By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics graduating class of 2025 has achieved 100 percent acceptance rate into graduate and professional programs, according to Department Chair David Elliott, professor of chemistry.
“This is one of the top two or three classes we’ve ever had,” Elliott said. “Many of them have a 4.0. We have a lot of good students, but this is a group we hate to see go.”
Graduating seniors by programs are:
LSU-Shreveport Medical School
Leanna Lanford, of Pineville, honors biology/chemistry double major
Ethan Lanford, of Pineville, biology/chemistry double major
Ethan Barnes, of Ball, biology major
Cy Fontenot, of Alexandria, biology major
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana VCOM, Monroe
Kamryn West, of Pine Prairie, honors biology/chemistry double major
Madelyn Duncan, of Alexandria, biology major
LSU Health Physical Therapy School, New Orleans
Brianne Rotolo, of Bridge City, honors biology major
Rosenberg School of Optometry at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
Jade Harmon, of Lafayette, honors biology/chemistry double major
“Our current graduating class is one that only comes around every so often,” said Sarah Payne, chemistry professor and director of the C.S. Lewis Honors Program. “I am grateful to have been a small piece of this astonishing group’s time here at LCU. I know that these students will carry LCU in their hearts and lives as they go on to lead successful careers in various health fields, serving their patients with dignity, compassion, and character.”
Individual medical and professional schools differ in their acceptance rates, but it is extremely competitive to get in. For every member of the graduating class who applied to be accepted to the programs, it is incredible.
While LCU has a well-established track record of medical school acceptance, this class was extra successful, Elliott said. In addition to being hard-working and fast-learning students, they were also fun to be around. They pushed each other, but they also had great, happy personalities.
Elliott said the two things that set LCU apart in its high acceptance rates are the small class size and faith-based aspect.
“Our professors teach the classes,” he said, “not graduate students or teaching assistants. And because we are faith-based, we have no limitations on what we can talk about in the classroom.”
Secular schools, Elliott said, are limited. LCU professors can expose students to all three theories– evolution, creationism and intelligent design, and point students to the truth of God’s Word.
“Our students are better prepared for medical school because of the stronger critical thinking skills and foundations in reading, science and math,” he said.
He said he has no doubt this class will succeed and join the ranks of former LCU students who are now doctors and physical therapists all across the country.
“Once again, we find ourselves congratulating a great group of students,” said Dr. Wade Warren, professor of biology. “Our applicant pool this year is an unusually large group of exceptionally talented students. They have distinguished themselves in ways that will be remembered for years to come. LCU has provided an environment of support and challenge for them, but they have done the hard work and deserve the credit for their success. The faculty are grateful for the opportunity to teach them, to lead them in research projects, to become their mentors, and to develop friendships with them. We know they have learned much in the sciences, and it is also our prayer that their love for Jesus has deepened during their time at LCU. We have no doubt that they are going to heal and care for many.”
