The 2015 Legacy Banquet

Distinguished Educator Award Dr. James Phipps ’68 Dr. James Ronald Phipps has had a long and distinguished career teaching communications at Cedarville University. During that time, he served as the Chair of the communication department from 1970–2002. He has also served on the NAIA International Student Committee, the Chair of the NAIA Home School Eligibility, the President of the Speech Communication Association of Ohio, as well as serving on many other committees and councils. After receiving his B.A. in speech and English at Cedarville College, he received his M.A. in broadcasting and a Ph.D. in communication fromThe Ohio State University. He has also been active in serving his community. Dr. Phipps served as Mayor of the Village of Cedarville from 1996–2012. Prior to that, he served on the Village Council and was its President from 1988–1996. While a student at Cedarville University, Dr. Phipps served as the President of Alpha Chi, Program Director for WCDR, a sportscaster for WCDR, along with several class offices. One of the memories that made a significant impact on his life was when Dr. James T. Jeremiah told him to be careful to always keep issues and people separate, so that he could deal fairly with each without injuring relationships with the persons with whom you work. Dr. Phipps councils other to “never take ourselves too seriously.” The verse that has had great impact on his life, which he attempts to live, is Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Dr. Phipps has been supported in his career by his wife, Patricia (Bonzo) Phipps ’70. She retired from Greeneview High School where she was a Media Specialist. Their children, two daughters and a son, all graduated from Cedarville University. James and Patricia are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren.