Most college students are fresh out of high school and pursuing their first degree, so we all notice when a “real adult” walks into a classroom and sits down with the students instead of standing to give a lecture.
Dr. Don Van, professor of engineering at Union University, is one of the atypical college students I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in class. Last semester I was a little intimidated when a man with four degrees sat beside me as a student, but I quickly learned his experience was nothing to fear. Instead, I simply enjoyed the blessings of his wealth of knowledge and experience.
It may seem crazy that a man with four degrees wants a fifth one. Many of us may instantly think he has some ego issues, that maybe he’s someone who makes sure all passersby know about the “Dr.” in front of his name, but I can assure you that it is quite the opposite in this case; Van has a heart for missions, and he simply wants to do the best he can to serve the church and God.
“I think a church can be served by a pastor, but I also think it can be served by a member. We want to be in the position to be a member of the church to serve,” Van said.
For the past six years, Van has been living the double life of a student and professor, all with the goal to move around and help many churches once he retires. He and his wife hope to encourage and help grow churches in the future, but his humility and kindness are already making an impact on campus, especially among the students he interacts with as a professor and fellow student.
“I was so humbled to see that this man who already had an engineering degree was taking this class just to be a better servant of Christ for others,” Dylan Runions, sophomore Christian ministry and missions major, said.
Runions was formerly a student in the engineering department, so he had Van as a professor before meeting him as a student. Since Runions has had Van as both a professor and peer, he’s had the opportunity to see Van’s heart for the gospel in both parts of his double life. This also allowed him to have a fuller view of Van’s relationship with Christ and the students at Union University.
“He was teaching me so much but this time as my peer. It was an awesome experience, and I am so thankful to have learned that it’s never too late to learn more things that God can use to spread the gospel,” said Runions.
Van enjoys mingling with the students in his classes in the School of Theology and Missions. He believes students are initially a little intimidated by him, but they soon realize he is just another student when he walks into the classroom. He makes a point of professors calling him by his first name so his Ph.D. fades into the background. Soon enough, he simply becomes Don, a regular student who has questions, doubts and insights. He likes it when students become comfortable enough to ask him questions, talk about assignments and tell him a bit about their lives.
Despite his enjoyment of being a student, finding a balance between being a student and professor can be a lot to handle sometimes. Van says that we, as young adults, have much more energy than he does. This can make it hard to be with students sometimes, but the more exhausting part is the pressure he feels from being a professor and faculty member.
“It’s a lot of pressure on me. Not so much from the students, but the pressure on me is that I have to do well. I don’t want to disappoint my teacher,” Van said.
Van is very aware that he is an example to those around him. He doesn’t want to disappoint his professors; students and professors alike are watching him. He takes this to heart, and he works hard to be a good example and student.
Mike Garrett, director and librarian of the Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, had Van as a student last semester. He says that Van’s heart for the gospel stood out greatly to him. He was glad to see someone striving to serve Christ for the rest of his life, showing students that living for Christ doesn’t end when you retire. It’s never too late to serve the Lord, and Van’s plan surely shows that.
Garrett also noted that Van’s hard work was impressive. He consistently brought good questions and discussion to class. This man has more degrees than most of us will ever have, yet here he is, striving as a student. His rigorous work ethic comes with a cost at times, though.
“Sometimes I work so hard it takes the joy out of the studying,” Van said.
This semester, Van isn’t living the double life he’s led for the last six years. He’s taking a well-deserved break from the tiring life of being a student and professor, but he’s still enjoying his time with students as a professor.
Most of his own students don’t know about his double life, but he feels that they benefit from him being in classes. Years removed from college, it’s easy for professors to forget about the pressures we have as students, but Van is right here with us. Taking finals, writing papers and reading 60 pages a night are all things Van has dealt with these past six years as he’s pursued his fifth degree, all while writing lesson plans, grading projects and guiding students.
“I relate to them more because I know the pressure of having to do papers, having due dates, having to do well and going for a good grade. I identify with them more because I’m a student and teacher at the same time.”
