Name: Gracie Ayers
Hometown: Mountain Home, Arkansas
Program: Multimedia Journalism
Graduation year: May 2020
Future career plans: I would love to pursue a journalism career with either a magazine or newspaper.
Why did you choose Evangel? What brought you here?
It was important for me to go to a school where I could grow in my faith. The deciding factor for me to attend Evangel was the fact that I could integrate my faith with my future vocation. The integration of faith and calling is something that Evangel really highlights in every aspect of campus life, and that is really important to me.
In 2015, my parents and I moved to Arkansas from Ohio. I had the option of staying in Ohio with my brothers, but I was ready for a new adventure in a new state, and I didn’t want to live away from my parents. I applied to a few local universities, but after touring Evangel, and specifically the Communication Department, I knew that this was the place I was to call home. EU’s Journalism program sounded like it would fully prepare me for the career I wanted to pursue.
What do you find most exciting/most fulfilling about the degree you’re currently pursuing?
I am pursuing a Journalism degree. I love interviewing people and having the opportunity to tell their story. I’ve really enjoyed being on staff for Evangel’s student newspaper, The Lance. It’s given me the opportunity to stretch myself and apply what I’ve learned in the classroom. I’ve been able to interact with other students who share the same passion for news and journalism.
I’m also the station manager of Evangel’s student radio station, KECC. This role has taught me a lot about working with and managing peers and the importance of teamwork. I love providing a valuable free resource to students that gives them access to Christian-focused entertainment, music, and news. I’ve grown to really love what I do, and it doesn’t feel like work.
Why would you recommend it to someone else?
Evangel really emphasizes the importance of community, and that’s evident throughout campus, from dorm life to student events. I took two gap years before coming to EU, so I came in as a 21-year-old freshman. I found friends on campus who have become like family. There are many degree programs to choose from, and Christian-focused courses are integrated into the core requirements for all majors. Professors are here to help you grow, both academically and spiritually. I think it’s important to have an environment where you can really make your faith your own, and EU provides that to all students.
How has Evangel prepared you or helped you so far?
I’ve loved being able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom through my student media experiences. My work study position in public relations has also allowed me to gain a great deal of real-world experience.
Do you have a specific testimony or story of how God has really shown up for you or made Himself known to you during your time at EU so far?
God provided in really unique ways financially, and He has continued to provide the whole time I’ve been here through various scholarships, which has limited the amount of my student loan debt. My sophomore year I was faced with a frustrating situation regarding the completion of my minor and I questioned if I should stay at Evangel. God spoke to me very clearly that I was at Evangel for a purpose. My professors came along side me and helped me through that rough situation, and I will be graduating in May with a Journalism degree and a Public History minor.