UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Emir Ruiz Esparza, vice president for institutional effectiveness, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in March 2023.
Stephanie Kaceli, dean of educational resources, co-presented several presentations: “Identity Management Connects the Library Ecosystem” at OpenAthens Access Lab (April 2023) and the EBSCO User Group (June 2023); “Solving Spine Labels in FOLIO: LIBstick Integration” and “The Power of the POL” at FOLIO Day (June 2023); and “Why FOLIO for Your Library” to Valparaiso University.
Andrea Stange was promoted to director of academic operations in July 2023.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Dr. Derek Cooper gave a lecture titled “The Future of Content Marketing’’ at Montreat College in Montreat, NC, in December 2022 and another lecture, “How Dodekagram Can Be Used for Discerning Vocational Models,” at Sattler College in Boston, MA, in January 2023. In April 2023, he led an international study tour through the Thomas Institute focusing on biblical and early Christian history in Tunis, Tunisia,
and Rome.
Stephen Haney and his wife, Marie, run Hope Learning Center, a nonprofit that helps young adults on the autism spectrum to develop community, skills, and connections. They have been open for three years and recently opened a newly expanded center on September 30.
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Dr. Keith Plummer, dean, wrote an article for The Keller Center of Cultural Apologetics: “Love Is the Greatest Apologetic.” In May, he was a guest on the C.S. Lewis Institute’s Questions That Matter podcast to discuss “The Wonders and Worries of Technology.” In June–July 2023, he taught apologetics to Cru staff members as part of their Institute of Biblical Studies. He also read and endorsed two books: How Should We Then Die: A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death by Ewan Goligher, MD (Lexham Press, forthcoming) and Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society by Neil Shenvi and Patrick Sawyer (Harvest House, 2023).
Dr. Kevin McFadden was the speaker for the annual Rice Lectures at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in March 2023. He submitted an article to the same seminary’s journal titled “The Nature of Saving Faith in James.”
Dr. Matt McAlack spoke at the Youth Leaders’ Summit in Harvey Cedars on May 24–26 and their Family Week on August 14–20. He also contributed to a Christmas devotional publication for Word of Life Fellowship.
Dr. Gary Schnittjer, distinguished professor of Old Testament, was nterviewed on several podcasts regarding the second edition of Torah Story: Theology on the Go, On Script, and Hebrew Bible Insights. He was a guest on The Weird Christian Podcast to discuss his book Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Episodes links can be found at cairn.edu/faculty/gary-edward-schnittjer.
Dr. Bryan Murawski spoke at the men’s fellowship at Calvary Homes and the youth conference at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference.
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
Greg Schaller, chair of politics, philosophy, and history, recently participated with a delegation sponsored by the Philos Project to visit Armenia to speak to the threat Armenia faces from Turkey
and Azerbaijan.
Charlotte Gleason, chair of humanities, and Dr. Michael Breece recently chaired and judged the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA speaking competition in Hershey, PA.
Dr. Tori Aquilone successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in April 2023. She received a PhD in English from the University of Delaware.
Dr. Liesl Lawrence joined the faculty in July 2023. She is teaching courses in the biology programs.
John Stange is serving as program ambassador for the digital media and communication program.
Kate Bulat joined the faculty part-time to teach mathematics courses.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Dr. Stacey Bose, dean, wrote an article: “Perceived Value and Impact of ACSI Accreditation in Christian Schools in Latin America” Research in Brief, 4(2), 13–15.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Dr. Scott Watson joined the faculty full-time in July 2023. He is teaching courses in music theory, composition, and conducting.