HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Students from Huntington University recently received national recognition through Alpha Chi, the University’s highest academic honors society, highlighting achievements in research, scholarship and the arts.
Among those recognized was Morgan Harlan, a junior in the art education major, fine arts minor, whose artwork was selected for publication in Kalo, Alpha Chi’s national journal that celebrates the achievements and excellence of its members. Publication in Kalo is highly competitive, with many submissions not accepted.
Harlan’s work draws inspiration from impressionist artists such as Renoir, aiming to capture a sense of journey while remaining true to the original subject. Reflecting on the honor, Harlan emphasized the importance of creative disciplines within academic spaces.
“Creative endeavors have so much to offer the academic sphere,” Harlan said. “To see art, including my own, being published like this proves that art isn’t ‘lesser than’ other subjects, but that both coexist and help fuel the world.”
In addition to Harlan’s achievement, Olivia Robbins was recognized nationally through Alpha Chi’s Wall of Fame, an honor awarded to only 24 students across the country. This recognition highlights her selection as a recipient of the $3,000 Edwin W. Gaston Scholarship for her research titled “A Brief Review of the Role of Plumage Color in Bird Mating.”
Huntington University students also represented the institution at the Alpha Chi National Convention, where several students presented original research and creative work. Presenters included:
Students also competed for national scholarships, with Emily Huhn earning a $2,000 award.
Several Huntington students received top honors at the conference. Williams earned a presentation prize in the chemistry category, while Moseng received a presentation prize in the mixed humanities category.
“Simply being invited to Alpha Chi is an honor because it is the highest honors society we have on campus,” said Dr. Jeremiah Davis. “Seeing our students have success on the national stage demonstrates just how hard-working and impressive our students are, even when compared to larger universities nation-wide.”
Additionally, Dr. Tanner Babb was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award for his many years of contributions to Alpha Chi.
These accomplishments reflect Huntington University’s continued commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning and the development of students who contribute meaningfully both within and beyond their fields.
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has hired Dr. Jessica Graves to fill the roles of director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies and assistant professor of agriculture. She will begin her duties on June 1, 2026. The selection of Graves concludes a national search due to the impending retirement of current director Dr. Raymie Porter. Graves will provide oversight for an expanding agriculture program currently celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“My first encounter with HU ag was 10 years ago at a National FFA Convention,” Graves said. “For the last decade, I have watched the faculty and staff commit themselves to serving students and the agricultural community in a way that is purpose-driven and intentional. I am often noted as a ‘people person,’ and relationship-building is important to me. As such, I was not only drawn to HU because of the people and the rich HU community, but the University also provides a space for me to live out my faith in Christ while exercising my vocational calling as an educator. “The director role resonated with me as an opportunity to steward the Haupert Institute into its next season of growth and continue the legacy of Christ-centered education where faith and farming intersect — an intersection that has shaped both my personal faith journey and my professional life in agricultural education and international missions.”
Graves earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy sciences, a Master of Science degree in agriculture (animal nutrition) and a PhD in agricultural and extension education, all from Mississippi State University. Graves served as an academic advisor and instructor at Mississippi State for over 14 years before taking the director of international capacity development position for the M4 Institute in 2023.
Graves specifically serves as an agricultural specialist for M4, which is an international development organization. In 2024, Graves joined Huntington University on a part-time basis as an adjunct professor. In that role, she led the development of the international agriculture track for Huntington’s MBA program and coordinated international mission trips for Huntington’s agriculture program. Graves intends to continue her involvement with M4 alongside her new role at HU.
Huntington University President Dr. Robert Pepper shared his enthusiasm for Graves’ hiring.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jessica Graves to her new full-time role at Huntington University, where her unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on agricultural experience will strengthen our program and the Haupert Institute,” Pepper said. “Her global perspective and Christ-centered approach to developing students will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our campus and beyond.”
Graves summarized her vision for the agriculture program as being one honoring Christ first and foremost while further deepening the program’s impact on students and the community.
“I am eager to bring my experiences, vision and passion for encouraging and equipping young people to serve the Kingdom well, locally and globally, through agriculture,” Graves said. “From inter-departmental collaborations to agricultural community partnerships, I look forward to leading the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies in a way that is Christ-honoring and promotes an environment where faculty, students and the HU community can flourish. I am excited to start connecting with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness leaders, ag educators and others to invite them to walk alongside us in this academic space where ‘faith, family and farming’ isn't just a slogan — it's who we are.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University senior Kara Strong has received a substantial research scholarship to continue her history studies in graduate school at the University of Chicago.
