26 Apr Dr. Sherilyn Emberton – New HU President

Dr. Sherilyn Emberton with Huntington University students at a reception on April 26.

“Today is a great day to become a Forester,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton upon being introduced as the next president of Huntington University.

On April 26, Dr. Emberton was chosen by the Huntington University Board of Trustees to be its 13th president–and the first female president in the school’s 116-year history. Dr. Emberton will assume that role on June 1. Dr. G. Blair Dowden, the president for the past 22 years, will retire on May 31.

Dr. Emberton is currently provost and vice president for academic affairs at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas (in east Texas near the Louisiana border). East Texas Baptist is a private Christian liberal arts college which mostly serves the tri-state area of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. With 1200 students, it’s about the size of Huntington University. And it’s a denominational college, so she’s familiar with those dynamics.

Emberton brings a great deal of experience in program development and fundraising. Also, she has had significant experience with multi-site campuses. This will prove valuable as Huntington University launches a satellite campus in Peoria, Ariz.–another of the momentous decisions made this week by the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Emberton is a highly-gifted leader with extensive higher education administrative experience, including positions at public, private, and faith-based institutions,” said Kelly Savage, board chair.

At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Savage pointed out various qualities.

“She has a business background–knows how to watch the bottom line and to maneuver during rough times,” Savage said. “When we checked references, people said she builds programs. We want a builder.”

Emberton has extensive experience in academic program development, having launched graduate programs in counseling, education, law, medicine, religion, and sports leadership.

Emberton is a lifelong Christian with a love for Christian higher education. She said at the press conference, “I made a conscious decision several years ago that if I was going to pursue an executive position at an institution, it would have to be an institution that focused on faith.”

When asked about community involvement, Dr. Emberton said, “First and foremost, I would want to be involved in my local church.”

A Little About Dr. Emberton

• She was born in Irving, Texas, and brings to Indiana enough of a drawl to confirm that she’s a Texan.
• She is a lifelong Christian.
• She currently attends First Baptist Church in Hallsville, Texas.
• She is single.
• She is described as a great listener with a collegial attitude.
• She has always championed literacy efforts and would want to get involved with that in some way.
• She has a soft spot in her heart for community theater.

Education

• 1979: Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.
• 1981: Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.
• 1999: Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Academic Experience

2010 – Present. Provost and vice president for academic affairs at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.

2007-2010. Provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. At Lincoln, a secular liberal arts school with an enrollment of over 4300 students, she gave oversight to seven academic schools and 12 off-campus sites in three states, managing an annual budget of $30 million. She instituted offering doctoral degrees in medicine, education, and law, along with professional programs in other health-related fields. She also opened four new off-campus sites in Kentucky and Tennessee.

1999-2007. After completing her doctorate, Emberton was hired by LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, to lead its new teacher education program. In 2001 she became LeTourneau’s Dean of the School of Education, and in 2005 added the title of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. LeTourneau is a Christ-centered university with 2800+ students.

1996-1999. Emberton was Project Director for Applied Learning at Texas State Technical College in Marshall, Texas. This is a public, two-year technical college.

26 Apr HU Science Hall Named in Honor of Dr. Dowden

Dr. G. Blair and Chris Dowden at the April 25 recognition by the HU Board of Trustees.

The Huntington University Science Hall, which opened in 2002, has a new name: the Dowden Science Hall, in honor of Dr. G. Blair Dowden, who will retire on May 31 after 22 years as president of the university.

The renaming came Thursday night, April 25, during a special ceremony. Both Dr. and Mrs. Dowden were also named President Emeritus and First Lady Emerita, respectively, by the Board of Trustees.

“We will remember the two of you and will be forever grateful,” said Dr. C. Ray Miller, former UB bishop and former chairman of the HU Board of Trustees.

The state-of-the-art Dowden Science Hall is home to the university’s programs in nursing, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, pre-med, and environmental science. It is the most significant building project to occur during Dr. Dowden’s presidency, which began in 1991.

18 Apr HU to Announce New President on April 26

At 4 p.m. April 26, Huntington University will host a news conference to announce its 13th president. The announcement will take place in the Longaker Recital Hall, which is located on the lower level of the Merillat Centre for the Arts.

The announcement will follow a Board of Trustees election which will occur earlier that day. The board will also vote on the future of a new campus in Peoria, Ariz., and the occupational therapy initiatives.

In October, after 22 years as president, Dr. G. Blair Dowden (right) announced his plan to retire. His last day as president is May 31, 2013.

Under Dowden’s leadership, the Christian liberal-arts campus has doubled its enrollment, tripled its endowment, and constructed or remodeled eight buildings. Huntington attracted a well-credentialed faculty and a more ethnically diverse student body. Academic programs were significantly expanded for undergraduate, adult, and graduate students. Some of the university’s largest and fastest-growing degree programs were launched during Dowden’s presidency, including nursing and digital media arts. The institution transitioned from “college” to “university” in 2005.

