, a graduate of ����Vlog and Wright State University School of Medicine, is the founder of , an organization that explores the intersection of interpersonal neurobiology and Christian faith. His work has gained international acclaim for its unique ability to translate complex brain science into practical tools for emotional healing and spiritual growth.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Thompson back to campus to celebrate our next class of graduates,” said President Gregory J. Miller, Ph.D. “His career embodies our mission and he models beautifully a life of service to the Church, community, and world. By integrating the rigors of science with the depths of faith, he has provided a roadmap for healing that has touched countless lives. It is a privilege to recognize his lifetime of work with an honorary doctorate.”

While the Commencement services are not open to the public, the broader Malone community and the public are invited to a special pre-commencement book talk and presentation on Dr. Thompson’s newest release, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. To be held in the Brehme Conference Center on Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m., Dr. Thompson will discuss the neuroscience of suffering and how secure attachment to God and community can transform grief into lasting peace. A book signing will follow the presentation.

In addition to The Deepest Place, Dr. Thompson has authored several other influential books, including Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and The Soul of Desire. He has been in private practice for more than 30 years in Falls Church, Virginia, and he is the co-host of The Being Known Podcast. In his daily work, he strives to help patients develop flourishing lives by telling their stories more truly, in order to become more deeply known, for the purpose of creating beauty and goodness in the world. With conviction and humor, he trains clinicians and speaks at workshops, retreats and conferences, integrating neuroscience, human relationships, and Christian faith.

“As a ����Vlog alumnus and one of the most respected Christian psychiatrists in the world, Dr. Thompson brings rare credibility and compassion to the conversations our institutions most need to have,” said David Hoag, Ph.D., president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities in Washington, D.C. “His address at the CCCU International Forum last February was the highest rated of the conference – a testament to his ability to speak truthfully, faithfully, and hope-filled into the life of the academy.”

“In response to the growing mental health needs in society, our MSW program offers a timely solution through its focus on culturally informed clinical practice and leadership,” said Elizabeth Patterson Roe, LISW-S, Ph.D., professor of social work and program director for the master of social work. “Students can pursue a clinical mental health track designed for those preparing to become advanced practice therapists, or an intercultural: local & global track that emphasizes empowering serving across diverse cultural contexts. Both pathways prepare graduates to support individuals, families, and communities in meaningful ways. These specializations also provide the foundational coursework required for the social work licensure exams.”

The coursework for this program is 100% online so that students can pursue a graduate degree while balancing the demands of work and life. Those who hold a Bachelor in Social Work from an accredited program may qualify for advanced standing. At the same time, the program also welcomes graduates from other academic backgrounds, with a generalist track that provides the foundation needed for effective practice in clinical, community, and leadership settings.

“����Vlog is thrilled to announce the launch of its Master of Social Work, building on the strong foundation of our established Bachelor of Social Work program.” said Blaise Brankatelli, director of graduate and professional admissions and external partnerships. “As workforce demand for qualified social workers continues to grow across northern Ohio, this next step allows us to prepare graduates for advanced practice and leadership while continuing our Christ-centered commitment to serve the church, community, and world.”

For more information on Malone’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program, please visit

Transfer students from Lourdes will receive:

– Automatic acceptance to ����Vlog
– A match for their Lourdes financial aid offer so that costs at Malone do not exceed what they’re paying at Lourdes*

*Athletic scholarships and room/board/fees not included

“We grieve with students who are losing an academic home they valued,” said Eric Young, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment. “Our goal is to be a steady source of support — to take the baton and run alongside them so they can finish strong without losing time, momentum, or financial footing. We want every student affected to know they are welcome here and that we’re ready to help them move forward with confidence and hope. It is a difficult time for faith-based institutions, and we remain more committed than ever to ensuring that students who want to receive a Christ-centered education can do so at Malone.”

Malone is currently waiting for official word from Lourdes about the status of their teachout institutions application. Regardless of that final decision, Malone offers teachout incentives so that Lourdes students can transition to Malone as smoothly as possible.

