PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona is proud to announce that High School Early Entry (HSEE) student Hana Taylor has won the National Student Production Award (NSPA) for High School Animation/Graphics/Special Effects for her animated short film FISHBOWL. This national honor is presented through the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and represents a landmark achievement for both Taylor and her school community.
Taylor’s film, FISHBOWL, has earned sweeping acclaim across multiple festivals during the 2024-2025 competition year, winning Best Overall in each of its categories:
As a dual-enrollment student through Huntington University’s HSEE program, Taylor has taken university-level animation coursework at HU Arizona while completing her senior year at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona. She plans to enroll as a degree-seeking animation major at HU Arizona next fall.
A film of heart, craft and vision FISHBOWL is a poignant animated story of perseverance and belonging — crafted, directed and animated by Taylor with remarkable discipline and vision. The film’s success reflects her intentional approach to collaboration, project management and artistic storytelling.
Taylor shared her gratitude for the support she has received throughout the filmmaking process: “Stay creative! Stay loving life and art and the world!”
Praise from her teachers and mentors Taylor’s high school animation instructor, Bryce Budoff, expressed deep admiration for her exceptional commitment and artistry:
“It is an honor to have had an opportunity to work with Hana. She has taught me what it means to be a world-class finisher. Students who meet every production deadline, collaborate effectively, think creatively and truly finish are incredibly rare. Hana exceeds all of this.
“FISHBOWL is just one example of how she has blown me and her audiences away. Her early entry into Huntington played a major role — from college-level instructor feedback to the many students she worked with, Hana built a network and a level of confidence that made this possible.
“I am so happy that Hana has won this national title. The judges couldn’t have made a better decision. So much talent and artistry — so deserving.”
From the Huntington University faculty side, Christian Washington, associate faculty of animation at HU Arizona, added:
“Hana Taylor is an artist and storyteller that is as excellent as they come. Directing and completing an animated film while in high school — while also taking University classes — requires immense discipline and vision. “Making something that is loved and receives national recognition is a massive accomplishment. FISHBOWL is a wonderful story about persevering when life is hard and finding where you fit in. “Working with Hana has been a joy, and I could not be more proud of her diligence and her ability to exceed expectations before even graduating high school.”
“Hana Taylor is an artist and storyteller that is as excellent as they come. Directing and completing an animated film while in high school — while also taking University classes — requires immense discipline and vision.
“Making something that is loved and receives national recognition is a massive accomplishment. FISHBOWL is a wonderful story about persevering when life is hard and finding where you fit in.
“Working with Hana has been a joy, and I could not be more proud of her diligence and her ability to exceed expectations before even graduating high school.”
A bright future ahead Taylor represents the essence of HU Arizona’s commitment to nurturing creative young artists and preparing them for meaningful careers in animation, film and graphic design. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to her resilience, creativity and extraordinary potential.
Huntington University looks forward to welcoming Taylor as a full-time student next fall and celebrates her national achievement as a milestone moment for HU Arizona’s growing animation community.
Watch FISHBOWL
• NSPA Award Ceremony (timestamp 25:50): accessible via free livestream account • Public film link
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is unveiling a fully revised academic experience for all undergraduate students. What is commonly referred to as the “core curriculum” or “general core” at colleges and universities has a fresh design at Huntington called Forester Foundations.
Forester Foundations continues Huntington University's historic mission: to educate and equip men and women to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. While the structure has evolved, the foundation remains the same — distinctively Christian, intentionally integrative and grounded in the liberal arts. Through Forester Foundations, students are not only prepared for their careers but also called to live lives of purpose, creativity, discovery and flourishing.
“The Huntington University faculty have worked over the past two years to design and develop a new core curriculum for a new generation of students,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs. “Forester Foundations provides a common academic experience that will define the undergraduate curriculum as Christian, interdisciplinary and experiential.”
Forester Foundations consists of three elements: The Core Four (HU-distinctive interdisciplinary courses), General Education (highly transferable, wide range of disciplines) and Immersives (three curricular/co-curricular experiences for all HU students).
The Core Four consists of these four courses designed to build a campus community that understands people are God's creation, made intentionally and uniquely, not by accident (Ephesians 2:10).
General Education consists of nine courses that provide HU students with greater flexibility for credit transfer and even more space to pursue a double major, add a minor, earn a certificate, study abroad or get a running start in graduate school.
