Student and Alumni Spotlights for the Visual Arts Program

I chose to come to Belhaven because…of its commitment to a Christ centered education and to the arts. While visiting campus with my son for his freshman orientation I had a "chance" meeting with Dr. Bob Pennebaker, chair of the art department. To my surprise, he was willing to sit down for as long as I needed and talk with me about my desire to return to college to study art. A year later I sold my house, moved to Jackson and enrolled at Belhaven. I later discovered that most of the professors at Belhaven would do the same for anyone.

One relationship that has meant a lot to me while attending Belhaven University…From my initial meeting with Dr. Bob Pennebaker, we developed a unique relationship. He is only a few years older than me so we developed a sort of older/younger brother relationship. He is always available listen to my problems, school or personal. He has been a great teacher, mentor, and friend.

Because of my degree from Belhaven University…Because of my unique situation (an adult returning to school), people continue to ask me what I am going to do with my art degree. I didn't choose to return to college to train for a career, although I would like to teach eventually. I returned to learn to make art. That is what I intend to do regardless of how I earn my income. I have received what I believe is one of the best fundamental art educations available anywhere, and the rest is up to me. Because of my experience at Belhaven I am prepared to continue my search for my personal expression through art and hopefully my art will affect others in some small way.

One word to describe my experience at Belhaven: EXTRAORDINARY!