Evangel students are often involved in pursuing many different interests simultaneously, and you won’t find a better example than Yaya. Yaya studies theater and youth ministry, plays on the nationally ranked Valor Football Team, and performs in EU Soul-Out musicals and award-winning student film. In each of these areas, he adds to the excellence you’ll find in every corner of Evangels campus. Take it away, Yaya.
– Thanks Alex. I was apprehensive about attending Evangel University coming from California and Texas. I wasn’t sure if Missouri was the place for me. I tried to make excuses, but they didn’t hold up to the things I needed: football, a theater, and film department, a theology program, and the opportunity for me to go closer to the Lord. Evangel has been instrumental in my growth as a student and as a person, balancing work, football, theater performances, and class has always been a struggle, but professors at Evangel want their students to be successful and have helped me succeed. Football has given me discipline while theater and youth ministry studies have given me a deeper understanding on the things I want to do for my future. I’m being developed into a better minister and leader because I’ve been able to interact with a diverse group of individuals in a way that is personal to each one of them. I’ve learned that God forms your path in a way that’s not structured or formulaic, but with an artistic flare that most people could never envision. As an athlete, artist, and aspiring youth pastor, I know this better than just about anyone. God has given me some assignments that not many would expect to overlap, but I’ve been able to see his beautiful and brilliant strategy in guiding me to who he wants me to become. I’m thankful for what Evangel has done for me as a student, and most importantly, as a man. As I continue in my studies, I recognize it is my job to follow and understand God, because as much as I want to do it on my own, the power doesn’t reside in me, but in Him, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s incredible Yaya with one national and 26 conference championships, 35 All-America, over a hundred all-conference selections, and 16 Coach of the Year honors, Valor Athletics has earned its distinction as an NAIA Gold Five-Star university. Evangel makes it possible for students to be athletes, artists, scholars, and world changers all at once. Evangel is known across the country for its vibrant community life, both on and off campus.
At Evangel affordability is a priority. God is placed to dream in every student’s heart and EU wants to make a pathway to achieving your goals. That’s why a hundred percent of students receive an academic scholarship, make it Evangel one of the most affordable Christian private schools in the nation. One of these students is volleyball player, Sydney, who is pursuing degrees in biology and leadership. We’re excited to have you here, Sydney, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Sports have always been a huge part of my life. My mom played volleyball at Evangel. So after visiting campus and learning about the Founder’s Scholarship, my decision to play volleyball here was easy. I’ve loved that I’ve been able to serve at Evangel in a variety of ways. First, I was given the opportunity to serve as a resident assistant in Burgess Hall, where I was able to make a difference in the lives of students and create a welcoming community within our hall. I’m also a representative with our athletic conference, which has equipped me by working with student leaders from several universities to actively promote a positive relationship among administrators and student athletes. When I’m not playing volleyball, you can find me in a science lab. Learning about cells, parts of the body, or testing the strength of a magnetic field. My professors, coaches, and even administrators have invested so much time into me personally and I’ve truly provided me with everything I need to one day become the leader I’ve always wanted to be. Evangel has a multitude of opportunities for scholarships. I have been blessed financially through the university scholarships and therefore have been able to experience some of the wonderful parts of Southwest Missouri and the surrounding areas. My friends and I enjoyed the local coffee shops and being a short drive to beautiful hikes and awesome activities in Branson in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve learned so much and I’ve encountered so many positive influences in the Evangel community. As I look at future career in grad school opportunities, I know that Evangel has fully equipped me to fulfill every one of my dreams and make a difference. That’s all from me, Alex, take it back.
– That’s fantastic, Sydney. Evangel also offers prestigious Founders Scholarships, competitive financial awards for excellence and academics, athletics, fine arts, and more. EU works tirelessly to make a way for you to attend. And that is amazing. Take care.
Evangels campus environment is deeply rooted in a culture of consistent personal growth. At EU, Jared found amazing opportunities to develop academically and spiritually from studying the human body in the cadaver lab, to meeting with classmates and friends for deep Bible study, he found his calling at Evangel. Over to you, Jared.
