1986-1987 Academic Catalog

6 James T. Jeremiah, who first envisioned Baptist Bible Institute coming to Cedarville College, was called to be the president. Qualified faculty were added and soon Cedarville College was alive and growing again. In 1959, the enrollment rose to 255 and by 1965 had climbed to 763. Cedarville was attracting students. Now a new problem faced the college: additional facilities to accommodate a growing student body. Dr. Jeremiah rallied the churches of the GARBC to support Cedarville financially. Dormitories were built, a new library was added in 1967, and a new science center was completed in 1972. The academic program of the College continued to develop. In 1975, its quality was recognized by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and Cedarville became accredited. By 1976, over 1000 students were attending Cedarville. A new chapel was built; more dormitories were added. All the Coliege family marvelled at the blessings of God upon the College. At this point, Dr. Jeremiah felt it best to step down and allow new leadership to take the College to greater heights. In 1978, Paul H. Dixon was called to become the eighth president of Cedarville College. Through his leadership, enrollment rose to 1650 in 1981, requiring construction of additional dormitories. That summer, the Athletic Center was completed and the gym– nasium was transformed into the dining hall. New faculty were added, bringing the total of part-time and full-time members to nearly 100. A four year nursing program was also introduced. For JOO years, daily chapel services have been the "heartbeat" ofthe College. The.first chapel sen 1 ice in the James T. Jeremiah Chapel was held on May 26, 1976. The students raised the $44,000 needed to pay for the pews. Two presidents have served the College since 1953: James T. Jeremiah, with 25 years ofservice, and Paul H. Dixon, now in his ninth year.