by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
For more than a decade, Cedarville University professors have stepped beyond the classroom to share their expertise with the world, providing thoughtful, informed analysis on pressing national and international issues. In fact, since 2012, faculty and administrators have participated in more than 5,600 media interviews that offer insight into topics ranging from politics and law to healthcare, economics and technology.
These experts have participated in media interviews for local, regional, national and international print, radio and television outlets. And with each passing year, it seems, the bigger the story, the more national outlets submit interview requests for Cedarville’s experts. Cedarville faculty have interviewed with CNN, Fox News, Newsmax, CBN News, CTV News in Canada, PBS, The Financial Times in the United Kingdom and Moody Radio stations, among many others.
Leading Cedarville’s media strategy are faculty from the department of history and government, led by Dr. Glen Duerr. Collectively, the history and government faculty have completed 4,150 media appearances while also teaching classes and interacting with students.
Milestone Media Contributions
As December rolled into January 2025, two faculty members — Dr. Mark Caleb Smith and Duerr — each set historic milestones when it comes to media interviews.
Smith, director of the center for political studies and dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, marked his 2,000th media appearance on January 24, 2025, in an interview with Christianity Today about President Trump’s Cabinet selections. Smith has averaged 150 interviews per year since 2012 and has also served as a political analyst for Dayton and CBN News during presidential election coverage.
Meanwhile, just days later, Duerr, professor of international studies and chair of the department of history and government, completed his 1,000th media interview on January 28, 2025, during a morning drive time show with Brian Dahlen on WCRF (Moody Radio) in Cleveland.
For Duerr, participating in media interviews strengthens his ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, integrity and compassion. He believes these experiences will make him a better professor and enhance Cedarville’s academic reputation.
“I believe the interviews have helped me to better communicate my lectures to the students,” Duerr said. “Because I’m participating in current events, I believe the lectures are more relevant than just sharing information from a textbook. Our students are getting firsthand knowledge in real time, and the questions they ask also help me prepare for engagement and questions that the media may ask about these topics.”
Smith takes a similar approach, ensuring his media appearances provide objective analysis rooted in constitutional law and political science. His ability to explain political events without bias has made him a sought-after expert in Ohio and beyond.
"Dr. Smith has established himself as a leading political expert,” said Mark D. Weinstein, executive director of public relations at Cedarville University. “He is regularly sought out because he doesn't allow his opinion to be part of the story; he simply brings a story to life in a way people can understand without a political bias. As a result of his interviews, people learn more about Cedarville University, our excellent academic programs, and our commitment to Christian higher education.”
For Smith, the opportunity to contribute is both humbling and gratifying.
“It’s remarkable to me that the media is so interested in Cedarville, because we are not the biggest or most famous school,” Smith said.
As dean, Smith actively encourages his colleagues to take advantage of media opportunities, recognizing that their contributions extend education beyond the classroom. He believes that engaging with the media not only keeps faculty connected to real-world events but also reinforces Cedarville’s growing reputation.
“The media sees our faculty as experts and interviews us consistently. We are recognized throughout Ohio and nationally with some media for being noteworthy,” Smith said. “It is incredible and humbling; we have been blessed.”
While Smith and Duerr headline Cedarville’s faculty experts with more than 3,000 interviews between them, other faculty from their department have followed suit. In fact, Dr. Marc Clauson, professor of history and law, is closing in on 1,000 with his 686 interviews. Colleague Dr. Patrick Oliver, director of the criminal justice program, has done 364 media interviews.
Through their continued engagement with the media, Cedarville professors remain at the forefront of public discourse, using their expertise to inform, educate and uphold a commitment to truth in a rapidly changing world.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian 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.