One of the most important things Damien Mitchell learned while a student at Southern Nazarene University that has shaped him into the successful pediatrician that he is today is the fact that faith in Christ and science are related. While society may say the two contradict each other, Mitchell says what he learned is quite the opposite, “as faith explains the Who and the Why, and science explains the How.

“In my career I get to experience the best this world has to give us - the birth of a child. However, I also must experience the worst the world has to offer - the death or illness of a child,” said Mitchell. 

“My faith and understanding of science are both integral in how I celebrate and mourn those events.” 

Not only did his SNU experience help Dr. Mitchell blend his faith with his profession, he said his time at SNU was one of the most life-changing in building long-term relationships. Furthermore, he said it was by far one of the most fun experiences of his life. 

“Despite spending the majority of my college career with my head in a book, I doubt there are many people who had more fun in college than I did,” added Mitchell. “I will keep those memories with me forever.” 

Dr. Mitchell is excited about the future of SNU’s science program and the Campaign for the Sciences, which will help continue the strong legacy that has benefited him and so many others in becoming successful scientists and doctors. 

“It takes resources for a university to deliver a quality education,” said Dr. Mitchell, “and my hope is that the Campaign for the Sciences will generate funds sufficient to carry on the science department’s academic legacy.”