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Spotlight Helps Faculty
Shine for Future Students
Current freshmen did their homework when determining
whether to attend Cedarville University. A 2015 survey
of all admitted students revealed that two of the top five
reasons they chose Cedarville were related to the quality
and reputation of our faculty. But it wasn’t just the high
caliber of the professors’ instruction; it was also how they
keep a Christian focus in their teaching.
The results affirmed the importance of keeping
Cedarville faculty in the public eye, especially when it
comes to recruiting future students.
“I think it sends a huge message in terms of the
competency of the University, that not only will your
child get a Christian education here, but they’ll be well
educated in general,” said Glen Duerr, Assistant Professor
of International Studies. “We prepare students well for
the workforce and graduate school and give them a
background and foundation in Christian education with
the Bible minor.
“We’re raising the profile of Cedarville and ultimately
the cause of Christ,” he added. “When people see our
professors out there, they will realize this is a great place to
send their son or daughter. We are one of the top choices.”
“It’s an opportunity one has to take advantage of,” noted
Patrick Oliver, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
and Director of Cedarville’s Criminal Justice Program.
“We have subject matter experts who speak competently,
eloquently, and professionally on current issues and from a
biblical worldview. Potential students will realize they can
get a quality, Christ-centered education here.”
Media exposure helps the public and future students
see “we’re current, we know what’s happening, and we’re
knowledgeable,” commented Assistant Professor of
Pharmacy Ginger Cameron. “It lends credibility to the
University.”
“I’m an epidemiologist, so that’s my area of specialty —
infectious diseases, spread, outbreak, and containment,”
Cameron added. “I’m uniquely positioned, as one of the
few epidemiologists in the area, to use my knowledge to
benefit the University in more than the classroom.”
“Our faculty bring a perspective that is fresh and
informative,” noted Mark Weinstein, Executive Director
of Public Relations. “This influence is helping with overall
name recognition that affects student enrollment.”
“It’s impactful to students and prospective students that
faculty members are respected enough they’re sought as
subject matter experts by the popular press,” Oliver said.
“Then students realize, ‘I’m studying at the right place; I’m
learning from the right people.’”
As a result, Cedarville’s reputation grows. “We continue
to move forward and show we are a leader in baccalaureate
education, especially in Christian higher education,” Duerr
offered.
interview, but when I have the longer interviews I can often bring in
Scripture. But it will also point people to Cedarville University, where we
stand, and what we stand for — the Gospel.”
“We practice biblical integration here at Cedarville,” Oliver added.
“Not to add on, sprinkle in, or season with the subject matter, but it’s
woven into the discipline. You’re integrating biblical virtues into the
interviews without referencing the Bible. It’s important that people who
are committed followers of Jesus Christ speak on these issues from a
biblical worldview.”
“I hope this is telling people we are current and relevant; we’re
interested in what’s happening in the world,” Cameron added. “We’re
offering people truth, knowledge, and comfort in the midst of what’s
happening and a unique perspective that maybe a secular person
wouldn’t have. I hope parents of future students are seeing that.”
LASTING IMPRESSION
“The impression I would get as an audiencemember is that Cedarville
faculty are well-spoken, well-informed, and eager to dig into the issues
with the community,” Ussin said. “They have charisma and obvious
passion for what they’re speaking about, and they don’t pontificate.”
As people listen to Elfstrand’s show, they’re evaluating guests. “They’ll
think, ‘That guy makes a lot of sense; that person is obviously well
educated; his mind is well-developed,’” he added. “Whenever I finish a
segment, I always make a point of saying, ‘And, by the way, that’s the kind
of education you can find at an outstanding school like Cedarville.’”
And there’s one other upside, according to Ussin: Cedarville
professors broaden perspectives. “Many times I’ve walked away from
an interview [with a Cedarville faculty member] and thought, ‘Hmm,
I hadn’t thought of that!’” she shared. “I hope folks at home experience
that, too.”
Serving the public by bringing a biblical worldview to the issues of
our day is a worthy quest for Cedarville’s champions of truth.
ClemBoyd
is Managing Editor of
Cedarville Magazine
.
Opening doors for faculty to engage with the media is spearheaded by
Cedarville
University Public Relations
. Comprised of (L-R, front) Mark Weinstein,
Executive Director; Ryan Bower ’08, Assistant Director; and student writers (L-R)
Brandon Best ’18, Rae McKee ’18, David Long ’18, and Victoria Stearns ’18 (not
pictured: Kathryn Sill ’16), the team is dedicated to telling the Cedarville story in
ways that advance the Gospel, support Cedarville’s mission, and build awareness
for what God is accomplishing in and through the University community.
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Cedarville Magazine