HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has broken its previous enrollment record for the third year in a row. A total of 1,777 students are enrolled for fall 2024, up from 1,504 students in 2023 and 1,428 students in 2022. This is the first time in the University’s 127-year history that enrollment has surpassed 1,700 students. In 2023, the University shattered previous enrollment records by surpassing 1,500 students for the first time.
“What an exciting moment in HU’s history!” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “Students are joining the Forester Family from all over world and almost every state in the U.S. This 18% growth is directly attributed to innovative programs with national reputations. We are also thrilled to see our new dual and concurrent credit initiatives to reach Indiana’s high school students nearly triple their enrollment. This targeted growth should promote more Hoosier students to pursue education at the collegiate level.”
“This record-breaking enrollment is truly a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our admissions and enrollment teams,” said Susie Carr, assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions. “Our strategic efforts to connect with students both locally and nationally, particularly through targeted outreach and new initiatives, have paid off in ways we could only dream of. The success we are seeing is a direct result of the collaboration across all departments at the University. I also believe God’s faithfulness has been evident throughout this journey, and we remain committed to nurturing the academic and spiritual growth of every student who joins our Forester Family.”
With 1,266 undergraduates enrolled on HU’s home campus in Huntington, Indiana, and 242 undergraduate students at the HU Arizona location in Peoria, Arizona, the University continues to be encouraged by the student populations in both locations.
At Huntington University Arizona, undergraduate programs in animation, film and graphic design drew an impressive 21% enrollment increase compared to last year.
Now in its second year, the Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program in partnership with Indiana Tech and Parkview Health has increased to 59 students. The first ABSN cohort will graduate in October 2024. In addition, the animal health and veterinary nursing dual-degree program, which is in its second year of partnership with Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, grew by 50% this year on the University’s home campus in Huntington. Agriculture, animation, business, film and nursing continue to show consistent interest as majors to incoming undergraduate students. HU’s efforts in targeted graduate programs are also showing growth, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling degree programs.
“It is encouraging to see growth in Huntington’s graduate and non-traditional programs,” said Jeff Berggren, assistant vice president for graduate and online programs and university marketing. “The University has the opportunity to serve unique populations of adult students with programs such as the ABSN, the occupational therapy assistant to occupational therapy doctorate bridge, and the Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling. The MBA has just launched two new concentrations in non-profit administration and in international agriculture, which will expand the impact of the University.
“The traditional Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) is one of the oldest in the country and is celebrating 10 years of operation in Fort Wayne with hundreds of graduates in professional healthcare positions. Over 25% of those OTD graduates serve in the Fort Wayne region. However, the truly motivating aspect of this growth is that all our graduate and non-traditional programs reflect the Christ-centered mission of Huntington in a distinct and meaningful way.”
Students across the University hail from 64 of the 92 counties in Indiana, 38 states (including Alaska and Hawaii) and 32 countries. They represent all four corners of the United States, from Washington to Florida and California to Maine.
Minority students make up 24% of the 2024-2025 student body, which is an increase for the University. Indiana continues to be the biggest pool for students, with Arizona, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois also being significant contributors to the record growth.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Seven Huntington University undergraduate Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies students and two employees put their agricultural expertise to good use, traveling to Momostenango, Guatemala, in May to serve local communities through agricultural projects in four main areas.
HU’s contingent, along with a few other college-aged young adults from southeastern states, including Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, and staff from the M4 Institute, completed projects focusing on greenhouse food production, sheep production, food dehydration and school-based water filtration during their week-long service in the Guatemalan Western Highlands. These initiatives not only helped Guatemalans in the present but also looked to sustainability for the future.
Forty minutes away on the outskirts of Momostenango, a group featuring mostly HU team members visited rural vegetable farmers to provide as-needed technical assistance for an existing food production operation using large greenhouses. One of the primary crops of this operation was tomatoes, a critical crop in Guatemala according to Dr. Jessica Graves, director of international capacity development with the M4 Institute and an adjunct faculty member at HU in the new international agriculture Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree concentration and graduate-level certificate program.
“Tomatoes are a staple for many Guatemalan households, so growing them to generate income has proven to be a fruitful endeavor for these two farmers,” Graves said.
Graves, who led the trip in her M4 Institute capacity, noted the impact Dr. Raymie Porter, associate professor of agriculture and the director of academic programs for the Haupert Institute, and Natalie Porter, manager of HU’s greenhouses, and their knowledge about plant production had on these visits. The Porters were able to accurately assess the health of the plants to offer invaluable advice to the farmers to help improve the sustainability of their greenhouse food production.
Later in the rural excursion, the group stopped to visit a family who owned sheep. Haupert Institute students Mary Beth Hostetler, Kylee Mumford and Abbie Timmer used their small ruminant knowledge and skills to answer questions the family had regarding health management. The trio also taught the family how to trim the hooves of the sheep and explained why proper hoof care is important. Following the demonstration, the students gifted the family with a set of hoof trimmers so the family could continue with the hoof care moving forward.
“For me, this was such a meaningful experience on the trip to see the students share their knowledge to enhance the life of [the] family by way of livestock management,” Graves said.
One of the most influential projects of the trip was providing a workshop about food dehydration. This is an area past M4 Institute groups have focused on, and the local community expressed a desire to learn more about the process and its importance.
