Inspire, Fall/Winter 2009

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 43 “What first attracted us to Cedarville was the strong commitment to God’s Word and the focus on developing a Christian worldview in each student’s life.” facul ty voi ce student is critical. In addition, we must continue to affirm the value of our co-curricular activities such as chapel, ministries, and discipleship groups. Cedarville has a rich heritage, and the future is bright. We recently launched the undergraduate portion of our new pharmacy program, and a Master of Science in Nursing program is set to begin in fall 2010. Since I believe Cedarville’s future must include additional graduate programs, we will determine where Cedarville has unique opportunities to contribute to Christian higher education. In addition, we will explore Cedarville’s future in online education and the development of hybrid study programs, utilizing online technology coupled with face-to-face instruction. We’ll determine how those who cannot study on Cedarville’s campus can benefit from our course offerings. We’ll pursue all future initiatives while enhancing the strong residential undergraduate programs for which Cedarville is known. A Calling for the Next Century The University faces an important move, one that has been underway for a while now: our relocation to the 21st century. We will continue to be a Christ- centered university where all members of our community embrace the inerrancy of Scripture and preeminence of Christ. Our academic programs will remain rigorous. Our intentionality will be a hallmark of our strategic advancement. And balance will always characterize our approach to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and student life. We must be ready to look for new ways to advance these values. This might mean reshaping or even eliminating some programs and activities we’ve come to expect. It will mean stretching ourselves to begin new endeavors. I realize this can be challenging for all of us. But through it all, we must remain focused on students. Our goal is to propel them toward biblical literacy, critical thinking, and responsible living in church and society. A firm commitment to biblical faith and engaging the intellectual imagination of students should be at the heart of Cedarville. This is the best way to guide them toward accomplishing great things — bringing glory to God and influencing people. Join me in asking God to continue building Cedarville University into such a place. Dr. Thomas Cornman began his responsibilities as academic vice president in July 2009. He and his wife, Sue, have two children, David and Laura, and reside in Springfield, Ohio. You may contact him at tcornman@cedarville.edu. Phil Bassett Trains Teachers in China It’s no small thing to leave a comfortable home in small-town Ohio for the bustling culture of Beijing, China. But former Cedarville education professor Dr. Phil Bassett saw an opportunity to be involved in ministry there and couldn’t pass it up. After 13 years at Cedarville, Phil left in 2004 to take a position running a master’s degree program and serving as director of teacher training for International Schools of China. Having helped recruit and send teachers to China from Cedarville for 10 years, Phil decided he “wanted to be a part of this great work of the Lord.” It’s a job he’s well-prepared for, having been instrumental in starting Cedarville’s Master of Education program. He continues to teach at the University as an adjunct professor during alternate summers. “Living in China is very interesting, perplexing, and sometimes frustrating,” Phil said. “But knowing Chinese believers is a huge blessing. The growth of the church here is one of the major events in church history. To be a part of that is humbling and exciting.” Phil and his wife, Susan, have seven children, four of whom graduated from Cedarville. Their youngest son, Matthew, will begin classes in January. To contact Phil or find out more about teaching with International Schools of China, e-mail pbassett@ldi-cn.com or visit www.ldichina.com. Where Are They Now? i