Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Omsk, Russia
Artem was born and grew up in a Russian town known as the cultural center of Siberia. As the son of a pastor, Artem experienced a first-hand view of a life of ministry. When the door opened for Artem to study English and attend SAGU, He decided to pursue the opportunity. After visiting the SAGU campus during Campus Days, Artem knew he wanted to pursue a business degree at SAGU Lion. While Artem’s story is distinctive, his passion and love for God are immediately recognizable to anyone that encounters him.
Q: What led you to SAGU?
It was a step-by-step process of praying and trusting God. I came here for Campus Days and went to a business class because my major is business management. I went to class, and there was Professor Melody Block. Previously, I told God, “God, if I get a scholarship, I’ll know that You’re planning for me to come to SAGU.” So, I thought, “if I win the scholarship, I’ll come.” But after that day, I realized, “Wow, I really like the school, and I want to come here – not just because of God’s plan but also because it is my desire. And I realized that desire could go with God’s plan. So, that class with Professor Block was when I realized I wanted to come to SAGU.
Q: What have you been involved in on campus?
I’ve been involved with the media team, helping produce live streams of football games. I’ve also been helping as a stage manager. Then I’ve been involved with the missions department and done some prison ministry. I have also been involved with the jazz group.
Q: How has your experience been in the Business Department?
I really love the teachers, David Dorsett and Professor Melody Gray Block. I really like to learn from David Dorsett because he has a lot of experience. He’s lived overseas in China for at least 25 years, so he has a lot of wisdom to share from both sides of how business works. And Professor Melody Block is passionate for Jesus, firstly, and then she is passionate for people to learn how to use their gifts and talents that God gave them in business to expand the kingdom. So, I really value their input in my life and everything they do.
Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here?
Yes, Dr. Tyrone Block, for sure. I’d never been in a band prior to being in the SAGU jazz band. But I love it because of Dr. Block. He’s so fun to be around. And the way that he explains music or how to play something is just fascinating and fun.
Q: What drew you to business? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future?
Business has been part of my life since my childhood. My dad was a pastor. And as you know, pastors have a lot of friends. And most of his friends were business people. So, they would work together to expand the church, to help the church. And it was just part of my life – hearing their plans and how it works. And it was just fun – I enjoy numbers and learning stuff. I enjoy learning how business works. And my aspiration for the future – I don’t have any specific goal for what I want to be, but I know if God wants me to be somewhere, then I’ll be there and do my job, and I’ll do it unto the Lord. And the education that I get here, I will use in the future.
Q: How do you feel that your time at SAGU is preparing you for life after college?
Learning how to learn, actually – from people wiser than you, and just taking that skill into the future. Yes, knowledge and willingness to learn. That’s what I want to take into the future.
I am also thankful for all of the friendships I have at SAGU. I also want to express how special my lovely wife Morgan is; she is truly my best friend. I am eternally grateful for her.
Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and in the personal goals you set for yourself?
I want to use the knowledge I’m gaining at SAGU to expand the kingdom as I do business, help others with finances, and just help people out in general.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Take quality time in all the busyness of life to spend with God just in calmness because your life will pick up quickly once you’re in college.
There will be a lot of distractions, even though you’re at a Christ-centered university. Prioritize your time with God.