During the trip, the group hosted a dehydration workshop to continue educating the local community, with a particular focus on women and children. The workshop addressed how to dehydrate beef, fruits, vegetables and seasonings for preservation, a key aspect for the community in maximizing its quality of life through food.
“Providing technical assistance in producing and preserving food enables families to thrive in place, improving their local economy and enabling those families to better support their own churches out of their extra income,” Dr. Raymie Porter said. “This is always better than delivering aid in the form of food produced elsewhere, which often undercuts the efforts of local farmers to produce food for their community and the marketplace.”
Graves also made note of the importance of food dehydration due to the relative lack of access to refrigeration in Guatemala.
“The broader impact of this project is great,” Graves said. “Refrigeration is a luxury that many simply cannot afford, so having the knowledge and skills to dehydrate foods allows families the opportunity to increase the diversity of their diet and helps alleviate hunger and malnutrition.”
Another project the group completed that will have a widespread impact on the community was the installation of 13 water filtration systems in two local schools.
Graves shared that the impact of this project is significant, as it gives students access to reliable and safe drinking water right in their classroom. But the impact goes beyond the walls of the classroom, as it will also allow students to bring water home with them after school, which will increase their water consumption at home.
The Haupert Institute plans to return to the Western Highlands region with future trips to continue investing in the community and build upon the impact already made. Graves stated she would like to see international agriculture-focused MBA degree program students participate in travel-abroad opportunities twice during their time in the program, with the first to help them better understand the culture, agricultural and food systems, agribusiness, spiritual and physical poverty and more as it relates to coursework while the second would be to put their poverty alleviation ideas and strategies into action.
While assisting with the physical needs people have is of great importance, HU also strives to address the spiritual needs people have in the process.
“Global hunger is a problem that governmental and non-governmental organizations alike work to combat — and have for years,” Graves said. “The United Nations acknowledges this challenge and even speaks to it directly in the Sustainable Development Goals by saying, ‘The food and agricultural sector offers key solutions for development, and it is central for hunger and poverty eradication.’ I think we can all agree with this statement, but I believe, as followers of Jesus, a faith-based approach allows us to take capacity development to a deeper level addressing spiritual poverty, too. Further, Christians have been charged to fulfill the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). When we follow in His will and marry it with Christ-centered agricultural initiatives, we become the conduit for Christ to work through us to alleviate poverty and hunger in a way that is multi-dimensional...that’s God’s economy!”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Huntington University Foundation is pleased to announce that Jim Wilson is the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. Wilson will receive the award at the Foundation’s annual dinner on Thursday, September 26.
The Huntington University Foundation established the Distinguished Service Award in 2002 to recognize individuals or organizations that embody the principles associated with the mission of the University. Recipients are chosen because they give substance and credence to the University's beliefs, make significant contributions to Huntington County and serve as effective role models for students.
Wilson and his wife, Gloria, joined the Huntington community in 1968 when he took a job as an economics and finance professor at Huntington University (then Huntington College). In addition to teaching, after a season as a volunteer baseball coach, Wilson took on the role of head coach of the Forester baseball team. He remained a full-time faculty member and a part-time coach during his time at Huntington College.
In the 13 years that Wilson was coach, the Foresters had six undefeated seasons, had a 90% conference winning percentage and claimed the conference championship 12 times, among many other achievements. Wilson was named Mid-Central Conference Coach of the Year 11 times and Indiana NAIA Baseball Coach of the Year twice. He was named Midwest Baseball Coach of the Year in 1974, one of eight in the nation. Additionally, he and his team were responsible for developing Forest Glen Park from a pasture to an exemplary collegiate baseball facility. Wilson coordinated contributions that made it possible to do everything from reorienting the field to installing a new scoreboard at no cost to Huntington College.
In the greater Huntington community, Wilson’s many community service projects have included placing 2,500 American flags along the streets of Huntington annually for the Fourth of July for 20 years, serving as president of Habitat for Humanity and the Optimist Club and chairing the Optimist Club’s Back to School Clothing Project for 20 years. He was named Optimist of Year twice. He chaired the Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, where Trinity United Methodist Church serves over 600 meals, for 32 years.
Additionally, Wilson spent more than 40 years working in real estate sales, appraisals, development, building and investment, directly or indirectly adding an estimated more than $50 million to the tax base in the City of Huntington and Huntington County. He retired from his real estate business, Wilson Realty and Development, Inc., in 2024 at 82 years of age.
Wilson is a 2002 Huntington University Forester Hall of Fame inductee and a recipient of a Centennial Medallion.
The Huntington University Foundation annual dinner will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, in the Merillat Complex (PLEX) on the campus of Huntington University. To learn more about the dinner and reserve a seat, visit huntington.edu/FoundationRSVP The reservation deadline is September 12.
About the Huntington University Foundation: Founded in 1938, the Huntington University Foundation exists to support the mission of the University by promoting education and fostering a synergistic relationship between the University and the Huntington County community and surrounding area. To learn more about the Foundation’s history and ways to support its goals, visit huntington.edu/Foundation.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Sherilyn R. Emberton, EdD, president of Huntington University since 2013, officially announced that she will retire following the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. Emberton’s presidency concludes a 23-year career in Christian higher education culminating with 12 years as HU’s chief executive officer and the national director of education for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
“The Church of the United Brethren in Christ is grateful for Dr. Emberton’s leadership at Huntington University,” said Rev. Todd Fetters, bishop of the U.S. National Conference. “She has led our denominational college through continual growth and innovation, making it stronger than ever. I admire the way she has led with vision, collaboration, humility and a deep faith.”
