by Mark Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
At its October 3 meeting, the Cedarville University board of trustees approved the naming of the new Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center, reviewed and updated new student scholarships, added three new members to its board ranks, approved 10 faculty hires, and authorized construction of a storage warehouse.
Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center
The trustees approved the naming of a future business and conference center in honor of three-term chair of the board and tireless advocate for Cedarville, Lorne C. Scharnberg. Cedarville is currently in the midst of a 10-year master plan that includes a new facility for the school of business administration, along with five other new or expanded buildings on campus. The business building is expected to be located on Cedar Lake between the Dixon Ministry Center and the Stevens Student Center. Architectural planning is expected to begin this spring.
Dr. Thomas White, president, announced the trustees’ decision to name the future home for the business school during the annual State of the University address on October 4. “I am thrilled to announce that our new school of business building will be named the Lorne C. Scharnberg Business Center,” said White. “For years to come, there will be a stone of remembrance on this campus to celebrate all that Lorne Scharnberg and his family have done to further the mission and vision of Cedarville University. For years to come, future generations of business leaders will be trained to use their gifts for God’s glory, the good of mankind and for their joy.”
— Thomas White
Prior to announcing the name of the new business building, White announced a $10 million pledge to the university from Mark Scharnberg ’97, on behalf of the Scharnberg family and Katecho and Surmasis Pharmaceuticals of Des Moines, Iowa. When made, this was the largest single pledge to the university in its 132-year history, made in honor of Lorne Scharnberg, who served for three terms as chair of the board of trustees.
Lorne Scharnberg is founder and CEO of Katecho and Surmasis. Mark Scharnberg is president of both companies.
Increased Student Financial Aid
Continuing its efforts to increase affordability and accessibility for students, the trustees approved a $500 increase to academic scholarships for new students. Starting fall 2020, academic scholarships will range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year. Scholarship funds are also available for students with financial need.
The university’s investment in scholarships has increased by $15.1 million, or 33%, in the past five years.
Three New Trustees
● Jason Duesing, provost and associate professor of historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College, was approved as a new trustee. Duesing holds a doctoral degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master’s degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A & M University.
● Timothy Knight, senior advisor at Arsenal Capital Partners and president of Knight & Associates Consulting, LLC., was also approved as a trustee. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Bachelor of Arts and master’s degree from Oxford University in England.
● Jonathan Price, chief executive officer at CBC Companies in Columbus, Ohio, will also join the board of trustees. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University.
New Faculty Appointments
The board approved the hiring of 10 faculty members:
● Nathaniel Davis, M.ES., STEM/Business Librarian
Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in environmental science from Taylor University. He previously worked at Northwest Indian College since 2011.
● Daniel Fultz, Ph.D., professor of communication
Fultz earned his doctoral degree in communication studies from Bowling Green State University. He also holds a master’s degree in business and a bachelor’s degree in management from Bluffton University. He previously served at Charleston Southern University, as professor of communication since 2014 and dean of the college of humanities and social sciences since 2017.
● Jason Grimm, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, assistant professor of nursing
Grimm earned his doctoral degree from Texas Christian University, his master’s degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore and bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He previously served in the United States Air Force as an acute care nurse practitioner at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
● Dan (Cam) Davis, M.F.A., associate professor of visual communication
Davis earned his M.F.A. from Radford University. He also holds a B.F.A. in commercial art from Marshall University. He previously was a faculty member at Liberty University.
● Nathaniel Kincaid, M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing
Kincaid earned his master’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wright State University. He has worked at Dayton Children’s Hospital, including as assistant nurse manager since 2017.
● Scott Long, M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing
Long earned his master’s degree in nursing from Wright State University and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio University. He worked as a critical care nurse in 2017 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, and as a critical care intensivist nurse at Soin Medical Center since 2018.
● Jenna Orme, M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing
Orme earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Cedarville University. Since 2013, she has served as an adjunct clinical instructor at Cedarville University. From 2012-2016, she served as a registered nurse for Premier Health in Ohio.
● McKenzie Shenk, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Shenk earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Cedarville University. She completed a postgraduate residency at Eskenazi Health System in Indianapolis.
● Stacey Stratton, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre, performance
Stratton earned her Master of Fine Arts (acting) from the University of Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in theatre and speech communication from Murray State University. Since 2003, she served as an adjunct professor at Kentucky Community College and Technical College System. Stratton also was an adjunct instructor at Murray State University from 2001-2005.
● Timothy Veenstra, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences
Veenstra earned his doctoral degree in biochemistry at the University of Windsor (Canada) and bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Trent University (Canada). Since 2015, he served as chair of the applied science department at Maranatha Baptist University.
● Sandra Wagner, M.S.W., instructor of social work
Wagner earned her Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University and her bachelor’s degree in social work from Cedarville University. Since 2016, she worked as a crisis assessment specialists at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Physical Plant Facility Expansion
With Cedarville’s continued growth, additional space for the university’s physical plant is needed. Trustees approved the construction of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse with a loading dock. The facility will open in summer 2020. The construction will take place along with three other student and academic projects: a new Chick-fil-A dining commons adjoining Centennial Library, a nearly 300-bed residence hall on the north side of campus, and a new civil engineering laboratory and office building.
Cedarville University is a Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,380 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.