01 Apr May 18 — HU Commencement to Recognize 323 Grads

Huntington University will hold its 115th Commencement at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 18, in the Merillat Complex fieldhouse. Degrees–bachelor’s, associate’s, and master’s–will be awarded to 323 graduates. The graduate hooding ceremony will take place at College Park Church in Huntington at 11 a.m.

The commencement speaker will be Mike Packnett, president and CEO of Parkview Health, the largest employer in northeast Indiana. HU works with Parkview through its nursing program and through Fort Wayne-based academic programs.

L-r: Mike Packnett, Emmett Lippe, Dale Haupert, and Ed Souers.

The university will also award four honorary doctorate degrees.

• Doctor of Humane Letters: Commencement speaker Mike Packnett.
• Doctor of Commercial Science: Dale Haupert, a 25-year member of the HU Board of Trustees. Haupert has worked in the life insurance business for 44 years.
• Doctor of Humane Letters: Dr. Emmett Lippe, an 18-year board member. Lippe graduated from Huntington University in 1964, and went on to serve 29 years as a school district superintendent in Michigan. In 2005, he formed his own consulting company, Lippe Consulting, LLC, through which he mentors other school leaders. He holds earned doctorates from both Michigan State University and Ball State University.
• Doctor of Commercial Science: Edward Souers, a 15-year board member and past president of the HU Board. He graduated from Huntington University in 1975 with a degree in accounting, management, and business education, and in 1977 received an associate of arts degree in accounting. He is a partner in Christen Souers LLC, a certified public accounting firm with locations in Fort Wayne and Marion, Ind.

28 Mar Memories of Roxie Stahl

Roxie Stahl

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

Roxie Stahl, 88, passed away March 18, 2013, at a retirement community in North Manchester, Ind. She spent 26 years working for Huntington University, 1964-1990, serving as editor, publications director, and public relations director.

Like many former Huntington University students, not to mention the numerous faculty and staff who worked alongside her, I have very fond memories of Roxie.

First of all, Roxie was clearly a highly talented writer and graphic artist. She was a book illustrator and graphic artist before joining the college staff, and did chalk presentations for churches and organizations across the Midwest. At Huntington University, she juggled many responsibilities in what was basically, in those years, a one-person communications shop. She could wear all of the necessary hats, cranking out quality material in whatever genre was needed.

But I also remember, with gratitude, the interest she took in me as a student. Sure, it helped that I liked to write and that she knew my parents (Dad worked with her at the college for a couple of years). But she just enjoyed students, and thrived in the college environment. I always found her pleasant, personable…and Christ-like.

In my case, Roxie took a special interest in developing my writing ability. She found great pleasure in sending some of my campus writings to Huntington and Fort Wayne newspapers, and was absolutely thrilled–more thrilled than I was, I think–when something appeared with my byline. She, along with the amazing Edwina Patton, continually encouraged me and nudged me toward a career in writing.

After I graduated and began working in the United Brethren denominational office as editor, I worked with Roxie on a professional basis for ten years. She continually supplied me with quality articles to use in our publications, and with whatever else I needed to tell the story of the college. And the encouragement never let up. When I landed articles in other Christian publications, I would want to tell Roxie, because I knew she would be both interested and proud.

Roxie, as I think about it, was somewhat of a mentor to me, though I never thought of her that way until just now.

A memorial service will be held April 13 at 2pm at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral home in Wabash, Ind.

26 Mar April 9: Free Lecture on Spiritual Maturity

Dr. Tom Bergler (right), professor of Ministry and Missions at Huntington University, will present a special lecture titled “Reversing the Juvenilization of American Christianity: Fostering Spiritual Maturity in Congregations.”

Date: 7 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Location: Zurcher Auditorium, Merillat Centre for the Arts, Huntington University

Dr. Bergler is the author of The Juvenilization of American Christianity (Eerdmans, 2012). His book was featured in a cover story in Christianity Today, won an Award of Merit in the Church and Pastoral Leadership category from Christianity Today, and was named one of “10 Books Every Preacher Should Read” by R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in an article in Preaching magazine.

Because of juvenilization, Bergler says, many Americans are not sure they want to grow up. Many Christians are not sure that spiritual maturity is either attainable or desirable. This presentation will explain how juvenilization works and suggest ways that congregation members and their leaders can work together with God’s help to create a powerful congruence of teaching, modeling, and ministry structures that foster an attractive spiritual maturity.

This event is free and open to the public.

22 Mar Spring Break 2013: Once Again a Time of Service

Huntington University spring break teams preparing to go impact their world. The Haiti team left on Friday, March 22, and the Nashville and Los Angeles teams left on Saturday, March 23.

For many Huntington University students, spring break is a time to serve others. During this year’s spring break, March 25-29, HU students will serve in three places: Los Angeles, Nashville, and Haiti.

Haiti. Once again, a team will serve in Haiti with Mission of Hope, an organization founded by Brad and Vanessa Johnson, 1993 and 1994 HU graduates. Accompanying the team of 15 students will be Vince Haupert, vice president for advancement, his brother, Jason Haupert, and Dr. Jerry Clore, a dentist and 1979 alum. Departure date: Friday, March 22.

