Inspire, Winter 2001

6 Winter 2001 C edarville University has launched a search for its next president. Dr. Paul Dixon, president since 1978, has announced that he will retire in 2003. Board of Trustees Chairman William Rudd had this response to Dr. Dixon’s announcement. Like so many others, I deeply respect Dr. Dixon as a godly man of integrity and as a gifted and principled leader. The Cedarville University family, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends, have been greatly blessed as a result of Dr. Dixon’s presidency, especially the stability Dr. Dixon brought to office. By the time Dr. Dixon steps aside, he and the late Dr. James T. Jeremiah together will have provided more than 50 years of leadership to Cedarville. As we approach this time of transition, we have much to be thankful for. This year, the University enjoys another record enrollment and record retention. The past two decades of facility upgrades have resulted in a beautiful physical plant. Strategic purchases of contiguous properties position the institution well for future physical growth. Cedarville also enjoys a faculty and staff stability and maturity which is the envy of most educational institutions. And, we benefit from a very healthy financial position. Another aspect for which we can be grateful is that Dr. and Mrs. Dixon have treated each of us as members of their family. Their willingness to share in our joys and sorrows, the hurts as well as the blessings of life, have made Cedarville a very family-friendly environment. The University is in great shape financially, physically, and spiritually. Dr. Dixon and the board of trustees have been discussing transition issues for more than two years. We have instituted a plan which covers the next 20 months and which we believe will help lead us to the leader God has ready to assume the presidency of Cedarville University. This plan and the criteria by which all prospective presidential candidates will be examined carry the total endorsement of the board and Dr. Dixon. Dr. Dixon has also assured the board that he intends to maintain the momentum which has characterized his presidency throughout the remainder of his tenure. You can expect to see continued emphasis on the physical development of the campus, as well as his personal involvement in the spiritual dimension of the Cedarville experience as chapel remains his personal priority. In addition, Dr. Dixon has accepted a board of trustees call to assume the role of chancellor when he retires from the presidency. He does so with his explicit intention to serve at the pleasure of the next president. As we anticipate the continued blessing of Almighty God on the University, we can echo, with renewed vigor and meaning, the words of Dr. Dixon’s favorite gospel chorus, “Christ is All I Need!” Pray for us as we seek God’s hand in the selection of Cedarville University’s next president. C andidates for Cedarville’s presidency should exhibit the credentials, experience, and heart to lead the institution to the next level of service. These criteria include: • A personal educational philosophy that would support Cedarville’s mission of providing an education consistent with biblical truth. • Commitment to biblical Christianity and agreement with Cedarville’s doctrinal statement. • Record of distinguished leadership in an academic or Christian ministry environment. • Demonstrated love, concern, compassion, and empathy for students. • Desire to interact with alumni, churches, other academic institutions, donors, and the general public. If you are interested, or know someone who should be, visit the Search Committee Web site at www.cedarville.edu/presidentsearch or contact the committee at the following address: William Bolthouse Chairman, Presidential Search Committee 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 Presidential Transition Begins