Finding God’s Plan at SWU
By: Louis Trapnell
Senior | Greenwood, SC | Criminal Justice Major
Q: What made you decide SWU was the place for you?
A: During my college application process, the Lord began opening many doors that pointed me toward SWU. I had never heard of the school until November of my senior year of high school when my father attended the SWU Annual Clay Shoot. At that event, he met Professor McDonald, who spoke about the amazing program SWU offers. After speaking with Professor McDonald personally and being accepted as a walk-on for the SWU Cross Country team, I was eager to continue my education in a Christian setting.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your classes?
A: My favorite part of my classes is the integration of faith into every topic and assignment. SWU classes focus heavily on fostering your personal faith and relationship with Christ. I appreciate assignments where I am tasked with solving problems from a Christian perspective.
Q: What do you appreciate most about your professors?
A: My classes at SWU are nothing short of intentional. At other schools, you might take classes with fifty-plus students and receive very little community. At SWU, each class is an opportunity to learn alongside classmates and from professors who know you by name. Many of my professors have formed meaningful connections with me, whether through one-on-one meetings, sharing meals in the Dining Commons, or meeting in the community to improve my practical skills. They have been mentors and role models during my time here.
Q: What do you love most about your major?
A: Criminal Justice is an exceptional major because it offers every student an equal opportunity to develop their faith life, personal life, and professional life. Each class is designed to strengthen your abilities and understanding. Personally, what I’ve learned in my Criminal Justice courses has improved my faith, relationships, diet, fitness, financial decisions, and overall enjoyment of life.
Q: In what ways has your faith grown since coming to SWU?
A: My faith has grown tremendously since attending SWU. When I first arrived as a freshman, I didn’t take my faith seriously. I planned to spend college doing what I wanted and focusing on running cross country. However, the Lord had a different plan. After suffering stress fractures for the third year in a row, I stopped running and began pursuing positive relationships. The mentors and friends I found at SWU transformed my life and helped me see God’s amazing plan for me. Today, I’m pursuing His plan in my career, education, and engagement with my fiancé. I am truly blessed to have these connections because of SWU.
Q: How has SWU made you feel supported or inspired?
A: Initially, I believed my only goal at SWU was to run fast and earn my degree. When I received stress fractures and was told to stop running for the third year in a row, I felt lost. I had invested everything into my plan, and when it failed, I had nothing left. By the grace of God, wise and generous people from the SWU community, such as Professor James McDonald, Director of Campus Safety Adam Ladd, Dr. Brad Bowen, and Professor Joey Turner, poured into my life. These men of faith helped me leave my plans behind and pursue God’s plans.
Q: What would you tell a future Warrior about why they should come to SWU?
A: To any future Warrior, I encourage you to pursue your four years at SWU intentionally. In college, it’s easy to choose independence and chase individual desires. However, as children of God, we are called to live the life He intended for us. Obedience to Christ means studying diligently, serving others through discipleship and campus work, and attending Chapel with an eager soul and ready mind. I urge you, don’t waste this precious gift that is SWU. Live intentionally.
Q: How has your time at SWU prepared you for your future goals—personally, academically, or professionally?
A: SWU has prepared me in many ways. Academically, my professors have built my education on a Biblical foundation. Personally, I’ve gained connections and relationships that strengthen my circle of support and prayer. Professionally, I’ve had the honor of serving as a full-time Security Officer on campus. These opportunities have given me incredible preparation for my future career.
Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the SWU legacy, and how do you hope to give back in the future?
A: When I think of the SWU legacy, I think of students, staff, and faculty who have left a lasting impact on SWU and their communities. SWU is more than a school—it equips people to serve others. As a soon-to-be graduate, I hope my actions and time here have served people well. With the knowledge and community I’ve gained, I pray the Lord uses me for His glory in my career, community, and family.
Favorite Scripture:
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
—Romans 12:17–21