Prior to her time at HU, Emberton served in various leadership roles at East Texas Baptist University, Lincoln Memorial University, LeTourneau University and Texas State Technical College.
“Serving with the faculty, staff and Board of Trustees at Huntington University has been the highlight of my professional career,” said Emberton. “I have loved being part of the United Brethren denomination, community of Huntington, Northeast Indiana and the wonderful independent colleges and universities of Indiana. By far, the greatest joy in that journey has been my interaction with students. I have been blessed by the opportunity to become a part of the Forester Family and will forever be grateful for all the people who have been part of this legacy Christ-centered institution.”
Since 2013, Huntington University has grown 34%, with much of the increase coming from expanding locations and academic initiatives. The University’s locations in Peoria, Arizona, and on the campus of Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne, Indiana, house signature programs in digital media arts and occupational therapy. In 2015, the University launched the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies. Students studying agriculture are projected to be the largest group of incoming HU students in fall 2024.
The University also developed new opportunities through innovative partnerships and collaborations, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with Ambassador Enterprises in 2018, an animal health and veterinary nursing concurrent dual-degree undergraduate program with Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023, and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program with Indiana Tech and Parkview Health in 2023.
Emberton and the University’s Senior Leadership Team, faculty and staff have successfully engaged with two strategic plans, Faith Forward 2022 and Forever Foresters. Additionally, they completed the Step Forward comprehensive capital campaign in 2023. During that campaign, the University invested over $30 million in capital projects, including new spaces such as the Welcome Center, the Don Strauss Animal Science Education Center and the Ware Plant Science Production Facility; significant updates to Forest Glen Park and a 30,000-square-foot student center; and a complete renovation of the current athletic complex and wellness center. The campaign also secured $15 million in future gifts to the University.
The University’s endowment fund has grown 35% in the last decade through gifts and earnings. In 2024, the University underwent a successful accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission and was granted 10-year reaffirmation.
“The Huntington University Board of Trustees received Dr. Emberton’s announcement with great sadness,” said Monte Lightner, chair of the Board. “We are extremely thankful that HU has been blessed with Dr. Emberton’s leadership on campus and off and her representation of the University before stakeholders, funders and collaboration partners both within the community and beyond. She leaves HU with a strong enrollment, a beautiful and growing campus, new programs, fresh ideas and new collaboration partners. Her overarching love of God, high energy, winsomeness, joy and unwavering commitment to keep the HU campus Christ-centered will be missed but will constantly be reflected in the strong, God-loving and vibrant student body, the dedicated and talented faculty and the efficient and hardworking staff.
“We thank Dr. Emberton for her leadership, her friendship and her servant’s heart. We are all better for having had the opportunity to serve Christ with her.”
During her tenure as president of HU, Emberton chaired the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, was elected to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, where she served on the executive committee, chaired the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Crossroads League conference and served as a board member for Elevate Northeast Indiana.
Currently, she serves on the executive committees for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), AgriNovus Indiana and the Independent Colleges of Indiana. Dr. Emberton chairs the board of Lenawee Christian Ministries in Adrian, Michigan, and continues to serve on the board of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. Emberton also sits as an advisory member for the Doden Legacy Trust and the Fortitude Fund.
“Dr. Emberton is a CCCU board member and officer. She is wise, authentic, generous and one of the best partners the CCCU could have,” said Shirley Hoogstra, president of the CCCU. “Not only has she led Huntington with grace and grit, but she has volunteered for decades to make all of Christian higher education the best it can be. She brings laughter as well as truth to her service. I have watched and admired her interactions with students and colleagues. She loves people well. She has loved the CCCU well and me, too. I am a better leader because of her.”
For her service to higher education, Emberton was recognized as Alumna of the Year by Panola College in 2017 and as an outstanding alum in educational leadership by Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018. Emberton is the thirteenth president of Huntington University and the first female president in the University’s history.
The Huntington University Board of Trustees has secured the services of a national executive search firm, CarterBaldwin Executive Search, to aid the Trustees in naming a new president before Emberton officially retires on May 31, 2025. Additional details regarding the timeline for the search and the process for nominations will be released later.
Huntington, Ind. (August 13) – Huntington University has formed a collaboration with Ascend Indiana to connect more students to good and promising career opportunities in Indiana.
Ascend, an Indiana nonprofit organization, helps to connect students to internships and careers through the Ascend Network, a web-based platform that matches a student’s skills and interests with the best Indiana career opportunities. By signing up for the Network, students have access to more than 750 Indiana employers and receive support from an Ascend Indiana Career Mentor.
Since its inception in 2016, Ascend has connected more than 5,000 Hoosiers with jobs, internships and training opportunities in all sectors across the state.
“Huntington University is thrilled to offer our students the opportunity to access the resources available through the Ascend Network,” said Anita Watson, dean of student success at Huntington University. “Our students will have access to jobs and internships all throughout Indiana. As always, we are available for one-on-one support through our Office of Career Services and the Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning.”
