HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Since the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program launched in 2007, the students who have earned nursing degrees from Huntington University had for the most part followed a traditional four-year structure. For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in nursing, however, a second traditional bachelor’s degree could be a hindrance to pursuing a nursing career. Meanwhile, the world is in need of qualified nurses.
That is where the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program came into play. The full-time, in-person program spans just 13 months from start to completion, enabling students who already have one bachelor’s degree and prerequisite classes to start their nursing career faster.
Students in the program earn a Huntington University degree from HU’s excellent nursing faculty, and classes take place in Fort Wayne on Indiana Tech’s campus in all-new, state-of-the-art facilities. The partnership between HU and Indiana Tech provides a dedicated space for ABSN classes with the same quality of Christ-centered nursing instruction that Foresters have come to expect.
The first cohort of the ABSN degree program celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony on October 19. Classes for the cohort of 19 students began in August of 2023. The graduating cohort had a strong Northeast Indiana influence, with 17 of the 19 graduates calling Northeast Indiana home, an unintentional yet fitting tribute to the partnerships behind the ABSN program.
Thanks to the support of Parkview Health, students can have their tuition fully paid for over time and a job waiting for them upon graduation at one of the nation’s premier health systems. Ultimately, the collaboration brings together a high-quality degree program, outstanding facilities in a convenient location, and a strong relationship with the leading regional healthcare provider to ensure graduates are well-positioned to enter the nursing field.
“The innovative partnership between Huntington University, Indiana Tech and Parkview Health opens an incredible pathway for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field to pursue a career in nursing,” said HU Director of Nursing Jodi Eckert. “This collaboration combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Together, we are addressing a critical need in healthcare by empowering a new generation of nurses ready to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”
However, while geography may serve as a common trait among the majority of the graduates, that is largely where the similarities end, as a diverse set of backgrounds also strongly identifies the group.
“The diversity in this program is amazing and makes the learning process more robust and so much fun,” Eckert said. “I think we learn as much from them as they do from us.”
One member of the graduating cohort who is putting her experience in the ABSN program to good use is Consuela Ruffin, who now works in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Ruffin had been considering the idea of an accelerated program when she was referred to HU’s program by her husband’s boss. Ruffin looked into HU’s program further and decided it was the right fit. Looking back at her time in the program, Ruffin knows she made the right choice.
“My experience in the program greatly helped prepare me for my career by providing both the knowledge and the hands-on skills needed in the field,” Ruffin said. “The fast-paced environment mimicked real-world demands, pushing me to stay organized, prioritize tasks and think critically under pressure. The staff’s guidance and encouragement helped me build confidence in my abilities, and the collaborative nature of the program allowed me to connect with peers, learning from their perspectives and experiences.”
Ruffin added she has enthusiastically recommended the program to anyone who she knows is considering an accelerated path to their BSN degree and stressed how the support of the program’s staff was instrumental in the students’ success.
Ruffin and the rest of the inaugural cohort represented the best of what the ABSN program strives for, something Eckert was pleased with.
“We are immensely proud of our first graduating class from the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program,” Eckert said. “These students have shown extraordinary dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence in patient care, embodying the values and mission of Huntington University: Christ, scholarship and service. As the inaugural class, they have set a high standard for future students, inspiring those who will follow in their footsteps. As they step into their professional roles, we are confident they will make a meaningful impact in healthcare and serve as inspiring ambassadors for our program.”
HUNTINGTON, Indiana — Six students from Huntington University presented research at the Conference on Faith and History (CFH) biennial undergraduate research conference at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 9-10, 2024. Participating in the conference were Abigail Ensinger, Matthew Nasir, Lilly Prior, Victoria Hilderbrand, Hayley Saxon and Rebecca Luckey. Tyler Herber, visiting instructor of history, and Dr. Jeff Webb, professor of American history, organized and led the trip.
The Conference on Faith and History is a community of scholars exploring the relationship between Christian faith and history. It sponsors professional and undergraduate conferences to encourage and advance teaching and research informed by Christian faith commitments. Students presented research supervised by Dr. Tim Smith, professor of international history at HU, and Dr. Webb. Ensinger, Nasir and Saxon each presented a different paper on Winston Churchill’s record as Britain’s prime minister, Luckey on Democratic Kampuchea (Cambodia) under Pol Pot, Hilderbrand on Hildegard of Bingen’s writings and Prior on the modern history of agricultural development in Malawi and other African regions.
Students also attended the professional CFH conference immediately after the undergraduate research conference and observed presentations of works-in-progress by professional scholars. The event offered students the opportunity to not only meet peers from other institutions but also observe the give-and-take of experts in a variety of fields of history.
Second-year political science major Matthew Nasir spoke of the impact of the experience on his growing appreciation for faith-learning integration: “Throughout the CFH, I was encouraged by examples of Christian historians who allow their faith to shape how they interpret history. I learned that it is both possible and essential for historians of faith to interpret the past through a Christian lens to help foster a future pleasing to the Lord.”
