PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University is proud to announce the launch of its second OTA/PTA Bridge to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) cohort, marking a significant milestone in the growth and success of this innovative program. Originally launched in 2024 with a pioneering class of 8 students, the program has experienced remarkable expansion, welcoming 22 students into its second cohort this year.
As one of the first fully accredited OTA/PTA Bridge to OTD programs in the nation, Huntington University’s program is designed to provide a seamless pathway for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) to advance their education and careers. The curriculum offers the flexibility and support working professionals need to balance education and their ongoing responsibilities.
Program highlights:
Huntington University’s program reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation and accessibility in occupational therapy education. By providing a bridge program tailored to the needs of working professionals, the university continues to foster a supportive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students to make a lasting impact in their communities.
“The growth of our bridge program underscores the demand for flexible, high-quality education pathways in occupational therapy,” said Tina Sauber, associate director of the bridge program. “We are thrilled to see more professionals take this step to advance their careers and contribute to the OT field.”
Huntington University’s Bridge to OTD program stands as a testament to its mission of preparing competent, compassionate and Christ-centered professionals. As the program continues to grow, so does its impact on the lives of students and the communities they serve.
For more information about Huntington University’s OTA/PTA Bridge to OTD program, visit huntington.edu/Arizona or contact Stacy Fox, OTD admissions coordinator, at sfox@huntignton.edu.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University will host its sixth-annual StoryCon on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., highlighted by award-winning writers Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis Crisler and novelist Larry Sweazy.
StoryCon is operated by the HU English department and is designed for high school and university students who love to read and write.
“StoryCon reminded me that no matter your qualification or age, your story deserves to be heard,” said Annie Seboe, a 2024 HU graduate, of her experience at StoryCon. “I found a new sense of confidence in myself and my writing, and taking constructive criticism from others was now easier, as I saw it as an opportunity to grow.”
Highlighting this year’s StoryCon lineup are workshops from Crisler and Sweazy about “finding your voice through the epistolary poem” and “starting and finishing your novel,” respectively.
Crisler, an award-winning poet and author, has written six poetry books, two YA books and five poetry chapbooks. Crisler has earned a Library Scholars Grant Award, a RHINO Founder’s Award, Indiana Arts Commission Grants, Eric Hoffer Awards, the Sterling Plumpp First Voices Poetry Award and he was nominated for the Eliot Rosewater Award and a Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award. He is the co-poetry editor for “the museum of americana.” Crisler created the Indiana Chitlin Circuit and a new poetry form called the sonastic. He’s the Indiana Poet Laureate and is a Professor of English at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Sweazy is a multiple-award-winning, critically acclaimed author of 19 novels, 34 short stories and over 60 non-fiction articles and book reviews. Larry has been awarded eight national writing awards, including two Western Writers of America Spur Awards, Best Books of Indiana Award, two Will Rogers Medallion Awards, the Elmer Kelton Book Award, the Willa Award and the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award. He has served on the faculty and board of directors for the Midwest Writers Workshop, the faculty for the Indiana Writers Center and teaches writing workshops around the country. Larry lives in Noblesville, Indiana, with his wife, Rose, and is hard at work on his next writing project.
For those on the fence about if StoryCon is for them, Seboe had advice about taking that leap to participate.
“Be bold, step out of your comfort zone and unlock all your creative writing power, knowing that every story, including your own, matters.”
Students can register for StoryCon by visiting huntington.edu/ForesterCamp/StoryCon. Questions about the event can be directed to Dr. Todd Martin at tmartin@huntington.edu.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 461 students to the Dean’s List for fall semester 2024, including 421 students on the Huntington, Indiana, campus and 40 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 41 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. — During their annual winter meetings last week, the Huntington University Board of Trustees voted to elect Dr. Robert Pepper as the 14th president of HU. Pepper currently serves in the role of executive director and assistant to the president for innovation and university partnerships at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Pepper was selected following an extensive national search assisted by executive search firm CarterBaldwin.
Chairman of the HU board Monte Lightner stated, “The Huntington University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Rob Pepper as the next president of Huntington University. Dr. Pepper’s scholarship, experience, creativity, and above all, his love of Jesus will continue and enhance the legacy left by past HU presidents. We are excited to participate with Dr. Pepper in the next chapter of Huntington University.”
