Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2020

NEW RECORD: 4,550 ENROLL Even in a time of worldwide pandemic, the Lord has blessed Cedarville with another record enrollment, the 14th in a row. Enrollment for the 2020–21 school year climbed to 4,550 students, an increase of 170 students from last year’s 4,380 students. All glory to the Lord for this remarkable stewardship of seeing lives transformed through an excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority. OLIVER NAMED TO STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT POST T h i s s umme r , Oh i o Governor Mike DeWine appointed Patrick Oliver, Director of Cedarville’s Criminal Justice Program, as lead consultant to Ohio’s newly formed Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. In this new role, Oliver will be able to shape the way that law enforcement police chiefs and sheriffs throughout the state recruit and select law enforcement officers. The new office will also work to increase the hiring of minorities and women. Oliver will continue to serve in his role at Cedarville, where he has led the criminal justice program since joining the faculty 15 years ago. He is the founder of the University’s forensic science program. B e f o r e s e r v i n g a t Cedarville University, Oliver served for 27½ years in various roles in law enforcement, including the city of Cleveland’s first African-American police chief. Oliver credits his father, James Oliver, a career police officer who was a homicide detective his last 10 years at the Cleveland Division of Police, for being a powerful example who influenced his vocational path. Ultimately, however, he credits the Lord for giving him the passion to serve and protect. “Law enforcement is what I was born to do; it is a labor of love,” he commented. DR. MICHAEL FIRMIN WITH THE LORD We have been reminded often in 2020 of our complete reliance on God and the uncertainties of life on this side of heaven. This truth was made all the more clear by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dr. Michael Firmin, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, due to a heart attack on October 27. Since his arrival at Cedarville University in 1998, Dr. Firmin served faithfully as a faculty member, department chair, and colleague. He was a prolific scholar, regularly publishing in his field, editing a journal, and directing numerous conferences. He worked tirelessly with students to help them prepare research for presentation and publication. Dr. Firmin was committed to biblical integration and maintained a rigorous study of the Word of God and Koine Greek. Dr. Firmin's high standards, vast array of interests, and dedication to scholarship were unrivaled. His commitment to the success of Cedarville was unequaled. "Let’s reflect on the grace that is ours to come where paradise awaits those whose salvation is assured by Christ,” commented Professor of Psychology and current department chair Luke Tse. “Dr. Firmin is with our beloved Lord!" “We mourn, but not without hope,” said Thomas White, President of Cedarville University. “One day, we will see our beloved friend and colleague again.” CAMPUS NEWS 38 | Cedarville Magazine