Over two years before I arrived at Geneva, one of my friends talked about a catechism study she was doing with several of her friends. She showed me a video of laughter around a ping pong table and photos of smiles while sitting on the backs of overstuffed chairs. These things didn’t go together in my experience. While I had long been familiar with studying Scripture and its doctrines, I was more familiar with formal, instructor-led study and didn’t quite understand how this level of joy and seriousness could coexist. At the time, I didn’t realize that moment captured something distinctive about Geneva’s culture.

When I arrived at Geneva College 18 months ago as a master’s student and full-time employee, I thought I already understood Christian higher education.

My childhood was full of Christian education, formal and informal. All but one of the colleges I toured were Christian institutions. After touring at least seven schools and applying to nearly all of them, my final choice was based primarily on the major I had selected and the strength of that school's program for the major I wanted to pursue. I was also excited about some of the extracurricular opportunities that were available to me at this school.

But, to be frank, I struggled with my faith during my time at college. I succeeded academically and was involved in a variety of activities, clubs, and leadership positions, but I did not have the college experience that I had hoped for despite it being at a Christian institution.

Coming to Geneva as a master’s student has felt like a second chance in many ways, and I have been thankful to the Lord — both for how He has worked in my life in the intervening years and for the fuller understanding of what Christian higher education can be.

You might reasonably ask: What made the difference?

Over the past 18 months, I’ve noticed several things that distinguish Geneva’s approach to Christian higher education:

1. College Leaders are Accessible
   Whether because of the smaller school size or the servant-heartedness of its leadership, Geneva’s faculty, staff, and leaders are accessible and excited to interact with the students. In my time at the other institution, I had the opportunity to talk to the president just once and that within a formal leadership event held in the sterile, ceramic-tiled student center. Just through student involvement while at Geneva, I would have already had at least five opportunities to be in the president’s home. This is just one example that here students are known personally and their stories and questions are valued.
   
   
2. Scripture is the Starting Point for All Learning
   At Geneva College, Scripture is the flour, not the icing. At my previous school it felt as though Scripture was referenced as a necessity — when it felt like the conversation couldn’t go any further without talking about it. Geneva does its formal work from Scripture first, asking, “What does Scripture say? What are you called to do as a nurse/engineer/communicator? What does good stewardship look like here?” Just as is seen on our seal and logo, the Bible stays open at Geneva College in all things, at all times.
   
   
3. A Culture That Welcomes Questions
   At many universities, conversations about faith are private or superficial. At Geneva, they are normal. Geneva recognizes that college is often the season when students begin owning their faith. Instead of assuming every student has already reached the same conclusions, the College encourages honest questions while being guided by faculty and staff who take both faith and scholarship seriously.
   
4. A Campus United by Spiritual Formation
   Weekly chapel services are attended by nearly the entire campus: students, staff, and faculty. This creates a shared starting point for deep conversations about faith and life whether referencing preaching or a testimony that was shared. Additionally, many local churches have strong connections with the College and groups of students that attend those churches together, creating layers of community and connection.
   
   
5. Wholistic Growth for Students
   Geneva College, and the faculty and staff within it, recognizes that students are whole people with a variety of responsibilities and interests. At my undergraduate institution, I struggled to balance being involved in both theatre and choir at the same time. At Geneva, though, many students are involved in a range of programs. And as a Division III school, student-athletes are seen as students first, and are integrated into the life of the full campus body.
   
   
6. A Respect for Sabbath Rest
   Geneva College takes care to keep the Sabbath. At my previous school, not working in some way on Sunday would put you behind. It was expected that you would travel or do homework on Sundays in addition to church. But at Geneva, rest and worship are natural and prioritized.

Over the summer months, we’ll share more about each of these features that make Geneva distinct from other Christian colleges.

For now, I’ll say this: Many institutions attempt to balance a Christian identity with broad cultural appeal. Instead, Geneva College begins unapologetically with its identity as a Christ-centered community and allows every other strength to grow from that foundation. Here I’ve already been further formed, challenged, and had my faith deepened.

My undergraduate experience gave me a foundation, but Geneva has shown me what Christian higher education can look like when faith shapes not just chapel services or mission statements, but everyday conversations, relationships, and learning. I arrived thinking I understood Christian higher education. Eighteen months later, I’m thankful to know that it can go so much deeper.