Immersives are hands-on experiences that broaden student perspectives in meaningful and practical ways. Students will complete an approved experience in each of the three immersive categories during their time at HU.
Honors Program students will take a special section for each of the Core Four courses, as well as two special honors colloquium courses, a unique senior capstone experience and participate in honors program events.
“HU isn’t just about classes, it’s about discovering your purpose and the difference you’re meant to make,” said Susie Carr, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “With Christ at the center, our new Core Curriculum and Honors Program help you grow in faith, knowledge and character so you’re ready to lead and serve wherever life takes you. Please visit our campus to see what HU is all about.”
Additional information on Forester Foundations can be found at huntington.edu/Registrar/Core-Curriculum. Additional information on the Honors Program, including an Honors Interest Form, can be found at huntington.edu/Registrar/Honors.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is proud to announce Kara Hively as the recipient of this fall’s Scholars Day competition. Hively was awarded the top scholarship, covering full tuition for four consecutive years.
Hively, an exceptional chemistry – biochemistry major, was honored with the award during a special presentation at her Northridge High School in Middlebury, Indiana, on Monday, November 17, 2025. The official fall Huntington Scholars Day event took place on November 7, 2025.
“Kara exemplifies the Forester spirit through her academic excellence, leadership and dedication to service,” said Susie Carr, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. “We are thrilled to celebrate her achievements and look forward to the many ways she will continue to thrive and contribute to the Huntington University community.”
Huntington Scholars Day is a signature event that recognizes outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate strong academic potential and character. The day includes recognition ceremonies, opportunities to connect with faculty and current students and an immersive experience of campus life at Huntington University.
To participate in Huntington Scholars Day, students must be admitted to Huntington University and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. As part of the event, select students may also be invited to join the University’s Honors Program, which offers enriched academic opportunities and community engagement.
Huntington University looks forward to welcoming the next group of scholars at the upcoming Huntington Scholars Day on Friday, February 13, 2026, an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their academic achievements and potentially earn scholarship awards.
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona Associate Professor of Film Production Jonathan Vinson won a Regional Emmy Award in the Solo Storyteller category of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmys on November 8 for his feature video highlighting a local coffee shop, Spencer’s Place.
The category is for excellence by a single, cross-discipline individual serving as videographer/photographer, editor and writer to create a single or multi-part video story or topic outside of news.
“I’m beyond humbled and honored to be recognized by peers with this Rocky Mountain Emmy and to lift up the voice of an organization like Spencer's Place, who continues to do amazing work in our community,” Vinson said.
Spencer’s Place is a purpose-driven coffee shop in Surprise, Arizona, that trains and employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, creating meaningful jobs, building community and offering a welcoming environment.
“Jonathan’s video captured the heart of our mission beautifully,” said Karin York, owner of Spencer’s Place. “An area that has needed improvement is our social media. This video boosted our social media engagement significantly, which we believe brought in more customers to witness our mission for themselves! We’re so thankful!”
Vinson’s work is a perfect example of what HU Arizona’s digital media arts program strives to accomplish.
“At Huntington University Arizona, the best stories are the ones that elevate the people and places shaping our community,” said Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “Jonathan’s work with Spencer’s Place reflects the heart of our mission — our faculty and students consistently take on projects that make a meaningful impact in the surrounding community. This Emmy is a powerful affirmation of that work, and we could not be more proud.”
Vinson’s award-winning video can be viewed on YouTube.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University will be hosting Fort Wayne native Chris Catalogna for an artist reception on Friday, November 14, to share about his exhibit, “Alignments,” which is currently on display in the Robert E. Wilson Gallery.
Catalogna, a graduated of Indiana University, has built a thriving career as an oil painter and award-winning muralist. His mission as an artist is to place community at the heart of his work to create vibrant art that connects and inspires people.