Abbi Ensinger, a second-year history major, spoke of the experience as an opportunity to improve her research and presentation skills: “It was really great to hear other people's thoughts about my work and think about some of the things I can improve in my essays in the future. I learned that when researching it is important to always think about something you could be missing. I need to make sure to cover all my bases when it comes to research.”
Huntington University students have attended CFH conferences for the last twenty years, including participation in conferences held at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Regent University in Virginia Beach and George Fox College near Portland. Conference attendees were supported by proceeds from the Ron Frank Fund, which was established in 1973 in honor of Ron Frank, a former student at Huntington University.
Photo: HU students wait for a plenary session to begin with Visiting Instructor of History Tyler Herber.
The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) announced on November 14 that Cydney Bridges, a 2023 graduate of Huntington University who serves as a nurse providing critical care for children with severe lung illnesses and was named the second runner-up in the Miss America 2024 pageant, has been named the 2025 CCCU Young Alumni Award winner. The award will be presented on January 30, 2025, as part of the CCCU’s Presidents Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Cydney is a beacon, shining the light and love of Jesus in a world that needs it,” said Dr. David A. Hoag, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. “As a nurse, as a mentor to young people and as a pageant winner, she displays incredible grace, kindness and dedication. She is an incredible representative of Christ-centered higher education.”
Read the full CCCU news story here.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Grace College graduate, Huntington University trustee and president of Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc., Rex D. (RD) Schrader II, was inducted into the prestigious Indiana Academy. The honor recognizes his lifetime of achievement and significant contributions to the state of Indiana, Grace College and Huntington University.
The Indiana Academy promotes the advancement of Indiana through the Academy’s support of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) and its member institutions. Academy membership highlights people who live in or are from the state and who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in philanthropy, business, public service, advancement of the sciences, the arts, literature, culture and scholarship in connection with Indiana’s independent nonprofit colleges and universities.
“RD has left an indelible mark on Grace College through his dedication and passion,” said Dr. Drew Flamm, president of Grace. “I know his continued advocacy for private Christian education in Indiana is a great blessing to many.”
Schrader of Columbia City, Indiana, attended the Grace College basketball camps as a child. He came to Grace in 1988 to study business and played as a point guard all four years for Grace’s basketball team. During his senior year, the team won the 1992 NAIA national championship — the first in Grace Athletics' history.
Schrader, who served in his family’s business as a sales manager for years before becoming the president and lead real-estate auctioneer, has invested significantly in his alma mater.
“The private Christian college experience was just invaluable,” said Schrader. “The Christian atmosphere and value system meant so much to my wife, Holly, and I. If we can help provide that kind of opportunity to other young adults, we want to do so.”
When Schrader’s former coach, Jim Kessler, retired a few years ago, Schrader helped lead the charge to raise substantial funds for an endowed scholarship fund in Kessler's honor. He has also been a member of the Grace School of Business Advisory Council. Through his leadership on the council, the school has updated its curriculum and the business program has grown to be Grace’s largest academic school. His support for the accounting program has resulted in an endowed professorship.
Schrader has also been integral in assisting Grace with selling farms gifted to the institution. He has connected several students with job opportunities, and he remains a faithful supporter of Grace basketball.
“In spite of all his accomplishments, when I think of RD, I think about him attending Grace's basketball games, walking hand-in-hand with his young granddaughter, enjoying his alma mater and introducing Grace to the next generation,” said Flamm. “He truly defines the phrase ‘humble Hoosier.’”
Schrader has also made a profound impact on Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana.
“In my role, I have the privilege of meeting many individuals who serve our institutions and the state of Indiana well,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “However, few of them have dedicated their service to our rural private institutions with such intentionality as RD.”
At Huntington University, Schrader is a member of the Board of Trustees and has been a leader in innovative projects, particularly in the field of agriculture. He is a driving force for HU’s agriculture programs. He sits on the Agriculture Advisory Council and has been instrumental in developing the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies. His leadership had a direct impact on the construction of the Don Strauss Animal Science Education Center, which opened new opportunities for students to work with livestock on campus.
Most recently, Schrader was influential in establishing a partnership between Huntington University and Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This partnership has led to a dual-degree program where students concurrently earn a Bachelor of Science degree in animal health from HU and an Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary nursing from Purdue. Schrader also funded a full-time veterinary nursing faculty position at HU.
As HU’s Haupert Institute continues to expand and see enrollment growth, Schrader is committed to motivating and inspiring HU students with a passion for agriculture and providing them with excellent agricultural education. His involvement extends to career development, as he provides internship opportunities to students and employment opportunities to graduates at Schrader Real Estate and Auction.
“I have so much respect for private schools and the markets they serve,” said Schrader. “While being inducted into the Indiana Academy was a great honor, perhaps the greatest blessing is knowing I played a role in helping Dr. Sherilyn Emberton and Dr. Drew Flamm accomplish their institutional goals.”
