Senior Madelyn Graham calls Concordia Nebraska “the perfect environment for student-teacher academic relationships to flourish”

Senior Madelyn Graham of Grand Island, Nebraska, is pursuing a double major in biology and environmental science with a minor in geography from the university. Since she grew up in Nebraska, she said her grade school and high school education was filled with teachers, pastors and mentors who attended Concordia University, Nebraska. Interaction with them positively influenced her decision to choose to attend the university. 

“The conversations I had with future professors during my campus visit to Concordia ignited my interest in the university. I knew right away that Concordia was the place I was meant to be,” she said. “Concordia’s small class sizes create the perfect environment for student-teacher academic relationships to flourish. By allowing more attention to be focused on each student, I feel that I have obtained a deepened understanding of the content in my courses.” 

Graham is involved with the speech and debate team, the Social Science Club and the Art Club. She said her professors have had a huge influence on her during her time on campus and have been a huge blessing to her. 

Concordia’s small class sizes create the perfect environment for student-teacher academic relationships to flourish.

“My professors are always pushing me to challenge myself in the most supportive ways. Whether it’s harder classes, prestigious internships, or higher education, they not only help me obtain these dreams, but they show immense care and admiration along the way,” she said. “The professors do an amazing job of preparing us all for jobs post-graduation. Not only do they help us complete the steps needed to finish our degrees, but they also assist in finding job opportunities for our post-graduation endeavors.” 

She added that her time at the university is not only benefiting her academically but has also strengthened her faith in Jesus Christ. She said Dr. Joel Helmer masterfully implements faith-centered discussion in all his classes.  

“He has mastered the perfect balance within his curriculum for it to be relevant to life-long Christians, newfound believers, and everyone in between,” she said. “My family has always taught me the importance of putting Christ at the center of my education. Thanks to my parents, I learned how to carry out my life and relationships in a God-pleasing way.” 

Following graduation, Graham plans to work as an environmental scientist for an engineering company, obtain her Associate Wildlife Biologist certification and pursue a graduate degree for the possibility of teaching in higher education. 

The environmental science program at Concordia University, Nebraska prepares students for various environmental careers by providing a foundational education focusing on natural resources, geography, chemistry, business and more. The environmental science major at Concordia University, Nebraska prepares students for careers as leaders in understanding and addressing complex environmental issues from a problem-oriented, interdisciplinary perspective. Graduates of the environmental science program will work to conserve our environment in the face of increasing human population growth and anthropogenic activities that degrade natural resources and ecosystems.