Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2021

Dr. Lori Ferguson as their first or second choice. Their input made for an easy decision.” In some ways, Ferguson’s path to college leadership parallels the path taken by Jones. Both Jones and Ferguson started their teaching careers in public schools. Ferguson spent eight years teaching third-grade students at Cedarville Elementary in Cedarville and eighth-grade math at Baker Middle School in Fairborn, Ohio. “In all honesty, after I graduated from Cedarville in 1998, I just wanted to be a second- or third-grade teacher in the public school system,” said Ferguson. “I grew up in public schools, and I always loved the Christian teachers that I had, and I wanted to be like them in my career.” After stepping away from the classroom in 2006 to begin raising her family, Ferguson didn’t know when, or if, she would return to a classroom. That hiatus, however, lasted just one year. That’s when Dr. Sue Baker, Professor Emerita of Education at Cedarville, changed the direction of Ferguson’s professional life. In 2007, Baker recommended Ferguson as an adjunct student-teacher supervisor. A year later, she added one course to her schedule as an adjunct instructor, which continued until 2011 when she was offered a position as an instructor. With a master’s degree already in hand from the University of Dayton, Ferguson embarked on a quest for her doctorate in education from the University of Cincinnati. Eight years later, in 2020, and with two children, Ferguson completed her doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction: teaching mathematics. “I am honored to serve alongside Dr. Jones and with some very incredibly talented and caring faculty members,” said Ferguson. “It is our hope that we lead well so that our students graduate with an understanding for how a Christian educator works and cares for their students.” Jones, meanwhile, softly sits back in his chair as his assistant dean echoes his views of education and the role of an educator. “Dr. Ferguson brings a discipline and level of excellence to her new role. We are committed to working diligently so that our faculty and students benefit, not just in their current positions or as students, but for generations to come,” said Jones. MIGHTY MENTORS This is a lesson that Jones learned years ago from his upbringing in church, and from mentors like Kevin Smith, Executive Director of the Maryland and Delaware Baptist State Convention; Curtis Woods, Associate Executive Director of Convention Relations for the Kentucky Baptist Convention; and the late Kenneth Chapman, former Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kentucky State University. “I learned from mentors that my faith is my career, and I must work hard because at the end of my life, it won’t be the superintendent or the principal doing my evaluation, it will be the Lord Jesus Christ who will be giving out my recompense, my just due,” said Jones. “Dr. Ferguson and I want to be found faithful in the time we are given as leaders in the School of Education.” In the end, Jones and Ferguson are committed to helping their faculty members to continue discipling students so that when they earn their degree from Cedarville University, they will be prepared to go to every city and every country as Great Commission educators. Mark D. Weinstein is the Executive Director of Public Relations for Cedarville University. Dr. Ferguson and I want to be found faithful in the time we are given as leaders in the School of Education. Kevin Jones PREACHER AND TEACHER In addition to being a committed follower of Jesus, an energetic visionary in the School of Education, and an innovative and compassionate educator, the new Dean of the School of Education has a tremendous preaching gift. Prior to joining the faculty of Cedarville University, Kevin Jones was a frequent speaker in chapel, and he continues to inspire, exhort, and implore students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about this dedicated educator and gifted preacher by listening to the Cedarville Stories podcast, which featured him this spring. Visit cedarville.edu/cedarvillestories or scan the QR code. Cedarville Magazine | 11