Ascend Indiana not only adds a robust resource to the school’s career services, but also gives students a comprehensive view of the many rewarding and exciting career opportunities here in the Hoosier state. Indiana’s economy continues to expand with new and existing companies, leading to many opportunities for Indiana-based careers in the fields of information technology, advanced manufacturing, biosciences, financial services and more. There are more than 2,000 open jobs on the Network for hundreds of different roles including roles in systems analysis, accounting, engineering, marketing, human resources and information technology, among others.
“Students using the Ascend Network will experience a platform that is tailored to finding jobs and internships specifically in Indiana in a wide variety of industries that employ more than 3 million Hoosiers in meaningful and well-paying careers,” said Brad Rhorer, president and CEO, Ascend Indiana. “Indiana’s economy is growing at unprecedented rates; in 2023 alone, 208 companies committed to locate or expand in Indiana, investing more than $28.7 billion in their operations and creating nearly 22,000 new jobs with an average annual salary of $75,025.”
The Ascend Network is a resource offered through the Office of Career Services. During the job search, application and interview process, the Office of Career Services will continue to provide individualized support and educational resources in partnership with Ascend. Students can find out more information here: https://ascendindiana.com/.
About Ascend Indiana A branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), Ascend Indiana is committed to making Indiana a place of economic opportunity for all. Ascend connects job seekers to good and promising career opportunities through an innovative job matching platform, the Ascend Network; catalyzes partnerships and provides consulting services to meet high-demand workforce needs through Ascend Services; and conducts research through Ascend Insights to enable systems-level change that positively impacts individuals throughout the state. To learn more, visit ascendindiana.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nicole Manges, Huntington University nmanges@huntington.edu 260-359-4384
Laura Miller, Ascend Indiana Laura.miller@ascendindiana.com 317-332-3306
Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, professor of history at Huntington University, has published a book-length academic study of conspiracy theories through Bloomsbury Academic as part of its popular Contemporary World Issues series. Titled Conspiracy Theories: A Reference Handbook, the book addresses problems and controversies surrounding conspiracy belief in the United States and throughout the world.
Key portions of the book explore the ancient and early modern tradition of conspiracy theories and their importance in different eras of U.S. history, including profiles of influential figures such as John Robison, Milton William Cooper and Alex Jones. The book also investigates the conspiracy theorists’ uses and misuses of logic and evidence in their accounts of events that appear to defy simple explanation. In addition, it surveys contemporary studies of conspiracy belief’s appeal among different groups defined by education, religious adherence, socio-economic status, political affiliation, geographical location, gender and other identifications.
“This book gave me the opportunity to think deeply about the current social, cultural and political moment in the United States,” said Webb. “I wanted to figure out how our public square became so contaminated by misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy narratives, but also to find reasons for hope that we can have a healthier and more constructive national conversation in the future.”
Readers will get an up-to-date discussion of the role of the internet and social media in the proliferation of conspiracy theories, including highlights from current research on 9/11 Trutherism, mass shooting "false flag" theories, anti-vaccination claims and QAnon. Readers will also follow the profusion of conspiracy theories in American popular culture, ranging from Richard Condon’s novel The Manchurian Candidate to Oliver Stone’s film JFK and finally to more recent content on YouTube and streaming on cable television.
The book engages the idea that conspiracy theories are a meaningful form of dissent, expressing the frustrations of those who are alienated and excluded by systems of authority. On the other hand, it details how conspiracy theories can incite hatred and violence, traumatize survivors of events like mass shooting and terrorist attacks and weaken the public’s trust in scientists, medical doctors and learned professionals of all kinds. Webb believes that every reader should be informed about the dangers of living into a possible future where evidence, proof and even truth itself no longer matter in establishing our beliefs and points of view.
“This title provides thoughtful context and perspective on today's conspiracy theories, and is a definite recommendation for academics, college students, and other serious readers,” said Booklist reviewer Art Lichtenstein.
Webb is editor of the award-winning, two-volume Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History (with Christopher R. Fee), 2 vols. (ABC-CLIO, 2019). He teaches courses in U.S. history and political science at Huntington University.
This column originally appeared in the Huntington University Magazine, Spring/Summer 2024, vol. 30, no. 2.
Spring break at HU Arizona took an incredible turn this year when we hosted the Seattle Mariners, who happen to play spring training across the street from us. As the Major League Baseball team geared up for the upcoming season, they turned to the University's state-of-the-art facilities to capture media footage. What ensued was a remarkable partnership that benefited the Mariners and provided invaluable hands-on experience for six talented film students. This unique opportunity not only allowed the students to witness the inner workings of a professional sports organization but also gave them a chance to contribute their skills to a high-stakes project.
Throughout the shoot, the students worked with seasoned professionals, gaining firsthand experience in media production. From setting up equipment to directing shots, they were immersed in the fast-paced world of sports media.
"It was an incredible learning experience," expressed one of the students, Jeremy Baker. "Being able to apply what we've learned in class to a real-world setting was truly invaluable. Plus, the chance to interact with the Mariners' team was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we'll always cherish."
Beyond the technical aspects, the students also had the chance to forge meaningful connections with industry professionals. From networking lunches to behind-the-scenes conversations, they gleaned insights and advice from those at the top of their field.
