Trustees Announce AI Certificate, Advance Florida Expansion

From expanding into Florida and launching an artificial intelligence certificate program to developing a new Master of Education degree, Cedarville University is moving forward with plans to advance its Christ-centered mission following decisions made by the Board of Trustees during its fall meeting earlier this month.

 

At the annual meeting, trustees also approved the creation of an advisory council to guide Cedarville's expansion at its Clearwater, Florida location and plans for a $1.2 million tennis complex renovation honoring a longtime coach.

 

Strategic AI Leadership Certificate Set for January Launch

Cedarville University continues to expand its graduate academic offerings with the introduction of a graduate certificate in strategic AI leadership with classes starting January 2027.

 

Previously approved by the Board of Trustees through an electronic vote in August 2026, the certificate has now received all required external approvals, clearing the way for its launch.

 

The new program reflects Cedarville's commitment to preparing professionals to navigate emerging technologies while applying sound leadership principles and a biblical worldview.

 

The certificate will provide another opportunity for professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of artificial intelligence and its implications for organizational leadership and decision-making.

 

“This certificate represents part of Cedarville’s plan to lead the way in AI,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “We want every student to have AI Literacy working toward Competency while training some to achieve AI Fluency and others Mastery. We seek to graduate biblically faithful, servant leaders equipped to engage AI with skill and discernment. This certification helps accomplish that goal for every student who pursues it.” 

 

The graduate certificate, which has already received unprecedented interest as a new program, is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree who is seeking to expand knowledge of AI and how to lead an AI-forward organization.

 

Florida Advisory Council 

As Cedarville University prepares to expand its educational presence in Florida, trustees approved the establishment of a Florida Advisory Council to support its newest location.

 

 

 

The council will provide guidance and strategic insight as Cedarville prepares to welcome students to its Clearwater, Florida location for the first time on Jan. 4, 2027.

 

The Florida location will initially offer a Bachelor of Arts in biblical and theological studies, extending Cedarville's commitment to biblically faithful higher education beyond its Ohio campus.

 

The advisory council will strengthen connections within the Florida community while supporting the university's long-term vision for academic growth and ministry opportunities.

 

“This new Advisory Council will be strategic in helping Cedarville build with wisdom, listen with humility, and serve with clarity,” said White. “We want to serve the churches and advance God’s Kingdom in Florida. To do that well, we will need to listen to pastors, ministry and business leaders and develop partners in ministry that will offer insight and help advance the Gospel.”

 

As newcomers to the state and region, Cedarville leaders will be intentional about serving the local churches, schools, families and students through this new location. The council will help shape that work, build relationships and inspire support — including philanthropic investment — to advance Cedarville’s mission in Florida for the good of the community and the glory of God.

 

The advisory council is expected to meet up to three times a year for the purpose of discussing future plans, listening to feedback and pursuing ways to connect with the Clearwater community.

 

“We are grateful for the Lord’s continued faithfulness as He opens new doors for Cedarville University to expand its reach and impact,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “The launch of our strategic AI leadership certificate and our expansion into Florida represent exciting opportunities to equip more students and professionals with the knowledge, skills and biblical foundation needed to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world. We recognize that every opportunity comes from the Lord, and our prayer is that He will use these efforts for His glory and the advancement of the Gospel.”

 

Learn more about the planned Florida location at Cedarville.edu/Florida. Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 13682. Cedarville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Cedarville University seeking HLC approval of its Florida instructional site as an additional location.

 

New Master of Education Program Expands Graduate Offerings

The Board of Trustees also approved the addition of a new, fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) program designed to strengthen educators' teaching, leadership and ability to support student learning. Pending external approvals, this 30-credit-hour, non-licensure MEd with a concentration in educational leadership will consist of 10 courses emphasizing curriculum development, instructional innovation, leadership, research and assessment. Grounded in a biblical worldview, the program will integrate Christian principles with educational practices, preparing educators to address evolving classroom needs while fostering student growth and academic success.

