Huntington University is proud to announce the receipt of $443,000 from the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission (SDC) as the first installment of a $1 million three-year grant to launch the Creating a Talent Pipeline (CTP) initiative. This investment will enhance Northeast Indiana’s film and media industry by equipping high school students with career-ready skills and expanding access to higher education pathways.
The CTP project is designed to increase postsecondary attainment by offering early-entry college credit courses to area high school students in film, television and animation. Students may earn credentialed certificates that count toward an undergraduate degree at Huntington University or other accredited institutions. The grant will also support Huntington’s award-winning film capstone program, where college juniors and seniors collaborate with industry professionals on a feature-length film production.
“The CTP initiative empowers students with hands-on learning opportunities and real industry connections that are essential in today’s competitive media landscape,” said Matthew Webb, assistant professor of film production. “By investing in young creatives now, we’re helping shape the next generation of storytellers right here in Indiana.”
The CTP initiative aims to serve approximately 200 students annually and includes dual-credit offerings at regional high schools, an expanded School of the Arts Summer Academy and increased mentorship from Indiana-based film professionals.The full CTP project is funded by a combined $2.3 million investment from Huntington University and the SDC. Huntington University remains committed to sustaining the program through ongoing institutional support and donor funding.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University conferred four honorary doctoral degrees at this year’s commencement ceremonies earlier this month, with Brian Emerick, RuthAnn Price, David Rahn and Chant Thompson each receiving the honor. Emerick, Rahn and Thompson were honored at the home campus ceremonies on May 3 while Price was honored at Huntington University Arizona’s ceremony on May 9.
This year marks the first time Huntington University has conferred honorary doctoral degrees since 2019, with the practice initially paused due to COVID-19.
“The conferral of these degrees was put on hold during COVID, but it is important that HU resumed the conferral, to honor those with a connection to the University who exemplify Christ-centered service,” said Monte Lightner, chair of the Board of Trustees. “In addition to honoring deserving individuals, these conferrals also demonstrate to the public a different perspective on success.”
Each of this year’s honorary doctoral degree recipients exude Huntington University’s mission of Christ, scholarship and service.
Emerick is the founder of Micropulse, Inc., a leading manufacturer of orthopedic implants and surgical instruments based in Columbia City, Indiana. After gaining early career experience in the manufacturing industry, Emerick launched Micropulse from his garage in 1988. A respected leader in both business and community service, Emerick has dedicated nearly two decades to healthcare governance through service on the board of Parkview Health System for 18 years. He recently concluded nine years of service on the Board of Trustees of Huntington University. He currently serves on the boards of the Don Wood Foundation, Emmanuel Community Church and several for-profit medical device companies. Emerick is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded or supported the launch of ten startups through his Orthovation business incubator, including Restoration Medical Polymers and Nanovis.
Price was raised in a United Brethren pastor’s home, grounded in a strong Christian heritage that shaped her lifelong commitment to faith and service. She graduated from Huntington College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and began her career as a teacher. Sensing a deeper call to global ministry, she joined Wycliffe Bible Translators, embarking on a remarkable 45-year journey of missionary service. Throughout her tenure with Wycliffe, Price served in a wide range of roles across multiple countries, including the Philippines, Nepal, India, Kenya, Togo, Colombia and Mexico. Her cross-cultural impact reflects her deep dedication to the global Church and to the advancement of biblical literacy. Price served as missionary-in-residence at Huntington University beginning in 2003, where she taught, mentored and inspired students on the Indiana home campus. More recently, she has continued her legacy of service as a volunteer mentor and academic coach for students at Huntington University’s Arizona campus since 2019.
Rahn has devoted his life to advancing the mission of Youth For Christ (YFC), beginning with his own transformation through the organization. Through his ministry and by equipping and mentoring hundreds of youth leaders, he has impacted countless lives. His legacy is reflected in the many students who have come to faith and in the leaders he has empowered through education, authored works and strategic initiatives. A 1976 graduate of Huntington College, Rahn’s commitment to Christian higher education was evident during his subsequent tenure at Huntington University, where he served as professor of youth ministry, director of campus ministries and director of the LINK Institute. Rahn returned to national ministry in 2007 with YFC/USA, where he served as vice president and chief ministry officer. In this role, he guided a national ministries team responsible for training, equipping and resourcing YFC staff across nearly 200 communities nationwide. Rahn concluded his formal ministry career in June 2020, retiring from YFC/USA as senior ministry advisor, leaving behind a legacy of strategic leadership, spiritual depth and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Thompson began his career in Christian higher education at Huntington College in 1979, serving as director of student life and hall director of Wright Hall. He later transitioned into the role of dean of enrollment, where he played a key role in shaping the institution’s admissions strategies. In 1993, Thompson joined the organization now known as the North American Coalition for Christian Admission Professionals (NACCAP). Throughout his career, Thompson has been unwavering in his dedication to advancing Christian higher education. In recognition of his decades of service, he was honored in early 2020 with the Champion of Higher Education Award by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). He currently serves as a fellow with the Association for Biblical Higher Education and is widely regarded as a leading expert in enrollment strategies by Christian college and university presidents across the country.
