Dr. Christiane Royal, '98

Serving: Optometrist
Academic Degree: Biology

While at Southwestern, Christiane confirmed her desire to work in the medical field. She gives the University credit for giving her a good, solid background that prepared her for her post-graduate work. "The biology department is very good," Christiane says. "Dr. (Art) Chadwick teaches you to learn by making you work hard." After completing her undergraduate work in biology, Christiane spent a year working as a technician for an optometrist. Then in 2003, she earned a degree in optometry from the University of Houston. Returning to her hometown of Arlington, Texas, she began work as a doctor in the same practice where she had been a technician. Christiane recently became a member of the Texas Optometric Association. She now has her own practice in Mansfield, Texas. When looking back on the benefits of attending Southwestern, she is most impressed with the spiritual atmosphere found on campus. "My professors took a personal interest in their students," she says. "They also brought religion into the classroom. It became a part of everything and wasn't just in the name of the school."