Torch, Fall 2000

campus went ballistic in celebration. The largest of all the mountains before him had suddenly lifted off the ground and thrown itself into the sea. And James fell to his knees and thanked God for such a time as this. In 1977, Dr. Jeremiah realized that it was time for a transition of roles for him at the College. True to form, Dr. Jeremiah set an example of grace and godliness, always showing dedication to the Lord and to Cedarville College, as he took up his new role as chancellor. When it was decided that Paul Dixon would become the next president of Cedarville College, James was both excited and saddened by the transition. On June 4, 1977, James spoke at the commencement ceremony. His voice was steady, but neither the sorrow nor his tenacious spirit could be missed: The purpose of this announcement is to say that next year will be my last to serve as president of Cedarville College. ... The Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to ask me to serve as Chancellor at the end of my tenure as president. This statement is not to be misconstrued as a resignation. I am not resigning, nor am I quitting. This is simply an announcement of what I believe will be a greater ministry of evangelism and Bible teaching for me and a means of opening new and greater opportunities for the college as we work together with the common goals of a better Cedarville College. 8 The progress that the school had made under James’ guidance was unmistakable, and as James would say, “miraculous.” He had started with 100 students, and in 1978 the school had 1,250. He had begun with eight buildings on 15 acres of land, and in 1978 the campus boasted of 37 buildings spreading out over 180 acres. James had eked out a struggling annual budget of $95,000 when he took office, but he was leaving behind an annual budget of $4.5 million, from total assets of $325,000, to assets of $9.7 million. These accomplishments were indeed the hand of God moving and using a man with such humble beginnings. James was asked to take the next step, and he did, reluctantly but in obedience. And God moved him beyond all that he could have ever hoped or imagined. When the 1978-79 academic year approached, James handed over the mantle of the college to Paul Dixon with no strings attached. This transition exemplified James’ godly character and demonstrated the spirit of a man completely devoted to his God. When such a power shift takes place, whether in Christian circles or outside, certain things often take place. Scars occur, along with rifts in the program and, at times, deep lasting wounds that shatter the institution or affect people in every strata. And this effect is truer in the world of academics than in any other sphere. A college president is in such a powerful, prestigious position that when a change of (continued on page 14) Dr. James T. Jeremiah passed the torch of leadership to Paul Dixon in 1978. The two men greatly respected one another and remained friends until Dr. Jeremiah’s death. Dr. Jeremiah looks thoughtfully across Cedar Lake, circa 1970. He could not foresee the tremendous growth that God would endow upon Cedarville College.