study-abroad trips and foreign language training. Recently, our students have dialoged face-to-face with established politicians ranging from the local mayor to former prime ministers and have interned at both the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland and the headquarters of the British Conservative Party. Our graduates are making both an individual and societal impact as high school history teachers, lawyers, professors, Peace Corps members and more.

Our student-to-faculty ratio (major courses average 8-12 students) allows for exceptional faculty advisement, mentorship and personal engagement.

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“WE HAVE A STRONG EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL SKILLS in the political science program. When you come in, you’re not just going to study political science as an abstract academic concept. We want to make you ready to have a significant substantive job from day one after you graduate.” – DR. JOHN BARRETT, CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR letu.edu | 11


“I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT SHARING SOME OF THE BEST LITERATURE AND CULTURE THAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER WITH OUR STUDENTS AT LETOURNEAU. We want our students to understand how creativity can be a way to glorify God, to see the world in new ways, and to develop the sort of imagination that allows them to empathize with those around them.” –DR. LESLEY-ANNE DYER WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH


C O M M U N I C AT I O N & ENGLISH In today’s communication-fueled marketplace, individuals who can expertly manage ideas in a variety of media formats are in exceptionally high demand. LETU’s integrated media management concentration combines communication and writing with the business and visual media skills that result in integrated marketable skillsets. You can also customize your study with courses in aviation, engineering, science or business to learn the language of your industry of interest and prepare to craft meaningful messages for a company whose mission intersects with your passion. Our English language & literature students have the opportunity to analyze the works of J.R.R. Tolkien in a group of faith-focused scholars, study abroad at the University of Oxford and hone the fine art of expressing ideas alongside faculty who are award-winning poets. CAREERS: Our graduates are putting their communication skills to use as editors, media directors and teachers, in grad school and beyond.

HANDS-ON HIGHLIGHT: You don’t need a diploma to start utilizing your gifts for the greater good. Our students have engaged with the local community by designing promotional material for a rescue mission, tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club, providing language instruction through the East Texas Literary Council and working in our campus Achievement Center. You can also plug into the English Honor Society, participate in poetry nights, and contribute to ‘Riveted,’ the university’s student literary magazine.

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T E AC H E R E D U C AT I O N Compassion and integrity are the hallmarks of LeTourneau teacher education graduates, who continue to be constantly sought after by school systems across the State of Texas and beyond. We offer an innovative teacher education program designed to prepare Christ-like educators to teach wherever they are called. And you don’t have to wait until you graduate to start making an impact in the classroom. As an LETU teacher education student, you’ll begin active work in the classroom by your second semester and complete 100+ field hours prior to student teaching. In our program, ‘personal’ is paramount. Faculty are leaders in their fields, as well as your mentors. And, you can customize your teaching degree with ESL and special education certifications or a reading minor— without adding more time to complete your degree.

“I HAVE AMAZING PROFESSORS WHO HAVE TAUGHT ME what it means to not only be a good teacher but to be godly through words and actions. I can’t wait to teach in my own classroom and take everything I am learning now and apply it to my future students to help them become a stronger generation for years to come.” -LEANNE GROSS, EDUCATION MAJOR

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“I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR MY EXPERIENCE AT LETOURNEAU AND THE IMPACT MENTORS HAD ON MY PROFESSIONAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.” – CARLY ROBINSON OCHSENDORF / B.S. EDUCATION, ’14, 2014 TEXAS STUDENT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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SIX OF THE LAST 11 TEXAS STUDENT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR ARE LETU GRADS 20 10

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NIKITA MUMPHREY

MATTHEW BRADLEY

TEA Intern of the Year

TDFE Student Teacher of the Year

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CRISTIAN DRIVER

CARLY ROBINSON OCHSENDORF

COURTNEY MATULIS

TDFE Student Teacher of the Year

TDFE Student Teacher of the Year

CSOTTE Texas Clinical Teacher of the Year

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TDFE Student Teacher of the Year

