urt • • ~ Graduate transfers for discipline of heart and mind Striving for a unique atmosphere, the campus consisted of a blend of new, eager-minded freshmen, graduate students who could not get enough school and transfer students who were missing something at another place. Graduate student].]. Hendrix decided while he was anenciing Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., that he wanted someth ing more than he was being offered. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in the area of physical education in December 2005, Hendrix began looking for a Christian university to continue his education. "I had always wamed to attend a Christian university," Hendrix said. "I had been offered a track scholarship to go (0 Oklahoma Christian, but turned it down." In 2006, Hendrix found his place in the Masters of Art and Teaching program doing graduate work. Eager to be fully immersed in the daily activities of a Christian campus, Hendrix said he wasted no time getting involved because on Henderson's campus he had been associated with several clubs during his four and a half years of undergraduate work. "I knew upon arrival that I wanted to get involved," Hendrix said. "Dr. CliffGanus [professor of music and director ofchoral activities] gave me a call and let me try out, and 1 made the Harding Chorus. Dr. Ganus is an amazing choral director. He exemplifies what a Christian teacher should be like." Outside ofthe classroom, Hendrix became very interested in spring break Playing Monopoly, graduate studentJ. J. Hendrix enjoys the company of his friends Jan. 17 at Midnight Oil Coffeehouse. Hendrix said forming such strong friendships led him toward a greater appreciation for the Harding community. -Chelsea Roberson campaigns. He said it was through this that he first met 2006 graduate Jacob Edwards, the leader of the campaign to Mandeville, La. "Jacob and our whole group let me see how Christians can go into a community without thumping our Bibles and show God's abundant love," Hendrix said. Hendrix said studies in the MAT program were extensive and in-depth, primarily on the topics of curriculum mapping, assessments, technologies, law and smdent-centered instruction. Although the MAT program was fast paced, he said the learning experience was amazing because of his teachers. "They all taught in public schools, at different levels, and brought a lot of knowledge to class each time we met," Hendrix said. "I felt like I was sitting under the learning tree each time I attended class." After completing his graduate education, Hendrix said he was not exactly sure what his next move would be. He said there was a strong possibility that he might stay on campus and pursue another master's degree. However, he also said he was eager to begin teaching. Hendrix said he hoped to inspire students the way his teachers inspired him. Nonetheless, he wanted to stay connected to the student body, whether through the friends he made while at Harding or his own eager-minded smdents. "1 feel that I will be very prepared for the modern world ofeducation due to my coming to Harding," Hendrix said. -Jordan Dyniewski Preparing for Winter Tour on Dec. 8, graduate student J. J. Hendrix rehearses with the Chorus. Hendrix began singing with the Chorus in the spring of 2006 when he entered the graduate program. -Chelsea Roberson
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