Los Angeles. Eight students and faculty will spend each morning with the Center for Student Missions, serving breakfast in soup kitchens and working with a resident in a local retirement facility. In the afternoons, they will work with the afterschool program for Door of Hope, a Christian transitional housing program for families. The team will include five students, plus Dr. Tanner Babb (psychology professor), Jodi Fiedler (Campus Ministries administrative secretary), and Campus Pastor Arthur Wilson. Departure date: Saturday, March 23.

Nashville, Tenn. Nine persons will minister at the local Rescue Mission, a homeless ministry that provides a shelter, a clothing clothing donation center, and a soup kitchen. The team will wash laundry, sort clothes, and take to the streets to distribute meals and build relationships with the homeless. At night, they will help with the Christian worship service held on the streets. Departure date: Saturday, March 23.

21 Mar April 2: Walter Kaiser Speaks at First Bergdall Lectureship

On April 2, Huntington University will host the first Bergdall Endowed Lectureship on Biblical Studies. The lectureship is named in honor of Dr. Chaney Bergdall (right), an ordained United Brethren minister, who taught Bible and Religion at HU 1975-2012.

Date: 7 pm Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Location: Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Centre for the Arts

The event is free and open to the public.

Walter Kaiser (right), one of the world’s top evangelical Old Testament scholars, will address the topic, “Why Does God Use the Jewish People?”

Kaiser, now retired, was the president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, former Old Testament professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, and the author of more than 40 academic books and commentaries on a variety of biblical topics.

14 Mar HU Upgrading Its Wireless and Printing Capabilities

Huntington University will overhaul its campus wireless network and add cloud printing capabilities during the summer months.

“When we first built our campus wireless network in 2001, students might have brought a single laptop computer to college,” said Gary Campbell (right), director of technology services. “Today, things are very different. Our students now bring a wide variety of wireless devices to campus — computers, tablets, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and even televisions and DVD players — so the demand on our system is much greater. To help meet students’ expectations, we have developed a plan to substantially overhaul our wireless infrastructure.”

In addition, the university will also provide a new cloud-based printing system for students. The initiative will replace low-volume printers that have been available in residence halls and computer labs with more reliable, high-volume multi-function printers.

“We are moving away from small distributed network printers where students had to supply their own paper,” Campbell said. “Instead, we will strategically locate high-availability printer/copier/scanner units in student and academic areas around campus for student use as needed.”

These two initiatives will be underwritten by a new $250 per year technology fee.

21 Feb HU Students Revisit Orphanage in India

The January 2013 Huntington University group at India’s Taj Mahal.

The trip ended weeks ago, but the smell of chai and the busy sounds of students still fill the Alexanders’ living room every week as they recount their J-Term trip to India.

It was the second year in a row that Huntington University students made the trek to Chennai, India, to serve in an all-girls orphanage.

“The trip revealed to me how blind I have been to a number of spiritual and emotional realities,” said Dr. David Alexander, assistant professor of philosophy, the trip leader. This was his first-time visit to India.

From January 4-21, Alexander and his family joined14 HU students in traveling to Channai, where they led a Vacation Bible School program for the girls with drama, games, music, dance, and crafts. The team also began building a new dormitory for the girls while they were in school.

“It was like I had never left,” said Genevieve Alexander, who went on the trip last year and was the student leader this year. “When I stepped foot onto the grounds of the Home of Love, I heard my name called out, ‘Sister Gen!’ There couldn’t have been a better greeting than to hear their voices call out my name.”

The 2013 team followed in the footsteps of 15 HU students who ministered in Chennai the year before. The 2012 team held a Vacation Bible School, painted a mural, and created promotional videos for the orphanage. While they made an amazing impact on the orphanage, they did not realize the extent of how they were touched personally by the experience until they returned home.

Back in the U.S., a plan was formed to raise $20,000 to build a dormitory for the 70 girls. By December 2012, the team learned that they had reached and exceeded their goal. When the 2013 team landed, ground was broken on the new dormitory. Plans are already in place to continue trips in the future.

“One of the interesting things I learned from the [Home of Love] director is that it cannot survive without trips like the one we went on,” David Alexander said. He and his family plan to return to Chennai in January 2014 with the HU student team. “So they really need us to continue to go and show the world what they are doing.”

Collectively, the team described transformation and growth in their faith through their time spent with the girls at the Home of Love. All hope to return to India to continue building relationships with their global sisters and encourage others to share in the experience.

“The India trip changed my heart beyond my wildest dreams,” said sophomore Stephanie Yoder. “I really didn’t know what to expect, and I tried to start the trip without any expectations except for one — that the Lord would move our team and protect our team. Ultimately, he did much more than that. Not only did He guide and protect us and bless us with his mercies, but he brought us closer together as a team, to the Home of Love girls, and to him.”