For HU Arizona, this partnership was a testament to the University's commitment to providing hands-on learning opportunities for its students. By partnering with a major sports organization like the Seattle Mariners, they were able to offer a truly immersive experience that went beyond the classroom.
"We're thrilled to have been able to host the Seattle Mariners and provide our students with this incredible opportunity," said Tiffany Glazier, who oversees Arizona operations. "This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in the world of education. Not only did our students gain invaluable experience, but they also got to see firsthand the impact of their work on a professional stage."
As spring break ended, the Seattle Mariners wrapped up their shoot with resounding success. However, for the students of HU Arizona, the experience was just the beginning of their journey. Equipped with newfound skills and connections, they're ready to make a significant impact in their future endeavors, both in the classroom and beyond, a testament to the transformative power of such partnerships.
WRITTEN BY Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo
A Carpenter’s Prayer, formerly known as Wayfaring Stranger, is the first feature film from Huntington University and Forester Film LLC — and it could be coming to a movie theater near you! The film's distributor is making arrangements for showings in theaters around the United States, and they want to hear from you about where the film should go next. Learn more about how to request to see A Carpenter’s Prayer in your local theater here (use the "demand" form to submit your zip code). If you haven't had a chance to see this film yet, now is an excellent chance to bring it directly to your community.
A Carpenter's Prayer tells the inspiring true story of a pastor and his family who set out to build a new church in 1970s rural Michigan. Along the way, they face challenges that threaten to unravel everything when an afflicted carpenter becomes their unlikely source of hope, proving that faith in God is the true path to redemption, even in the most tragic circumstances.
All Forester Film productions feature students in production roles alongside industry professionals. Check out this behind-the-scenes video about the making of A Carpenter's Prayer.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Lace up your running (or walking) shoes and get ready to light up the night as Huntington University presents the fourth annual Night Lights 5K on Friday, August 23, 2024. This event promises a night of fun and fitness, all for a great cause: HU’s Hometown Grant.
Check-in for the chipped race begins at 8:00 p.m., with the event officially starting at dusk. The cost of registration is $25 and includes your entry fee and shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top performers in each age group, which include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over. Show off your running prowess and claim victory in your respective category!
To register, visit huntington.edu/5K or contact Jill La Mar at jlamar@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4069. Pre-registration is available until 4:00 p.m. on August 22, with walk-on registration available the night of the event (see details online). Please register by August 8 to guarantee a shirt.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 377 students to the Dean’s List for spring semester 2024, including 357 students on our Huntington, Indiana, campus and 20 students at Huntington University Arizona in Peoria, Arizona.
To achieve designation on the Dean’s List, students must be classified as regular students, have been enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses, and earned at least 42 grade points with a semester GPA of at least 3.50.
“Students named to the Dean's List at Huntington University have demonstrated much more than intelligence,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. “They have shown that they manage their time, analyze complex material, communicate at a high level, and desire to make the most of the talents and abilities that God has given them. While many of these students are involved in student organizations, athletics, outside employment, and various other time-consuming activities, they are also performing at a high level in the classroom. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their future contributions at Huntington University, in graduate school, in meaningful careers, and in community leadership wherever God leads them.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Since 2021, Huntington University agriculture students have directly benefitted from $30,000 in grant funding provided by the Duke Energy Foundation, a community-focused philanthropic arm of Duke Energy. Three $10,000 grants increased workforce development opportunities for the next generation of agriscience professionals by providing access to industry materials and technology in Huntington University agriculture courses.
In 2021, a Duke Energy Foundation grant provided for the purchase of welding helmets and protective equipment, power tools, tool bags and building supplies that 23 students used in the Welding and Construction and Maintenance agriculture courses. A grant in 2022 was used for the purchase of a DJI Phantom 4 drone and Sentera sensors, offering eight students who participated in a drone course in partnership with Purdue Extension the opportunity to interact with precision agriculture technology. In 2023, a third grant provided lab equipment for 11 animal health and veterinary nursing students, giving these students on-campus access to realistic veterinary nursing skills practice.
The materials purchased through these three grants will continue to be available for Huntington University students to use, expanding the grants’ impact beyond the students who initially benefitted from them.
Each partnership between the Duke Energy Foundation and Huntington University has made a tangible investment in the future of the agriculture workforce, providing resources for tomorrow’s animal and crop scientists, teachers, veterinary nurses, policymakers and environmental stewards who will make their careers in Indiana and around the world.
“The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies is extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for the continued support,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute. “Their investment in our students will greatly impact the workforce as these students work in the ag education, precision agriculture and the veterinary medicine sectors. For those majoring in ag education, we know the impact will also be realized as those individuals teach, lead and work with junior high and high school students as well.” “We appreciate the opportunity to support Huntington University and the next generation of agriscience professionals,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Jennifer Jordan. “One of the most important investments we can make is in the people and communities we serve. By providing access to industry materials and technology, we hope to help create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential through hands-on learning.”
“The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies is extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for the continued support,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute. “Their investment in our students will greatly impact the workforce as these students work in the ag education, precision agriculture and the veterinary medicine sectors. For those majoring in ag education, we know the impact will also be realized as those individuals teach, lead and work with junior high and high school students as well.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to support Huntington University and the next generation of agriscience professionals,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Jennifer Jordan. “One of the most important investments we can make is in the people and communities we serve. By providing access to industry materials and technology, we hope to help create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential through hands-on learning.”
