Cedarville Magazine, Summer 2013

Cedarville Magazine | 5 I am incredibly thankful to God for the exciting opportunity to lead Cedarville University. I will spend a great deal of time early on developing relationships with the trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners in ministry that make up the Cedarville family. As I begin, I wanted to share some of what you can expect in the future. Cedarville and I are kindred spirits, and my administration will emulate many of the strengths of its notable past leaders. I will seek to continue James T. Jeremiah’s missionary zeal, Paul Dixon’s administrative ingenuity, and William Brown’s love for students. I plan to combine my Southern Baptist Convention relationships with existing Cedarville partnerships and work hard to develop new relationships with conservative evangelical churches and organizations, establishing a broad base of support for Cedarville University. I will continue the Cedarville distinctives of the required Bible minor and chapel attendance for all undergraduate degrees. A biblical worldviewwill continue to guide every degree and every class. We will maintain a high academic standard, not just for knowledge’s sake but so we may love God with all of our minds and follow Him with all of our hearts. Cedarville will be known for “scholarship on fire” as we embody academic excellence set ablaze by Great Commission passion. Cedarville’s doctrinal core will not change as I enthusiastically support and will defend the doctrinal statement. While we will remain theologically conservative, we will not drift toward legalismwith the addition of new rules. I will, however, bring my own personality to some areas like chapel and the School of Biblical and Ministry Studies. Chapel will be marked by thoroughly biblical messages — text-driven with practical application for today. I will strengthen the School of Biblical and Ministry Studies with the goal of having the finest theologically conservative faculty at any university in the world and a curriculum that prepares students spiritually for whatever God may call them to do. I want every student joining professors and staff members on at least one mission trip during his or her time at Cedarville as we equip students with knowledge for a brighter future, virtues for a godly life, and a desire to impact eternity. Cedarville will continue to “inspire greatness” in undergraduate students and “add mission” to graduate students. I will lead Cedarville down the familiar path of standing faithfully for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Please pray that God will give me wisdom and that He will bless our efforts at Cedarville University. Until He comes, Thomas White, Ph.D. Campus News Dr. White’s Vision for Cedarville