Middle school science teacher Angela Malone received her teacher certification from LETU in 2014. In 2016, the Milken Family Foundation named Angela one of 40 Milken Educators in the nation and presented her with $25,000. Photo credit: Milken Family Foundation

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COMPUTER SCIENCE & CYBERSECURITY Here at LeTourneau, you’ll find a community of tech-minded enthusiasts as passionate as you are about programming and solving some of the world’s biggest issues—from privacy and security, to innovating the next tech start-up that impacts lives around the world. Today’s rapid rate of innovation in computing and computer-related technology significantly impacts contemporary life. It also constantly requires problem solvers with analytical minds and solid backgrounds in computer science. Pick an angle and pursue one of the most in-demand, lucrative careers you can come by: game development, network security, computer science & engineering, cybersecurity or information systems. CAREERS: LETU computer science grads have earned jobs with Google, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Texaco, Rockwell Collins, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Garmin, JAARS, Boeing, Texas Instruments, Northrop Grumman and more.

“OUR STUDENTS ARE COMING AWAY WITH WHAT WE HOPE ALL LETOURNEAU GRADUATES HAVE— that whole person development. They’re going to be responsible men and women of Christ-like integrity within their workplaces, which is of particular importance when you’re dealing with issues like security and privacy. Companies really want people they can trust, who can be loyal.” – DR. BRENT BAAS, PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, 2002 FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR

LETU’s programming teams have reached the ICPC World Finals four times in the past 16 years—traveling to Vancouver, Prague and St. Petersburg, Russia, to hold their own against universities including Stanford, MIT and Columbia. In fact, LETU is the only undergraduate school in our region that has sent teams to the World Finals in nearly 25 years.

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“I CHOSE LETU BECAUSE it has one of the top computer science programs in Christian schools. My program has great resources that you don’t often find paired with its faith and work component.” –STUART BANDY, B.S. COMPUTER SCIENCE, ’16

LOVE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES? At LETU, you can make gaming your career with our game development concentration.

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SOLHEIM VIRUS DISCOVERED

Biology major Blake Maxfeldt discovered a new virus through LETU’s Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (PHAGES) program. It’s an undergraduate biology research project in which students partner with Howard Hughes Medical Institute to find and isolate viruses that can serve as an alternative treatment to antibiotics, remedying the problem of antibiotic-resistant disease.

HISTORY

EXPLORED On a recent trip to Europe, students experienced history firsthand, visiting sites that ranged from the Bonhoeffer House to the sobering grounds of Auschwitz. All majors have the opportunity to study abroad or take short-term academic trips for class credit through the School of Arts & Sciences.

CAMPUS WRITING CENTER

The ability to write effectively is one of the most important skills to help students succeed in college and their future careers. That’s why LETU operates a full-service writing center that provides students one-on-one tutorial sessions to help them sharpen their writing skills in all disciplines.


3-YEAR AVERAGE GRADUATE JOB PLACEMENT RATE

95% EDUCATION , ARTS & SCIENCES GRADUATES

85+ FACULTY AWARDS & GRANTS

240+

35+

NUMBER OF TIMES FACULTY HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY PUBLISHED

NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS HELD BY FACULTY

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UNDERGRADUATE

(Just to name a few)

CAREERS

On Campus, Online, Graduate

EDUCATION

A R E A S O F S T U DY

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, ARTS & SCIENCES

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EC–6th Grade 4th–8th Grade • Language Arts and Social Studies • Mathematics and Science Interdisciplinary Studies English/Language Arts History, with Foreign Language Social Studies Kinesiology Life Sciences Mathematics Physical Sciences Science Composite Curriculum and Instruction Educational Administration Teacher Leadership Teaching and Learning

