Student Profile: Avery Patz '22
Class Year
2022
Where do you call home?
Huntsville, AL
Major
Community Development
Minor
Music
Why did you choose Covenant?
I was immediately wowed by the campus, but the students and professors were what sold
me. I wanted a vibrant community that is committed to becoming more like Christ and
having a good time doing it, and I saw that here. Throw in professors who care personally
about you and a 15-minute drive to downtown Chattanooga and Covenant was a complete
win.
What aspect of Covenant do you like the best?
I love hall life here! I’ve stayed on one hall (Harambe!, woot woot) for three years
so far and have loved doing life with these ladies. Late night shenanigans, dance
parties, prayer and praise, and outdoor study sessions are frequent, and these girls
are the absolute best company for it!
Which professor(s) has most impacted your thinking, and how?
Dr. Fikkert and Mr. C changed my life in Theory of Community Development. They patiently guided me to a deeper understanding
of how the Fall affects every part of life, challenging me along the way to ask the
Lord how He has called me to work towards justice and shalom. It’s my favorite class
I’ve taken to date, and their professional work has transformed the way I think about
myself and the materially poor.
What do you most enjoy about your major?
Community development wasn’t on my radar until orientation week, but I am so grateful
for the program. My favorite classes and professors are involved in the major; not
only am I having a good time learning (and even doing homework, can you imagine?),
but it’s also practical knowledge that I can apply both now and in whatever career
the Lord calls me to.
What do you hope to pursue after graduation?
I want to do something with U.S. economic development, but I’m not exactly sure what
that looks like for me.
How is Covenant preparing you for success in your calling?
Covenant is equipping me with the critical thinking skills I need to generally succeed
in and make sense of life. The classes I’m taking are directly relevant to my career
options and are truly engaging. Covenant’s curriculum is rigorous and the expectations
are high, but I feel well-prepared to enter the workforce.
How is Covenant equipping you for active membership in the church?
Academically, doctrine classes have been super helpful; we are encouraged to wrestle
with tough questions about our personal and denominational theology, and we’re supported
by incredibly wise professors as we do so. Covenant places great emphasis on involvement
with the local church while recognizing she isn’t perfect. There is immense grace
here and space to lament the way individuals and groups have been wronged by the church
while still acknowledging that she is Christ’s bride with a purpose for God’s glory
and our good.
In what ways does Covenant foster spiritual growth?
Residence life is a huge part of spiritual growth--our RA’s are equipped and supported
by RDs and res life staff to be spiritual leaders on the hall, and to identify others
to come alongside them in discipling people on the hall. Chapel (though sometimes
a little tedious) is generally engaging and challenging; I especially enjoy hearing
from off-campus speakers, all of whom are beyond qualified to teach and encourage
us in our faith. My professors have also been a great source of spiritual wisdom from
me; I’ve taken hard questions to them and prayed with them and experienced their humility
as they seek to answer my questions.
Name one or two people in the Covenant community that have most impacted you and explain
how they’ve shaped you.
Oh my goodness, my RA for the past two years, Maddie Taylor, has so deeply impacted
me relationally and spiritually. She daily gives me a better picture of what it looks
like to love selflessly and as whole people. She effortlessly sets people at ease
and ensures everyone feels welcomed and wanted. And also she’s just a hoot and a half
and a joy to be around.
What’s your favorite way to spend free time on and/or off campus?
I love pulling out a picnic blanket or hammock and finding a shady spot on campus
to read or hang out with my friends. Downtown Chattanooga is absolutely beautiful
and worth exploring, and the hang gliding spot just ten minutes away is a breathtaking
spot to watch the sunset!
Graduate School of Education
Undergraduate Departments, Majors, Minors, Certificates, Concentrations, and Programs
Academic Certificates
- Arts Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
- Journalism and Society
- Medical Ethics Consultation
- Neuroscience
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Art
- Art, 2-D Concentration
- Art, 3-D Concentration
- Art, Art History Concentration
- Art, Graphic Design Concentration
- Art, Photography Concentration
- Art minor
- Art History minor
Biblical & Theological Studies
- Biblical & Theological Studies
- Biblical & Theological Studies, Missions Concentration
- Biblical & Theological Studies minor
- Biblical Languages minor
- History of Christianity minor
- Missions minor
- Youth Ministry minor
Biology
- Biology, Biomedical Concentration
- Biology, Environmental Concentration
- Biology, General
- Biology, Health Professions Concentration
- Biology minor
Business
- Business
- Business, Accounting Concentration
- Business, Finance Concentration
- Business, Marketing Concentration
- Sport Management
- Business minor
- Sport Management minor
Chemistry
- Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration
- Chemistry, General
- Biochemistry minor
- Chemistry minor
Community Development
- Community Development
- Community Development minor
Computer Science
- Computer Science
- Computer Science minor
Economics
- Economics
- Economics minor
Education
- Education Studies
- Elementary Education (P-5)
- Secondary Education Certifications through MAT program
- Education minor
Engineering 3:2 Program
- Natural Science, Pre-Engineering Studies Concentration
English
- English
- English, Writing Concentration
- English minor
- Writing minor
Health, Wellness and Coaching
- Coaching minor
History, Politics, and International Studies
- History
- History, Art History Concentration
- Political Science
- International Studies
- History minor
- Political Science minor
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations
Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Mathematics minor
Music
- Music, Church Music Concentration
- Music, Creative Studies Concentration
- Music, General Music Concentration
- Music, Instrumental Performance Concentration
- Music, Music Education (Pre-MAT) Concentration
- Music, Organ Performance Concentration
- Music, Piano Pedagogy Concentration
- Music, Piano Performance Concentration
- Music, Vocal Performance Concentration
- Music minor
Philosophy
- Philosophy
- Philosophy minor
Physics
- Physics
- Physics minor
Pre-Professional Programs
- Pre-Law Studies
- Pre-Medical Studies
- Pre-Nursing Studies
- Pre-Physical Therapy Studies
Psychology
- Psychology
- Psychology minor
Sociology
- Sociology
- Sociology, Family Studies & Social Work Concentration
- Sociology minor
Theatre
- Theatre minor
World Languages
- French
- Spanish
- French minor
- Spanish minor