Ben Hartlage

Biography

Dr. Ben Hartlage joined Cedarville University in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in military service, industry, and higher education. A retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, he previously taught statistics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and mathematics/statistics at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He also served as a deputy department head at AFIT and has held operations research and technical leadership positions with MITRE, LinQuest, and KBR.

Dr. Hartlage teaches business statistics, operations analysis, lean operations management, and supply chain management. His research interests include large-scale optimization using metaheuristics, network design and routing, and transportation and logistics. His experience combines quantitative analysis with practical decision-making, and his interests in teaching include approaches that help students understand and apply analytical methods.

Education and Credentials

• PhD in Operations Research, Air Force Institute of Technology
• MS in Operations Research, Air Force Institute of Technology
• MS in Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, Wright State University
• BS in Mathematics, University of Louisville

Scholarly Works

• Hartlage, R. B., and Jordan, J. D. (2021). “An Efficient Metaheuristic for Dynamic Network Design and Message Routing.” International Journal of Operational Research, 42(4). https://doi.org/10.1504/IJOR.2021.119942

Expert Topics

Business statistics; operations research and analysis; large-scale optimization using metaheuristics; network design and routing; transportation and logistics; lean operations management; supply chain management.

Interests

• Writing reflective essays and stories, spending time with my wife and daughters

Why Cedarville?

I came to Cedarville to integrate my faith in Jesus Christ with teaching and scholarship. I value the opportunity to help students grow academically and spiritually within a Christ-centered community.