Strong, a history education major from Kendallville, Indiana, will also have the opportunity to apply for the University of Chicago’s Dean’s List Scholarship.
Strong credits her time at HU as being instrumental in her development to set her up for success in her next steps in academia.
“I was rather reserved when arriving at HU, and through the extensive courseload undertaken, I not only found my academic voice, but broadened my perspectives and sharpened my analytical skills, research and writing,” Strong said.
Upon encouragement from the Department of History, Strong had the opportunity to study abroad in Oxford, England, during her junior year where she undertook tutorials from professors at the University of Oxford.
That departmental support extended to Strong’s decision to pursue her graduate studies. Strong is grateful for Drs. Dwight Brautigam, Timothy Smith and Jeffrey Webb for the influence they have had on her journey.
Strong was a recipient of the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize in 2025, given to outstanding students in the department’s upper-level, research- and writing-intensive courses.
“Kara has seized every opportunity with swashbuckling elan, both in classroom discussions and written assignments, during her time at HU,” Smith said. “She has fully invested in her education, and Kara’s admittance to the University of Chicago, along with the significant scholarship award, is no less than she deserves. This is just the beginning. Kara has a lot of potential, and the history department eagerly anticipates hearing about her future successful endeavors.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is proud to announce the expansion of its nationally recognized Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Bridge Program with the launch of a second on-site experiential learning lab location in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The addition of the Fort Wayne lab site strengthens HU’s commitment to increasing accessibility for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) nationwide seeking to advance to the doctoral level.
Students in the Bridge Program complete coursework online and participate in required on-site experiential learning labs designed to foster:
With this expansion, students may now complete required on-site labs in either Peoria, Arizona, or Fort Wayne, Indiana, enhancing geographic flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic and experiential standards. The OTD Bridge Program previously operated only out of HU’s Arizona location.
“The launch of our Fort Wayne experiential lab site marks an exciting milestone for the HU Arizona OTD Bridge Program,” said Dr. Tina M. Sauber, director of innovation and OTD Bridge Program. “This expansion strengthens our national reach and reinforces our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality doctoral education for OTA and PTA professionals seeking career advancement. By offering two on-site lab locations, we are removing geographic barriers while preserving the rigorous, hands-on experiential learning that defines our program.”
To ensure an optimal learning experience, a minimum enrollment of six students is required to operate the Fort Wayne lab site. Students declare their preferred lab location upon acceptance. If minimum enrollment is not met, students will complete their experiential labs at the Arizona site
The HU OTD Bridge Program is designed specifically for licensed OTAs and PTAs seeking expanded scope of practice, leadership development and doctoral-level professional advancement. The program integrates flexible hybrid delivery with immersive, on-site experiential learning to support working professionals nationwide.
Applications are now open for upcoming cohorts. For more information, visit huntington.edu/OTDBridge.
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University’s Center for Faith Integration and Vocation will host Christian Thinking as Pilgrimage, a one‑day gathering on May 21 exploring what it truly means to think like a Christian in today’s complex world.
In an increasingly post-secular age, faith, learning and personal identity are deeply intertwined. Traditional approaches that sharply contrast Christian and secular thought no longer fully address the realities Christian educators and students face. Instead, the conference frames Christian thinking as an intellectual pilgrimage — a journey marked by intentional self‑reflection and active engagement with differing perspectives.
This model of pilgrimage thinking offers new pathways for participants to better understand themselves, engage constructively in public discourse and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing vocation of Christian academic inquiry.
“At Huntington University, we are committed to fostering thoughtful, Christ-centered teaching and scholarship,” said HU President Dr. Rob Pepper. “This conference reflects that commitment by inviting faculty from a wide range of higher education contexts and traditions who are interested in the integration of faith and learning. We are grateful for the support of the CCCU and NetVue, as with their help, we believe this gathering will create space for rich dialogue, mutual learning and a shared pursuit of truth across diverse academic disciplines and communities.”
Attendees will hear from Douglas Jacobsen and Rhonda Hustedt Jacobsen, authors of Christianity and Intellectual Inquiry: Thinking as Pilgrimage (Oxford University Press, 2025). Together with scholars from a variety of Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institutions and disciplines, they will lead a lively, thought‑provoking conversation on what it means to be a Christian intellectual pilgrim.
The conference is sponsored by the CCCU with additional support from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges.
Featured speakers and participants:
Attendees are encouraged to register online. Additional details (agenda, session descriptions and logistics) are available on the Huntington University event page.
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Shoshannah Hernandez, assistant professor of education and associate director of teacher education – graduate, has been selected as an English language specialist for a virtual teacher development project supporting secondary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educators in Ukraine. Hernandez presented her webinar on February 17.
