Torch, Fall 2002

Cedarville Ranked in Regional Top Tier T he editors of U.S.News & World Report have ranked Cedarville University in the top tier of regional comprehensive colleges. Factors included in the magazine’s evaluations included admissions selectivity and student/faculty ratio. The annual rankings appeared in the magazine’s September 23 issue and are also available at www.USnews.com , the magazine’s Web site. Cedarville University was ranked at or near the top of the region in standardized test scores and retention of first-year students. It placed highest in the region for the percentage of faculty considered full- time. “We are pleased that this evaluation of the University’s quality and value is a positive one,” said Roger Overturf, Cedarville’s public relations director. “Our mission is to offer an education consistent with biblical truth. Our goal is to provide a college experience that combines challenging academics with a stimulating character development experience in a stirring spiritual atmosphere. We believe this integrative effort provides an excellent preparation for our students’ personal, professional, and avocational futures. It is what we term ‘The Cedarville Experience,’ and it defines what makes a Cedarville education distinctive.” Cedarville Broadcasters Garner Awards D r. Clark Greer, assistant professor of communication arts and media research, and Tim Phipps, a senior broadcasting student, presented award-winning research papers at the recent Broadcast Education Association (BEA) national convention in Las Vegas. Greer (below left) was cited for his research in two separate areas. His first paper, titled “Retooling for the New Millennium: A Content Analysis of Position Announcements for Broadcast-Related Faculty,” earned first place in the Courses, Curricula, and Administration open division. The second paper, co-authored by Phipps, was titled “Non-Commercial Religious Radio Stations and the Web: Management Perceptions of an Online Presence.” It was recognized in the Broadcast and Internet Radio division. Greer holds an undergraduate degree from Los Angeles Bible College and graduate degrees from Northwest Baptist Seminary and the University of Southern California. He earned his doctorate from Bowling Green State University. He has been on the Cedarville University faculty since 1999. Phipps (shown with Greer) was the only undergraduate student whose research was accepted by BEA for presentation at the conference. The Broadcast Education Association is the link between the college professors who teach tomorrow’s radio and television employees and the professionals working in the broadcasting industry. The goal is to produce broadcasters with a unique combination of a liberal arts education and the practical skills essential for employment in the radio, television, and electronic media industry. Fall 2002 / TORCH 15 Cedarville Grad’s Book to Be “Movie of the Week” C edarville alumna Donna VanLiere’s best-selling novella, The Christmas Shoes , has been made into a television “Movie of the Week.” The CBS television network will air the movie, starring Rob Lowe ( The West Wing ) and Kimberly Williams ( Father of the Bride ), as a special this upcoming holiday season. VanLiere (below) , a 1989 Cedarville graduate, wrote the novella, published by St. Martin’s Press in October 2001, after being inspired by NewSong’s mainstream adult contemporary radio single, “The Christmas Shoes.” The single hit #1 in January 2001. Craig Anderson and Beth Grossbard Productions produced the movie. Filming was done in Nova Scotia. Watch your local area listings for dates and times.