Starting your Cornerstone University degree in January 2026 offers students a strategic advantage and enrollment is open to help you accelerate the timeline to invest in your career and calling today. It’s not just earning a degree — it’s gaining career-specific life skills your future will require and living out your Christ-centered calling with purpose and clear direction.

Supported by strong student resources, one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation, and accessible financial aid, January is a strategic time to start, whether you choose to study on campus, as a commuter, as a transfer student, online, or through SOAR mobile.

The Wall Street Journal has highly ranked Cornerstone as one of America’s top universities and Newsweek has recognized CU as a top online college for three consecutive years. Discover how the Cornerstone Advantage, morally grounded, career-ready preparation rooted in a Christian worldview, can be your pathway to achieve a life of meaning that God has called you to pursue.

Start Now. Accelerate your market-aligned advantage faster: Enter the year with momentum and a purposeful timeline. At Cornerstone, you join a Christ-centered learning community dedicated to helping you grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually. Our 65-plus accredited academic programs, including our new SOAR mobile business degrees, are specifically designed to emphasize practical, marketplace-aligned learning so students can apply new in-demand insights immediately — in the workplace, in internships, in leadership roles and in daily life. Cornerstone offers degrees across a wide range of industries with high-growth potential to secure your future, including business, communication, nursing, health care, engineering, counselling, computer science, education, ministry, and more.

Cornerstone is one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation and continues to expand access for students. The university recently extended its tuition freeze for traditional campus students through the 2026-27 academic year and renewed the Cornerstone Commitment Grant — a tuition-free partnership for all full Pell Grant and maximum Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Online tuition is already one of the most affordable compared to other national online degrees. CU’s traditional tuition is comparable to many public universities, yet offers the advantages of a private, personalized and Christ-centered learning experience. This commitment to value has helped drive an 18% increase in freshmen and transfer enrollment this year as more students seek both affordability and a meaningful educational environment. We offer up to 75 percent of previous credits to help you finish your degree sooner.

January also aligns with one of the year’s most active hiring periods,* as employers launch new initiatives, reset budgets, and expand teams. It’s the top month of the year for job searches and newly posted opportunities. Pursuing your degree not only helps your resume, but for certain roles, it’s required. And you can stand out with HR and hiring supervisors if you are looking to advance in your current role. Pursuing a college degree enhances your profile. Starting your studies during this season positions you to advance your career goals while developing relevant, in-demand skills like decision-making, communication, leadership and team building. You don’t have to wait until fall to gain the Cornerstone Advantage/academics/.

Cornerstone offers flexible pathways for students at every stage of life — on-campus class options for high school graduates and graduate students, commuter-friendly programs, fully online degrees and SOAR, our 100% mobile-first learning platform and business degrees. Across each format, students experience the relational strength of a Christian university where professors mentor, support and guide you toward your calling. And you study alongside peers who share your goals and Christ-centered values.

Turn January into your advantage. Whether you are beginning college for the first time, transferring, returning to finish your degree or advancing professionally as a working adult, January offers a timely and impactful moment to begin.

Your Next-Step Advantage: Let Cornerstone Help You Get Started

• Explore Cornerstone’s 65+ degree programs.
• Apply today for January 2026.
• Connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.
• Check out financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

To begin, contact us at admissions@cornerstone.edu or call 616.222.1426.

Indeed Q&A: When Is the Best Time of Year to Look for a Job?, Hanne Keiling,
June 1, 2025

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Dear Cornerstone Community,

It is my great privilege to share a historic moment for Cornerstone University. Last Tuesday evening, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Elders achieved his 800th career victory at Cornerstone, leading the Golden Eagles to an impressive 89–68 win over Defiance College at Mol Arena.

This milestone places Coach Elders among the most accomplished coaches in NAIA history and strengthens a legacy already marked by excellence. Now in his 33rd season, Coach Elders has built a program synonymous with competitive success and Christ-centered leadership. His 800–303 record, three NAIA Division II National Championships, 11 WHAC regular-season titles, 12 WHAC Tournament championships, and numerous national tournament accomplishments are achievements few programs in the nation can match.