– Thank you Alex. As someone who’s constantly searching for the next big challenge, I was looking for a college that would help me grow in all aspects of my life. I wanted to be immersed in a culture that would encourage me to push myself and others. And that’s exactly what I got when I came to Evangel University. One of my biggest goals is to pursue graduate school. Thanks to the robust academic environment at Evangel. I’m confident I will be well equipped for any future challenges in the classroom. The use of 1 to 15 teacher to student ratio has been critical to my success. My professors don’t just care about the grade I receive in their classes. They’re genuinely interested in what’s going on in my world. Additionally, I’ve had some incredible learning opportunities, both inside and outside my department, Whether studying the human body in the lab or exploring biblical archeology in my Old Testament class, EU has greatly developed my abilities as a scholar. Personal growth is a huge part of the Evangel experience. I’ve never been a part of a social environment, so relentless in the pursuit of being better. As a member of the EU scholars program, Evangels Honor Society, I’m surrounded by men and women who are pillars of character in their communities. I also meet regularly with a small group where we constantly challenge each other to obtain the purpose to which God has called us. The goal of EU is not simply to prepare the next generation of doctors, lawyers, business leaders, but to develop each student as a whole person, whether academically, spiritually, or relationally. The world needs Christians for more intentional, genuine, and committed to making the world better. And I know my time at Evangel is helping me become exactly that. Thanks for listening over to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Jared. Like Jared many Evangel students plan to continue their education, which is why each EU pre-med student can obtain early acceptance to graduate school by their sophomore year with the possibility of a reserve seat before senior year EU grad school placement rates are outstanding and that’s incredible. Thanks again. Take care!
Hands-on learning is vital to Evangels academic culture. From day one, Evangel students have incredible multidisciplinary experiences, including presenting and research symposiums, playing and traveling orchestras, and working on award-winning news broadcast and Evangels state-of-the-art TV studio. Let’s head over to Trask Hall to meet Raelin. She’ll share about all the amazing student media opportunities she’s experiencing in her time at EU. Great to have you here, Raelin, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. I’ve always loved stories. Storytelling, especially through the visual medium of video or film unlocks human emotion and shares truth in a powerful way. Good films allow people to experience joy and laughter and can even help individuals work through grief and trauma. Here at Evangel, I am honing my craft to become not just a filmmaker or a videographer, but a mass communicator for Christ. Even as a sophomore, I had several opportunities to get hands-on learning and develop my storytelling skills. One of those experiences came through EU films. Every semester, Evangel students direct, write, produce, and act in a short film, which then premieres for the student body. I served as the director for our EU film, where I learned a lot about leading and managing a team. As Christians we are called to be positive and diligent servants of our coworkers, especially when we’re leading others. My time in EU film showed me how to effectively lead a cast and crew of highly talented individuals while also creating a positive and welcoming work environment. I’ve also had opportunities in my work study job in Evangels marketing department. Recently Evangel went through the process of adopting a new mascot. And with just two weeks of experience, I was tasked with writing the script for the reveal video, which debuted in front of the entire student body. This project taught me how to communicate a powerful message through combining both writing and film. Evangel has equipped me with several amazing opportunities to grow as both storyteller and an aspiring professional. Because of these experiences I know I will be an effective communicator for Christ. Thanks for listening to just a small part of my story. What’s your take, Alex?
– Thank you, Raelin. What an outstanding opportunity to gain hands-on learning through your time at EU films. We’re looking forward to seeing your name in shiny lights very soon. Thanks again.
Meet Wilhelm, an international student who has benefited from the support of advisors and staff who come alongside the journey to ensure success. Wilhelm, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. Soccer has been a huge part of my life since I was little. When I arrived at Siena Heights University, I wasn’t really sure about my major, but I knew that I wanted to study somewhere along the lines of athletic and training. I knew the SHU was the right place for me since the beginning. The Center for Student Success gave me full assistance in planning the vast college program that would fit me. My advisor helped me choose a major in Exercise Science, which really led my passion for sports into my future professional career. Being an international student, they create a plan to help me pay my tuition and even award me an athletic scholarship. They make it affordable for anyone to attain and offer many scholarship opportunities. The staff had made the whole process so simple and helped me make this place feel like another home. With Siena Heights University being a liberal arts school, there is so much diversity. They helped me gain knowledge beyond just my major. My professors and advisor have been so helpful in leading me to my next step and have been focused on helping me prepare for my future from the start. Now I’m not only involved as a student ambassador, but I also serve as International Admissions Council for Siena Heights University. Now my professors and I are working to set up my internship as I head toward my senior year. They are making sure that I’m completing all of the final steps so I can get into the job that I have always dreamed of. I’ve prepare for my future and I’m excited to see where I go next. Thanks for listening. Alex, over to you now.
