by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
The Cedarville University Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new graduate certificate program in biblical and theological studies and the appointment of five new faculty members at its annual fall meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5. The trustees also approved academic scholarship levels for 2024-25 new students and officially created a vice president for athletics position.
Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in biblical and theological studies is a 12-credit, fully online program that is made up of four courses chosen by the student from the five required core courses in a new Master of Arts degree that is pending Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval. Students will select from Old or New Testament Literature, Systematic Theology 1 or 2 or biblical theology.
The certificate program will equip students with biblical and theological competence and enhance their skills in ministry. The program could also become a springboard for the students to complete the Master of Arts program once it's approved.
The future Master of Arts program is expected to offer specializations in theological studies, biblical counseling, biblical leadership and worship and theology.
New Faculty Members
John Jarrett Ford, Ph.D., assistant professor of New Testament and theology. Dr. Ford earned his doctorate in New Testament and Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). His undergraduate degree in civil engineering is from Oklahoma State University. Prior to coming to Cedarville, he was an adjunct professor at SBTS.
Holly Hoover, B.A., instructor of web design. Hoover earned her undergraduate degree in visual communication design from Cedarville University. Prior to joining the faculty, she was a web designer for WebFX.
Brandi Meacham, M.S., assistant professor of mathematics. Meacham earned her master’s in secondary mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany. In 2019, she joined the Cedarville faculty teaching mathematics courses.
Shannon Swicker, M.S., instructor of biology. Swicker earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Cedarville University, and she is nearing completion of a master’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Cincinnati. Most recently, she served as a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati.
Robert Waller, Ph.D., assistant professor of French and linguistics. Dr. Waller earned a doctorate in world religions and another in missiology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in French.
Vice President for Athletics and Bylaw Changes
Trustees amended the university’s bylaws, with one significant change being the adjustment of non-academic titles. As part of this update, the former role of athletic director was changed to vice president for athletics, recognizing this position’s service as an administrator on the university president’s cabinet. Chris Cross currently serves in this role.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.