Yet what truly defines Coach Elders’ tenure is not merely the victories or championships — it is his unwavering commitment to developing young men of character, integrity, and faith in Jesus. Generations of student-athletes have been shaped by his mentorship, discipline, and example. His influence reaches far beyond the hardwood and deeply into the heart of our mission as a Christ-centered university.

We also celebrate with gratitude the support of Coach Elders’ family — his wife, Holly, and stepchildren Nic, Zac, Cam and Missy — who have walked alongside him throughout this extraordinary journey.

Please join me in congratulating Coach Elders on this historic achievement and in thanking him for his remarkable service to Cornerstone University. On Wednesday, December 3, before chapel, we will present Coach E with an award and pray for him. We celebrate not only 800 victories, but decades of faithful leadership to our community and to the young men entrusted to his care.

With gratitude,

Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D.
President, Cornerstone University

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“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
— Luke 6:35 (KJV) —

God — the Highest and Almighty — is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. The word Jesus uses to speak of God as kind is the Greek word chrestos. Chrestos is the same word used in other parts of the New Testament to denote God’s graciousness and goodness in bringing us to repentance and salvation. It is the word used to speak of the light burden of Christ in comparison to the heavy burden and labor of sin. It is the word used to denote how we, as members of the Body of Christ, should treat one another given how kind God has been to us.

Jesus’s admonition to his followers is sobering — God is kind to the unthankful and evil. Be like Him.

Jesus’s admonition silences my heart and mouth. God showers the unthankful and evil with kindness, goodness, and graciousness. God showers me with kindness, goodness, and graciousness, and He does this despite my ingratitude and vileness.

It is no wonder then why both the Old and New Testament are replete with admonitions to give thanks unto the LORD. These admonitions are not just reminders given our propensity to forgetfulness, ingratitude, and sin. They are a call for us to return continually to God in humble and penitent recognition that He is the source of any kindness, goodness, and graciousness in our lives.

The chrestos of God — the kindness of God — so writes Paul, is what leads us to repentance.

Gratitude and thanksgiving are not just antidotes to ingratitude. Gratitude and thanksgiving are opportunities for us all to return continually to God in repentance and adoration (Romans 2:4), opportunities for us all to return continually to one another in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), and opportunities for us all to return continually to those outside of the Body of Christ in sacrificial love and charity (Luke 6:20-49).

Thanksgiving — one of the most important of our nation’s holidays — is an opportunity for us to return fully to God and to one another.

May this coming Thanksgiving bring about in each of us a great turning to God, to each other, and to all around us.

May we all live as children of the Highest. Amen.

Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D.
President
Cornerstone University

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Cornerstone University has again been recognized by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2026 among the top 50 institutions for the third consecutive year, ranking highly among the top 35 national schools out of 250 included. The achievement highlights Cornerstone’s commitment to providing greater access to professional degrees that help students advance their careers.

Newsweek developed the ranking in partnership with Statista, a global leader in data and industry analysis. The list is based on an independent nationwide survey of more than 10,000 learners. It evaluates online colleges across several key areas, including overall satisfaction, support and service, organization and accessibility, cost and value of the program, institutional reputation, expected student success, practical relevance of course content, and overall recommendation from current and former students. Schools featured in this ranking include AA School of Pharmacy; Cornell University — eCornell; University of California, Davis; and Yale University. Newsweek notes that the National Center for Education Statistics shows about 10 million college students took at least one online class in 2022, more than half of all college students.

Cornerstone was an early developer in online education in Michigan, recognizing the growing need for more flexible, career-focused education options. The university continues to expand its online programs to better serve West Michigan, with students now enrolled from across the country. Driven by a commitment to affordability and innovation, Cornerstone offers one of the most affordable online degrees in the nation, removing barriers, supporting busy schedules, and giving individuals practical ways to earn a degree — including through SOAR, the nation’s first business degrees offered entirely through an easy-to-use smartphone app. All programs integrate Christian principles that support personal, professional, and spiritual growth.

Every degree reflects the Cornerstone Advantage, bringing together morally grounded leadership and in-demand skills that employers value. Students receive comprehensive academic preparation and hands-on learning experiences in formats that work with their lives and tuition that better fits their budget.

This recognition comes alongside another national achievement: Cornerstone’s inclusion in The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, further affirming the university’s strong student outcomes.