 

The program will also explore digital learning strategies to equip educators for today's changing educational landscape. Students will apply their knowledge through a capstone project addressing real-world challenges in classrooms and schools. Courses will be taught by Cedarville faculty and credentialed, experienced educational leaders from Christian school partnerships, including superintendents, principals and headmasters. Through its partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Cedarville plans to collaborate on promotion to expand access to graduate education for Christian school teachers and leaders. 

 

Tennis Complex Named to Honor Longtime Cedarville Coach

The board approved naming the university's tennis facilities the Dr. Delyte "Dee" Morris Tennis Complex, recognizing Morris' 42-year association with Cedarville University and its tennis program, her longstanding dedication to Cedarville athletics and the university community. 

 

Morris joined Cedarville's faculty in 1977, serving as a professor, physician assistant, and tennis coach. She led the Lady Jackets tennis program from 2007 to 2018, recording 432 victories and winning 11 conference championships. Her athletic achievements earned her induction into three athletic halls of fame: Geneva College, her alma mater; Cedarville University; and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

 

Renovations to the tennis complex are scheduled to be completed during summer 2027, supported in part by a $200,000 gift from the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

 

The project represents an investment in Cedarville's athletic facilities and its commitment to providing quality resources for student athletes.

 

The total cost for the renovation, including lighting, is approximately $1.2 million. The facility will include 12 courts, with three of the courts also containing pickleball court layouts.  The current facility will be removed, and a new base and court surface will be placed in the same location. 

 

 

Bolthouse Academic Center Progresses Toward Completion

Cedarville University's $39.7 million Bolthouse Academic Center is nearing completion, marking another significant milestone in the university's continued investment in academic excellence and campus growth.

 

The 51,422-square-foot facility will house the school of education and social work and the departments of history and government, psychology and English, literature and modern languages. The building will feature six classrooms, research laboratories, faculty offices, student study rooms, and a Center for Political Studies.

 

A distinctive dome overlooking a three-story atrium will serve as an architectural centerpiece, for student learning and collaboration.

 

Construction continues to advance, with the second and third floors approaching 90% completion. Current exterior work includes the courtyard, seating walls, steps and sidewalks. Interior improvements include cabinetry and casework installation, terrazzo flooring, painting, doors and hardware.

 

Upcoming milestones include final painting on Nov. 2, terrazzo completion on Nov. 6 and flooring installation by Nov. 15. The project follows the successful completion of the university's capital campaign last fall, which raised $39.7 million to fund the academic center.

 

The building is expected to open in April 2027, with faculty moving into their new offices in May. Students will begin attending classes in the facility when the fall semester starts in August 2027.

 

The Bolthouse Academic Center represents Cedarville's continued commitment to providing innovative learning environments that support academic excellence, faculty collaboration and student success.

 

Trustees Approve Faculty Appointments

The board approved nine faculty appointments across multiple academic disciplines:

 

Parvathy Das, D.N.B. — Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Richard Dudley, M.B.A. — Assistant Professor of Finance

Jacob Grasser, Pharm.D. — Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice

Madison Hultgren, M.S.N., RN — Assistant Professor of Nursing

Amos Kasperek, Ph.D. — Associate Professor of Spanish

Alexis Newsome, D.N.P., RN — Assistant Professor of Nursing

Matthew Schultz, M.F.A. — Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design

Alex Shaeffer, M.A. — Instructor of English

David Wiseman, M.F.A. — Assistant Professor of Communication

 

The appointments support academic programs in health sciences, business, humanities and communication while reinforcing the university's emphasis on academic excellence and student mentorship.

 

Longtime Music Professor Recommended for Emeritus Status

Trustees also approved granting emeritus status to Dr. Lyle Anderson, senior professor of music, upon his retirement in May 2027. Anderson has served at Cedarville University since 1970, contributing more than five decades to the university's music program and academic community.

 

His longstanding service represents a significant commitment to Christian higher education and the development of generations of Cedarville musicians.