by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director or Public Relations
Jim and Teresa Clark left Cedarville University in the same way they entered it--together.
They retired at the end of the 2023-24 academic year but before leaving they remembered their journey on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.
The Clarks were settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They had lived there for 21 years, had just bought their dream home, and were confident this was where the Lord wanted them.
But, although man may have plans, the Lord orders his steps. During a weekend visit to Cedarville University with their daughter during a Little Sibs Weekend, the Clarks got reacquainted with their alma mater. Teresa had often visited Cedarville with her high school volleyball teams that she coached in Fort Wayne.
But this visit took a different turn than the rest.
She was approached by Elvin King, the women’s cross-country coach, following a match, who asked her to follow him to Athletic Director Don Callan’s office. There, Teresa was asked to apply for the head volleyball coach position — which was currently vacant.
Even though she and Jim, were not convinced Cedarville University was where the Lord was leading them, she applied. Teresa even came for an on-campus interview, which she felt went poorly.
But the Lord opened a door for the Clarks. Jim secured a position in the admissions department while Teresa was leading the Yellow Jackets volleyball team. And, now, 27 years later, the Clarks have left quite the legacy. Teresa's final position of service was as the faculty-athletics representative, and Jim ended his career as the assistant sports information director.