“I approach my work as a researcher first — drawn to obscure somewhat archaic knowledge, that is usually of no interest to the majority,” Catalogna said in his artist statement. “Each painting begins with something I have stumbled across or has piqued my interest. The act of painting has become a method of inquiry for contemplating and manifesting my fascinations. This show gathers the visual remnants of my investigations. Asking big questions like, what is just a coincidence and when do these things become ‘signs’? Are our lives a series of most likely to occur events or is it somehow guided? When we look at our experiences, it’s extremely hard not to create a coherent narrative out of sequential events which explains the current concept of ourselves. As of recently, I feel this exercise is entirely misleading, and this show was somewhat of an experiment to see if my hunch was pointing in the right direction. Maybe time does not just move in one direction. At the time of writing this statement, I feel like information or events from the future are just as influential as the past is to formulating our present moment.
“I embarked on my journey to answer these questions unaware of what I was uncovering. I stumbled across a collection of Polaroids in an antique mall one day, and I was allured by the idea of finding something to paint by random chance. Whatever stuck out as something that would make for an interesting painting, I took with me. Once I started painting these black and white Polaroids, I’d start making connections to my life that didn’t occur to me when I first picked them out. Even the color schemes I chose for purely aesthetic reasons seemed to corroborate my feelings about the subject matter.
“Some of this could be explained by some subconscious process but it didn’t explain everything. These things called synchronicities were popping up, where two seemingly uncorrelated events appear to be meaningfully related and significantly coincidental. For example, I’d get obsessed with old western country music, and a photo of some cowboys would fall in my lap. In the two weeks preceding this show, shockingly I learned that on my grandmother’s side, they had a mural decal facility that took black and white photographs and colored them into full-scale murals. At what point does it stop being all coincidental? Maybe everything is happening all at once, and we are just experiencing it in the only way we can, one step at a time in the never-ending present moment.”
The reception begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Gallery and runs through 5:30 p.m. “Alignments” will be featured in the Gallery through December 5.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Dr. Mark Fairchild, retired professor of Bible and religion, has published a new book, Paul’s Enslavement: The Early Life of Saul the Zealot, analyzing Paul’s upbringing under Roman authority. The book is published by Hendrickson Publishers and released on November 4. It is Fairchild’s second book published in the last year, with The Underwater Basilica of Nicaea: Archaeology in the Birthplace of Christian Theology being published in November of 2024.
The Scriptures tell the important details of what God has done to restore a relationship with sinful people. The Gospels tell the story of Jesus. Acts and the epistles tell us how that message was relayed to people throughout the Mediterranean world. However, there are many storylines that the Scriptures do not carry in the narratives. Paul’s Enslavement: The Early Life of Saul the Zealot tells the story of a faithful servant of God whose beginnings could not have been more bleak. Degraded to lowest echelons of society as a slave, Paul was a man who continued to trust in God. Once released from servitude and rising in stature as a leader within Judaism, Paul again was humbled when he converted to the faith that he had zealously persecuted. This book tells the story of Paul through the eyes of a zealous and obedient faith that led him through drastic changes to become the leader of the ancient Christian world.
According to Fairchild, evidence indicates that Paul’s family began as Zealots from Galilee who opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The Romans sacked the rebel cities and towns in Galilee and sold the residents on the Roman slave markets. This was a common consequence for cities and towns that opposed Roman rule. Paul’s family was sold to a master in Tarsus. In time, and according to Roman law and practice, Paul’s family was manumitted from slavery. Slaves who worked hard and endeared themselves to their masters were commonly adopted into their master’s family. Another clue supporting the claim Paul grew up a slave: he was the only author of the New Testament who used the term “adoption,” perhaps because he knew the process. This accounts for how the apostle’s Jewish name, Saul, was changed to his Roman name, “Paul.” It also accounts for how the Jewish Saul was given Roman citizenship.
“I am well-pleased with the book,” Fairchild said. “Hendrickson Publishers is a highly respected academic publisher, and they are excited about this volume. They decided that they wanted to publish this in hard copy with a nice dust cover. In the past, a few authors have suggested that Paul might have been a slave, but no detailed study of the issue had been published until now.”
Fairchild added the idea for the book began a decade ago after encountering a passage in the writings of early church historian and theologian Jerome which implied Paul had been enslaved. Following years of further research, Fairchild moved forward with the writing process.
