The Blue
Tribune
The Blue Tribune is your place to learn about all things Covenant and keep up with stories from campus and beyond. By guiding you through the different aspects of Covenant, we'll help you decide if you want to pursue your very own Covenant experience.
Faculty Feature: Dr. Curt Stern
Faculty Feature is a series in the Blue Tribune that recognizes the excellent professors and staff of Covenant College through a series of questions.
This week we're highlighting Dr. Curt Stern, Professor of Engineering.
What brought you to Covenant? How long have you been teaching?
My oldest son came to Covenant to do the Dual Degree Engineering program in 2011 and convinced me to apply for the opening to teach engineering here. The more I looked at what Covenant offers students, the more that I liked it. God opened doors and here I am. I had been teaching Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech for 20+ years and have been at Covenant for nearly 10 years.
What is your history with Covenant?
Four of my five children are now Covenant grads, as are two daughters in law. So, I guess you could say that I have gotten my student experience vicariously.
What do you love about teaching at Covenant?
Getting to know my students well from having them in multiple courses over several years. Watching them grow in the Lord and in their callings. That is not the typical faculty experience.
What is your history with the PCA or Reformed Tradition?
Like my father, the more I have studied scripture the more Reformed I have become. His legacy is that he and all three of his children eventually joined PCA churches.
What's your favorite Covenant tradition?
Chapel. Coming from a secular state university this is a privilege and a blessing that never gets old. It brings us together as a community because it is something we do together, which is what Jesus had in mind.
What is a current research project or area of interest you're excited about?
My love is teaching. I did research in engineering at an R1 university, but discovered that teaching was what motivated me. Now I get to focus on preparing my students to pursue engineering degrees.
What's one of your favorite cultural or family traditions?
Shared meals. Jesus was all about eating with those he loved and it is wonderful when we get to eat with those we love.
Anything else prospective students should know about you?
A highlight of my day is walking around my neighborhood while listening to scripture.
Tell us a little about your family:
My wife and I have five grown children and three grandchildren under two years old.
How do you encourage each student to pursue academic excellence?
Engineering students at Covenant must earn their way into the engineering school of their choice. It is my job to prepare them for the rigors of transferring and succeeding in an accredited engineering program. We pursue excellence out of worship and gratitude for the abilities and opportunities that God has given us.