Together, these distinctions show Cornerstone’s commitment to providing a highly valued learning experience across multiple platforms that is affordable, accessible, career-focused, and rooted in Christian values — equipping students for meaningful and lasting success.

Explore our 65-plus online, on-campus, and SOAR mobile-only degrees at admissions@cornerstone.edu.

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Cornerstone University and Arise Collective are grateful to celebrate a meaningful partnership built on mission alignment, love of the arts, and community outreach. For the past few seasons, Cornerstone University has had the privilege of hosting Pilgrim: The Musical, an inspiring production by Arise Collective that has become a cherished part of the West Michigan Christmas season. This year, Arise Collective has taken a break from its usual tour schedule and will not be performing Pilgrim: The Musical at Cornerstone this December. While the beloved production will pause for 2025, both organizations want to assure the community that their partnership remains strong and vibrant.

“We are deeply thankful for our ongoing relationship with the Arise Collective team,” said Heidi Cece, executive vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Cornerstone University. “Their artistry and ministry have deeply enriched our campus and community, and we look forward with anticipation to future collaborations.”

In celebration of the continued partnership, Cornerstone University is pleased to announce that the Arise Collective team will return to campus on December 4 for a special night of worship at the university’s Christ Chapel as we head into the Christmas season. This unique evening will offer a time of music, reflection, and joy as both organizations continue to share the message of Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us, through the arts. Fans of Pilgrim: The Musical can also look forward to its return to Cornerstone University in December 2026, when Arise Collective will once again bring the powerful story and music of Pilgrim to life on stage at Christ Chapel.

“The partnership between Cornerstone and Arise Collective has always been about more than just performances — it’s about shared mission and spreading the message of Jesus with as many people as possible,” said Rich Garnaat, director of Arise Collective. “We are excited for this next season of creativity and worship together and continue to be passionate about reclaiming the arts, bringing hope and truth to others through artistic excellence.”

Cornerstone University and Arise Collective invite the community to stay connected and join them in celebrating what God continues to do through their ongoing collaboration.

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Two days. One mission. At Cornerstone University, faith and service unite as students, families, and community partners come together to fight hunger and bring hope. Through our 4th Annual Pack the House initiative with IDES, we’ll pack 50,000+ nutritious meals for those in need while celebrating what makes CU special: teamwork, joy, and community spirit.

Matt Wallace, CU assistant women’s basketball coach, professor, and Pack the House event coordinator, is excited for this year’s continued community service partnership with IDES and Friendship Sports, saying:

“Pack the House is more than a game night — it’s a movement of community and global service! We’re rallying the CU family for an unforgettable night of basketball, energy, and purpose, then coming back together Sunday to pack meals for Honduras with IDES. It’s kingdom work in action — and we’re having a blast doing it!”

November 19 — Pack the Gym

Join us in Mol Arena for a doubleheader night of Golden Eagle Men’s and Women’s Basketball, music, family activities, and a high-energy event that raises awareness and financial support for hunger relief. Bob Wells, West Michigan Whitecaps field announcer, will be there to engage fans and students! Ticket sales and merchandise purchases on that night help to fundraise for the meals and transportation costs for this service project.

November 23 — Pack the Meals

Volunteer to meet us at the Hansen Center (4–6 PM) to help assemble 50,000+ meals bound for partner ministries in Honduras. It takes 300+ volunteers to make it happen. Grab your friends and jump into a fast-paced, hands-on experience that’s fun, meaningful, and unforgettable.

We Need You to Help Reach Our Goal

• Pack and ship 50,000+ meals to feed families in Honduras.
• Mobilize 300+ volunteers.
• Raise $7,000 to fund the meal pack.
• Strengthen partnerships and inspire lasting service.
• Sign up to pack the meals.

Join the CU Mission

Together, we can turn two days of celebration and service into hope and sustenance for our neighbors around the world. This November 19 and 23 — let’s Pack the Gym and Pack the Meals! Sign up to volunteer to pack the meals!

Pack the House is a partnership between Cornerstone University, Friendship Sports — a ministry using sports to share Christ and build community worldwide — and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service), which provides Christian relief and development through food, water, and shelter around the globe.

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With his signature bold honesty, humor, and enthusiastic faith, Eric Metaxas filled Cornerstone University’s chapel with laughter and the unwavering conviction to live courageously for Christ. He delivered a message deeply attuned to our cultural moment, pointing students toward Truth — not as an abstract idea. “It’s Jesus Christ — the One who gives meaning, purpose and clarity to life.”