“It did not take long to notice that Paul speaks of slavery and freedom disproportionately in his writings,” Fairchild said. “The apostle also used a host of words associated with slaves and the process for the emancipation of slaves. I also noticed that when Paul used these words, he usually used the first person ‘I’ or ‘we.’ Clues began to emerge elsewhere. At the end of his letter to the Galatians (6:17), Paul claimed that he bore the ‘brand-marks of Jesus.’ These were not scars, but rather the brands or tattoos affixed to slaves. Then again, when Paul first appeared in Acts, he is described as part of the ‘Synagogue of the Freedmen’ (6:9). Freedmen were former slaves.”
The book will be highlighted in the annual conferences of the American Academy of Religion, the Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society, which will meet from November 18-25 in Boston.
Paul’s Enslavement: The Early Life of Saul the Zealot can be purchased online through Amazon, ChristianBook.com and Hendrickson Publishers.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Tea on the Beach, formerly known as Patterns, is now available for streaming on mainstream platforms. The feature film is the second released by Forester Film, coming on the heels of A Carpenter’s Prayer, released in theaters nationwide in 2024.
Filmed entirely in Northeast Indiana, Tea on the Beach tells the story of three estranged siblings who return to their family home after the death of their mother to decide what to do about their father, who suffers from dementia. Over one emotional weekend, they uncover long-buried secrets and rediscover the fragile threads that still tie them together.
Tea on the Beach’s production team features a heavy Huntington University alumni presence, written by Rachel Hart Cabello (2018), directed by Dawn Davis (1998) and produced by Dr. Lance Clark (1989) and Matt Webb (1998). This SAG feature film was created through Forester Film LLC and stands as a powerful example of the University’s nationally recognized digital media arts program, where students gain real-world experience through the capstone film program — training the next generation of storytellers in the No. 1 Christian film program in the nation.
Tea on the Beach can be streamed through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube. Check out the trailer here.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Internationally recognized graphic designer Petronio Bendito is holding an art exhibit, “Digital Color Expressions,” at the Robert E. Wilson Gallery in the Merillat Centre for the Arts at Huntington University from September 15 – October 20, 2025. Bendito will also present an artist talk this Friday at 4:30 p.m. during a reception held from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in the Gallery.
“Digital Color Expressions” focuses on digital color theory and is highly engaging and interactive.
“The exhibit is unique. We all live with color, so there is something for everyone,” said Barb Michel, chair of the Huntington University Department of Art & Design. “Bendito is a pioneer of digital color theory. If you can make his gallery talk [on] Friday, bring your phone! He is going to share a digital color mixing demo that all guests can do along with him.”
Bendito is an associate professor of art and design and visual communication design at Purdue University. He publishes and presents his work on national and international scales. Bendito also helped author a widely used art textbook.
Bendito’s honors include Best of Show/Digital Printmaking in 2013, an Indiana Arts Commission grant in 2014, the Creative Achievement Award from the International Visual Literacy Association in 2007 and a Puffin Foundation artist grant in 2003.
The exhibit, talk and reception are free and open to the public. Regular gallery times are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Digital projections, physical art and interactive material will be on display. As Bendito shares color theory through interactive teachings, all curious to learn or spectate are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided during the reception.
Huntington University hosts six exhibits annually throughout the academic year. Michel recommends that anyone unable to attend this exhibit consider coming to the next one.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Dr. F. Collin Hobbs, associate professor of biology, has received Huntington University’s Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. Hobbs was recognized by his colleagues through a nomination and selection process for his significant commitment to excellence in teaching.
Early in his career, Hobbs became interested in the study of how students learn scientific concepts in undergraduate coursework. In his research, he employed a method that “incrementally introduces the concepts and skills used in phylogenetic analysis,” which improved student learning over “one-shot” or “isolated” treatments of its components. This approach helped to “address student misconceptions, improve student experiences and foster deeper understanding of difficult scientific concepts.”
Hobbs’ students testify to his deep level of commitment to the learning process. As one former student observed, “Dr. Hobbs is very engaging when lecturing. He often talks to students during lecture, and he asks our opinions over topics we cover, such as the moral issues with eugenics.” Students in his courses learn science through an immersive, hands-on approach. For example, they make yogurt to learn microbiology and prepare specimens for the University’s Fred Loew Herbarium as part of his botany course.
His interest and experience in teaching and learning led to his appointment as one of the directors of HU’s Center for Teaching and Learning, where he helped to design and administer professional development programming for his faculty colleagues. He also served in leadership of science education within the state of Indiana as chair of the Plant Systematics & Biodiversity Section of the Indiana Academy of Science.
