Inspire, Spring 2009

6 spring 2009 Mentoring Future Police Chiefs In March, black law enforcement executives came to Cedarville for training offered in conjunction with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). The University co-sponsored this week-long session as part of NOBLE’s two-year program to mentor potential law enforcement chief executive officers in reaching their goal of becoming police chiefs. Unique from other mentoring programs, NOBLE provides a Christ-centered perspective and integrates the relevancy of the Gospel into the lessons. Along with other University faculty and current police chiefs, Patrick Oliver, director of the criminal justice program, provided instruction to the attendees. “The success of this program has exceeded our expectations,” said Patrick. “Police chiefs should understand their role as ministers of justice who are ultimately accountable to God.” yellow jacket sports An exciting new era in Cedarville athletics is on the horizon. The Yellow Jackets athletic program is applying to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with the hopes of becoming a Division II member. The transition, which takes three years to complete, was recently approved by the board of trustees. Cedarville President Dr. Bill Brown is among those who believe the time is right for Cedarville to pursue NCAA membership. “It’s a natural step for us to be aligned with such a nationally known organization,” he said. “We see it as a progressive move for our athletic program.” Currently, Cedarville is a charter member in good standing with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the only remaining charter member of the American Mideast Conference. Joining the NCAA would affect not only national affiliation but also conference affiliation. Although this change is momentous, it is not a new consideration for Cedarville. The University has studied the NCAA option three other times in the past 25 years, and the athletic department and University administration agree that now is the right time to pursue this opportunity. “There is no argument that the move strengthens the perception of Yellow Jacket athletics simply by taking on the NCAA brand,” remarked Athletic Director Dr. Alan Geist ’83. “Will we be able to play at the same level of success that we’ve enjoyed in the NAIA? That’s a question that remains to be answered.” Alan continued, “We also have the desire to help create an Ohio- based NCAA Division II conference. It would help us redevelop and strengthen traditional rivalries that we’ve had under the NAIA banner.” Currently, only three schools in the state of Ohio are full-fledged NCAA Division II members. However, five others are either in the process of pursuing membership or have announced their intention to apply. The timeline requires the University to apply for membership to the NCAA by June 1, 2009. It will be notified in July if it has been accepted. If so, Cedarville will begin a compliance period resulting in full NCAA membership within three years. In the meantime, the Yellow Jackets plan to remain NAIA members through the 2010–11 academic year. Jackets to Join NCAA Division II what ’s abuzz