Malone’s Christian education aims to equip students to serve their churches, communities, and the world with wisdom, compassion, and purpose. To learn more about the support Malone will provide for Lourdes students, visit

“We are excited to welcome all of these speakers to Malone who bring with them a wide range of perspectives and expertise,” said President Greg Miller, Ph.D. “These voices will engage our students and community in conversations around relevant and timely issues, encouraging thoughtful dialogue that is grounded in faith, scholarship, and a commitment to living out our Christian convictions.”

Many of the events are open to the public and provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to interact directly with speakers through Q&A sessions, lectures, and book signings.

Wednesday, January 21 – Matthew Soerens+

Matthew Soerens, U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy, World Relief; National Coordinator, Evangelical Immigration Table

Keynote Speaker: Immigration in America [Johnson Center Dining Room at 6:30 p.m.]

Bio:
Matthew Soerens helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration so they can respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.

Wednesday, February 4 – Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D.+

Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D., Senior Fellow for the De Pree Center for Leadership, Fuller Theological Seminary;  Co-Founder & Principal at AE Sloan Leadership Inc.

10:05–10:45 a.m. – Community Worship / Keynote Address [Johnson Center Worship Center]
12–1 p.m. – Lunch with Students & Faculty [Brehme CC / Hoover Dining Commons]
1–2 p.m. – Student Q&A Session [Brehme CC / Conference Center]
5 p.m. – Book Signing and Q&A: Canoeing the Mountains [Johnson Center Dining Room]

Bio:
Tod Bolsinger is the co-founder and principal at AE Sloan Leadership Inc., the executive director of the DePree Center Church Leadership Institute, a Senior Fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership and associate professor of leadership formation at Fuller Seminary. He has extensive experience with church, nonprofit, university, and marketplace leadership consulting and executive coaching, and writes weblogs on church and leadership formation. He is the author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience. 

Wednesday, March 18 – Rev. Nicole Massie Martin, D.Min.+

Rev. Nicole Massie Martin, D.Min., Founder & Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries, President & CEO of Christianity Today

10:05–10:45 a.m. – Community Worship / Keynote Address [Johnson Center Worship Center]
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch and book signing/Q&A [Brehme CC / Hoover Dining Commons]

Bio:
Nicole Massie Martin is the founder and executive director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. A gifted writer and author of numerous articles including two books: Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. Her latest book, Nailing It, was written to help you to discover why successful leadership demands suffering and surrender. She is also the newly appointed CEO & President of Christianity Today. 

Wednesday, March 25 – Juli Slattery, Psy.D.+

Juli Slattery, Psy.D., President & Co-Founder of Authentic Intimacy

Community Worship Keynote Address [Johnson Center Worship Center at 10 a.m.] 

Bio:
Juli Slattery is a recognized expert in the integration of biblical truth and sexuality. She is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker. In 2012, she co-founded Authentic Intimacy with Linda Dillow. She hosts a weekly podcast (Java with Juli), blogs, speaks, and writes about the intersection of sexuality and the Christian life.

Wednesday, March 25 & Thursday, March 26, 2026 – Lanta Davis, Ph.D.+

Annual Woolman Lecture Series featuring Lanta Davis, Ph.D., Professor of Honors Humanities and Literature, Indiana Wesleyan University

“A Mirror for the Soul: Learning to See Our Vices” – March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Center Worship Center

Monsters lurk in our soul, but they are so good at wearing disguises that we have a hard time recognizing them. Art can act as a mirror that helps us peer into our souls. Through the imagination, we not only can see pride, envy, and wrath, but better understand why they’re so dangerous.

“The Art of Virtue” – March 26 at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Center Worship Center

We use words like ‘courage,’ ‘wisdom,’ ‘justice,’ and ‘hope’ all the time, but do we really know what they look like? How, for instance, is Christian hope different from hoping for good weather, or Christian justice different from the Supreme Court’s justice? Art and poetry introduce us to the virtues so that we can see them, know them, and then begin practicing the art of living virtuously.

Bio:
Lanta Davis teaches courses that invite students to explore beauty, rhetoric, and great texts with curiosity and wonder. She holds her terminal degree in Religion and Literature from Baylor University and is the author of Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist. Her interdisciplinary scholarship focuses on imagination, spiritual formation, and the arts, and her writing has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today, Smithsonian Magazine, and National Geographic. 