The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award promotes faculty professional development in instruction and pedagogy and celebrates the efforts of full-time faculty who have made significant efforts to bring best practices in teaching from their respective fields into HU classrooms, labs and studios.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has seen an 11-year high in full-time undergraduate enrollment for the fall 2025 semester. HU welcomed 862 full-time traditional undergraduate students to the Indiana home campus, which was a 3.5% increase over 2024 and a 6.4% increase over 2023. Undergraduate students in residential housing rose by 3% this fall as compared to the fall of 2024.
“Reaching an 11-year high in residential enrollment is more than a number — it’s a reflection of how God continues to bless our campus community,” said HU President Rob Pepper. “Students are choosing Huntington not only for academic excellence, but for a Christ-centered environment where they can live, learn and grow together.”
The undergraduate growth in Indiana was fueled in part by a strong first-time freshman class of 242 students, which was 5% larger than 2024 and the highest number of freshmen in the past 13 years. The overall enrollment at Huntington features students from 34 states and 31 countries.
“We’re excited to share that Huntington University welcomed a strong class of first-time freshmen, along with an incredible group of transfer and international students, this fall!” said Susie Carr, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Their energy is already making a positive impact across campus. This momentum sets the stage for an amazing year ahead — and we can’t wait to see what’s next for HU!”
The encouraging enrollment news wasn’t just contained to the Huntington home campus. The Huntington University Arizona location set a new record high for full-time undergraduate students. The Peoria, Arizona, location specializes in HU’s nationally recognized digital media arts undergraduate program. HU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, located in Fort Wayne in partnership with Indiana Tech, also reached a new high for full-time students.
“Huntington University has another outstanding enrollment this fall, led by strong numbers of incoming students in our nursing, agriculture, business, film/animation and education programs,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “There is so much positive energy on campus this fall in classrooms, residence halls, athletic venues, student spaces and just walking across the Quad. It's a great time to be at Huntington University.”
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University 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 2025. These nominations reflect students’ dedication, creativity and excellence across various categories, and their hard work is now being recognized on this prestigious platform.
The nominees are as follows:
HU Arizona Nominations
You can view the full nominee list here: 2025 Nominees – Rocky Mountain Southwest Student Production Awards (select 2025 → Nominees).
“Across the span from 2019 to 2025, HU Arizona’s film and media students have demonstrated remarkable progress,” said Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “Starting with a modest 11 nominations, they soared to 26 by 2021 — their most prolific year in terms of nominations — and consistently maintained strong outcomes. Even as nomination counts leveled at 14 in both 2024 and 2025, the program’s sustained presence in nearly 10 categories each year highlights the depth and diversity of talent. This history of recognition paints a picture of a creative community that not only expands in visibility but also refines its artistry year after year.”
The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter includes the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Southeastern California. Results will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony on Saturday, September 6, at the Chateau Luxe Event Venue.
Photo provided: Artwork for Catfish Jack by Audrey Bowman
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University is pleased to announce two award recipients for the spring 2025 semester: Rebecca Luckey receiving the Ron Frank Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Kara Strong receiving the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize.
Luckey is a graduate of Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in history education and a Bachelor of Arts degree with three majors — history, political Science and international & development studies — while completing Huntington University’s Honors Program. Currently, she is a social studies teacher at Bellmont High School in Decatur, Indiana.
The Frank Memorial Award is given to department seniors who graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, which are conferred upon the top ten percent of the graduating class and recognizes exceptional academic achievement across all courses taken at the university.
As a junior, Luckey received the department’s S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award for her outstanding research paper on political authority in ancient Angkor. In addition to these honors, she also earned the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize as highest performer in one of the department’s upper-level, seminar-style courses. During her years at the University, Luckey was an active member of Alpha Chi’s Indiana Beta Chapter, a national honors society that celebrates achievement in all areas of scholarship. She served as president of the University’s chapter in 2024-2025.
The Frank Memorial Award is sponsored by the Ron Frank Fund, which encourages academic achievement and student participation at professional academic conferences. The fund was established in 1973 in honor of Ron Frank, a former student at Huntington University.
Strong is from Kendallville, Indiana, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in history education. She recently completed a semester of study at Oxford University in England. The Barlow Prizes are given to outstanding students in the department’s upper-level, research- and writing-intensive courses.
Strong was recognized by Dr. Tim Smith, professor of non-Western history, for her performance in his course, Diplomacy: Napoleon to Stalin.
“Kara has deftly navigated the intricacies of European diplomatic thought to understand the nuances at work at the heart of Great Power crises,” Smith said.
The Barlow Book Prize honors the memory of professor Jack Barlow, who served for over three decades as professor of American history at Huntington University and carries a prize of $250 worth of academic books. The Barlow Book Prize is also sponsored by the Ron Frank Fund.
Photo:
Kara Strong (left, pictured with Dr. Tim Smith) and Rebecca Luckey (right) received Department of History and Political Science awards in the spring 2025 semester.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University received exciting news on August 6 that the University’s graduate program in clinical mental health counseling received full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The letter of notification from the CACREP Board included the following statement: “The Board based the above accreditation decision on its review of the self-study documents, the site review team’s report, and the institution’s response to the site review team’s report. The Board makes a decision to accredit when it determines that the program has demonstrated that a counseling specialty area is in full compliance with the CACREP Standards and Policies.”
Dr. Elijah Lee is the director of the clinical mental health counseling program at Huntington. Lee led the University’s efforts in pursuing this accreditation.
“I am tremendously proud of our CACREP accreditation decision and excited for our students,” Lee said. “Accreditation affirms the quality of our program: the process involves rigorous self-assessment along with external peer review. Students in our program can be assured they are receiving not only solid counseling training based on standards recognized nationally but also are being formed into ones who embody Jesus’ shepherding heart to impact both the field of counseling and the Kingdom of God.”
The accreditation will run through October 31, 2033. The CACREP Board also approved additional retroactive recognition for program graduates due to delays in scheduling a site visit. Retroactive recognition of graduates from the clinical mental health counseling program will extend back to July 17, 2023.
“The clinical mental health counseling faculty have worked diligently to demonstrate that Huntington University’s curriculum meets the highest standards as identified by CACREP,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “We’re not only proud of the program, we’re proud of our outstanding faculty who bring varied expertise and provide a supportive environment for student learning.”
The Huntington University Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy recently hosted Dr. Kay Toomey and associates for the SOS Approach to Feeding® (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding) training course at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne from July 18-21, 2025.
The SOS Approach to Feeding® is an evidence-based program developed by Toomey to help children with feeding difficulties. This holistic and comprehensive approach is used worldwide by health care professionals, such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other professionals from medical and educational disciplines. One hundred and twenty-eight attendees took part in the five-day hybrid course, which required four days of onsite and one day of online training. The course was well-attended by multi-disciplinary professionals from Indiana and neighboring states. Participants traveled across the United States and internationally to attend this advanced level course. Professionals showed a high level of engagement. There was a lot of positive feedback touching on the highly knowledgeable speakers and evidence-based information and materials.
Dr. Patricia Henton, faculty of Huntington’s OTD Program, served as a co-host of the event and developed a scholarship program for professionals in Northeast Indiana to attend the conference. Henton co-hosted a complimentary two-hour parent/caregiver workshop, "When Children Won’t Eat (and how to help!)," taught by Toomey, with the support of the Huntington University Holistic Feeding Program and a grant from AWS Foundation. Parents, caregivers and student and graduate volunteers all felt the information was extremely useful and easy to understand, setting them up for successful implementation in the future.
“The conference was a huge success due to a dedicated team of volunteers, and it added value to the curriculum for students from Huntington’s OTD and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs,” Henton said.
Huntington University was delighted to have five recent graduates from the OTD program and seven Huntington University alumni participate in the conference along with OTD and OTA faculty.
“The level of participation in this advanced feeding course was amazing and we hope to offer similar opportunities in the future,” Henton said.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to share exciting news regarding two strategic hires in the Office of Advancement: Robert (Bob) Young, who will serve as vice president for advancement, and Katherine (Katy) Herron, who will serve as major gift officer and grants coordinator.
