Department of Chemistry

Everything is made up of matter. The study of chemistry is the process of discovering how matter behaves and why. By studying chemistry at Sterling College one learns to see the fingerprint of God through this matter that makes up His creation.
   Dr. Curtis Beechan, who holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University, brings more than this solid academic background to his position as Sterling’s chemistry professor. He also brings a passion for teaching students about the make-up of the world in the environment of a Christian college.
   Along with this passion, Beechan has high expectations of his students. Students may major or minor in chemistry, either to prepare for entry into medical school, to teach high school, to pursue a career in laboratory work, or to prepare for further education at the graduate level. As they pursue these goals, students find themselves challenged by the academic rigor of the course work and laboratory experiments.
   By holding to high standards and by teaching Chemistry with an understanding of faith, Beechan carries on a tradition of excellence in science education at Sterling College which dates back to the first half of the 20th century. Under the leadership of the late Dr. Ruth Thompson, for whom the science building is named, Sterling enjoyed a national reputation in science education. Sterling’s science program is still strong, with graduates going on to be teachers, doctors, lab technicians, professors, and other science professionals.