44 Countries, More Than 140 Students and Countless Opportunities

by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer – January 27, 2025

As an institution committed to “the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ,” Cedarville seeks to make a global impact through relationships in every “tribe, tongue and nation.” International students interested in Cedarville are supported through admissions, financial aid and the office of international student services, led by director Jonathan Sutton.

Nigeria, China, South Africa, Honduras, Ukraine, Mexico and Brazil are just a few of the 44 countries represented by the more than 140 international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at Cedarville University.   

As an institution committed to “the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ,” Cedarville seeks to make a global impact through relationships in every “tribe, tongue and nation.” International students interested in Cedarville are supported through admissions, financial aid and the office of international student services, led by director Jonathan Sutton. 

Sutton is new to Cedarville, but he is no stranger to working with international students. Prior to his arrival, Sutton had amassed more than 15 years of experience in vocational ministry and Christian education, where he interacted with students from around the world.  

Having worked with international students, Sutton felt called to his new position after learning about Cedarville through his daughter, who was looking at Christian colleges to attend. After seeing the opening for a director of international services, he was excited by the prospect of blending both his ministerial and educational backgrounds.  

“In this job, I can hear the unique stories and testimonies of international students. I love getting to learn about their experiences and help them bring that to Cedarville in a way that opens opportunities for them and for all of Cedarville,” said Sutton. 

Cedarville presents tremendous opportunity to international students. They can choose from more than 175 areas of study, build strong relationships and be encouraged daily in their relationship with God. International students also present opportunities for their American classmates, who can learn about other cultures and about what God is doing around the world.   

“I hope to help people see the value that our brothers and sisters in Christ from other countries bring to us throughout their knowledge and experience of God,” said Sutton. 

Sutton wants to ensure that every international student can thrive at Cedarville, allowing the unique opportunity for students of every background to learn, serve and worship together. 

International services works to assist international students with the practical side of adjusting to a new country, such as acquiring visas and other necessary documents. Once these students are on campus, international services works to assist them with all of their practical, educational and emotional needs. One way they accomplish these goals is through international student orientation. This orientation helps cover topics and struggles unique to international students and equips them to overcome trials and embrace the unique doors open to them at Cedarville. It also reinforces the motto of international services: together with all the saints. 

“I’m grateful to serve international students. My driving motivation is out of Ephesians 3:18–19,  ‘...together with all the saints you will be able to grasp how high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God,’” said Sutton. “We need to know our brothers and sisters in Christ from other places because it allows us all to know and love God more fully.” 

Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu