For Katelyn Bartlett ’12, her SBU experience is about more than just knowledge gained
or the degree earned – it’s about the growth experienced.
“SBU is serious about its mission statement – to prepare servant leaders,” Katelyn declared. “Students who come to SBU are challenged to not only prepare academically for post-graduation plans, but also to grow as leaders and as Christ-followers.”
Katelyn certainly grew academically during her time at SBU as she was challenged in the classroom by professors who care about each student individually.
“I love SBU because of the way the faculty and staff personally invest in each student’s personal and academic growth,” Katelyn stated.
SBU provided the strong academic foundation for Katelyn to go on and earn a master’s degree in biology and achieve her career goals. She now works at Viacor-Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics as a research scientist. Katelyn is developing diagnostic tests for infectious diseases that affect the immunocompromised population.
“The biology and chemistry courses at SBU prepared me well for graduate-level studies,” Katelyn recalled. “When I got to grad school, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself at an academic advantage over many of my peers who had attended other schools.”
SBU’s small class sizes allow for faculty to provide individualized instruction that prepares students like Katelyn well to take the next steps toward realizing their goals.
“The faculty at SBU challenged and encouraged me to excel academically, be a life-long learner, and pursue my career,” Katelyn said. “What makes the faculty at SBU special is the way each professor takes a personal interest in each student and helps them to not only achieve their academic and professional goals, but grow personally as well.”
The tight-knit community also fosters genuine and meaningful connections between faculty and students, which Katelyn has found to be incredibly valuable in her career.
“My relationships with my professors have allowed me to have great personal references for jobs and other opportunities I’ve pursued since college,” Katelyn said. “A friend of mine who went to a different school recently needed an academic reference, but he was at a loss because he had not made a personal connection with any of his professors that would allow him to call on them years later. I can confidently call upon my professors years after graduating from SBU because of the lasting relationship built with them.”
Katelyn also grew in her faith during her time at SBU thanks to the plethora of opportunities SBU provides to engage students in spiritual growth. In the classroom, faith was intentionally integrated into academic discussions. On campus she attended chapel and Bible studies, and developed encouraging friendships. And in the community, Katelyn grew as she had opportunities to serve in various ministry opportunities.
It all adds up to a holistic experience that has provided Katelyn with far more than she expected from a college experience.
“Many people go to college to get that ‘piece of paper’,” Katelyn said. “But at SBU, you get so much more than a degree. You get the opportunity to grow academically, relationally, spiritually, and in personal leadership. You cannot put a price on the personal growth you experience at SBU.”