On Jan. 21, Oklahoma Christian University announced that the gaming and animation program was ranked No. 30 in the nation by the Princeton Review, a rise from their previous national rank of 42.
Skyler Thomas, assistant professor of gaming and animation, was a part of the first graduating class from the program.
“It’s been an incredible and rewarding experience to witness the exponential growth since I was a student with a graduating class of four,” Thomas said. “I am grateful to be a part of a learning atmosphere that allows me to share my faith and teach about an innovative yet entertaining industry.”
In May 2020, Oklahoma Christian’s gaming and animation program was named No. 1 in Oklahoma. Thomas said the ranking shows why Oklahoma Christian is one of the better universities.
“This notoriety speaks volumes about how students live and pursue a distinctive life as Christian-oriented game developers,” Thomas said. “I pray it will also peak the interest of investors and companies who are willing to invest their time and resources in our talented students.”
Senior Annie James is a gaming and animation major and said she has seen it go through many different stages.
“We work really hard to improve and keep making cool projects,” James said. “The amount of skill in our classrooms makes it clear why we are ranked nationally.”
Oklahoma Christian’s gaming and animation program has given graduating students the opportunity to work for top game companies.
“I hope to see our program evolve and partner with other disciplines and industries at the school and develop more partnerships with studios in the nation,” Thomas said.
James said effective leadership has evolved the program.
“I’m also so proud of the faculty team in our major that continues to strive to make our education better,” James said. “They always look out for where the program could be better and work hard to make sure that it’s improved.”
Thomas said the students and faculty have a mutual respect for each other as they work in the gaming and animation program.
“When I am in class or just stopping in on the weekend to check on things, students always are quick to interact and talk about games, food or Christ,” Thomas said.
Thomas said the gaming and animation faculty are continuously updating the program to fit with student and technology needs. James said the national recognition will hopefully draw attention to their work.
“It’s really impressive to see how each year we get a new batch of insanely talented people,” James said. “I’m hoping it will also have a positive effect on what hardware is available to students in the lab.”
On Jan. 28-30, the gaming and animation program hosted Game Jam to highlight student projects and skills. This includes the creators developing a game and allowing others to play the game in the span of a day. This event shows how the Gaming and Animation program has grown over the years.
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