COMPUTER SCIENTIST

LAWYER CHEMIST

TEACHER PUBLIC SERVANT

RESEARCHER


SCIENCES

ARTS

UNDERGRADUATE Biology Chemistry • Biological • Engineering • Physical Computer Information Systems Computer Science • Game Development Computer Science Engineering Computer Science and Engineering Technology Computer Science and

Mathematics Cybersecurity Engineering Physics Information Systems Kinesiology • Exercise Science • Sports Management • Sports Ministry Mathematics

UNDERGRADUATE Communication • Integrated Media Management • Sports Communication Criminal Justice English Language and Literature History-Political Science Human Services Political Science • Advocacy, Relief and Development • Homeland Security • National Security • Political Leadership

PRE-PROFESSIONAL Pre-Med Pre-Health Pre-PT Pre-Law track

PHYSICIAN

ENTREPRENEUR

STATISTICIAN RESEARCHER

INVENTOR

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

PRE-SCHOOL ELEMENTARY MIDDLE OR SECONDARY EDUCATION

PH.D. ADMINISTRATION INSERVICE EDUCATION

ESL GED PREPARATION STAFF DEVELOPMENT


STUDENTS HAVE THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO

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TOP THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

WORK ON RESEARCH PROJECTS AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL, making them top candidates for graduate programs, law school, internships and jobs.

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AN IDEAL STUDENTTEACHER RATIO allows for faculty advisement, mentoring and personal engagement in a way that larger schools cannot offer.

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ACROSS THE BOARD, OUR FACULTY HAVE DECADES of professional

REAL-WORLD

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SIMULATIONS ARE INCORPORATED into courses, ranging from homeland security to clinical observation to teacher

and classroom experience, including serving as leaders and members of numerous local, regional, state and international professional organizations.

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education classrooms.

WHETHER FOR A SEMESTER OR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, students have the opportunity to study abroad in their choice of nearly three dozen countries.

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THE GUILD “GUILDS WERE A FEATURE OF THE EARLIEST UNIVERSITIES, and we would like to revive that spirit of craftsmanship when it comes to the liberal arts. Strong communities of accountability promote excellence and rigor. They also make the journey a lot more fun!” – DR. LESLEY-ANNE WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH

In the Guild, scholars engage in specialized courses and immersive experiences, discovering how the core disciplines for the liberal arts build upon and relate to one another. These students encourage each other to ask life-changing questions about themselves, this world and their faith. Each semester-long, team-taught course experience constitutes an integrated history, literature and fine arts curriculum that emphasizes reading primary works. Guild members will have the chance to take part in unique events and learning

opportunities to enhance their overall experience. Those accepted into the program also have the opportunity to live in the same community as other Guild scholars, as well as receive an annual scholarship. The Guild is open to all majors and profoundly shapes those involved, equipping them to be Christ-centered leaders in their workplaces and their communities.

LEARN MORE AT:

WWW.LETU.EDU/THEGUILD

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HONORS COLLEGE “The Honors College at LeTourneau University is a place where students get a chance to dive deeper into what it means to be a Christian by better understanding their calling, growing in their character and loving their community.” – DR. BENJAMIN JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF THE HONORS COLLEGE

Open to all majors, the Honors College at LeTourneau University seeks to provide enriched educational experiences. Through offering experiences that are intellectual, formational and practical, the Honors College seeks to form students in understanding their call or vocation, growing in character and wisdom and seeking the good of their community.

The Honors College program offers unique classroom experiences and curriculum, intentional communal living in the Honors Dorm and additional educational and social experiences. It is a place to be further formed into the image of God.

LEARN MORE AT:

WWW.LETU.EDU/HONORS

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2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, TX 75602 • letu.edu • 1-800-759-8811  facebook.com/myletu •  twitter.com/@LeTourneauUniv •  #LeTourneauBuilt In accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, applicants for employment who are in agreement with the educational mission of LeTourneau University and applicants for admission to educational programs or activities are considered without discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, handicapping condition, national origin or genetic information.

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