The U.S. Department of State administers the competitive English Language Specialist Program in partnership with Regional English Language Offices at U.S. Embassies worldwide.
Hernandez has more than 20 years of teaching and teacher development experience in the field of TESOL. She has participated in regional and international teacher training programs, served as an EL and mathematics subject matter expert for the Indiana Department of Education and has presented widely about approaches to engaging and supporting English learners in content-based settings.
Hernandez has collaborated with an international team to design and deliver a series of webinars and follow-up discussion sessions aimed at equipping Ukrainian teachers with innovative, inquiry-based instructional strategies. The project focuses on helping secondary STEM educators teach subject content while also strengthening English language proficiency among teachers and students. More than 100 Ukrainian teachers have participated so far.
According to the program’s website, the English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of English teaching to engage teachers in meaningful and sustainable professional development. English Language Specialists have participated in projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries. These projects partner with local educational leaders and officials to exchange knowledge and foster relationships between the U.S. and communities around the world.
The project is conducted entirely online, with team members located around the world. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, teachers continue to log in each week to pursue professional development and collaborate with peers.
“I am honored to have been selected to work on this unique project and provide teacher development that focuses on inquiry-based methods for STEM that foster collaboration and develop English language proficiency among students and teachers,” Hernandez said. “Apart from my excitement about the topic itself, I recognize what a humbling privilege it is to come alongside Ukrainian teachers at this particular time in history. Despite limited resources, war-related trauma, loss of power and heat and a multitude of daily uncertainties, teachers log in each week to improve their practice, collaborate and learn. Their spirit and dedication are inspiring.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is proud to name Christopher “Toph” Sluka as the recipient of the full‑tuition scholarship from the February 13, 2026, HU Scholars Day competition.
The HU Scholars Day competition highlights high-achieving academic students and offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Honors Program on campus.
Sluka plans to major in exercise and movement science and be involved in bowling and theatre at HU.
“Toph reflects the heart, curiosity and character we value at Huntington University,” said Susie Carr, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “His authenticity, leadership and commitment to community make him an excellent representative of the HU Scholars award. We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the impact he will make.”
Sluka his authenticity and his ability to connect his experiences with his values as key factors in the competition. He encourages future participants to be confident, stay authentic and trust that your story matters.
Sluka’s interest in HU began with family ties — his mother is an alumna — but his first campus visit solidified his decision, as he immediately felt at home. As he prepares for his freshman year, he looks forward to joining HU’s supportive community and participating in campus traditions. Currently, he is enjoying his senior year and starring as Shrek in his school’s musical.
“Winning the HU Scholars full-tuition scholarship still feels surreal,” Sluka said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and deeply thankful to everyone who supported me along the way. It’s truly an honor to be recognized in this way, and I’m excited for what this next chapter has to offer.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is hosting a regional worship night, Outpour Worship, on April 10 in Zurcher Auditorium featuring Joe L Barnes, DOE and City Movement.
Barnes is a Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter and worship leader, known for his impactful work with the contemporary worship collective Maverick City Music. DOE is a Grammy Award winner (2025 Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Heart of a Human) and a multiple-time Dove/Stellar Award nominee.
City Movement, birthed out of City Church in Fort Wayne, is a unique collective of musicians and vocalists with a heart of worship and a desire of leading others into the presence of God through spirit filled, genuine and authentic worship. City Movement believes that each person has a unique story and experiences that has shaped their sound and style and desires to provide a platform for its artists to explore the unique sound that God has given them for His glory.
The event, coordinated by HU digital media arts students in partnership with promoters Josh Raines and Nygel Simms, aims to unite the Northern Indiana community and foster a deeper connection with Christ through worship.
“In a time of so much division, there’s something powerful about coming together in unity and partnering with the next generation,” Raines and Simms said.
HU President Dr. Rob Pepper is excited for the opportunity the University has to host the event and praised the students’ involvement in organizing the event.
“We are excited to partner with several Christ-centered organizations to host Outpour Worship,” Pepper said. “In addition, this event has provided an opportunity for HU students to serve the larger region and sharpen their professional skills as they have assisted in planning and promoting this event.”
Chris Freeman, lead pastor of City Church, emphasized the significance of the gathering.
“I believe we are at a pivotal moment in history, where Christians have the opportunity to set aside personal preferences and come together as the body of Christ,” Freeman said. “Outpour Worship invites us to unite with one heart, one voice and one worship to the One who loves us most.”
