Cornerstone University Launches Computer Science Major and New Academic Division
This fall, Cornerstone University launched the Bachelor of Science in computer science. This program is part of CU’s new Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics (CEM) Division.
In the realm of information technology and beyond, employers have a need for creative thinkers who can solve problems quickly and predict future business needs.
“A recent internship supervisor said that the three things their organization looks for in students are curiosity, tech-savviness and creativity,” said Victoria Fleenor, division chair for the CEM Division. “We need to be preparing students to solve problems they have not seen yet.”
Fleenor said that the new CEM Division programs confront students with real-world problems, scenarios and data in the classroom.
“The workforce demands graduates who are competent engineers, mathematicians and scientists,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone. “The computer science major is just one of our efforts to meet market demands while creating an innovative space for students to learn.”
The development of the new division and the new program include an engineering lab, which is under construction on Cornerstone’s campus. The lab will have classrooms and technology for engineering students to put their skills to work in a variety of contexts.
The CEM Division has also developed an active learning classroom, where computer science students can interact with software, data and technology that they will encounter in their future careers.
But the computer science program is only one of the exemplary and exciting features of the CEM Division. To this end, Fleenor said, “There’s a palpable energy in our new CEM Division. Our engineering major graduated its first students this past May, and our computer science major is full for fall 2021.”
She says they are also considering more concentrations in the future, including the addition of specialized program tracks such as data analytics and cybersecurity. The CEM division is also working toward accreditation for all of its engineering programs through ABET.
Tanishq Daniel (B.S. ’23) is a junior studying data science engineering at Cornerstone and says that the CEM Division is full of students and faculty who are passionate about using their gifts to glorify the LORD.
“I am really inspired by my professors,” Daniel said of the CEM faculty. “They start out class with prayer and get you thinking about the bigger things in life, not just your vocation but the bigger picture.”
Faculty in the CEM Division look forward to synergies between their interests. Dr. Stephen Devereaux, assistant professor of mathematics, is passionate about theoretical math. Math students often pursue capstone projects involving encryption, machine learning and other subjects that include computer science applications. Professor Michael Greene, assistant professor of engineering, teaches mathematics, computer science and engineering students to conduct statistical sampling and communicate the results through technical writing.
“Our goal is to mentor students who are comfortable asking hard questions and discovering answers as they explore the physical and virtual world through analytics, systems and machines,” Fleenor said. “They will learn to apply knowledge about God’s orderly creation, providing functional support for the work of others in various disciplines.”
Audrey Wierenga
Audrey Wierenga (B.A. ’18) is the copywriter for Cornerstone’s Marketing & Communications Office. She graduated from Cornerstone in 2018 with a degree in broadcast communication. Audrey also serves on the Young Alumni Council.
In her spare time, Audrey enjoys working on her own full-length work of fiction, co-hosting a podcast about the Academy Awards and participating in local theatre productions.