Following a national search, Bob Young has answered the call to serve as a senior leader at Huntington University in the role of vice president for advancement. Young brings over 14 years of experience in institutional fundraising, donor strategy and team development across higher education — including Christian institutions — and nonprofit ministries. For the past ten years, he has served as senior gift officer and priority project coordinator at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he was a major gift officer at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Young holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management from Messiah University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic leadership. Before transitioning to nonprofit fundraising, he spent 20 years in the banking industry. Throughout the search process, Young demonstrated a strong alignment with Huntington’s mission and expressed a deep desire to lead with integrity and build a Christ-centered advancement team.
“Bob Young brings both seasoned leadership and a servant’s heart to this critical role,” said Dr. Rob Pepper, president of Huntington University. “His years in banking and advancement have equipped him with a strong foundation in strategic decision-making, team development and relationship building. Combined with his unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education, Bob is a valuable addition to the President’s Cabinet and Strategic Leadership Team. I’m confident his leadership will help advance the mission of Huntington University in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Katy Herron (1994) rejoins the Forester Family as the University’s major gift officer and grants coordinator. Herron will focus primarily on fundraising while also helping to identify and pursue grant opportunities for the University.
Herron earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting communications with a minor in business management and was active in HU’s theatre community during her undergraduate years. She brings a well-rounded background in sales, training and development, fundraising and public relations. Most recently, she served as director of donor and public relations at Community Crew in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. With deep roots in Northeast Indiana, Herron is thrilled to return to the Hoosier State and serve her alma mater.
“Katy’s return to Huntington is a full-circle moment that speaks to the enduring impact of Christian higher education,” said Dr. Pepper. “As an alumna, she brings a personal passion for HU’s mission, and her professional experience — spanning both the nonprofit and corporate sectors — equips her to cultivate meaningful connections with donors and partners who care deeply about the future of this institution. Her desire to give back to the University that was so formational in her life reflects the kind of purpose-driven leadership we strive to foster in all Foresters.”
Huntington University is proud to announce the launch of two new dual licensure programs designed to prepare educators to meet the growing demands of today's classrooms. Beginning August 25, the University will offer licensure in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs: Intense Intervention, with both programs also including licensure in Early Literacy, which meets the new Indiana state Early Literacy Endorsement requirement for all elementary, special education and early childhood teachers.
These innovative and completely online programs respond to urgent calls from schools across the state and nation for teachers with specialized skills in early learning, literacy development and support for students with exceptional needs. The dual licensure model provides future educators with the comprehensive preparation needed to teach and lead in complex, high-need educational settings.
“We designed these programs in direct response to what schools and teachers are telling us they need,” said Dr. Shoshannah Hernandez, assistant professor of education and associate director of teacher education – graduate. “Our goal is to provide high-quality, immediately applicable and easily accessible programs for teachers that enable them to meet student needs. By providing programs in these high-need areas as dual licensure programs, we’re also allowing teachers to participate in a value-added opportunity where they get two credentials in one program.”
The Early Childhood Education + Early Literacy program prepares teachers to work with children from birth through age 8, focusing on developmentally appropriate instruction, family engagement and the integration of early literacy strategies across all subject areas.
The Exceptional Needs: Intense Intervention + Early Literacy program equips educators to support students with significant disabilities and learning challenges, combining rigorous training in specialized instruction with a deep understanding of language and literacy acquisition.
The two new programs will be offered alongside the University’s existing TESOL/EL licensure program. All three programs also function as concentrations in Huntington University’s Master of Education program. Courses are designed with working professionals in mind, offering a convenient online format with interactive opportunities and rich field experiences in real classroom settings. Graduates will emerge ready to make an immediate difference in the lives of young learners and their families.
“Huntington University is proud to offer these new certificates in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs: Intense Intervention,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “These certifications can stand alone or they can serve as a specialty track within our Master of Education program. These two certificates, along with our longstanding TESOL certificate, place Huntington University at the forefront of literacy education in the State of Indiana.”
Applications are now open for the fall of 2025. Apply today to secure a spot in fall classes, which begin August 25. The final day for enrollment is August 29.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — As part of a strategic realignment of the Enrollment Management and Marketing Division, Huntington University is pleased to announce the promotion of Susie Carr to the position of vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
Carr joined Huntington University in 2023 as director of admissions and has since provided outstanding leadership in her current role as assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions. She brings to this new position extensive experience in enrollment management, including ten years at Indiana Wesleyan University, along with a strong background in the private sector prior to working in higher education.