About the Duke Energy Foundation: The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
About Duke Energy Indiana:
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 900,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Photo:
From left to right: Sydney Petersen, an animal health + veterinary nursing student from Indiana; Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies; Courtney Mason, an agribusiness student from Michigan; Kevin Johnston, former Government and Community Relations Manager at Duke Energy; and Wyatt Harrington, an agricultural education student from New York, present some of the equipment purchased through the grants Huntington University received from the Duke Energy Foundation.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — At the Alpha Chi National Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in April, Huntington University’s Alpha Chi National College Honor Society students and faculty sponsors received regional and national recognition for their scholarship and service, continuing the longstanding tradition of excellence that characterizes Huntington University’s Alpha Chi chapter, Indiana Beta.
Rebecca Luckey, a history, political science, international and development studies, and history education major, won an Alpha Chi national scholarship as well as a regional scholarship for her paper "Was America’s involvement with Vietnam a ‘noble cause’ (Ronald Reagan) or ‘moral and intellectual poverty’ (Jimmy Carter)?"
Class of 2024 biology major and 2023-2024 Indiana Beta chapter president, Mica Allen, presented a paper on fungi effects on treated and untreated soybean seeds and led a chapter strengthening session on service projects.
Dr. Tanner Babb, associate professor of psychology and associate academic dean at Huntington University, led several meetings at the Convention as Alpha Chi regional president for Region V, and Dr. Ruth Nalliah, professor of chemistry and Alpha Chi faculty sponsor, received an Alpha Chi 2024 Distinguished Service Award from Region V for service as chapter sponsor.
“It is always a joy to see our students’ work acknowledged and rewarded on the national level,” said Nalliah. “Huntington University students consistently do very well in receiving both regional and national recognition for their academic work and engagement.”
Election to Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor at Huntington University.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is proud to announce its #1 ranking in the United States for first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the 2023-2024 academic year, as released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
“At Huntington University, our mission of Christ, scholarship, and service is the guiding principle in everything we do,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to integrating faith and learning, fostering academic excellence, and instilling a spirit of service in our students.”
Out of the 2,218 nursing programs nationwide that received a ranking from the NCSBN, Huntington University secured the #1 placement, with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The NCLEX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (RN), is a test all entry-level nurses must take and pass before beginning their career. Additionally, Huntington’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates have a 100% job placement rate.
“The past few years have shown how critical nurses are to our society, and we are honored to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare by preparing the next generation of nurses,” said Jodi Eckert, director of nursing at Huntington University.
With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, manikins, a student-run nursing council and clinical experiences — Huntington’s BSN program provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career.
Recent graduate and winner of Miss Indiana 2023, Cydney Bridges, found the nursing faculty’s support critical to her success in the program.
“The Huntington University Department of Nursing was where I felt most supported on campus. Each and every one of my professors helped me realize that I could achieve anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination,” said Bridges.
To learn more about Huntington University's nursing program, visit huntington.edu/Nursing.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Berggren to the role of assistant vice president for graduate and online programs and university marketing and the promotion of Susie Carr to assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions.
In his new role, Berggren builds on three decades of experience marketing all aspects of Huntington University. He spent the first two decades of his HU career overseeing marketing operations and enrollment before moving to Arizona in 2014 to launch the University’s Arizona location. After spending nine years in Arizona leading not only undergraduate programs but also the launch of the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy, Berggren returned to Indiana to oversee the growth and marketing of the University’s graduate, online and non-traditional programs. Berggren will continue to provide leadership for the graduate, online and non-traditional programs while additionally leading all of the University’s marketing activities.
“Having the opportunity to return to a leadership role in telling the story of how HU impacts lives is a very exciting to me,” said Berggren. “I have enjoyed the unique experience of being heavily involved in the various markets where HU is involved. That includes traditional undergraduate in Indiana, non-traditional undergraduate in Arizona, graduate in both Arizona and Indiana, along with online programs. So, this feels like an appropriate next step that allows me to participate in telling the various stories of HU alumni, faculty, staff and current students. I’m excited to work with the marketing team we have assembled, and we are already rolling!”
The University’s marketing team includes Nicole Manges, who was promoted to coordinator of university communications, Brad Conner, who was promoted to director of graduate and online program instructional support and web content, and Dylan Herring, who has joined Huntington University as media specialist. Manges, Conner and Herring are HU alumni.
Carr joined the HU team in 2023 as the director of undergraduate admissions and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of higher education admissions. As the assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions, Carr leverages her experience of over twenty years in recruitment, leadership and enrollment strategy to drive strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing both operational and student experiences, thereby elevating enrollment efforts.
Her proven history of excellence and dedication to fostering talent make Carr the ideal candidate to lead enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions, and her expertise in selecting and recognizing talent will undoubtedly strengthen teams and the University. Carr’s expanded leadership responsibilities entail overseeing undergraduate enrollment services, including the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid. She continues to provide direct oversight of the enrollment management team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and transfer student services to all prospective students in the University’s residential programs.
