Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2013

Cedarville Magazine | 3 Behind Every Good Man ... is a good woman, so the saying goes. But more accurately for the Browns, Lynne’s role as first ladyhas been serving beside her husband.The Browns have enjoyed personal interaction with students through the years — hosting them in their home and encouraging them in special ways. In 2008, Lynne Brown began making a significant impact in her own right by launching Women For Scholarship (WFS). WFS engages women who share Lynne’s heart for helping students with financial need complete their college degrees. A core group of 20 volunteers organizes key annual events designed to introduce local women to Cedarville and raise money for student scholarships. Two of WFS’s signature events are a spring tea and a fall fashion show that includes a silent auction. Since it began, WFS has awarded 16 scholarships to students with financial need. “We meet many students who love Cedarville and have a passion to do great things, and financial need is all that holds them back,” Lynne said. “Often, an award of just $2,000 a year makes the difference for a student to stay at Cedarville.” Lynne has also enjoyed mentoring several female students each year. Students like sophomoreKristi Graydon appreciate her personal investment in their lives. “I can truly say that I know, trust, and love Jesus more,” Kristi said, “because of the grace and truth that Mrs. Brown has spoken into my life.” cedarville.edu/wfs OnOctober 30, 2012, President William E. Brown, Ph.D., announced in chapel that he will step down as President, effective June 30, 2013. Following his presidency, Brown will represent the University, maintain speaking opportunities, and raise funds in the role of Chancellor along with Dr. Paul Dixon, who became Chancellor in 2003. “Serving the faculty, staff, and students at Cedarville has been a true joy for Lynne and me,” said Brown. “The past 10 years are a testimony to the fact that when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord fully, He will bless our work for His glory.” Under Brown’s tenure, financial aid was strategically restructured and student enrollment increased. With the addition of master’s degrees, online programs, and the doctoral degree in pharmacy, Cedarville’s overall enrollment reached 3,386 this year. Since 2003, Cedarville has added pharmacy, industrial and innovative design, forensic science, and journalism programs that meet the needs of students and employers. The University has also increased international recruitment efforts, including an office in China. But enrollment and academic programs are only part of Dr. Brown’s impact at Cedarville. Perhaps his greatest strength is the relationships he’s fostered with students. Zak Weston ’13, Student Government Association President, recalled an unexpected encounter with Brown at the Dayton International Airport two years ago. Weston spotted Brown as they approached security, and they waved. Twenty minutes later, Brown greeted Weston as he cleared security, and Brown bought them both a cup of coffee. They talked for half an hour before boarding their planes. “He didn’t have to wait for me, but he did,” Weston said. “That’s the type of president he has been at Cedarville. This memory will always be important to me.” Brown has positioned Cedarville well for his successor. His noteworthy accomplishments in student recruitment and academic growth, facilities, and relationship-building are reasons why U.S.News &World Report and The Princeton Review consistently rank Cedarville in the top five among Midwest universities and why student satisfaction has experienced record highs since 2007. Editor’s note: See page 30 for a special tribute to Dr. Bill Brown. Dr. Brown Transitions to Chancellor Role Campus News