“The recipients of the honorary degrees during HU's May 2025 graduation ceremonies are an eclectic group with, at first blush, not much in common,” Lightner said. “Extroverts, introverts, a solo practitioner, a founder and leader of a company of hundreds of employees, a missionary, a thought-leader and public speaker. While each of these recipients are blessed with different gifts, they have chosen to use those gifts to the best of their abilities to glorify God explicitly or implicitly and, in so doing, have made a significant impact in their fields and/or in society.”
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Forester Radio has been nominated for the Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) Station of the Year in the CMB University category for the second straight year.
The nomination supports Forester Radio’s desire to provide high-quality radio programming for the HU and Huntington communities.
“Christian Music Broadcasters has been one of the primary organizations supporting Christian radio for the past 23 years,” said Ryan Long, associate professor of performing arts and station manager of Forester Radio. “Stations nominated for this award have demonstrated ‘unwavering dedication to excellence and relentless service to their communities.’ At Forester Radio, our mission is to train the next generation of audio broadcasters and to be a hub for community connections. It is truly an honor to have our efforts recognized by an organization like CMB, and we are excited to continue growing and serving the Huntington community.”
The other four schools to be nominated for the award include Cedarville University, College of the Ozarks, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and University of Northwestern. The winner for the award will be announced at the CMB Awards Dinner in Orlando on May 30.
Forester Radio can be found in the Huntington area on 105.5 FM and worldwide at ForesterRadio.com.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – Huntington University Athletic Director Lori Culler has officially announced the hiring of Hudson Winters as the Director of Esports. Winters transitions into the role after serving as student director this past season having demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to the program's mission.
"We're thrilled to have Hudson officially step into the Director of Esports role following a highly successful year serving as our student director," said Culler. "Throughout the season, he led with purpose and enthusiasm, helping the team excel competitively while also encouraging spiritual growth among the team members. The leadership experience he gained this year has prepared him well for this next chapter, and we're confident he'll continue to build on the program's momentum."
A four-year member of the Forester Esports program, Winters brings a wealth of firsthand experience to his new position. As a student-athlete, he competed on both the Overwatch and Super Smash Bros. teams. His journey with the program began during its inaugural season, giving him a unique perspective on its growth and potential.
"I am honored to continue my journey with Huntington Esports as director of the program," said Winters. "After joining as a freshman player in Esports' first year, I have seen so much growth and development in the program and its students. Now after graduating, I am so excited to continue this growth into the future and cannot wait to lead this program to success."
Winters is currently completing the mentorship program offered by the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). He graduated from Huntington University this spring with a degree in Animation, specializing in Visual Effects (VFX).
The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 160 NAIA All-America honors and 567 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University Assistant Professor of Missions and Old Testament Jordan Monson released a biography titled “Katharine Barnwell: How One Woman Revolutionized Modern Missions” on Tuesday, highlighting the life of who Monson feels is one of the most influential missionaries of all time.
From fleeing Nazi bombing raids as a little girl to escaping civil wars on foot and by river, to being hunted by terrorists, Barnwell has a fascinating story.
In the last 60 years, missionary work has largely passed from Western-led to being led by the global Church. Barnwell had more to do with that change than almost anybody. She trained and equipped the global Church to translate Scripture for themselves, rather than depending on outsiders and Westerners to do it for them.
Some 3,000 languages now have Bibles or partial Bibles because of Barnwell’s work. And since she rewrote the Jesus Film’s translation methods, more than 400 million people have indicated they have become Christians following a viewing. This, coupled with her Bible translation, makes her well over 100 times as influential as Billy Graham. Monson felt it was time the world learned her name.
“Katy is one of the most influential missionaries (or people in general) in world history,” Monson said. “But if you don’t work in Bible translation, you’ve probably never heard her name. I used to work in Bible translation, and we all knew how influential she was. Then, as I read missionary biographies of so-called ‘greats,’ I would furrow my brow. Here I knew a story that was greater than these, both in breadth and reach, but nobody knew who she was! It caused me a lot of cognitive dissonance. Somebody needed to tell Katy’s story to the wider world.”
Monson brought Barnwell’s story to Christianity Today in 2021, and in 2022 it became a cover story — the longest cover story published in Christianity Today in the 21st century. What started as the magazine profile eventually developed into the biography, as the reaction to the cover story motivated Monson to expand upon Barnwell’s story and give it the justice it deserved.
“I was so encouraged after Katy’s story first ran at Christianity Today,” Monson said. “We got reports from all around the world of people weeping their way through it — not in sadness, but in the greatness of what God has done through her. It’s been a hard 30 years to be in ministry in the West. Many pastors, leaders and ministers in the West are working in an increasingly hostile and secular environment. They watch as their own children and grandchildren leave the faith, and their ministries hollow out. Reading Katy’s story brought renewed hope. God is still doing amazing things. Even if we are in a dry spell, God is still doing amazing things in the world.”
Monson worked on and off on Barnwell’s story in its various forms from 2021-2024, highlighted by a trip to the UK in January of 2024 to meet with Barnwell in person to collect interviews and work through Barnwell’s files, photos and correspondence for resources. He concluded the writing process later in 2024.