Wednesday, April 8 – Jason Spodnik+

Jason Spodnik, President and Head of School, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

Community Worship Keynote Address [Johnson Center Worship Center at 10 a.m.] 

Bio:
As a 1988 graduate of CVCA, Jason Spodnik has been a student, an athlete, a teacher, a coach, a parent, an administrator and — since spring 2016 — president/head of school at his alma mater. His desire is to follow Christ’s purpose for his life by making a Kingdom impact on teens as they begin to truly “own” their personal relationship with Christ and maximize the gifts He has given each one.

Thursday, April 16 & Friday, April 17 – Brad Wilcox, Ph.D.+

Brad Wilcox, Ph.D., Director, National Marriage Project, Senior Fellow, Institute for Family Studies, Melville Foundation Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished University Professor, University of Virginia

Thursday, April 16

10:05–10:45 a.m. – Community Worship / Keynote Address [Johnson Center Worship Center]
12 – 1 p.m. – Lunch with community leaders [Johnson Center Dining Room]
7 p.m. – Java with Juli live podcast recording, featuring Juli Slattery & Brad Wilcox [Johnson Center Dining Room]

Friday, April 17

7:30 a.m. – Pastors’ Breakfast [Johnson Center Dining Room]
Strategy session with pastors/church leaders: Learn to shape strategies that advance marriage and family-strengthening activities in northeast Ohio. Featuring perspectives from , a national marriage-strengthening movement, and the .

Secure your for these events.

Bio:
Brad Wilcox is Melville Foundation Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, Future of Freedom Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. The author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization (Harper Collins, 2024), Wilcox studies marriage, fatherhood, and the impact of strong and stable families on men, women, and children.

Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 – Dr. Curt Thompson ‘84+

Dr. Curt Thompson ‘84, Psychiatrist, Curt Thompson MD and Associates; Founder/ Being Known, LLC

Friday, May 8 — Book Talk / Q & A Session at 5 p.m. in the Brehme Conference Center. He will discuss his newest book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope

Saturday, May 9
����Vlog 2026 Commencement [Johnson Center / Worship Center at 10 a.m and 2 p.m.]

Bio:
Curt Thompson, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice in Falls Church, Virginia and the founder of Being Known, LLC, and The Center for Being Known, an organization that develops resources to educate and train leaders about the intersection between interpersonal neurobiology, Christian spiritual formation, and vocational creativity. Curt hosts a podcast (Being Known).

“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to organizations where Christ-centered leadership and service to others are foundational,” said Gribble. “My favorite Scripture, James 1:5, is one I lean on in my daily work: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ Malone’s mission resonates deeply with my own values, and I see this opportunity as a chance to use my HR expertise in service of a community committed to faith, learning, and transformation.”

In his most recent position as director of human resources at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Gribble oversaw all aspects of HR operations for more than 330 employees, leading a team of professionals in recruitment, payroll, benefits, employee relations, training, and strategic planning. His leadership resulted in significant organizational improvements, including benefits cost savings, compensation structure enhancements, and the development of leadership training programs aligned with institutional goals. Prior to his time in higher education, Gribble held leadership roles in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, including positions at Charles River Laboratories, StarTek, and Brown Mackie College. Across his career, he has led diverse HR teams, navigated complex compliance and employee relations matters, and built programs that strengthen organizational culture and performance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thad to Malone,” said President Greg Miller, Ph.D. “His heart for Christian higher education and his proven leadership in human resources will strengthen our community as we continue to grow and support our faculty and staff.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gribble and his wife have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two sons, ages 20 and 23. He is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and skiing in his free time.

“Since 2015, we’ve carefully assembled our lists each year to highlight the best schools in different categories to help families get started in the discovery process,” said Bill Staib, chief executive officer at College Raptor. “Malone has shown dedication to academic excellence. We are proud to highlight them.”

