by Public Relations Staff
During its regular fall meeting on October 5, the Cedarville University Board of Trustees announced a new graduate certificate program, approved the formation of a Center for Pharmacy Innovation, and increased freshman scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year. A new trustee member was also added to the Board, and nine new faculty members were approved.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
The trustees also approved the launch of a new graduate certificate in nursing education. The program is designed for nurses who already have, or are currently pursuing, a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The certificate option is available immediately.
“Many advanced practice nurses are interested in educating nurses, either in the clinical practice setting or in the academic setting,” said Rebecca Wagner, coordinator of the M.S.N. Nurse Educator focus area. “The new certificate allows them to be prepared for that role.”
The online program will include four seven-weeklong courses and can be completed in two semesters. Courses will cover recent neuroscience research on how learning occurs, evidence-based strategies for teaching and learning, cutting-edge assessment and evaluation techniques and innovative curriculum design.
This certificate will be the fifth graduate opportunity offered for nurses at Cedarville University. Cedarville currently offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with three areas of focus: Family Nurse Practitioner, Global Public Health Nursing and Nurse Educator. The new nursing education certificate joins a graduate certificate opportunity in Global Public Health Nursing.
The Center for Pharmacy Innovation
The Center for Pharmacy Innovation — also approved by the board of trustees — will be dedicated to finding ways to use professional pharmacists’ expertise to improve health care in the United States. The center will address medication nonadherence, rising drug and health care costs, appropriate integration of technology and new drug discovery. It will also collaborate with the Ohio Pharmacists Association, among others, in developing creative solutions to health care issues.
A $250,000 gift from Dave and Phyllis Grauer will establish the center.
“Our hope is to identify creative solutions to some of our most challenging problems in health care,” said Marc Sweeney, Pharm.D., dean of the school of pharmacy. “With the support of the Grauers, we hope to attract additional donors who will commit to fostering innovation in pharmacy and health care.”
2018-19 Freshman Scholarships
The trustees approved a $500 increase to most freshman academic scholarships for 2018-19. The increase continues the university’s efforts to address affordability and access for students.
New Faculty Appointments
The board of trustees approved the hiring of nine new faculty members.
Zachariah Benson, M.F.A., assistant professor of studio art
Benson earned his M.F.A. from the University of Maryland. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in sculpture from the University of Tennessee. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at the University of Maryland.
Sarah Compton, RN, M.S.N., instructor of nursing
Compton earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Cedarville University, and since 2016 she has worked as an emergency department registered nurse at Diley Ridge Medical Center in Canal Winchester, Ohio.
Juanita Draime, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Draime earned her doctoral degree in pharmacy from Cedarville University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Cedarville. As a graduate student in 2015, she worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist at Profero, Inc., in Cedarville and last year was the health outcomes fellow and instructor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University. Her position is effective with the 2018-19 academic year.
Andrew Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication
Harris earned his doctoral degree in communication from Regent University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Pensacola Christian College. Since 2016, he served as associate professor of communication at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.
Jennifer Himes, M.A., assistant professor of professional writing
Himes earned her master’s degree in workforce development and education from Ohio State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in technical and professional writing from Cedarville University. Himes has worked professionally at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, most recently as a process management analyst.
Merideth Hoagland, Ph.D., assistant professor of linguistics
Hoagland earned her doctoral degree in applied linguistics from Georgia State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bob Jones University. Since 2012, she has worked at Georgia State University, most recently as an instructor of applied linguistics.
Chester (Chet) Jenkins, M.M., assistant professor of music
Jenkins earned his Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from Ohio University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Cedarville University. Since 2000, he has served as the associate director of Cedarville University’s symphonic band and adjunct instructor of music.
J. Michael McKay, Ph.D., assistant professor of biblical theology
McKay earned his doctoral degree in biblical studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Studies. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in intercultural ministries from New Tribes Mission Institute. McKay previously taught Bible at Trinity Christian Academy, and was an instructor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bethany Sibbitt, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Sibbitt earned her doctoral degree in pharmacy from Cedarville University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Cedarville University. In 2016, she served a one-year pharmacy practice residency with Kettering Medical Center.
New Trustee Joins Board
Daniel B. Green, principal at Wheelock Street Capital in Lakeland, Florida, was appointed to the board of trustees. He earned his MBA from Syracuse University and his bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University. Green and his wife, Julie, have four children—all of whom have graduated from Cedarville University.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.