Alumni Spotlight - Rebekah Whitten '03

Today's Alumni Spotlight is Rebekah Whitten, her hometown is Noel Missouri and she currently resides in Huntsville, AL. She is part of the graduating class of 2003 and majored in Mathematics with a minor in Physics. Rebekah went to Wichita State University for her Masters in Aerospace Engineering. Her current job title is Deputy Project Manager, Space Nuclear Propulsion at NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center.

Rebekah chose Bethany College because of it’s 3+2 Engineering Program and was most influenced by Dr. Prielipp, Dr. Adrian, and Dr. Murphy. The 3+2 Engineering Program allowed Bethany Students to complete specific, predetermined coursework in one major and then apply to transfer to a partner school and spend two more years completing their engineering program. One of her favorite memories was “taking higher level Physics courses during January term. I had great classmates and wonderful instructors that helped make it possible to complete certain courses on time in support of the 3+2 Engineering Program.” 

Rebakah says the most important thing she learned at Bethany College was that “Small class sizes make all the difference for being prepared for Grad School.” Her advice to current students is “Bethany is like family. Make sure to be involved in campus life to make the most of that family connection.”

Rebakah worked in the industry for a few years in Flight Test Integration for Boeing’s 787, then eventually switched to Systems Engineering at NASA. “I would not have pursued Engineering if I had not received the top notch education from Bethany. My professors went the extra mile to make sure students understood the material, which made all the difference to me. Bethany taught me the importance of time management and to not be afraid to work three times as hard, because it will pay off in the long run.”      As for her greatest accomplishment, Rebekah mentions becoming a NASA Civil Servant while working on the Space Launch System Rocket program. More specific advice she would give anyone interested in pursuing her career: “Pursue internships and scholarships, which will help you future opportunities in your field.” 

Something you may not know about Rebekah? She helped establish the Physics minor here at Bethany College.

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