Monson hopes readers enjoy learning about and are encouraged by Barnwell’s story. His goal was to make it an easily digestible read leaving readers wanting more.
“It’s hard to put down,” Monson said. “With short and fast-paced chapters, many readers are pushing their bedtimes back and saying, ‘Just one more chapter!’”
The book, published by B&H, is available everywhere books are sold and is also available on Amazon in both print and Kindle format. For those interested in an audiobook format, the book is available through Audible. Those opting for the audiobook version will enjoy hearing Monson narrate the book himself, which he was able to professionally record locally at Sweetwater Studios.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University celebrated the naming of the Thwaits Athletic Center with a dedication ceremony on Thursday. The Thwaits Athletic Center, encompassing the new entrance, community center, and fitness center of the Merillat Complex, is named in honor of Ryan and Amy Thwaits.
Ryan graduated from Huntington College in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial/small business management. He embarked on a successful career in the RV industry and as an entrepreneur. He is a co-founder/co-owner and currently serves as an executive of Brinkley RV. The $2,000,000 lead gift toward this facility was generously donated by Ryan and Amy shortly after USDA approval for the facility. Their gift allowed Huntington University to quickly move forward with the project.
Upon making the gift, Ryan noted that it is his sincere hope and prayer that the students using the facility will use it to strengthen their mind, body and spirit.
“People who came before me invested in Huntington so that I could have a fantastic college experience and athletic opportunities,” Ryan said at the time of making the gift. “Now it’s my turn to do the same for the next generation of Foresters. I want them to have success at the highest level, and this is my way of making that happen.”
Ryan was inducted into the Huntington University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 for his significant contributions to the HU men’s basketball program during the years of 2000-2004. Ryan’s success on the hardwood carried over to the classroom, where he was a two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete.
Along with his significant financial support, Ryan has served HU in other ways. In 2020, he served on the search committee that brought Kory Alford to the University as the men’s basketball coach. He has been a resource for HU’s Business Department faculty and students. In 2023, he spoke at the Visiting Executive Seminar. He has been featured at donor events and shared his story, not for personal recognition, but to benefit Huntington University. Ryan has passionately supported the mission of the University and has made strong commitments to ensure the future of HU students through his generosity.
Ryan has been a significant supporter of Huntington University prior to this gift. He has consistently given to the men’s basketball program and supported two projects at Forest Glen Park. Not only has Ryan financially supported athletic programs, but he has also been an ambassador with alumni and encouraged others to stay engaged.
“The Business Department is exceedingly proud of Ryan,” said Dr. Ann McPherren, professor of business and economics and assistant to the president for program development. “Ryan is a life-long learner, and as a student was always engaged in figuring out ways to apply his education in practical ways. His curiosity, confidence and competitive drive have fueled his success as an entrepreneur and business owner. As proud as we are of his business achievements, Ryan’s commitment to the Lord, his family, his community and his generous stewardship are the real measures of his success.”
Ryan has a great love and respect for family, friends, the church and Huntington University. His care and support for others is evident in all he does. Through these qualities, Ryan brings Huntington University’s mission to life, and his generosity advances the University’s mission forward.
“As someone who was an impact player while wearing a Forester uniform, Ryan was a leader who made a difference in every aspect of the game,” said Athletic Director Lori Culler. “We are deeply grateful that his impact continues to be felt in athletics. His lead gift to this project not only enabled us to create a state-of-the-art facility but also inspires our community to dream bigger and aim higher. Naming it the Thwaits Athletic Center is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary generosity. We thank him for giving back so meaningfully — it’s an honor to have his name tied to a space that will inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.”
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. – Huntington University is proud to celebrate Andrew D. Rivera, an associate professor in the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy and graduate of the program, who has been named to Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 2024 Forty Under 40 list. This annual honor recognizes young professionals in northeast Indiana who demonstrate leadership, community involvement and a commitment to making a lasting impact in their fields.
Originally from Marlboro, New Jersey, Rivera relocated to Fort Wayne over a decade ago to attend Huntington University and ultimately made the region his home. Since graduating, he has remained deeply invested in both the profession of occupational therapy and the northeast Indiana community. He currently serves as a state representative for the Representative Assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an advisory board member for the Northeast Indiana Area Health Education Centers and a member of the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association. He also volunteers on the medical team at Pine Hills Church.
Rivera holds a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral science with a concentration in psychology from Seton Hall University and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, expected to be completed in 2026.
Reflecting on his career journey, Rivera shared, “Success to me means making a meaningful impact on my students and the occupational therapy profession while integrating work, health, well-being and Christ-centered service. My faith guides my purpose, reminding me that teaching is also an act of service.”
Rivera’s transition from full-time clinical practice to academia has allowed him to influence the next generation of occupational therapy professionals. His leadership in the classroom and beyond continues to shape a ripple effect of healing, growth and compassion throughout the community.
Huntington University is honored to count Andrew D. Rivera among its faculty and alumni and celebrates his well-deserved recognition as a leader and changemaker in northeast Indiana.