Austin Jacobs
Class of 2012
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Major: English
When Austin Jacobs was a baby, his parents were told that he may never walk. Miraculously, Austin is now a college student who not just walks, but runs — as a member of the track team at Evangel University. In addition to his love for running, Austin has a captivating fascination with the English language. He is currently an English major serving as the chief copy editor for The Lance, Evangel’s student newspaper. Austin is thankful for the many opportunities he has encountered as a student at Evangel and looks forward to his future career.
Why did you choose Evangel?
The faculty I met on my visit put my mind at ease. People were friendly, and I knew I’d be able to make friends quickly.
Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?
Yes. My sister Ashley graduated from Evangel in 2005, so I had a number of opportunities to familiarize myself with the campus before I came as a student.
Did you receive financial aid?
I received both academic and athletic scholarships. I run track and cross country.
How did you decide on your particular area of study?
I’m very fond of literature. An EU professor told me before I enrolled that majoring in a core discipline (English) would give me a chance to learn foundational principles that I’ll need if I want to work with the language in my career.
What do you like best about Evangel?
I like the sense of community that I feel on a campus this size. I have been able to participate in a number of activities at levels of involvement that I would not have been able to reach at a larger university as a freshman and sophomore.
How did God prepare you as a young boy for the role you now fill on the track?
When I was born, the doctors told my parents that there was a good chance that I’d never walk. But God intervened, and I developed normally. I am blessed to be able to run competitively at Evangel and honor God for His goodness to me.
How has Evangel’s English program prepared you for your future career?
I’m not only learning important language skills, but I’m also learning how to think. More specifically, studying literature has given me a glimpse into the way great thinkers have expressed their thoughts throughout history. I’m always amazed at how my classes seem to reinforce each other. I’ll learn something in one class that will give me fresh perspective on a concept I’m studying in another class.
What is unique about Evangel's English program compared to other schools?
I can apply the concepts that I have learned in English classes to my study of the Bible. Being able see the Bible as both God’s inspired Word and as literature is beneficial not only to my intellectual development, but also to my spiritual development. I am discovering that we would do well to study the Bible carefully from both perspectives.
What kind of extra-curricular opportunities have you had?
I have served on the Evangel’s student-produced newspaper, The Lance, in a few different positions. I currently hold the position of Chief Copy Editor. You can check out my editor’s blog on The Lance Web page at www.crusadermedia.com.
What are your goals after college?
After college I am planning to enroll in a graduate program. Someday I would like to write or edit for a professional publication.
Why should a prospective student consider Evangel?
Evangel has been a safe place for me to shape the way I think about issues that will determine the way I live the rest of my life. It’s a safe place to ask questions and to learn. Being able to develop friendships with people who are taking the same journey as I am makes Evangel University a special place.
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