Cornerstone student body president and President’s Fellow student, Elijah Pleune, welcomed and introduced Metaxas. A best-selling author, cultural commentator and broadcaster known for The Eric Metaxas Show podcast, he also serves as a Distinguished President’s Fellow at Cornerstone University and was a featured panelist during a previous Wisdom Conversations. Cornerstone is grateful he has highlighted the university’s Christ-centered mission on his national podcast — praising the university’s vision to form bold, Biblically grounded leaders.

His return this fall was characteristically full: he met with student President’s Fellows, addressed business and civic leaders at the Cornerstone Leadership Forum, and offered his personal testimony in the Community Chapel.

Metaxas opened with humor about how people often introduce him. “People mention Yale University or that I’m a New York Times best-selling author,” he said with chagrin about the current “dark” state of both institutions. He pointed out, “What people rarely mention is that I had the privilege of working for VeggieTales. I wrote the Hamlet Omelette parody in Lyle the Kindly Viking and I’m the narrator on the Esther video.” The room erupted in applause before Metaxas pivoted. “But we all know the heart of everything is our faith in Jesus. The whole point of life is to have a personal relationship with Him.”

The son of a German mother who survived Nazi Germany and a Greek father, he was raised in the Greek Orthodox Church. He admitted that faith for him was mostly cultural. “I was never anti-God,” he said. “But I never really understood — is this really true? When we say at Easter, ‘Christ is risen,’ do we mean it?”

He described drifting through Yale’s liberalism and secularism and eventually encountering Christ through a miraculous dream at 25. “In the dream,” he said, “I was ice-fishing on a frozen lake and pulled a fish out of the hole. As I held it in the sunlight, it became a golden fish — and God spoke to me through that image.”

Drawing on his Greek heritage, he explained that the ancient word for fish, ichthus, forms an acronym meaning Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. “In that moment,” he told students, “I realized what God was saying to me: The goal of life is not to reach through the conscious mind to touch some vague divinity. It’s my Son — Jesus Christ, the Son of God, your Savior.”

The next day, Metaxas told a friend about the dream, saying, “It means I have accepted Jesus.” His life — and his purpose — had been transformed.

He also reminded students that Christianity is not blind faith. Reflecting on his own study of history and science, Metaxas said, “The evidence for the resurrection is astonishing … shocking, really. It’s not something you just have to take on faith.” He added that even modern science confirms what Scripture has always declared. “The evidence for God from science has become mind-blowing, game-changing,” he said. “There’s a God who created me, who loves me, who has a purpose for my life. That’s true. That’s not just happy Christian talk.”

Metaxas’ message was both intellectual and deeply personal: a reminder that the Christian faith is not sentimental optimism but grounded Truth. For him, for everyone, for Cornerstone University, the evidence of creation, the reality of miracles, and the Truth of the resurrection affirm a faith that engages both the mind and the heart. “Your life is sacred and special,” he told students. “You’re created in God’s image — and that changes everything.”

As the chapel concluded in prayer, the Cornerstone community gave thanks for God’s grace and the reminder that true wisdom, courage, and joy are found in Christ alone.

Books by Metaxas, including “Religionless Christianity,” “Miracles,” “Is Atheism Dead?” and “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” were available following the service.

Cornerstone looks forward to welcoming Metaxas back to campus in early February 2026.

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Film Explores the Crisis Facing Western Civilization, Calls Christians to Act with Courage at Pivotal Crossroad

Cornerstone University will host a public screening for a new, groundbreaking documentary called Truth Rising. The 90-minute documentary will be followed by a live audience question and answer session with cast member John Stonestreet and Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. Stonestreet also serves as the president of the Colson Center.

The public screening will be held on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone University’s Matthews Performing Arts Center, located at 3000 Leonard St. NE in Grand Rapids.

“Cornerstone University is honored to host Truth Rising and John Stonestreet on our campus,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “This powerful documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center confronts the cultural moment we face — the decline of truth and virtue in Western civilization — and calls us back to the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ. We share that conviction and are committed to forming leaders who live with wisdom, bold courage, and hope in service to God’s truth.”