In her expanded role, Carr will lead the University’s enrollment and marketing efforts across all program areas, including residential, online, undergraduate, non-traditional and graduate studies. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to the mission of Huntington University and a clear strategic vision for the future.
“Susie has demonstrated that she has the leadership skills necessary to lead with courage, conviction and with clear strategic vision,” said HU President Dr. Rob Pepper. “During her time at Huntington University, she has been a key member of the Enrollment Management and Senior Leadership Teams. As a longtime resident of Huntington County, Susie is an active member of the community and has been a champion for Huntington.”
This restructuring also includes several additional leadership transitions:
Carr’s leadership team now includes:
“I am thankful for gifts, talents, experiences and abilities of the Huntington University community and I am looking forward to how this reorganization will provide the needed framework for us to come together to accurately tell the Huntington University story with clarity and purpose,” Pepper said.
The strategic realignment of the Enrollment Management and Marketing Division will take effect on August 1.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University’s Department of Nursing is pleased to announce the following 2025-2026 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 admitted nursing student or a student accepted into the nursing program with no deficiencies, 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, GPA, an essay and demonstrated financial need.
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, demonstrate financial need and commitment to HU and Department of Nursing standards.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited Huntington University on Thursday to sign Senate Enrolled Act 306, a bill offering tax credit to develop the film and media economic sector in Indiana. HU was selected as the host site for the signing due to its leadership in the film industry in Indiana and its success as one of the top film institutions in the nation.
Hosted in HU’s main film studio in Becker Hall, the studio was staged with a press conference setup for the speaking portion of the event as well as a movie-like setup with a desk for Governor Braun to sign the bill, offering attendees an authentic behind-the-scenes look into the film industry. The studio and Becker Hall as a whole also featured a wide variety of hero props used in HU’s various feature films, including A Carpenter’s Prayer, Tea on the Beach and Overhill Manor.
Speakers at the event included HU President Rob Pepper, HU Professor of Digital Media Arts and Dean of the Arts Lance Clark, Huntington County Commissioner Rob Miller, co-author of SEA 306 Indiana Senator Andy Zay, Huntington Mayor Richard Strick and Governor Braun. Pepper and Clark focused on how the bill will enable growth within HU’s film program, giving students further opportunity to grow in their skills as filmmakers right here in Indiana, highlighting Overhill Manor as the most recent of these professional-level types of opportunities.
“It was such a joy to see all of our students from our film programs, both here and in Arizona, and students from around the state come and jump in on that along with professionals helping out as well,” Clark said. “You know, I feel like I’m wearing two hats today, although I’m not literally wearing one. I’m wearing a pedagogical hat, like my film professor hat says, ‘Let’s make movies, let’s impact the world for God through incredible stories.’ You know we’re story tellers, right? It’s the human narrative condition. And we’re doing that. I’ve been here 33 years now, I’m going into my 33rd year at Huntington, and it’s just so exciting to see where this program has grown and what it’s grown into.”
Clark stated HU plans to apply for the tax credit, with the benefits of the bill beginning in 2026.
Braun noted how the bill sets up Indiana well for the future within the industry as a whole.
“Angelo Pizzo was in my office about four or five months ago for a film he had in the works,” Braun said. “I think it may have had to have gone elsewhere for the very fix that this bill provided. So, this is just taking what we had out there that wasn’t practical in its form; this should be the start of hopefully making Indiana a place where you’re going to see all kinds of film stuff done. I’m an entrepreneur — way before I got into politics — I can see the potential. Right here could be the whole nucleus for how that begins. “The day has come. We’re here, we’re all dressed up ready to go and you’re right at the forefront of what I think is going to be a great industry.”
“Angelo Pizzo was in my office about four or five months ago for a film he had in the works,” Braun said. “I think it may have had to have gone elsewhere for the very fix that this bill provided. So, this is just taking what we had out there that wasn’t practical in its form; this should be the start of hopefully making Indiana a place where you’re going to see all kinds of film stuff done. I’m an entrepreneur — way before I got into politics — I can see the potential. Right here could be the whole nucleus for how that begins.
“The day has come. We’re here, we’re all dressed up ready to go and you’re right at the forefront of what I think is going to be a great industry.”
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 415 students to the Dean’s List for spring semester 2025, including 387 students on the Huntington, Indiana, campus and 28 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.”