This recognition highlights Malone as one of the nation’s best universities to combine strong academic programs, accessible affordability, and proven student outcomes. The award also celebrates institutions where students of many academic backgrounds — including those who may not have perfect GPAs — can thrive, graduate, and launch meaningful careers.

“At Malone, we hold both academic rigor and personal support in high regard,” said Eric Young, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management. “While nearly 10% of this year’s incoming class achieved a 4.0+ G.P.A. in high school, our mission remains to serve all students so they become well-rounded learners, citizens, and Christian leaders. The award affirms our commitment to making an excellent Christian education both affordable and achievable for students who are motivated to grow.” 

����Vlog, Northeast Ohio’s only Bible-based university, approaches faith-integrated education in practical ways which help students discern God’s calling for their career and their life. 100% of Malone students receive scholarships to ensure that a Christian liberal arts education can equip them for servant leadership without financial barriers. The endorsement from College Raptor demonstrates that, regardless of a student’s performance in high school, all Malone students benefit from an exceptional educational experience. To learn more about College Raptor’s methodology, find it outlined .

“It is truly an exciting time to be serving Malone and our students, and I’m encouraged by the wealth of knowledge that our new board members will bring to the table,” said President Gregory J. Miller, Ph.D. “We continue to draw leaders who are committed to our mission of serving the Church, community, and world, and I am excited to work with all of our board members as they contribute to our ongoing strategic discussions. I’m also deeply grateful for the ways they advocate for Malone in their individual circles of influence.”

Joining the Malone Board of Trustees in October are the following:

Scott Crawford is the senior pastor and executive director of Morningside Church & Academy in Port St. Lucie, Florida. After serving as executive pastor for fifteen years, he became senior pastor in January 2023. He oversees a staff of 80+, a school of 900 students, and a church of 1,000 members. A graduate of Liberty University, he holds a B.S. and an M.A. in religion with a concentration in leadership and administration. For the past decade, he has also served as chaplain for the New York Mets during Spring Training.

He and his wife, Winnie, are blessed with five children and a mischievous Wheaten Terrier. In his free time, he enjoys family time, and all things sports, especially golf and basketball. Passionate about people and committed to the Gospel, he considers it a privilege to serve wherever God leads.

Thomas W. Miller ʼ91 graduated Malone with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has dedicated his life to faith, family, and service. A member of Jackson Friends Church since 2004, he and his wife Pat—married 47 years—have both served on the administrative council, with Tom also serving seven years as an elder. They are proud parents of three sons, and grandparents of three boys. Professionally, he spent 27 years at Timken Co. as an operations coordinator before an 18-year career as a property and casualty insurance agent. Now retired, he serves as oversight board chair of the Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region and volunteers with Hammer and Nails. In retirement, he enjoys traveling, cycling with Pat, and playing golf.

Bill Morgenstern is a retired CEO with more than 35 years of experience leading both private and public companies. Today, he serves as a leadership coach, helping others lead with integrity, clarity, and a Christ-centered purpose. Rooted in his faith, he seeks to honor God in every area of life—whether guiding executives, mentoring young leaders, or enjoying time with his wife of nearly 45 years, Shelley, their three adult children, and four grandchildren.

Together, he and his wife founded Legacy of Light, a charitable foundation dedicated to meeting pressing needs through prayerful, faith-driven generosity. He is also an active member of North Canton Chapel and is launching a Vistage Peer Advisory Group for nonprofit leaders. Beyond coaching, he enjoys nature and landscape photography, collecting U.S. Type and Commemorative coins, cheering for the Steelers, and slow-cooking on his Traeger—all while striving to finish well, with Christ at the center.

Malone was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll for the second year in a row, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories. This additional designation is awarded to the top 10 four-year colleges and top 4 two-year colleges in each size group that are recognized in the greatest number of categories.

����Vlog received honors in five (5) of ten categories this year:

Confidence in Senior Leadership— This recognition category is based on the expressed confidence faculty and staff report in the capabilities and credibility of senior leadership. In the Great Colleges to Work For program, “senior leadership” is defined as the most senior members of the institution (e.g., Malone’s presidential cabinet).

