One Thousand Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. Learn more »
by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
Nearly six years after launching the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in Cedarville University’s 138-year history—a $175 million initiative--the final building from the campaign was approved for construction by the board of trustees at its annual meeting on January 31.
Trustees unanimously approved the start of construction for a new academic center that will be located along the eastern side of campus on Main Street in Cedarville.
Site preparation and construction of the 47,820 square-foot, three-story, $36 million academic center will begin the week after commencement ceremonies on May 3, and it’s expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2027-28 academic year. The building will provide academic classrooms, student collaboration spaces and offices for faculty members in the School of Education and the departments of English, Literature and Modern Languages, History and Government, Social Work, and Psychology.
The 176-foot-tall domed, Georgian-style building will also include a coffee bar with takeout sandwich and salad options.
“While this grand facility will provide a much-needed home for key departments on our campus,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University, “what excites us most is the life transformation that will take place within its walls, as we equip future educators, writers, historians, lawyers, politicians, social workers, and psychologists to serve and lead with excellence and Gospel purpose.”
Campus Apartment Complex
Trustees also approved the construction of four apartment buildings, each with 12 two-bedroom units. The new apartments, which will be part of a 12-building complex, will be located near the current cross-country course and will provide additional campus residential options for Cedarville’s growing student body.
Cedarville has experienced consistent enrollment growth over the past decade and now has 4,024 traditional undergraduate students and 590 graduate students. With its thriving dual-enrollment program, the university’s total enrollment is 6,384.
Budget
Trustees also approved the 2025-26 budget of $132.2 million, an increase of 6.4% from the prior year. Tuition, housing, and food will increase by approximately 3% for undergraduate and pharmacy programs. Education Data Research (EDR) reports that Cedarville’s housing and food charges ($9,574) are among the lowest in Ohio, and well below the $13,842 national average. In addition, Cedarville offers a robust scholarship program that provides 100% of new undergraduate students—freshmen and transfers—with scholarships. If the students maintain the scholarship requirements, this aid can extend to all four years of study and effectively manage their educational costs.
New Academic Program
Trustees also approved a new Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program and will extend Cedarville’s leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship offerings. The university already offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Master of Arts in Innovation (MAI) and is home to the Berry Chair for Entrepreneurship and Berry Center for Free Enterprise.
The new undergraduate degree program, pending external approvals, will be offered in partnership with the International Center for Creativity (ICC) in Columbus. The program will equip students with the skills to develop and implement creative business solutions in a rapidly changing marketplace. Students will spend one semester in Columbus as part of their program.
The ICC also hosts Cedarville’s Industrial and Innovative Design program, which is the leading program of its kind nationally among Christian higher education.
"Cedarville University is committed to developing servant-leaders who will influence the world for Christ,” added White. “This new program is an exciting way to equip students to create solutions, launch businesses, and serve others with excellence."
New Faculty Hires
Four new faculty were approved for hiring, effective for the Fall 2025 academic year. The new faculty are:
Chelsea Baker, B.A., instructor of library science. Prior to joining the Cedarville faculty, Baker worked as an ESOL instructor and site coordinator for the Miami Valley Career and Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio She earned her undergraduate degree in intercultural studies/missiology and will earn a Master of Divinity degree from Cedarville University in May.
Chad Kennedy, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre. Prior to joining the Cedarville faculty, Kennedy was on the faculty of Christ University in Bangalore, India. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Liberty University, a master’s in communication studies from Liberty, and a Master of Fine Arts from Baylor University.
Joseph Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering. Prior to joining the Cedarville faculty, Dr. Miller served as a division chief engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Systems Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Cedarville University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
Wes Stephens, M.S., assistant professor of athletic training. Prior to joining the Cedarville faculty, Stephens served the university as the assistant athletic director for athletic training and sport performance. He earned a master’s degree in education and allied health professions from the University of Dayton and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Cedarville University.
Tenure and Promotion
The following faculty members were granted tenure:
Megan Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of education
Robert Clark, Ph.D., assistant professor of history
George Landon, Ph.D., professor of computer science
Stacey Stratton, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre
The following faculty members received promotions:
Samson Amos, Ph.D., RPh, to professor of pharmaceutical studies
Megan Brown, Ph.D., to associate professor of education
John Chilcote, M.A., to associate professor of worship
Marc Clauson, J.D., Ph.D., to senior professor of history and law
Robert Clark, Ph.D., to associate professor of history
Jessica Elder, M.L.I.S., to assistant professor of library science
John (J.R.) Gilhooly, Ph.D., to professor of philosophy and theology
Jason Grimm, D.N.P., RN, to associate professor of nursing
Nathaniel Kincaid, M.S.N., RN, to associate professor of nursing
William Jones, Ph.D., to professor of biology
Jay Kinsinger, M.S., to professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering
Chao Liu, Ph.D., to associate professor of psychology
Scott Long, D.N.P., RN, to associate professor of nursing
Sean O’Connor, M.F.A., to associate professor of broadcasting, digital media, and journalism
Jenna Orme, M.S.N., RN, to associate professor of nursing
Lin Pan, Ph.D., to professor of physics
David (Pete) Peterson, Ed.D. to associate professor of kinesiology
Stacey Stratton, M.F.A., to associate professor of theatre
Felicia Younkin, Ph.D., to associate professor of psychology
One Thousand Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. Learn more »