Cedarville Magazine, Winter 2016

COMPELLING EXPERTS Why is Cedarville University a go-to source for high-caliber insight about local, national, and international news? “Cedarville professors provide balanced insight, which is so necessary in the news and so welcome,” commented Katie Ussin, evening news co-anchor for Dayton, Ohio-basedWDTN, Channel 2. “That’s what you owe your audience. They give you the facts, and they don’t go off on personal biases. It’s what we want to give our viewers.” “When you’re looking for a person to advise an audience, you want someone who will give them a biblical perspective with a good, strong evangelical understanding,” commented Mark Elfstrand, who produces and hosts Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand on Christian radio station WYLL in Chicago. “The bottom line in radio is the word ‘compelling,’” added Elfstrand. “You want [sources] with edge, passion, and the right tone of voice. Cedarville professors provide compelling conversation.” INCREASED PRESENCE During the past few years, newspaper, television, radio, and online journalists have sought out Cedarville professors for perspectives on everything from same-sex marriage and legalization of marijuana, to Russia’s involvement in Syria, to John Boehner stepping down as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Media have interviewed 89 Cedarville faculty and staff during the 2015–16 school year so far. They have appeared in 877 stories for television, radio, print, and online, including interviews on the Moody Radio Network, the K-LOVE national radio network, and World magazine. When media reached out to Cameron, she saw it as an opportunity to bring truth and a calming response to all the hype. “Ebola was so out of perspective in the national spotlight,” she said. “There was so much happening, so many countries impacted, and so much information. I wanted to help people understand the truth of it and the reality of what was really happening. I felt like that was important. “Helping people to see, hear, and know the truth helps reduce fear and panic,” Cameron added. “It gives people hope and reassurance. That is our responsibility. “God gives us a knowledge base in an area of interest for a reason. He spreads us out through all the professions so we can be a voice within those professions. It is so critical there are Christian people with truth in every field to say, ‘Here’s what’s really happening.’” Oliver, a former Cleveland police chief, has appeared on CNN three times, once to address the Cleveland police shooting of 12-year-old Rice. He’s also appeared on Dayton-area television a number of times. “The Lord has created the opportunity for Christians to speak on these issues,” Oliver said. “It’s an opportunity to speak into the profession from a biblical worldview that understands those virtues, values, and principles that should be practiced in the profession and understands with a degree of expertise how the profession functions.” Duerr has been called on to comment on a wide range of stories with global impact: the release of Fowler, the West Carrollton, Ohio, man who had been imprisoned in North Korea; the threat of terrorist attacks at the 2014 Winter Olympics; Scotland’s bid for independence; and Russia’s involvement in the war in Syria. He’s done a host of interviews for radio stations throughout the Midwest and has appeared on every local Dayton, Ohio, TV station. “At the end of the day, we stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ,” Duerr said. “It’s about bolstering the relationship of the University with the rest of the world, as well as the reputation of the University. My prayer is that people are drawn to Cedarville as a result of having competent people at the University who can speak to these issues.” BROAD IMPACT Besides offering a balanced perspective on current events, Cedarville University faculty members also shine a light for the Kingdom, even as they represent the University. “I think [these media interviews] are a ministry opportunity,” Duerr said. “There are times when one needs to share the Gospel.There are many times when that cannot be done in a short five-minute by Clem Boyd Cedarville Magazine | 13