Randy Baxter is a field director for social work at Spring Arbor University. He has a PhD in philosophy, from Western Michigan University, a Master of Social Work, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University. He is a licensed Master’s Social Worker since 2005. Baxter was an adjunct for Grand Rapids Community College and Kellogg Community College, a faculty member at Dordt College, and a Family Preservation Specialist for Michigan Family Independence Agency. He has authored and co-authored several books and is a member of various social work associations.
Lloyd Chia joins Spring Arbor University as an assistant professor of sociology. He received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Missouri, his masters in social sciences, and an honors bachelor’s degree in social science, and a B.A. from The National University of Singapore. He teaches in the areas of social theory, introduction to sociology, research methods, deviance and crime, social psychology, sociology of religion, sociology of culture, and sociology of youth and childhood. He has taught course at various universities including Lindenwood University, St. Louis University, University of Missouri, and Mongolia International University.
Emily Dixon joins SAU as an instructor of social work. Dixon has experience with SAU as an adjunct professor for the Bachelor of Social Work program at the Grand Rapids satellite campus. She has also worked for Bethany Christian Services as a training/quality assurance supervisor and a foster care case manager. She has been trained and certified for clinical practice from LMSW, private agency foster care pre-service trainer, and child welfare training institute.
John Hawthorne joins SAU as the new chair and professor of sociology. He recently served as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer for Point Loma Nazarene University. He has worked as a special assistant to the president at Warner Pacific College, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Warner Pacific College, Vice President and Dean of Continuing Education at Sterling College, professor of sociology, Associate Dean, and associate professor at Sterling College, and associate professor of sociology at Olivet Nazarene University. He obtained his PhD in Sociology, M.S. in Sociology, and B.S. in Sociology from Purdue University. He mentioned his hobbies were reading, bicycling, bowling, golf and politics.
Wil Hernandez works as an associate professor of theology at SAU. He obtained a PhD in practical theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, a master’s in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a diploma in Christian counseling from Alliance Biblical Seminary, and a bachelor of fine arts from the University of the Philippines. He has had experience as an adjunct professor for Fuller Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, and Hope International University among others.
Matthew Hill joins SAU’s philosophy department as an assistant professor. He taught at Roberts Wesleyan College and has published various works in his field, including “A Good Philosophy to Treating Family” in the Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants (February 2011). He is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church and has served as the lead pastor for Living Faith Free Methodist Church, associate pastor for Gowanda Free Methodist Church, and student director for Wilmore Free Methodist Church. He obtained his PhD in Christian Ethics from Durham University, a master’s academic degree with a focus on Christian Ethics from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in religion and philosophy and psychology from Roberts Wesleyan College.
Martin Laramie joins SAU as an assistant professor in GPS. Laramie obtained a PhD in Business Management from Capella University, bachelor’s in business administration from Davenport University, Ashland Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Church History, Master of Arts in Contemporary Theology, and Master of Arts in Religion. He has worked as an adjunct professor for Spring Arbor University’s Jackson site, and is a pastor at The Pilgrim Holiness Church in Jackson, Michigan.
Elisee Ouoba is an assistant professor of theology at SAU. He received a PhD in biblical theology from Wheaton College Graduate School, Maitrise en Theologie from Faculte de Theologie Evangelique de Bangui (Central African Republic), Licence en Theologie from Faculte de Theologie Evangelique de Bangui and Diplome d’Etudes Universitaires Generales (Sociology) from Universite de Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Ouoba has worked as an archives and special collection assistant at Wheaton College. He has also worked as a teaching and research assistant for Dr. Douglas Moo, Dr. Daniel Block, Dr. Gene Green, and Dr. Samuel Zadi at Wheaton College. He was a full-time lecturer in Bible, full-time seminary instructor in theology, and went through seminary training at Bangui Evangelical School of Theology.
Cynthia Reynolds joins SAU as an assistant professor of social work. She is a professional clinician, administrator and consultant with more than 20 years successful, progressive experience in the areas of healthcare and mental health while working in challenging and diverse environments. Specific scope of professional practice encompasses the following: clinical, educational, administrative, and public relations. Reynolds received a MSW from Wayne State University and a BSW cum laude from Wayne State University. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Michigan and a part of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Tovah Sheldon is now an instructor of education at SAU. She obtained a M.A. in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University, a B.A. in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University, and an Associate of Arts from Jackson Community College. Sheldon has worked in the Jackson County Intermediate School District as the Data, Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, the Western School District as a middle and elementary school teacher in math and science, and has been an adjunct for SAU since 2009.
Tim Wegner joins SAU’s mathematics department as a one-year appointment faculty member. He obtained his masters in mathematics from Central Michigan University and his BA from Spring Arbor University. He has worked as an adjunct for SAU, as well as a graduate assistant for Central Michigan University.
Timothy Wiegert joins SAU as an assistant professor and registrar. He has worked in administration positions in various schools including Plymouth Christian Academy, Aurora Christian Schools, Inc., The Master’s College, Heritage Christian School, Cornerstone University, Moody Bible Institute, and Virginia College. He spent his post-graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University and obtained a M.A. in Christian School Administration at Grace Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Trinity International University.