Pepper graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Messiah College in 1992, followed by a Master of Science degree in counseling: college student development from Shippensburg University in 1994, and he earned a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University in 2009.
“I am humbled to join Huntington University as its 14th president,” said Pepper. “As my wife, Kristin, and I learned about the University’s rich history and heard from board members and community members about the vibrant, Christ-centered communities in both Indiana and Arizona, it became clear to us that Huntington is deeply committed to developing the whole person. The institution’s focus on helping students view all things through a Christian worldview and preparing them to impact the world for Christ is inspiring.”
Pepper has served at Messiah University in roles of increasing responsibility since 1993, beginning as a residence hall director overseeing student life initiatives. His early work in student affairs laid the groundwork for his career in higher education, focusing on mentorship and personal development of students. Pepper’s roles grew to encompass broader responsibilities, such as director of graduate enrollment and student services, where he and his team worked to double enrollment from 247 to 593 students. His success in this role led to his appointment as the interim assistant provost, and later as associate provost/dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Under his leadership, enrollment swelled to 877 students in 2021-2022.
Messiah University President Dr. Kim Phipps shared this statement, “Dr. Pepper has had a significant impact on programmatic innovation and the development of community partnerships at Messiah. Huntington University will continue to thrive under his Christ-centered visionary leadership.”
Pepper has been married to his wife, Kristin, since 1993. Kristin has served for the past 18 years as a member of the children's ministry staff at West Shore Free Church. Their shared involvement inchurch life has helped them create a strong foundation rooted in faith, and together they have raised three children with these same values. Their eldest, Colby, is a graduate of Covenant College in Georgia, where he was a competitive soccer player. He later earned an MBA and graduate degree in sports management from Ohio University and now works in Major League Soccer with Sporting Kansas City. Their middle child, Micah, graduated from Wheaton College (IL), where he studied history and international relations and excelled in speech and debate. He currently serves with International Justice Mission, a faith-based global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Their youngest, Aubrey, will graduate in May 2025 from Belhaven University in Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance with minors in entrepreneurship and Biblical studies.
“At a time of unprecedented change and societal challenges, it is this unwavering commitment to Christ, scholarship, and service that draws us to Huntington University,” added Pepper. “I am deeply grateful for the strong leadership and vision demonstrated by President Sherilyn Emberton, her senior leadership team, and the Board of Trustees. Building on the solid foundation they have established, I am eager to begin working with others to advance Huntington University’s mission and continue to foster a Christ-centered thriving, transformative educational community.”
The transition between President Emberton, who announced her retirement plans last August, and Dr. Pepper will occur at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. Specific details about the transition will be shared later this spring.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — It’s not every day that you have opportunities to conduct research at the site of a significant event in the history of your faith, but for Mark Fairchild, retired professor of Bible and religion, that opportunity has been a reality over the last several years. Fairchild has conducted research on an underwater basilica in ancient Nicaea he believes to be the site of the First Council of Nicaea, which produced the famous Nicene Creed, accepted as the foundational beliefs of Christian theology. Fairchild has published a book, titled “The Underwater Basilica of Nicaea: Archaeology in the Birthplace of Christian Theology,” with his findings.
The basilica was first discovered in 2014 through aerial photography of Lake Iznik in Turkey. The Archaeological Institute of America proclaimed the discovery as one of the top ten discoveries in the world that year. Mustafa Şahin, the chair of the archaeology department at Uludağ University in Bursa, Turkey, and a renowned archaeologist in the region, was assigned to oversee investigations of the site, with excavations beginning in 2015. In 2017, Şahin invited Fairchild to join the site’s research team, and together in 2018, Fairchild and Şahin published an article with initial findings in Biblical Archaeology Review, the largest archaeology publication in the world.
Fairchild was selected for a Fulbright Scholar Research Grant in 2022 and was granted a sabbatical by Huntington University to correspond with the Fulbright research opportunity. Fulbright coordinated Fairchild’s work through the U.S. Department of State and Turkish government agencies to open various avenues of research.