“Overseeing undergraduate enrollment, strategy and financial aid fills me with a deep sense of purpose and conviction,” said Carr. “I passionately believe that each student who crosses our threshold is destined for greatness, and it is our obligation to support and empower them on their educational journey. Together with our enrollment management and leadership team, I am confident that we can create a culture of excellence and innovation rooted in faith and service. Through prayerful discernment and unwavering dedication, let's embrace collaboratively so that every student receives the support they need to flourish and fulfill their journey.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University has announced that Colin Jackson is the winner of the spring 2024 Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize. Jackson is from Huntington, Indiana, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in history education with a minor in political science. He intends to graduate in April 2025 and pursue a career in teaching social studies at the middle or high school level.
The award is given to an outstanding student in the department’s upper-level courses. Jackson’s award-winning performance in the course The American Revolution was recognized by instructor Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history at Huntington University.
“Colin worked to prepare himself for class activities and debates, and routinely made meaningful contributions to discussions,” said Webb. “He distinguished himself in his writing, particularly a deep and engaging essay that examined the sources of revolutionary ideas in the years leading up to the War of Independence.”
About the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize: The Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize honors the memory of Professor Barlow, who served for over three decades as professor of American history at Huntington University, and carries a cash award. It is funded by the Ron Frank Fund, which rewards academic achievement and student participation at professional academic conferences. The fund was established in 1973 in honor of Ron Frank, a former student at Huntington University.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Two professors at Huntington University have received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, the first time the newly created award has been conferred. Professor of History Dwight Brautigam, PhD, and Associate Professor of Mathematics Andrew Hoffman, PhD, were recognized by their peers through a nomination and selection process for their significant commitment to excellence in teaching.
In their nominations, colleagues touted Brautigam’s career-long passion for engaging students and his devotion to ensuring they have “an impactful, life-changing experience.” They said his courses “empowered students to take the initiative in their own learning” and turned them into “active inquirers, investigators, and problem-solvers.” One professor observed that Brautigam’s innovative approach to teaching has been “contagious and inspiring” to many others on the faculty. Brautigam will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year after 37 years at HU, having also received the student-voted Professor of the Year award on five different occasions, more than any other HU faculty member to date.
Hoffman’s fellow professors described him as a “champion of innovative techniques to engage students in active learning” since his appointment to the faculty in 2017. They also praised his “leading-edge active learning methods and strategies” for making his subject “exciting and relevant” to HU students. Hoffman has provided leadership in professional development on campus while serving as president of the Hoosier Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators.
The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award promotes faculty professional development in the area of instruction and pedagogy and celebrates the efforts of full-time faculty who have made significant efforts to bring best practices in teaching from their respective fields into HU classrooms, labs and studios.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On Thursday, March 28, Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly named Kelsey Herber, Huntington University’s volleyball head coach, to its Forty Under 40 Class of 2024.
Chosen from a pool of over 200 nominations, Forty Under 40 recipients are selected by a panel of distinguished judges. Winners are identified by their impactful community service, business achievements and noteworthy contributions in Northeast Indiana.
“Receiving this award is an encouragement and motivation to continue passionately pursuing the life of ministry God has called me to. I feel very honored, humbled, and grateful,” said Herber.
Although Herber is in her fifth year as head coach, her roots with Huntington’s volleyball program go back to her college days, where she joined the Huntington team as an outside hitter — winning an All-Conference Honorable Mention badge her final year.
Upon graduation, Herber found herself drawn into various coaching and leadership positions including serving as a coach for Empowered Volleyball Academy for eight years, before transitioning to her current role as Director of Mental Health. Herber also was an assistant coach for Huntington University for three years, before taking the head coach position over in 2019.
“Coaching is one of my greatest passions in life. Having the opportunity to lead a group of young women on the court and to walk alongside them in their lives is an honor. Coaching goes far beyond the court and is much bigger than volleyball. I believe there is an eternal impact, and relationship is at the foundation of my coaching philosophy,” said Herber.
In her first season leading the Foresters, Herber’s squad earned the most wins in program history in 10 years. Over the next four seasons, her players racked up 18 All-Conference honors and collected 16 Scholar Athlete badges.
“I may be the leader of my team, but my players have taught me, inspired me, and encouraged me in countless ways,” said Herber. “God has used this role in my life to grow my heart, mind, and abilities. I'm not the same person I was when I began coaching, and I have no doubt there is more transformation to come.”
However, being a coach isn’t the only hat that Herber wears in her community — she is also an on-air personality for Star 88.3 for the Josh and Friends Show that airs on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While this might seem out of the box to some, Herber believes her different roles play off of each other.
“I have a blast participating in each of these roles. With my degrees being in broadcasting and counseling, I have found multiple ways to implement each of these skill sets,” Herber said. “I consider each ‘hat’ as an opportunity to be a light for Jesus in our community.”
Herber lives in Roanoke, IN with her husband Zach, HU alum, 2017, and her son Ren.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University students brought home 25 awards from the American Advertising Federation (Ad Fed) Fort Wayne 2024 Annual Advertising Honors on February 24, including the Best in Show and Judge’s Choice student awards. Collectively, HU students earned more awards than any other educational institution in this year’s Fort Wayne competition.
Additionally, Visiting Instructor of Graphic Design Yue Wang received two professional awards, bringing the total number of awards for Huntington University to 27, an increase from 2023.
