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.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University’s Department of Nursing is pleased to announce the following 2024-2025 scholarship recipients:
Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship
Bruce & Linda Myers Scholarship
Nursing Scholarship
Jim & Gloria Wilson Nursing Award
Winter Nursing Scholarship
The Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship goes to nursing students at Huntington University who meet requirements including GPA, Indiana residency, and commitment to working as a registered nurse in Indiana. The Department of Nursing announces the number of scholarship awards each year.
The Department of Nursing awards the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship on behalf of the Myers family. Bruce and Linda Myers were owners of Myers Funeral Homes in Huntington and Markle. During their 25 years in business, they developed close ties with the people of Huntington and Wells Counties and with Huntington University, where Bruce served on the Huntington University Foundation Board and the Fine Arts Council. Linda was a registered nurse with 30 years of medical-surgical and critical care experience. Their professional and personal lives were founded on a deep faith in and love for their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Their desire in giving the scholarship was twofold: to support the mission of Huntington University and the Department of Nursing and to aid serious students of the nursing field in achieving their educational goals by providing financial assistance. Criteria to receive this scholarship include being a current junior nursing major or sophomore accepted into the program, GPA, an essay and demonstrated financial need.
The Huntington University Nursing Scholarship was established to provide encouragement and financial support to students at Huntington University in the nursing program. Criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time and GPA.
The Jim & Gloria Wilson Nursing Award was established by Jim and Gloria Wilson to encourage Huntington County students to attend Huntington University. Jim Wilson taught economics and finance at Huntington University (then College) in addition to serving as head baseball coach for 13 years. He was on the Huntington University Foundation Board for 40 years. Criteria for the Wilson Nursing Award include enrollment in the nursing program, Huntington County resident status, demonstrated financial need, GPA and selection by the Department of Nursing faculty.
The Winter Nursing Scholarship criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time, GPA, and commitment to HU and Department of Nursing standards.
Huntington University enrolled the first cohort of its Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) in fall 2014. Housed at Parkview Hospital Randallia, the program launched in Fort Wayne in cooperation with Parkview Health and the Life Sciences Research and Education Consortium of Northeast Indiana.
In the last decade, 323 students have graduated from the OTD program. A quarter of those graduates have chosen to stay and work in the Fort Wayne metropolitan area.
Community connection and impact are cornerstones of the OTD program. Through community partnerships in Fort Wayne and beyond, OTD students complete fieldwork and a doctoral capstone project before they graduate. They also get involved in community service initiatives that improve quality of life, like Go Baby Go, a national program providing mobility equipment for children. The Go Baby Go Fort Wayne chapter began with a Huntington University OTD student.
The university’s fully accredited doctoral program prepares graduates with the highest level of preparation for the field of occupational therapy, providing exposure to specialty areas and research. A student can enter the three-year entry level doctoral program directly after receiving a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to being Huntington University’s first doctoral degree offering, the OTD program represented the university’s first foray into allied health education. That interest in allied health has since expanded into other programs and locations, including a fully accredited occupational therapy assistant bachelor’s degree on the university’s home campus in Huntington, Indiana, and a second launch of the OTD program in 2021 at Huntington University Arizona in Peoria, Arizona.
The OTD program was one of the first of its kind in the United States, and it continues to be one of the best. In recognition of the OTD program’s 10th anniversary and impact on the Fort Wayne community, Mayor Sharon L. Tucker proclaimed August 25, 2024, as Huntington University Doctor of Occupational Therapy 10th Anniversary Celebration Day.
The OTD program is the 2024 Readers’ Choice Best Higher Education winner.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, professor of history at Huntington University, and Dr. Christopher R. Fee, professor and Graeff Chair of English at Gettysburg College, have published a two-volume reference work through Bloomsbury Publishing on the history of energy in the United States. Titled Energy in American History: A Political, Social, and Environmental Encyclopedia, the book tells the story of energy’s critical role in America’s growth and development from the colonial era to the present day.
The two volumes include 250 separate articles from over sixty scholars on a wide range of themes, such as energy and the U.S. economy, energy technologies and infrastructure and the creation of the U.S. power grid. Other themes include major energy transitions from wind and water to fossil fuels to renewables, domestic energy policy and U.S. foreign relations and the transformation of American life through electrification and energy-fueled transportation revolutions. Readers will enjoy stories about the many different scientists, inventors, engineers and business moguls who worked tirelessly to supply energy to a growing nation. They will also read the stories of those who bore the cost of ill-considered methods of extracting, transporting and consuming energy in the earliest stages of America’s major energy transitions.
Well-known figures like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse and John D. Rockefeller appear in the book, as do lesser known but important characters. The largely unheralded people who made the nation’s energy systems include inventor Frank Shuman, who pioneered new technologies of solar energy around the turn of the twentieth century, and entrepreneur Emma Summers, who helped build California’s oil industry and sparked the modern development of Los Angeles. The two volumes include a general introduction, bibliography, primary documents, chronology and a number of images, all totaling 900 pages.
Webb described the project this way: “We wanted to create a resource that anyone can use to understand the background behind complex issues regarding energy technology, energy economics, the politics of energy development and energy’s impact on society and the environment, given their impact on the way we live and work today.”
The book is available through the publisher’s website and major online retailers. Webb and Fee also co-edited Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History, 2 Vols. (ABC- CLIO, 2019) and American Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales: An Encyclopedia of American Folklore, 3 Vols. (ABC-CLIO, 2016).
