Karson Schroeder officially committed to SAU after learning about the Broadcasting program and becoming a member of the Men’s Tennis team. From Jackson, Michigan, he liked the location of Spring Arbor because of how it’s away from home, but close enough too.  

After Karson got acclimated to life on campus, he realized that it’s different from what he initially expected: “I thought that college was going to be all about academics, and while that definitely is a part of it, I have been taught a lot of personal skills as well.” Karson has been presented with many different opportunities at SAU and has had the chance to get involved within the community.  

Karson started making connections at Spring Arbor University during his sophomore year of high school when he asked the Men’s Basketball coach if he could film one of their games.  Soon after that, he was offered a position as the team's social media manager, where he would do video, socials, and travel with the team. From there, he was able to build connections with people at SAU and has been working with the Basketball team as a student manager ever since.  

In addition to being manager of the Men’s Basketball team, Karson was also on the Men’s Tennis team, a Village Resident Assistant (RA), Chapel Band member, and helped with Will Shoot for Credit. Being involved in these ways are all things that Karson has been able to pour himself into. He mentioned, “There are so many things you can do to get involved and make an impact. I enjoy participating in a variety of things because I get to interact with different types of people and show them the love of Christ.” 

Another aspect that Karson appreciated about his college experience was going on the Cross-Cultural trip to Italy and encountering a new culture. Here, he was able to see a new country and appreciate their culture. 

“Each day I would wake up and feel like I was in a dream. The cross cultural trip is something to take advantage of because it gives us the opportunity to explore and see so many cool things.  Italy is such a beautiful country and we did so many fun things as a group.”  

During his time at SAU, Karson learned the importance of glorifying Christ in all that you do: “I’ve faced some trials as I’ve navigated getting injured from my sport, but it has helped me realize that at the end of the day, my identity isn’t in what I do, but how I can be a light to other people.” The friends he made at SAU are the ones he wants to stay in his life past graduation, and he has appreciated making genuine connections that are rooted in Christ. Coming from a public high school, he feels as though being on a Christian campus has allowed him to make spiritual growth and become more of a selfless person.  

College exceeded Karson’s expectations in many ways, but especially because he didn’t expect to become so close to his professors and the staff. His classes and the impact his professors had on him have given him the opportunity to push himself to learn more and become a better, well-rounded person. The Christ-centered relationships and community aspects of campus have been the highlight of Karson’s college experience, especially as he has learned lessons of putting others first.  Karson believes that “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care,” and he has enjoyed caring about those around him and putting others' needs first.  

After graduation, Karson will be moving to Nashville, Tennessee and working for Belmont University as a video production grad assistant while getting his masters degree. Here, he will be running live TV broadcasts for the sports teams and furthering his education. Karson is excited to enter this new season of life and see how the Lord moves. He looks forward to continuing his education and spreading the Gospel wherever he goes. We know Karson has so many great things in store for him, and we can’t wait to see his continued growth.  

Congratulations, Karson!

Written by SAU Marketing student Ella Yowell