Jennifer Rogers
Jennifer Rogers is the new professor of kinesiology and the director of the Athletic Training Program. Professor Rogers has worked on staff at Northwestern as an athletic trainer since 2000. In her new position, she hopes to help NW’s athletic training department achieve accreditation.
She looks forward to teaching because the methods she plans on using are a little different from those commonly used.
“I’m also excited about teaching my prospective colleagues,” she commented as she considered the possibility of that some of her current students may return to NW as instructors. Rogers hopes to focus on the “campus’ education on what athletic training is.” She would also like to raise awareness on the academic quality of students in the athletic department. “I think NW strives for intelligent athletes and all students,” she said.
Since becoming a part of the faculty at NW, Rogers sees herself and the other instructors in a new light. “My perception of the faculty has changed,” she said. “I can see myself more as a colleague than [I did] before.” She also feels that she brings new enthusiasm and a good work ethic to NW.
Rogers grew up in Windom, Minnesota and attended Briar Cliff University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and Psychology. She remembers her college years with a smile and revealed that her favorite part of college was the people around her. “The people made the experience what it was.”
Rogers went on to earn her master’s degree in Sports Psychology and Biology Mechanics from the University of Kansas. Rogers lived in Alton, Iowa for two years, before moving to Orange City three years ago. She and her husband Tim, a graduate of NW, were married in July of 2002. During her free time, Professor Rogers enjoys scrapbooking and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Andrew Sauerwein
Dr. Andrew Sauerwein joins the Northwestern music faculty this fall as a visiting professor of music and temporary sabbatical replacement for Dr. Marc Woolridge. A composer by training, he is teaching music theory and Exploring Music.
Sauerwien’s career as a professor of music is an unlikely one. “Of the four children in my family, I was the least likely to pursue a career in music,” says Dr. Sauerwein. While his siblings showed an early interest in music, he dropped out of piano after his fourth lesson and later dropped out of band to pursue an interest in computer programming.
Sauerwein went on to study creative writing at Multnomah Bible College. It was not until he took a music theory class in college that Sauerwein developed the passion for music that would lead him to his current career
After discovering both a passion and skill for music theory, Sauerwien decided to apply his creative talents to music composition. He studied for 13 more years, attending first the University of Oregon and later Duke University. After receiving his doctorate he taught for two years at Duke.
When comparing his experience of studying and teaching at a public university to teaching at NW Sauerwein said, “One thing I like about being at NW is I can be overt about my beliefs, how I think about music theory is shaped by my faith. I have a strong connection between theory and theology.” Sauerwein said that conveying this relation between theology and theory is one of his greatest challenges and opportunities for the coming year.
As a composer, Sauerwein interests are wide ranging, encompassing both music for worship and more secular concert music. When asked to describe his style, Sauerwien explained his interest in experimental music. Because he tries to do “something new with each piece that I write,” his style cannot be neatly classified. He says that the usual response to his music is “I‘ve never heard anything like that before.”
Though Sauerwein and his wife Quita are still adjusting to small town life and its lack of retail stores, they are enjoying their new life in Orange City.
“We can enjoy relaxing in a safe community and by and large people think the same way about life as we do.” said Sauerwein. “I also enjoy being within walking distance of the college