This event promises to be a memorable evening of unified worship in Northern Indiana. Tickets can be purchased at huntington.edu/Outpour. General admission tickets cost $25 plus fees and VIP Experience tickets (limited to 50 tickets) cost $50 plus fees, which includes an exclusive meet and greet dinner with the artist, premium seating for the event and priority access and a more intimate event experience. HU student tickets are available for $15 plus fees. Group rates for 20 tickets or more are available by calling the Huntington University Box Office.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Preshow begins at 6:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m. The event is being sponsored by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company and AG Rentals.
HUNTINGTON, Indiana — The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University is pleased to announce that Abigail Ensinger is the winner of the S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award for 2025.
Ensinger is from Quincy, Illinois, and a graduate of Quincy Senior High School. She is currently working on a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in history and political science, and a minor in museum studies. She intends to graduate in May 2027 and pursue either graduate study or work in a related field.
Ensinger’s award-winning research paper was chosen by a competitive process and her project, “The Rise of the Khmer Rouge and US Involvement: 1970-75,” detailed how foreign involvement in Southeast Asia contributed to the political dynamics that elevated the Khmer Rouge to power in Cambodia. Her work was completed under the direction of Dr. Timothy O. Smith in his advanced seminar, America and Vietnam, in the fall semester of 2025.
The Johnston Memorial Award is given annually to the author of a research paper written in the Department of History and Political Science. Nominations for the award demonstrate the highest level of intellectual engagement and adherence to standards of professional scholarship.
“Abbi has produced a nuanced and articulate research paper that shines an uncomfortable spotlight upon a difficult period in Cambodian history,” Smith said. “In doing so, Abbi reveals how the actions of Great Powers can sometimes have unintended — but devastating — consequences for the peoples of smaller nations.”
The Johnston Memorial Award honors the memory of S.G. Whittle Johnston, late professor at the University of Virginia, and carries a cash award of $1,000. It is funded by the S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award Fund, which was established by an HU alumnus and former faculty member to encourage students to strive for excellence in research in the fields of history and political science.
Huntington University is pleased to announce the addition of men’s volleyball to HU’s varsity athletics lineup following faculty approval on January 21. The program will begin competing at the NAIA level in the 2026-2027 academic year.
HU’s men’s volleyball club team was started in the 2024-2025 academic year with the intention of transitioning to varsity status within two years.
“Elevating men’s volleyball to NAIA competition is a strategic intentional step in the future of Huntington University athletics,” said HU President Dr. Rob Pepper. “As the sport grows rapidly across the nation, this move creates exciting opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a higher level while growing in a Christ-centered community.”
HU Athletic Director Lori Culler noted the move aligns with the University’s Forever Foresters strategic plan, with one outcome listed in the plan being to increase HU’s number of student-athletes.
Culler hopes the varsity program will attract quality student-athletes who fit HU’s institutional mission, positively impact enrollment, retention and campus life and quickly establish itself as a worthy competitor in the NAIA.
Additionally, Culler recognizes the hard work done by the club team to establish the roots of men’s volleyball at HU and is excited for many of those involved to be part of the transition.
“I am grateful for the coaching staff and student-athletes whose commitment and effort laid the foundation for this program, and I am excited for them to have the opportunity to compete at the varsity level,” Culler said. “This transition is a testament to their hard work and positions the program for continued growth and success.”
A national search for a full-time head coach for the program will begin in the coming weeks.
The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 181 NAIA All-America honors and 631 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Huntington has a top quartile ranking in the 2026 U.S. News Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has been awarded a $125,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to explore opportunities for how HU can best utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in the future.
The funds are enabling the University to consider the challenges and opportunities related to AI, plan initiatives to address those challenges and opportunities and prepare a proposal for an implementation grant opportunity Lilly Endowment is making available. The planning grant’s funding will span the calendar year of 2026.
The University received the planning grant through Lilly Endowment’s Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education initiative, which aims to support Indiana colleges and universities in their ongoing efforts to address the implications of a rapidly evolving technology in their institutions and the lives of their students.
Dr. Becky Benjamin, professor of psychology, is playing a key role for the University in the planning process for the funding. Benjamin knows that AI provides an avenue to expand both teaching and learning and is excited to see what the University can accomplish through the grant opportunity.
“We all know that AI technologies have reached a level of sophistication in recent years that have allowed them to significantly impact all of our lives,” Benjamin said. “For some time that impact was more behind the scenes — but since the release of public-facing large language model chatbots in late 2022, the impact has exploded. Both business and education have experienced significant ramifications from this technology. Thus, this grant plays a critical role in helping us continue to adapt in ways that ensure our students and graduates are prepared to thrive and serve effectively in our world.”
