Cedarville Magazine Spring 2022

balance these demands along with the added responsibility of be ing team l eader . “ I also have to make sure I am delegating work and using the skills of my team members,” she stressed. Indeed, the team contributions in these projects seems to be one of the most important factors of their excellence. Part of what allows students to perform at this level is their coursework in fundamental theory itself — without proficiency in applied math and physics, students would be far less successful in hands-on work with teams and solo projects. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Cedarville students who pursue graduate degrees in engineering transition smoothly because of the depth and rigor of their undergraduate degree. “I’m taking a course in graduate school that I thought would be an advanced version of the elective course I took at Cedarville,” one former student shared with Chasnov. “But I came to find out that we are using the same text and have been asked to solve the same homework problems that my Cedarville course required.” While this is only one of many alumni testimonies, it demonstrates the high level of excellence that faculty require of students. CHRISTIAN MINDSET AND WORK ETHIC Not only do Cedarville’s high standards prepare students for careers and graduate school through excellent work ethic and experience, but they also train students to balance academic rigors and job demands with a biblical worldview and Christlike empathy toward others. Cedarville is blessed with diverse and qualified faculty members who actively engage in students’ progress and professional ambitions, helping each of them visualize their career options. “The consistent theme over these 30 years has been calling,” Chasnov explained. “Our students quickly realize that getting a degree in engineering or computer science is not simply checking the boxes for a set of courses to complete. They must go above and beyond the requirements that would get them that exact same degree at the public university in their home state.” Like any other program wi t h i n Ch r i s t i an h i ghe r education, engineering and computer science students and faculty members must discover how their identity as Christ- followers impacts the pursuit of excellence in their fields and the rest of life. Chasnov quoted Paul Dixon, former Cedarville President and current Chancellor, in saying that, as Christians, “Everything we do ought to have quality stamped all over it.” Engineering tasks in creating and shaping and inventing echo God’s own passion to make and create. And Cedarville engineering students, trained with academic excellence, are likewise challenged to live their personal, professional, and public lives with the same kind of excellence, to the glory of the original Creator. Bryana Fern serves as Assistant Professor of English at Cedarville University. She earned her Ph.D. in English and creative writing from The University of Southern Mississippi. Pictured L-R: Seniors Forrest Putnam, nose cone and simulations lead, and Chad Sanderson, NASA Launch Team leader, inspect the rocket prior to a practice launch in February. Students and faculty members must discover how their identity as Christ-followers impacts the pursuit of excellence in their fields and the rest of life. Cedarville Magazine | 17