Evolution is a central unifying principle in the biological and physical sciences. As such, the Department of Natural Science at Northwestern Oklahoma State University teaches evolution in many of its courses. As a scientific endeavor, the study of evolution relies on observation and testing. Evolutionary theory is well documented by evidence in fields as diverse as biochemistry, paleontology, and embryology. The Natural Science faculty agree that students must understand evolution if they are to be competent health professionals, scientists, and educators. This statement was unanimously approved by the Natural Science faculty at Northwestern Oklahoma State University on October 11, 2011.