Benjamin noted some of the funding will go toward hiring faculty to cover some of her teaching load, which will give her the necessary time to devote to working with teams and individuals involved in determining and planning HU’s strategy. Other funds will be dedicated to engaging consultants, training key stakeholders at the University and participating in relevant conferences. HU has also agreed to devote some funds to collaborating with regional partners that may be part of the University’s application for additional Lilly Endowment funding.
Although some view AI as a negative impact on society, Benjamin sees AI as a way to deepen the impact people can have for God’s kingdom.
“Modern Artificial Intelligence has a 75-year history,” Benjamin said. “It has taken a while for it to progress to a level where it can reasonably be used as a substitute for much human output in the real world, but clearly it has reached that level in many domains. As a Christian institution of higher education, we believe that human beings are created in the image of God and have unique purpose in creation. We know that technologies shape us, and they can be used in ways that foster either flourishing or decline. We need to understand the technologies that are influential in our societies and discern if and how they can be used to promote the flourishing of people and all of God's creation. More narrowly, our students have these technologies available to them, and they will be a part of the lives and workplaces that our students enter as they graduate. In our calling to prepare students to engage wisely with their professions, relationships and communities, we need to help them understand when and how AI should play a role in that engagement. We also want to understand better how AI can be used at our institution to develop more efficient systems that allow our people to spend more time on the creative and relational work that they are so gifted in.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Eleven artworks by seven Huntington University students have been accepted into the Next Generation: University Art Competition at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana. Morgan Harlan, Elizabeth Hon, Elizabeth Kruse, Kennedy Mitchem, Kate Potter, Taylor Whiteside and Maeve Wilkinson’s pieces were among the 60 selected works out of a field of 105 submissions.
According to the Honeywell Center, the University Art Competition showcases the talent and creativity of higher education students. This state-wide juried exhibit is open to students currently enrolled in higher education programs across Indiana.
“I am excited to celebrate our art students whose creative work was accepted into this statewide college art competition,” said Dr. Barb Michel, professor of art and chair of the Department of Art & Design. “Their achievements affirm their hard work and provide them a valuable opportunity to see their art showcased alongside other exceptional college art students from across the state. It is especially rewarding that their accepted pieces represent multiple areas, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and mixed media, reflecting the strength and depth of our HU Department of Art & Design.”
A public reception for the exhibit will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Honeywell Center.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 518 students to the Dean’s List for fall semester 2025, including 481 students on the Huntington, Indiana, campus and online program and 37 students at Huntington University Arizona in Peoria, Arizona.
Dean’s List designation is made at the end of each semester to those students who are classified as regular students and who have been enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses earning 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. — Huntington University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Perspectives USA to serve as the primary credit-granting institution for the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement courses offered in over 100 churches nationwide each year. The Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course surveys the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic aspects of the global advance of the world Christian movement. Students can take Perspectives USA courses for undergraduate or graduate credit.
Since its launch in 1974, the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course has equipped more than 200,000 U.S. participants to join God’s mission. The 15-week course offers a transformative discipleship experience for believers of all ages and backgrounds.
“I have taught the Perspectives curriculum in churches in a five-state region for over 25 years,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, Huntington’s vice president for academic affairs. “My experience with the Perspectives curriculum is that students make decisions that move God’s kingdom forward. It is an honor for Huntington University to work with Perspectives USA to offer academic credit to students who are intentionally learning about God’s plan for the nations.”
This partnership is an opportunity for Huntington University to support a mission-aligned organization, Perspectives USA, to enhance HU’s national reputation and to recruit mission-minded students. As part of the MOU with Perspectives USA, the Huntington University brand will appear on the perspectives.org website and on material associated with the Perspectives course. A meaningful number of students who enroll in the Perspectives course are missions-minded high school students. Other students take Perspectives as part of their preparation for short-term or longer-term international service. HU will have the opportunity to communicate directly with students to promote Huntington University programs and additional course offerings.
“I’m grateful for the partnership with Huntington University that allows Perspectives USA students to earn Huntington University credit for their Perspectives coursework,” said Adam Hoffman, chief mobilization officer for Perspectives USA. “We are stronger together, and the ambition of both organizations to serve a broad Body of Christ with a recognition that the Great Commission is a stewardship of all believers makes this a great partnership.”
Huntington University will oversee curriculum and faculty in collaboration with Perspectives USA. The University’s responsibilities are mainly administrative since Perspectives USA already has comprehensive structures and staffing to support course delivery.
“I'm really grateful for the leaders at Huntington University working together with us — they are great people and navigating even the details of the partnership has been a joy,” Hoffman added. “Huntington University is a great option for our students to earn reputable college credit and potentially complete their degree at Huntington.”
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.