CBC’s new math and science department: how different is it?

Dr. Katherine Gasaway was named chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in July, replacing Judy Gabbard who had retired after 50 years of teaching at the college.

Dr. Gasaway said she seems to really enjoy the new job.

“I get to interact with students that are not only just my students,” said Dr. Gasaway.

When asked about how she wants to lead the department, she spoke of wanting to raise the standing of CBC itself.

“We are trying to be more competitive,” said Dr. Gasaway. “If someone comes from [University of Central Arkansas] and they took organic chemistry, our organic chemistry would be comparable to that.”

The science department is currently looking into adding new upper division electives.

“Two classes that we are considering…are a senior-level course in molecular and cellular biology and an upper-division elective in parasitology,” said Dr. Gasaway. “We are also considering a capstone project for all students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in the department.”

Dr. Gasaway said she is also working towards increasing the school’s research capabilities.

“We are looking to offer research to every undergraduate student in our department,” said Dr. Gasaway.

Dr. Gasaway said that the department has three new biology faculty: Yolanda Rhine, assistant professor, and Lukai Zhai and Bryan White, both associate professors.

“They were so aligned with CBC’s mission statement and the ministry of CBC that they were all just perfect fits,” said Dr. Gasaway.

At the beginning of the fall semester, the department had 50 enrolled science majors, according to Dr. Gasaway. And these students are pursuing a wide variety of goals.

“A lot of students are going into…medical school, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or graduate school. Senior Madeline Freeman was accepted into the Doctor of Osteopathy program at Fort Smith,” said Dr. Gasaway.

Dr. Gasaway is highly enthusiastic about the future of her department.

“I think that [the science and math] professors are just passionate about connecting with our students and help them get where they want to go, and point them not just to science, but also Who made the science,” said Dr. Gasaway.