– Thank you Wilhelm.
I’d like to introduce you to Ben, who in addition to getting a first rate education, wanted to find a community where his faith could grow. Ben, you are up.
– Thanks Alex. Hey guys. Welcome to the Heights. When I started my college search, I was looking for a school where I could play athletics and further my faith all while receiving a personalized education. Siena checked all the boxes. And when I stepped onto this beautiful campus, I never looked back. I immediately realized that my professors and coaches were going to get the best out of me at every turn. With Siena’s small class sizes, it’s allowed me to make personal connections with my professors and classmates. One of my favorite things about SHU is living in a community that is so spiritually and athletically driven. Here at Siena, I’ve had countless opportunities to further my faith and put it into action through service projects that have aided the Adrian community and many others around the world. Siena’s mission is to create competent, purposeful, and ethical students in a learning environment that respects the dignity of all. Deeply rooted in the Dominican tradition, Siena has students take classes that focus on these core values, which hopes to develop well-rounded individuals. Students come to Siena for more than just a degree. Students come here to find their voice, their faith, and to use their God-given gifts to make the world a better place. Bible study, campus ministry, masses, and service projects are just a few of the ways that Siena helps students find or further their faith. Here at Siena Heights, I’ve not only made friends for life, but personal connections with my professors that will last me throughout my professional career. In an ever-changing world in need of competent, purposeful, and ethical thinkers, I’m so happy that Siena’s preparing me for whatever’s coming next. Sending it back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Ben. Students come to Siena for more than a degree, so true. And they find community, purpose, and a desire to serve their wider world. Siena welcomes students of all faiths and respects the dignity of all. Knowing that a college is a good fit is one thing, navigating the process can still seem a little complicated, especially if you’re an international student.
Meet Ashley, who after earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2014, decided to continue her education and pursue a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. Siena offers six Master’s degree programs, most available completely online, which gives students total flexibility with their schedule. Ashley, tell us your Siena story.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Hi everyone. When I was looking for a college to attend and further my academic and athletic career, I knew I wanted to attend a place that felt like a second home. On my first campus tour visit, I found everything that I’d been searching for here at Siena Heights. My undergraduate story at Siena Heights began in 2014 studying criminal justice with a minor in psychology and playing for the women’s golf team. After graduating in 2018, I was granted the opportunity to further my education and start a new chapter studying clinical mental health counseling. I found I was best able to balance work, life, and school by utilizing skills I had already learned during my undergrad while also seeking feedback from those closest to me. I was blessed to work with the best academic advisors and professors to help me with my academic and personal growth. Academic advisors at Siena Heights University always worked to help me reach my highest level of potential with their extraordinary support and wisdom. With my graduate degree from Siena Heights, I was able to accept a position less than two months after graduation as a school-based behavioral health therapist. My career goals of serving the mental health community have come to life and I’m thankful to Siena Heights University for this. Siena Heights has given me the tools and knowledge to be successful in life both personally and professionally, I have learned what it means to be competent, purposeful, and ethical, in an environment that respects the dignity of all. I will be a Siena Heights University Saint for life, and those are the chapters of my story, Alex, onto the next page.
– Thank you, Ashley. And congratulations on landing your dream job. That’s amazing. Siena’s Master’s programs focus on real world application so that graduates can successfully pursue their career goals. “A Saint For Life” sounds like a great chapter title in your story. Competent, purposeful, and ethical with respect for the dignity of all, you’ll hear that phrase often Siena because it is the core of their mission.
Meet Adam, a performing arts major who has taken advantage of the many leadership opportunities and resources available at Siena. He embraces the liberal arts approach to learning and it has impacted his life way beyond the classroom. Take it away, Adam.