Among the notable discoveries at the site included the presence of several tombs, suggesting the basilica originated as a martyrion church to commemorate the life of a martyr. In addition to carbon dating the skeletal remains of the tombs, pottery shards and coins helped in dating the structure to the fourth century, which prompted Fairchild to consider if the structure could have been the location for the First Council of Nicaea, which was summoned in A.D. 325 to determine the accepted theological beliefs of the early Christian church.
“After assessing the archaeological evidence, researching the ancient descriptions of the council from the writings of those who attended the council and factoring in a pilgrimage token found at the site, I concluded that the submerged remains began as a martyrion and that this was indeed the place where the council first met,” Fairchild said.
The opportunity to work at a site as significant as the basilica is something Fairchild has relished, especially upon coming to the realization of the site’s history.
“Any new archaeological work is a thrill with the prospect of seeing a new structure,” Fairchild said. “For me, interest in the structure peaked when Professor Şahin was able to securely date the structure to the fourth century. Up to that point, 14 other Byzantine basilicas had been identified in the city of Iznik (ancient Nicaea). However, the earliest of the 14 dated to the sixth century. Thus, none of the other basilicas had anything to do with the First Council of Nicaea. … As the research progressed and more discoveries were made, it became increasingly clear that this was the place of the Council of Nicaea. Prior to this discovery, most modern scholars assumed that the council met in Constantine’s palace at Nicaea. However, when I reread the account by Eusebius, I discovered something important. Eusebius, the well-known the author of Ecclesiastical History, the most important early history of the church, was an eyewitness at the council. Eusebius, one of the attendees of the council in 325, wrote that the council first met in “a house of prayer,” that is, a church. Later, at the conclusion of the meetings (the council met for two months), he asserted that they met in Constantine’s palace for the final vote on the matter. Constantine’s palace has never been found at Nicaea, but the evidence indicates that the church has.”
Fairchild began the writing process for the book in 2022 and submitted a proposal to InterVarsity Press Academic. After receiving approval, Fairchild submitted his final draft at the end of 2023, with the book being published in November of 2024.
In the time since the book released, Fairchild has presented on his findings at the annual conferences of the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, the Evangelical Theological Society and the Biblical Archaeology Society in San Diego and at the International Symposium on the History of Civilizations and Religion in Bursa.
Fairchild hopes readers of his book are able to gain an increased level of appreciation for the importance of a united church.
“The Council of Nicaea brings us back to an important time in church history when divisions threatened to divide the church into factions,” Fairchild said. “Instead, the leaders of the Christian communities from across the ancient world traveled hundreds of miles (usually by foot) in order to resolve issues. A united church is strong testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Christians today need to remain firm on the essentials of the faith while allowing others to think differently on peripheral issues.”
Fairchild is scheduled to lead two trips to Nicaea and additional locations in Turkey in 2025 and invites anyone interested to join him.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University will host the Engage Apologetics Conference on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, in the Merillat Centre for the Arts, highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Sean McDowell.
The conference will focus on the topics of the importance of apologetics, the reliability of the Bible and reaching the world for Christ, with a series of additional subjects being covered in breakout workshops.
“In a world of competing values and views on reality, it is crucial for God’s people to understand the timeless truth of the Christian faith and why this beautiful truth can be trusted,” said HU Campus Pastor Mark Vincenti. “1 Peter 3:15 says, ‘...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’ The 2025 Engage Apologetics Conference at Huntington University aims to inspire and equip you to be a wise and winsome witness for Christ to a world that desperately needs the truth of the Gospel.”
Keynote speaker Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement.
McDowell taught high school Bible for 21 years, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors and parents alike. He is listed among the top 100 apologists and graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in theology and philosophy. He earned a PhD in apologetics and worldview studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014. McDowell is the author, co-author or editor of over 20 books, including “Set Adrift” (with John Marriott), “A Rebel’s Manifesto,” “The Fate of the Apostles,” “So The Next Generation Will Know” (with J. Warner Wallace), “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” (with Josh McDowell), “Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage” (with John Stonestreet), “Is God Just a Human Invention?” (with Jonathan Morrow) and “Understanding Intelligent Design” (with William A. Dembski).
