Names: Dr. Jeremy | Rev. Wendy Osborne
Graduation Year: Jeremy Evangel- 2001 | Wendy AGTS- 2016
Major: Jeremy -Mathematics | Wendy- MATS
Current Position: Jeremy -Associate Professor of Mathematics | Wendy-AGWM Global Worker (Missionary)
City and State: Springfield, MO | Odessa, Ukraine
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
Jeremy: I am currently teaching math at Evangel, which has been a dream of mine for 20 years. Prior to this year, my family served as missionaries to Ukraine.
Wendy: Presently, I am serving as a MIR for AGTS, after leaving Ukraine earlier this year due to the escalation of the war there.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel/AGTS?
Jeremy: My favorite memories from Evangel were the shenanigans engaged in by the guys on my floor and me. A close second favorite were the parties for math students at Dr. Tosh’s house.
Wendy: After being in ministry for close to ten years it was refreshing to use my brain for academic learning. The incredible humility of the instructors coupled with the challenge to evaluate issues through the lens of sound, biblical theology helped me grow more as a minister and individual.
How did Evangel/AGTS help you identify/develop your calling?
Jeremy: Evangel validated my calling as a teacher, reinforcing the truth that not everyone who is serving God faithfully is called to vocational ministry.
Wendy: After being in ministry for close to ten years it was refreshing to use my brain for academic learning again. The incredible humility of the instructors coupled with the challenge to evaluate issues through the lens of sound, biblical theology helped me grow more as a minister and individual.
How did your experience at Evangel/AGTS prepare you for life after graduation?
Jeremy: After graduation, I pursued a Master’s and Ph.D. in mathematics. I was very well prepared academically by Dr. Tosh and other professors for the pursuit of those graduate degrees.
Wendy: It equipped me to share the redemptive love story God unfolded in Genesis, and how it intersects with our own stories we are presently living out.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Jeremy: I would advise students to be open to God’s leading, even possibly into fields outside of your major. Upon graduating from Evangel, I had no idea that I would be called into missions. However, many of the skills I learned aside from mathematics while at Evangel (such as computers, video editing, graphic design, persuasive writing, public speaking, and finance) turned out be the very skills I would need in order to succeed as a missionary.
Wendy: Ministry has everything to do with character and a passion to bring God’s hope to those who are searching, not the company or institution who issues your paycheck. Look for the opportunities – they’re plentiful!
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel/AGTS?
Jeremy: I would look for a graduate who is flexible and adaptable. Moving forward in an ever-changing world, I believe that those characteristics will be of greatest value.
Wendy: Individuals who genuinely love people and are excited about being relational in the context of who God has created them to be.