– Thanks Alex. Yo, what’s up everybody? Siena has been a safe place for me ever since I started. I remember when I walked through the doors and I saw how friendly the atmosphere was. I always dreamed of going to a school that not only spoke to my moral standards, but my academic standards. Siena has been that and then some. As a musical theater major here, we had a plethora of resources to help us become the performers we need to be. ♪ Oh the darkness comes ♪ Resources like the practice rooms, which help us sharpen our skills, whether it be in a voice lesson or independent practice, or the Black Box, which helps us work on scene work as well as where we perform our most intimate shows. As a student living on campus, I’ve had access to great living spaces, dining halls, and student resources. I’ve had the privilege of being accepted into our student support services. This resource helps students find scholarships, manage schedules, form good study habits, and more. Siena also gives all of its students opportunities to excel in leadership roles. The organizations here on campus give its students chances to do what they love as well as spearhead them. I’ve had the privilege of being the President of Compel for the past three years, and it’s helped me grow so much. Being a liberal arts school, Siena has given me a chance to learn bits of everything. Some of these lessons went well beyond the classroom. Lessons on legacy, integrity, purpose, and leadership. Overall, my college experience has been more than an academic endeavor. Siena has a way of reminding its students about legacy, how it’s not just our duty to be better for ourselves, but also for those around us. All right, Alex, back to you.
– Thank you, Adam. He’s right, you know. A liberal arts education gives you the ability to think, problem solve, and communicate in every facet of your life. Skills that will serve you and those around you well. Adam’s got a bright future ahead. Take care.
Let me introduce you to Alexis, a senior studying finance and a Siena softball player. She knows that being part of a team involves a lot more than game time. Alexis, tell us how you discovered your winning combination of community athletics and academics at Siena.
– Thanks for that intro Alex. Coming from a big high school in Michigan with almost 2,500 students, I was looking for the intimate dynamic that a small private university offers. I was looking for a home away from home, somewhere that I could find a family within my teammates, peers, and the faculty here. The initial relationships I made with my admissions counselor and the campus tour guides made a memorable first impression. As a bonus, I was able to follow my passion for softball to continue on and play the collegiate level on the Saints softball team. Within our athletic department, I found an environment that supported students for success on and off the field. My teammates have provided a circle of love and encouragement through the transition from life with parents to life on my own. In my spare time on campus, I love to get together with friends and teammates in our field house to practice and play any pickup sport. As a resident assistant in our residence halls, I’m able to connect with athletes outside of my program and relate to their busy student athlete schedules. Leadership is easy to find here at Siena with the diverse amount of teams, clubs, and other programs offered on campus. Personally, I’ve been able to be involved in student government as a Senator and be a student ambassador in the admissions office, just like the students I looked up to on my tour. At SHU, I’ve been able to learn many valuable life lessons, ranging from little things like time management or organizational skills to broader ideas like becoming the best version of myself. And well, that’s my story here at SHU. Back to you, Alex.
– And a great story it is, Alexis. Siena offers a wide array of athletic programs, including a newly formed eSports team. You are a fabulous ambassador for the next class of Saints coming on board. We know that the connections you’ve made as a Siena Saint will serve you well beyond your time on campus. Solid academics are a given when considering a college, but so much more goes into an education.
Okay everyone. This next segment speaks to a passion of mine, performing arts. And let me tell you, from their brand new Spencer Performing Arts Center to administrators who engage in and support the arts, Siena has it all. Meet junior Autumn. She’s gonna show you how her love of the stage translates into love for Siena. Autumn, you are up.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi everyone. I always knew that I wanted to study musical theater. I had went to a performance arts program in high school, and after that, I knew I wanted a theater program that would act as my second family, especially being so far away from home. During my two years here, I’ve been able to be extremely involved and take leadership roles on and off stage. I was in “Steel Magnolias”, Tilly in “She Kills Monsters”. I was in the ensemble for “Rent” and dance captain and dance ensemble for “Big Fish”. As a major in musical theater, you’re required to either work in the costume shop or the scene shop. I work in the costume shop and I’ve been able to take some leadership responsibilities there as well. At Siena, we have a theater fraternity called Alpha Psi Omega. I am a member and I was elected President for my junior year. The administrators always make sure they come see our performances. They love to see what their students have been working extremely hard on. Also the theater and music department makes sure they come see one another in their performances because it is extremely important to support the arts and the messages art spreads. The skills I’ve learned here at Siena as a Musical Theater major are skills that I could use anywhere. My communication and leadership skills have grown tremendously along with my growth as a performer. And on top of that, I’ve created bonds with both students and professors that I’ll have forever. I couldn’t have picked a better university to follow my dreams. That’s all for me. Alex, take us to our next performance.
– Thank you, Autumn. Siena’s renowned performing arts programs have produced graduates whose careers include Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, television, movies, and much, much more, and their visual fine arts programs are held in equally high regard. When you come to Siena, you learn how best to express your gifts.