To learn more about ICI’s Indiana Academy, visit www.icindiana.org/our-programs/the-indiana-academy/.
Photo Attached: Rex D. (RD) Schrader II (center) was nominated by Dr. Sherilyn Emberton (left) and Dr. Drew Flamm (right) to be inducted into the prestigious Indiana Academy.
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona faculty member Heidi Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, has been named the Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA). Carpenter, who is a doctoral capstone coordinator and assistant professor in the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at HU Arizona, received her award at the ArizOTA 2024 Fall Conference last month.
“Being named Occupational Therapist of the Year is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication and hard work that Heidi has put into the profession,” said Chelsey Edwards, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, director of the OTD program at HU Arizona. “It signifies a recognition of her contributions to the field and the positive impact made on the lives of individuals, students and communities. This accolade not only highlights professional excellence but also serves as an inspiration to others in the occupational therapy community, especially here at HUAZ!”
The ArizOTA Fall Conference is an annual event that gathers occupational therapy professionals, educators and students from across Arizona to share knowledge, collaborate and celebrate the field’s advancements. This year’s conference took place October 18-19 at Creighton University in Phoenix.
HU Arizona faculty and students made a strong showing at the conference, with several presenting research posters. The university was also a featured sponsor of the inaugural Student Conclave portion of the program.
About ArizOTA: The Arizona Occupational Therapy Association (ArizOTA) is a professional organization committed to advancing occupational therapy practice in Arizona. Through advocacy, education, and professional development, ArizOTA supports the delivery of quality services that empower individuals and communities.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On October 18-19, Huntington University hosted 55 top high school seniors in the fifth Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition.
The invitation-only semi-annual competition includes students with a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Through an onsite extemporaneous essay and an interview with faculty and staff, students compete for scholarships ranging from $16,000 per year to full tuition for four years.
In addition to drawing students who excel academically, the competition provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Spirit of a Forester, the set of traits that characterize Huntington University students: chasing truth, defying complacency, remaining curious, caring completely, embracing interconnectedness, having grit and exploring creativity.
The recipient of the full tuition scholarship from the October 18-19 competition is Amelia Hiss of Perrysburg, Ohio. Hiss’ admissions counselor, Ciara Borg-Weaver, surprised her at her family's residence to present her with the award.
“I’m in shock, but a good shock!” said Hiss afterward. “This is just another sign that Huntington is the place for me. Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the scholarship competition.”
Hiss plans to study animation in the Department of Digital Media Arts and is considering a minor in Spanish. She has taken part in both the Veritas Theology Institute and the School of the Arts Summer Academy at Huntington University in the past.
Hiss’ parents expressed feeling humbled, honored and blessed for “Mia” to receive this award: “God’s hand has been all over and lined everything up. She had found her people through these opportunities.”
Hiss encourages students to keep at what they are pursuing and pray about their future, because you never know where God is going to place you.
Additional scholarship recipients from the October 18-19 Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition include the following:
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Irene Miller, a Holocaust survivor, author, speaker, and educator, will be at Huntington University on November 13 to share her story of courage, determination, perseverance and the power of the human spirit.
As one of the last Holocaust survivors actively traveling and speaking publicly, Miller takes her audience on a survival journey little written and known about. You will sleep in the winter under an open sky on the no man’s land; you will freeze in a Siberian labor camp where the bears come to your door front. In Uzbekistan, you will live on boiled grass or broiled onions, and shiver with malaria. You will spend years in orphanages. When this is over you will wonder how a child with this background grows up to become a positive, creative, accomplished woman with a joy of living and love to share.
Huntington University invites the public to attend this event. Admission is free, but an advance ticket is recommended to guarantee seating. Tickets are available at huntington.edu/BoxOffice. On the evening of November 13, any remaining seats will be available on a first-come-first-served basis to anyone without a ticket in the minutes before the event begins.
Event Details Featured Speaker: Irene Miller Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Location: Zurcher Auditorium, Merillat Centre for the Arts Huntington University, 2303 College Ave., Huntington, IN 46750
Irene Miller is a retired healthcare executive who has held positions as a hospital administrator, planner, developer and administrator of the first federally qualified HMO in Michigan. For a year she served in Washington, D.C., on an advisory committee for issues related to drug addiction in women and children. For two years she was a public school teacher in Israel.
In retirement, Irene is a docent and speaker for the Detroit Institute of Arts, a courts mediator and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Committee, the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. Since the University of Michigan-Dearborn published her book, Into No Man's Land: A Historical Memoir, in November of 2012, Irene has been in demand as a speaker in the U.S. and Canada. The book is being used in schools as required reading in history and English classes. The memoir and her talks serve Irene's mission to promote tolerance and diversity.
Into No Man’s Land; A Historical Memoir will be available for purchase at the Huntington University event.