Cedarville Stories

Biblical Truth for Little Hearts: Dr. Kevin Jones Dr. Kevin Jones knows that time is a gift — and he’s not about to waste a minute of it. From his early years teaching Sunday school to now leading the School of Education and Social Work at Cedarville University, Dr. Jones has always seen education as a mission field. With conviction, he knows that “Man cannot live on bread alone, but on every word...

Courtroom Calling: Col. Greg Thompson and Katie Baker Practice may not always make perfect, but at Cedarville University, it launches futures. The University’s mock trial team is preparing students for legal careers and inspiring them to model the love of Christ in the courtroom. Colonel (Ret.) Greg Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, brought his...

From Cuba to Cedarville: David Molina’s Journey of Faith and Freedom David Molina walks the campus of Cedarville University with a sense of wonder and gratitude. As a freshman majoring in nursing, his path here wasn’t just unlikely — it was miraculous. Born and raised in Cuba, one of the world’s last remaining Communist nations, David never imagined he’d one day study in a place where professors s...

Twins, Talent, and Testimony: The Forensics Team’s Journey at Cedarville If you wander down the halls of Cedarville University’s communication building, you might hear echoes of passionate conversations, bursts of laughter, or a well-timed, dramatic pause. It’s not a theatre troupe or a sermon prep class — it’s the beating heart of Cedarville’s forensics team. No, not fingerprints and crime scenes...

A Return With Purpose: Dr. Bob Lutz’s New Chapter at Cedarville Dr. Bob Lutz’s journey starts in the quiet stretch between Noblesville and Anderson, Indiana. He grew up in a pastor’s home, where faith was woven into everyday life — where church softball games and pickup basketball shared space with Scripture and community. It was there, in the ordinary rhythms of life, that Bob first encountered t...

From the Heartland to High Places: How Two Cedarville Graduates Are Launching Their Dreams As nearly two million students prepare to turn their tassels and step into the unknown, there are a few whose paths seem guided not just by their own hard work, but by something deeper — faith, community, and calling. Two such students are David Reid and Emily Wollschlager, proud members of the Cedarville Un...

A Place To Call Home Bryn, Reyna, and Erin Golson have always known that “home” isn’t just a spot on a map — it’s where your family is and where your roots grow deep even when planted in foreign soil. The three sisters grew up hand-in-hand in the small town of Knysna on the southern coast of South Africa. As missionary kids, they learned early that family is more than just important — it’s everyth...

God Restores the Soul: Susan Troth Susan Troth never imagined that the trials of life would lead her to a podium at the United Nations. Yet, in March 2025, she found herself standing before the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, sharing her journey of faith, healing, and hope with women from all over the world. Susan shares her story of struggle, resilience, and surrender on th...

From Curiosity to a Career in Foreign Affairs Payton Arbuthnot’s story began in Springfield, Colorado, where she found herself captivated by the news often as a curious young girl. It wasn’t just the stories — it was the fact that through the news, she could know what was happening all over the world. She’d sit by the radio, her small fingers tracing the words in her schoolbooks as the voices from...

Legislating From a Perspective of Faith and Youth Imagine being the youngest face in the room as you try to find your footing among seasoned legislators. That is the struggle Ty Mathews, one of the youngest legislators at the Ohio Statehouse, has had to face as he follows his faith in Jesus and forges a clear path for his constituents in the 83rd District. In this episode of the Cedarville Stories...

Faith, Service, and the Reality of Border Security Patrol Agent in Charge Jodi (Quint) Williams and Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge Jerami C.'s roles with the United States Border Patrol are more than a job; they’re a calling. Each day presents a fresh set of challenges, unexpected situations, and moments that test their resolve, but through it all, one unwavering constant remains: their commitment...

A Cedarville Connection Across the Borderlands Jodi (Quint) Williams and Jerami C. walked the same halls at Cedarville University in the 1990s, but their paths never crossed — not until years later, in one of the most unexpected places. These two Cedarville alums met not in Ohio, but in Washington, D.C., as two U.S. Border Patrol agents serving on opposite ends of the country. They first met in 20...

