Professor Emeritus Chuck Clevenger was the Chair of the Department of Music then, and he hired me. In 1997, I began my career at Cedarville University. For at least two years after arriving in Ohio, I would ask myself, “How did I get here? How did all my worldly possessions get here?” God is the only explanation I have. He works in mysterious ways. A HOME FOR GROWTH AND MUSIC The Dixon Ministry Center (DMC) opened in the fall of 1996 and became my new home when I moved here in August of 1997. My daughter, Anna, was 3 years old at the time, and she basically grew up in the DMC, becoming quite an excellent critic of good and bad vocal sounds at a very young age! I’ve privately awarded her an honorary doctorate in music! I have walked the halls of the DMC for 27 years; I have taught hundreds of students; I have attended hundreds of concerts and recitals; I have laughed and wept with countless students, precious colleagues, prospective students, and their families; and I have been transformed. I am a new creation. God is the only explanation I have. He works in mysterious ways. Come stroll with me through the Bolthouse Center for Music and let me tell you about the amazing department I call home. Dr. Dixon’s statue is a great place to start. I remember what I was wearing when I interviewed with Dr. Dixon in November of 1996. These days, I don’t remember what I ate for breakfast. Dr. Dixon and Mrs. Dixon are dear friends of mine and of so many who are reading this. As president, he was a great supporter of music and the arts. He would sometimes invite me to join him on the speaking/preaching engagements he enjoyed while he was president. He often requested that I sing The National Anthem “à la Sandi Patty,” and it was my joy to do so. God used His Word, whether spoken or sung, to advance His Kingdom and to transform me. Even as I gave back to God through song, God was recreating me. He works in mysterious ways. On any given weekday morning, you will find the DMC classrooms full of music students studying Music Theory, Aural Skills, Diction for Singers, and Vocal Pedagogy. You’ll hear Dr. Curlette’s booming voice as he enthusiastically teaches, admonishes, and prays for his beloved students. Dr. Lilite, the newest faculty member in the department, teaches Vocal Pedagogy and Diction for Singers at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Singers do not make noise or breathe until 2 p.m., but Dr. Lilite’s beautiful integration of his faith and masterful teaching wake the students right up! Dr. Yang’s courses in Music History for sophomores and juniors meet in the late morning in these spaces. Her classes 6
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