Please visit www.seanmcdowell.org for McDowell’s blog, articles, videos and many other resources.
The conference will run from 7:30-9:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at HU’s Merillat Center for the Arts. Tickets for the conference are available for purchase for $5 in advance online and $10 on the day of in person. Advance online tickets can be purchased by visiting huntington.edu/Engage. Scholarships and group rates are available upon request.
For additional information, please contact Mark Vincenti at mvincenti@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4286.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Twelve works of art from nine Huntington University undergraduate art students were accepted to Honeywell Arts & Entertainment’s inaugural juried “Next Generation: University Art Competition.” The selected artworks will be on display in the Clark Gallery in the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana, from December 11 to January 22, 2025.
“I am happy for our students’ achievements not just because of the number of works selected for the exhibit but because the entries represent many areas of our department — sculpture, painting, illustration, ceramics and drawing,” said Dr. Barb Michel, professor of art and chair of the Department of Art & Design at Huntington University. “In addition, representatives from each class (freshman through senior) have work in this exhibit. We are celebrating the student artists and hope everyone visits the Clark Gallery to see the work by HU artists as well as other college art students from around the state.”
Submissions for the exhibit were open to art students from all Indiana colleges and universities, including students pursuing a master’s degree. Judges Madiha Siraj and Danielle Winger selected 55 works for the exhibit from 112 total entries.
The Clark Gallery is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and before live shows in the Honeywell Center. The gallery will host an exhibit reception at 5:30 p.m. on January 22, at which time exhibit awards will be announced.
Learn more about the exhibit and RSVP to the gallery reception, which will be free and open to the public, on the Honeywell Arts & Entertainment website.
Huntington University Artwork in the Exhibit (Student, Major and Year, Media, Title):
Photos provided:
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Three Huntington University programs launched in the last three years will receive funding for further development through an $850,000 capacity-building grant from the Avis Foundation, Inc. Distributed over three years, the grant will focus on building the capacity of the animal health and veterinary nursing undergraduate program, the Executive Coaching and Leadership Certificate program and the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy – OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge.
The Bachelor of Science in animal health and Associate of Applied Science in veterinary nursing dual-degree program, which Huntington University offers in partnership with Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, enrolled its first cohort of students in fall 2023. Enrollment in the program has nearly tripled in the year since the initial program launch. The Avis Foundation grant funds will go toward staffing as well as laboratory supplies and equipment. In addition to scaling up the program’s current instructional capacity, this strategic growth will allow Huntington University’s facility to prepare as a regional site for competency skill testing for veterinary technology licensure, both for Huntington University students and for students from other animal health agricultural programs.
Launched in October 2021, the Executive Coaching and Leadership Certificate program uses the Coach Approach Skill Training curriculum through an agreement with Holmes Coaching Group. The Avis Foundation grant will facilitate the University’s licensing acquisition of the curriculum, opening new opportunities to tailor the certificate program to community needs while retaining International Coaching Federation approval. More than 50 individuals have completed the certificate program to date.
In January 2023, Huntington University launched the OTA/PTA to OTD bridge program at the University’s Arizona location. The program provides a pathway to a doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OTD) for practicing occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) professionals who are looking to advance their careers. Courses in the bridge program are offered primarily online, with in-person clinical workshops rounding out the experience. The Avis Foundation grant will go toward the expansion of the bridge program, including the development of an online curriculum and clinical workshops and hiring a program director and clinical instructors.
“The funding initiatives through the Avis Foundation provide Huntington University with wonderful opportunities to expand our abilities to serve students in new ways,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “For the next three years, University faculty and staff in occupational therapy, veterinary nursing and executive coaching will see new frameworks and methodologies to strengthen their learning experiences. This seed funding will be matched to increase the impact and allow the University to build capacity in key areas of growth. We are very grateful to the Foundation and to the legacy work of Leland and LaRita Boren for their philanthropic vision.”
Huntington University previously worked with Leland Boren and the Avis Foundation to launch and expand the University’s agricultural program offerings in the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies as well as complete the most recent renovations to the student center at the heart of the University’s Huntington campus.
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.