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona is thrilled to announce that film and animation HU Arizona students brought home 9 of the 14 awards for which they were nominated at the 2024 Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter Student Production Awards, hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. This incredible achievement highlights students’ dedication, creativity and excellence across multiple categories, solidifying HU Arizona’s reputation as a leader in media arts education.
The award-winning projects and students are as follows:
COLLEGE NON-FICTION - SHORT FORM Grace Johnson, Chelse Gathing & Kyle Hendrickson – “Talking to the Planets!”
COLLEGE MUSIC VIDEO Aiden McGrew – “Fat Karma”
COLLEGE FICTION - SHORT FORM Cody Walker – “Brew-ti-ful Minds”
COLLEGE COMMERCIAL Michael Godreau – “Seige MMA”
COLLEGE ANIMATION/GRAPHICS/SPECIAL EFFECTS Lavender Birch – “Body” Christian Gregg – “Mutual Tides”
COLLEGE AUDIO/SOUND Christian Gregg & Jackson Steele – “Mutual Tides” Jackson Steele – “Just Because - A Road Trip Project”
COLLEGE DIRECTOR Christian Gregg – “Mutual Tides”
These accolades not only recognize the students’ hard work but also affirm Huntington University Arizona’s ongoing commitment to fostering creative talent.
The awards ceremony took place on September 21 at the Chateau Luxe Event Venue, where students’ efforts were honored on a prestigious platform.
It is with great sadness that the Board of Trustees announces the passing of member Jeanné Wickens. Jeanné had served as a Trustee since 2021 and was a committee member on the Enrollment Management and University Relations Committee.
She was a faithful contributor to the Forester Fund, which directly funds scholarships for Huntington University students, and was a key sponsor of the Our Roots Run Deep: 125 Years of Christ, Scholarship, and Service gala, which celebrated the 125th birthday of the University.
Jeanné will be remembered for her devotion to Christ and her family. She was known for her ability to be a very present friend to all. Jeanné spent her career in financial management, most recently as chief financial officer for Parkview Health. She was a member of Emmanuel Community Church.
She passed away on September 19, 2024. The funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on September 30 at The Branch building of Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne.
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona (HUAZ) is thrilled to announce significant growth in its undergraduate programs: animation, film production and graphic design. This fall, HUAZ welcomed an impressive 21% enrollment increase compared to last year. In addition, the incoming spring 2024 class had nearly a 9% increase compared to the previous year. The surge in student interest marks a record-breaking achievement for Huntington’s extension location for both 2024 start terms, surpassing previous enrollment records and reflecting the growing demand for the University’s award-winning digital media arts programs.
“We are so grateful for the remarkable students who have joined Huntington University Arizona in the 2024 calendar year,” said Tiffany Swartz, senior admissions coordinator for HUAZ’s undergraduate programs. “In a year marked by struggle in the higher education enrollment process, we are truly blessed by each and every student God has brought through the doors of HUAZ.”
The 2024 incoming classes are a testament to HUAZ’s commitment to offering cutting-edge programs that prepare students for thriving careers in the digital media industry. The University’s personalized education, state-of-the-art facilities and Christ-centered mission continue to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds.
“Each student brings unique talents, and we are excited to help them grow and thrive in an environment where creativity meets purpose,” added Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of Huntington University Arizona. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience that equips students with the tools to succeed both academically and professionally.”
As HUAZ continues to expand its offerings, this milestone signals the University's ongoing momentum and dedication to shaping the next generation of digital media professionals.
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!”
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona is proud to announce that HU Arizona’s talented film and animation students have achieved an impressive 14 nominations for Student Production Awards from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for 2024. These nominations reflect students’ dedication, creativity and excellence across various categories, and it is a thrill to see their hard work recognized on such a prestigious platform.
The nominees are as follows:
COLLEGE COMMERCIAL Michael Godreau – “Seige MMA” Victoria White – “Patriot Productions”
COLLEGE ANIMATION/GRAPHICS/SPECIAL EFFECTS Lavender Birch – “Body” Sarah Watson – “Piccolo Volo” Christian Gregg – “Mutual Tides”
COLLEGE AUDIO/SOUND Christian Gregg & Jackson Steele – “Mutual Tides” Lester Atkinson – “Hiking the White Tanks” Jackson Steele – “Just Because - A Road Trip Project”
COLLEGE DIRECTOR Christian Gregg – “Mutual Tides” Sarah Watson – “Piccolo Volo”
COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Godreau – “Light,” “Seige MMA” & “Stained Hearts”
Congratulations to all the student nominees. Their creativity and passion for storytelling continue to inspire and elevate the standard of excellence at Huntington University Arizona.
Results will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony on Saturday, September 21 at the Chateau Luxe Event Venue.
Watch the student nomination Emmy reel here: 2024 Rocky Mountain Emmy Student Nomination Reel.
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.
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona proudly announces the graduation of its second cohort from the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program). This year, 17 students earned their Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees, marking another significant achievement for the University.
“These graduates are well-prepared to serve the people of Arizona and beyond,” added Dr. Evelyn Andersson, outgoing OTD program director. “They are committed to enabling people to engage in the meaningful activities of daily life. Congratulations to the HU AZ OTD Class of 2024!”
The ceremony also celebrated Andersson’s legacy as the founding director of the Arizona OTD program. Under her leadership, the program launched successfully, received full accreditation and grew through the OTA/PTA to OTD bridge program. Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the program’s success.
“Dr. Andersson’s leadership laid the foundation for the achievements we celebrate today,” said Dr. Chelsey Edwards, the newly appointed OTD program director. “We are committed to building on her strong legacy.”
The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 14, at New Life Community Church. Faculty, family, and friends celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments.
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