This year’s award-winning students represent six academic programs from two departments in Huntington University’s School of the Arts. The Department of Art & Design, which includes undergraduates majoring in graphic design, studio art, and visual art education, earned a total of 12 student awards and two professional awards. The Department of Digital Media Arts, encompassing undergraduates majoring in animation, film production, and television production, received a total of 13 student awards.
Awards Summary:
Altogether, Huntington University students and faculty returned from the awards show with a Best in Show, a Judge’s Choice, 10 Gold, 7 Silver and 8 Bronze awards to their credit.
Submitting her entries under the name Yue’s Studio, HU professor Yue Wang received the following professional awards:
Silver Professional Elements of Advertising: Infographic “Silkworm to Silk Infographic Design”
Bronze Professional Cross Platform: Integrated Campaign “Dunhuang City Brand Identity Design”
Students from the Department of Art & Design received the following awards:
Gold Student Sales Promotion: Packaging Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Espresso Americano Package Redesign”
Sales Promotion: Packaging Allese DeYoung “Celsius Packaging Redesign”
Out of Home & Ambient Media: Poster Leah R. Docea “Fantasy World Building Infographic”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Morgan Watts “Brand Design – All Around Bakery”
Elements of Advertising: Illustration Solomon Rangel “Space Debris Infographic”
Silver Student Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Mallory Carver “Chick-Fil-A Brand Campaign”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Leah R. Docea “Adaptive by Design Rebrand”
Elements of Advertising: Logo Design Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Espresso Americano Logo Design”
Bronze Student Collateral Material: Event Materials Elizabeth Kruse “These Shining Lives Poster”
Online/Interactive: Social Media Campaign Josey Reineman “Huntington University T&F Meet Day”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Solomon Rangel “Dry Gentlemen Brand Design”
Elements of Advertising: Logo Design Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Duli Logo Design”
Students from the Department of Digital Media Arts received the following awards:
Best in Show Student Elements of Advertising: Animation Rheanna Jones, Joy Heisey, Rachel Scobey “Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie”
Judge’s Choice Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Elliot Martin “Cinematography Reel”
Gold Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Elliot Martin “Cinematography Reel”
Television Advertising Ericka Whitman “‘In the Beginning’ Promo”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Rheanna Jones, Joy Heisey, Rachel Scobey “Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Cameron Wray, Seth Lecheler, Taylor Stickan “Subliminal”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Joy Purcell, Carrie Runyan, Anna Houser, Alyssa Smith “Jupiter Flights at Conner Prairie”
Silver Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Rebekah Steffen “I Remain”
Television Advertising Jaron Sustar, Hadlee Mertz, Smey Him “Ott’s Coffee”
Elements of Advertising: Art Direction Mason Hyslop, Tyler Bradley, Sam Mann “Scene Recreation Last of Us”
Bronze Student Television Advertising Megan Hostetler “Gold: Live at Huntington University”
Integrated Advertising Campaign Ericka Whitman “‘In the Beginning’ Event Campaign”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Ericka Whitman “#UCanCrushHunger FDN Graphics PKG”
About Huntington University:
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering award-winning graduate, undergraduate and online programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in Huntington, Indiana, in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University has over a century of experience educating graduates who are ready to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. The nonprofit university’s locations include the original home campus and the UB Launch in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy and an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, Arizona. Huntington University’s home campus offers 18 official men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On February 17, Huntington University hosted 68 top high school seniors in the fourth 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 gathering together students who excel academically, the competition is 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 February 17 competition is Heavyn Craft of Southfield, Michigan.
Additional scholarship recipients include the following:
For more information about upcoming Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition events, visit huntington.edu/Admissions or email admissions@huntington.edu.
About Huntington University: Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering award-winning graduate, undergraduate and online programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in Huntington, Indiana, in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University has over a century of experience educating graduates who are ready to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. The nonprofit university’s locations include the original home campus and the UB Launch in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy and an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, Arizona. Huntington University’s home campus offers 18 official men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – HU Volleyball Coach Kelsey Herber was honored as the Marc Davidson Coach of the Year as announced at last night’s annual Northeast Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally. Herber is just the second recipient of this high honor. After being nominated by Hannah Doden, an FCA Area Representative, Herber was selected among a pool of nominees by the local director and FCA board.
“This is such a well-deserved honor for Kelsey,” said Forester Athletic Director Lori Culler. “Her faith is at the center of all she does and her relationship with Christ is the source of her strength, purpose and boundless joy.
“She embodies all we desire our coaches to be. We are blessed to have her on our staff.” Last night’s FCA banquet featured Daryl Strawberry, former MLB baseball player, as the keynote speaker. The Tim Bresnahan Volunteer of the Year was also recognized during the ceremony. Marc Davidson was a beloved high school coach in the Fort Wayne area who went home to be with the Lord in May of 2022 at the age of 49. Coach Davidson finished his career at Blackhawk Christian School where he won two state championships and amassed a record of 227-70 through nine seasons. To honor Coach Davidson, FCA of NE Indiana developed this award in 2023 to be given each year to a coach committed to caring for the spiritual, mental and physical health of his or her athletes. Last spring Lisa Davidson, Marc’s wife, was presented with the first ever award in his honor. The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 154 NAIA All-America honors and 501 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.