Western Instrumental Music Instructor Gary Gardner
wears many hats. No, not literally, but in his many functions at
Western. Mr. Gardner is a talented musician, a master of instruments
as diverse as saxophone and trombone to clarinet, guitar, and
fiddle.
But in addition to his musical expertise, Gardner is also somewhat
of a religious scholar, having studied the tenants Christianity and
Judaism.
Gardner hopes to inspire others to learn more about their own faith
and the faiths of others around the world.
The idea for a Religion degree program at Western came to Gardner
while he was attending a conference at Tulsa Community College.
“It was really an accident. I was looking at the degree programs
offered at TCC and I saw they had a religion degree and thought,
‘That could work at Western,’” Gardner said.
So, along with John Phelan, Pyschology Instructor, and John Johnson,
Adjuct Instructor and Pastor for Glad Tidings Assembly in Altus, a
degree plan was established for Religion.
The degree plan is meant for those students planning to pursue a
four-year Theology or Religious Studies program after graduating
from Western, but could serve as a terminal degree in the future.
“I could see someone obtaining this degree and preaching at a small
town,” said Gardner. “But right now, it’s primarily for those
planning to continue their studies in a four-year program.”
Three courses required for the degree program are Philosophy,
Philosophy of Religion, and Old Testament (taught by Gardner).
“I love teaching the Old Testament course. It’s so interesting to
study this text that three of the world’s major religions,
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, consider their basis,” said
Gardner.
For more information, call 580.477.7811 or 580.477.2000 .