A Heart for Giving: Connie Jenkins’ Mission to Equip the Next Generation for Christ Connie Jenkins wears many hats — devoted follower of Christ, champion of women’s ministry, wife, mother, philanthropist, deer hunter, and trustee at Cedarville University. But above all, she is a woman on a mission to make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom. Connie’s unwavering dedication to Christian education and...

Writing With Excellence for God’s Glory Words have power — power to inform, inspire, and glorify God. For three Cedarville University students and alumni, the journey into journalism and public relations has been about more than just telling stories. It’s about writing with excellence, integrity, and purpose for God’s glory. Sarah Mummert and Ben Konuch, two seniors preparing to graduate, and Kath...

From Resound Radio to Focus on the Family Chloe Hunt, a 2023 graduate of Cedarville University, has transformed her passion for storytelling into a thriving career in Christian broadcasting. With a degree in broadcasting, digital media, and journalism, she now serves as an assistant producer for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she identifies and interviews guests for their...

Dr. Will   Smallwood’s Journey of Faith, Strength, and Healing Imagine being in your 40s, healthy, full of energy, and leading the most significant fundraising campaign of your career. Then, out of nowhere, you receive devastating news: You have cancer. And not just any cancer, but an aggressive form with a prognosis that gives you only six months to live. This was the reality for Dr. Will Smallwo...

Kindred Spirits in Commitment to the Word of God In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville University, sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of the late Warren Wiersbe — one of the most influential Bible teachers of the 20th century. Known as “the pastor’s pastor,” Wiersbe’s ministry at Chicago’s Moody Church and with the “Back to the Bible” radio...

Diana Ivanikhina – From Orphan to International Athlete and Missionary Diana Ivanikhina is an international student, a tennis superstar, and a young woman whose journey from adversity to hope is a testament to God’s faithfulness. After her father abandoned the family and her mother faced financial difficulties before suddenly passing away, Diana and her brother were placed in a Christian children’...

Lawlor for Life: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Discipleship Nick Boucher’s six years as resident director of Lawlor Hall at Cedarville University left a legacy that echoes through campus even today. Known for his intentional leadership, Nick fostered a culture of discipleship, fun, and spiritual growth, inspiring the rallying cry, “Lawlor for Life.” A North Carolina native, Nick holds two master...

Turning   Challenges Into Joy and Purpose Emily Shanahan was born with cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affects a person’s ability to move, maintain balance, and control posture. This diagnosis was difficult for Emily and her family, but after recognizing God’s goodness, even in this challenge, they began to fill their days with joy and purpose. In this episode of the Cedarville Stories p...

Paul Hembekides on Priorities, Faith, and ESPN In this inspiring episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, we sit down with Paul Hembekides, known as "Hembo" to ESPN viewers. He is the premier researcher and analyst for ESPN, and his roots are deeply entrenched at Cedarville University. Known for his wit and expertise on sports television, Hembo reflects on his collegiate baseball career, spiritu...

Grace Norman: Gold Medalist in Faith, Resilience, and Excellence Grace Norman stands as one of Cedarville University's most decorated athletes, celebrated not only for her achievements but also for her unwavering faith and resilience. A 2020 nursing graduate, Norman is a four-time Paralympic medalist and five-time World Triathlon Para Champion. She earned her second Paralympic gold medal at the 20...

The God Who Blesses and Make Things New Dannah Gresh has learned over the years, both from her personal life and her work with Pure Freedom Ministries , which she co-founded with husband, Bob, that the ways of God will amaze you, heal you, and make you new. Tune in to this special New Year’s Day episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast and be encouraged by Dannah’s story of redemption. God has bl...

Christmas Stories of Hope and Healing   Christmas and Cedarville alumna Donna VanLiere are virtually synonymous.   As a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, many of Donna's novels are set during the Christmas season. Six of her books have made the transition to television, including The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing .  The ideas for Donna’s books are often deeply personal. She fin...

Catch the Spirit of Giving   The Christmas season is a time for giving and Dr. Gary Hoag inspires generosity even more than the big guy in a red suit!  Gary is known as “The Generosity Monk,” and while he may not wear a monk’s robe or embrace a vow of silence, he finds deep fulfillment in spending solitary time with the Lord and is dedicated to empowering ministries worldwide through Christian gen...