1990-1991 Cedarville College Annual Report

Dr. Paul Dixon President Members ofIota Chi promote understanding among students from various backgrounds. Cedarville College . • • e I s full of life. Prospective students who walk on our campus say they experience an unusual vibrancy . They can tell something exciting is happening here! Our students testify to the same excitement-not merely when college is new to them, but throughout their four years at Cedarville. What sets Cedarville apart from other fine colleges for these students? For one thing, they sense we are moving ahead. We offer strong programs in those disciplines most in demand by students today. And we are actively strengthening these programs while adding new ones to meet student needs. The past decade has been difficult in higher education, and colleges generally have struggled to stay even. But Cedarville has continued to grow in enrollment, faculty , programs, facilities, and reputation. Cedarville is a mission-driven institution. Our mission and objectives drive our strategic planning and budgeting...keeping us on course. We hire each faculty and staff member to fulfill a specific part of the mission. Students sense that purpose, and quickly realize they are part of something larger than themselves. Each student' s spiritual growth contributes most to the vibrancy on campus. I personally lead the chapel program. Every year some of America ' s top speakers minister to our students. Students know chapel will address their real needs and challenge them to grow. This pursuit of spiritual growth means much more than chapel services. Every student completes a minor in Bible. Professors in all departments integrate spiritual principles with their course content. And Cedarville has one of the most extensive Christian ministry programs anywhere. A high percentage of students volunteer in scores of ministries throughout our region and around the world. Christian higher education should be value-added education. That means combining biblical integration and spiritua l emphases with the best in academic programs. Too often, Christian in stitutions have attempted to substitute spiritual fervor for serious academics. We resolutely refuse to make such compromises. Both must flourish . While we offer 75 academic programs , there are scores of programs we do not offer. We offer only those programs in which we can excel. We refuse to defraud our students by selling them anemic courses which will prepare them for nothing productive. Our students know their rigorous studies will prepare them to compete with the best in their fields following graduation. Cedarville students often speak of the "family feeling" on campus. They know the faculty and staff genuinely care for them ... and that care spreads into relationships across the institution. Students laugh and share and pray together. This fun-loving group enjoys being together at ball games, banquets, or any informal activity. And they support one another in times of personal crises. Recruiters from major corporations, hundreds of schools, and scores of hospitals come to campus each year. They report that the unusual Cedarville experience produces the caliber of graduates that keeps them coming back. Employers value the professional preparation, the work ethic, and the personal values of Cedarville alumni. Our management ph ilosophy also contributes to campus spirit. Due to our