As a Guilford College Physics and Mathematics double major, Honors student Griffin Icenhower ’25 has his sights set on an electrical engineering career. A pitcher for the Quaker baseball team, his laser focus serves him well on the mound and in the classroom.
“With Guilford, I get to build closer relationships with my peers and professors. This semester, I’m in a class with only one other student! The connection I get with my professor and classmate is something you’d never experience at a big college.”
Quaker pitcher Griffin Icenhower ’25 prefers a small atmosphere. Whether it’s his hometown of Kernersville, N.C., the two-student class he’s taking at Guilford, or that elusive 17-inch strike zone, he knows that focusing on the small can reap big rewards.
The Honors Program student and double major in Physics and Mathematics says he chose Guilford because of its proximity to his home, its rigorous academics, and its small-school atmosphere.
“With Guilford, I get to build closer relationships with my peers and professors,” he says. “This semester, I’m in a class with only one other student! The connection I get with my professor and classmate is something you’d never experience at a big college.”
He also notes the benefits of playing baseball in college.
“I was also able to make close friendships within a month of arriving at school, as our team is pretty close-knit,” he says.
A Perfect Combination
From a young age, Griffin knew he wanted to study electrical engineering in college. In North Carolina the major is only available at large universities. Since he didn’t want to leave the state, Guilford seemed like the natural choice.
“I would not have had the opportunity to play baseball at a big school, but Guilford gave me the ability to do that — and pursue the field of my choice,” he says. “Physics and mathematics are staples in electrical engineering, and obtaining these degrees will inevitably aid me in graduate schooling if I decide to continue on my current path.”
A notoriously difficult major at any school, Griffin’s Physics courses have kept him busy. He noted the support of Physics Professor Don Smith and the impact he’s had on Griffin’s learning.
“I took Physics 121 and 122 with him, and they were the most challenging courses I’ve ever taken. I really had to keep at studying and homework to keep from falling behind,” Griffin says. “There were times where I felt completely lost, but I could go to him in office hours where he’d point me in the right direction.”
Though interested in electrical engineering, Griffin says he’s open to mechanical, electronics, or general engineering.
The Bigger Picture
On the field and throughout campus, Griffin is learning other lessons.
“Playing baseball has helped me with time management, as I’m constantly juggling working, lifting, practicing, upkeeping RA responsibilities, and doing schoolwork,” he says. “I do enjoy the challenge of managing all these things, as it keeps me busy throughout the week.”
Griffin has advice for other Physics majors:
“At Guilford, Physics students have an advantage over other schools because of our small class sizes. Professors have time to meet with most, if not all, students who come to office hours, and they’ll even work out problems with you to aid your understanding,” he says. “If you really want to continue in physics, you just have to keep at it and really pay attention during class.”
No matter how hard the course or big the dream, Griffin says he’s ready.
“I’m aware of how difficult it will be to follow through with my plans, including graduate school, he says, “but I believe Guilford will prepare me for what’s to come.”
Yes! You can become an engineer while studying at a liberal arts college. Guilford has excellent programs and professors who are dedicated to guiding you toward successful engineering internships and careers. Schedule your personalized visit to learn more. Contact the Office of Admission at 336.316.2100 or admission@guilford.edu with questions. We look forward to getting to know you!