Faculty & Staff Well-being— With roots in work/life balance and wellness models, this recognition category is based on the impact of one’s employment experience on their well-being (e.g., the opportunity to do meaningful work, the support for work/life balance and the experience of a safe working environment).

Job Satisfaction & Support (New to Malone in 2025)— This recognition category reflects satisfaction with job fit, autonomy, and access to resources. A strong sense of job satisfaction is essential to building an engaged workforce, and the statements in this category highlight foundational aspects of the faculty and staff experience (i.e. “I am given the responsibility and freedom to do my job.”)

Mission & Pride— Understanding an institution’s mission and how one’s job impacts that mission are considered primary drivers to faculty/staff engagement. In addition to mission understanding, this category is based on survey items that provide insight into the level of pride in being associated with the institution and the willingness to recommend the institution as an employer.

Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness— It is widely regarded that the experience of one’s immediate supervisor is among the most important factors influencing whether an employee is truly engaged. This recognition category is based on the survey items providing insight into critical managerial competencies such as providing clear direction and constructive feedback and ensuring effective communication and equitable treatment.

“While this recognition of Malone is certainly encouraging, what matters most is not the award itself but the daily impact of our faculty and staff as they faithfully serve our students,” said Greg Miller, Ph.D., president. “As we walk alongside students in their journey with Christ, the influence of that work reaches far beyond campus. We are a Christ-centered community shaped by relationships, and that difference is clear!”

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. 

“Resilient, courageous, and committed—these are the words that come to mind as I reflect on the institutions recognized in this year’s program,” said Richard K. Boyer, chief culture strategist at ModernThink. “Their leaders inspire others and foster strong communities. They understand that student success is deeply tied to the success of faculty and staff—and their commitment to both never wavers, in good times or in times of challenge.”

The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.

The list was created “to recognize institutions that excel in academic achievement while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Malone was the only Ohio institution selected and the only Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institution in Ohio to be included. 

“It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Christian Colleges for 2025,” said Greg Miller, Ph.D., president. “The faculty and administrators at these institutions are faithfully living out the Lord’s call in the way they serve students and advance the Kingdom, so this recognition is truly a celebration of our shared mission. It also reminds us that Christ-centered education is not only meaningful in today’s world, but profoundly essential. Gen Z stands at a pivotal moment in their journeys—vocationally, spiritually, and personally—and our work helps equip them to courageously become the God-honoring men and women He designed them to be. Truly, this is a sacred calling.”

Faith integration in course curriculum, and the ways in which faculty members individually disciple students toward Christ, are key factors in differentiating Bible-based universities from others in the marketplace. For Malone, this is paramount. 

“The ways in which we integrate faith and education here at Malone are distinctive,” said Christina Schnyders, Ph.D., LPCC-S, provost. “To equip our faculty for this responsibility, we provide second and third year faculty with a course release during the fall semester so they can participate in an interdisciplinary seminar. This seminar explores how to meaningfully and intentionally Christian faith in the sciences, in social work, in history, in English, and more. It’s formational in ways that really translate into the classroom and beyond, so that students also grow to understand servant leadership and work-as-vocation differently because of it. We wholeheartedly believe that faith integration shows students how Christian faith shapes their worldview so they’re equipped to compassionately serve the community around them.”

To view the full list and read the latest issue, including an article about the importance of Christian higher education by Miller, visit .

Contractors are beginning work so that the building will be available for the room selection process in Spring 2026 and ready for occupancy in the fall of 2026. Apartment options will include two bedrooms with a bath and three bedrooms with a bath. The selection process for the DeVol apartments will be folded into the standard room selection process and priority will be given based on class standing, beginning with rising seniors.

“We want our students to have a greater variety of housing options to choose from that will provide autonomy while strengthening our residential community,” said Anna Meadows, dean of students. “We also believe access to apartment-style living on campus will help our students reduce transportation and utility costs, which can quickly add up as a result of living in off-campus rentals.”

A Fall 2026 opening is anticipated for the DeVol apartments.

“We remain committed to offering a residential experience to our students that fosters belonging and a sense of Christian community, and we believe that all of these changes will strengthen student life at Malone,” said Miller.