Truth Rising examines the current state of Western civilization — crisis — and highlights the pivotal cultural moment in which we live. It also shares the stories of ordinary people who stood for truth, even when it cost them. The stories shared in the film include:

• Aayan Hirsi Ali, Founder of HAA Foundation: Despite death threats after the murder of filmmaking partner Theo van Gogh, Ayann courageously continues her work to end cultural practices, like those embraced by Islam, that violate the human rights of women.
• Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford and Sons: Winston courageously left the band to protect his bandmates from relentless backlash against a tweet he shared supporting Unmasked, a pro-democracy, anti-Antifa New York Times best-seller.
• Chloe Cole – After regretting her gender transition as a minor, Chloe Cole detransitioned and in the face of backlash from the transgender community, now boldly warns families of the dangers of gender-affirming care for minors and works to end the gender ideology movement.
• Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee: When Babylon Bee’s Twitter account (now X) was suspended over a satirical post on gender ideology, CEO Seth Dillon courageously declined to delete it, defending democratic public discourse despite threat of permanent suspension.
• Jack Philips, Owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop: Jack demonstrated courage by declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, standing up for religious liberty — a stance that took him all the way to the Supreme Court.
• Katy Faust, Founder of Them Before Us: Katy boldly continued advocating for the rights of children in the family even after a gay blogger doxed members of her church to silence her.

The film also includes conversations about the state of our civilization with prominent speakers from all over the world — both Christian and secular, seasoned leaders and bold advocates — each offering honest, thought-provoking insight into how we can live with truth and courage in a world desperate for clarity.

To view a trailer of Truth Rising, visit https://youtu.be/U4_hJpE7VgI.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot at the Grand Rapids Truth Rising screening, visit ColsonCenter.org/GrandRapids.

About Cornerstone University: Cornerstone University is an accredited Christian university with a passion for influence through the transforming power of the gospel. As an interdenominational institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornerstone offers 65 plus undergraduate and graduate traditional and online degree programs, including the nation’s first smartphone-streaming bachelor’s degree program in business.

About the Colson Center: The Colson Center exists to equip Christians with the clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Our podcasts and digital resources, including Breakpoint, the Identity Project, and the What Would You Say? video series equip hundreds of thousands of Christians each year with the clarity they need to celebrate good, resist evil, create what’s missing, and restore what’s broken right where God has placed them. Our formation programs, Colson Fellows and Colson Educators, have equipped thousands of men and women to pursue their vocational callings and daily lives with a courageous faith.

About Focus on the Family: Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive in Christ. Each year, we provide biblical resources and guidance to millions of families, strengthening marriages, equipping parents, advocating for children and engaging the culture with truth. As culture shifts, truth remains—unchanging and foundational. Through resources like Truth Rising, we empower families to stand firm in their faith and navigate today’s world with clarity and conviction. To learn more, visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com.

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Cornerstone University is excited to announce Jessica Yonkers (B.A. ’05) as Director of Athletics, effective immediately.

A proud Golden Eagle alumna and award-winning, respected leader with more than 15 years of experience in athletics — including coaching roles at Cornerstone University and a West Michigan high school — Yonkers is known across the region for her ability to strengthen athletics organizations and develop students. Yonkers has served as Interim Director of Athletics since the summer of 2025, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision across the university’s athletic programs. She will also continue in her existing role as Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team.

President Gerson Moreno-Riaño is pleased to confirm her appointment, saying:

“Coach Yonkers represents the best of Cornerstone University as a graduate and accomplished leader. She is deeply respected by our coaches, students and the West Michigan community for her commitment to excellence and her reputation for strategic insights and humble competitive spirit. Golden Eagle Athletics will continue to thrive as a platform for student growth, conference and national championships, and Christ-centered community impact.”

As Director of Athletics, Yonkers heads all Cornerstone University varsity programs within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) including a robust slate of 16 men’s and women’s athletic teams. Golden Eagle teams have won three national championships and 64 conference championships. In this role, she will cultivate student-athlete success, advance athletics growth through partnerships and donor support, and strengthen Cornerstone’s visibility as a model of academic excellence, service, and Christ-honoring competition and success.

Reflecting on her appointment, Yonkers expressed her gratitude:

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to continue serving Cornerstone in this role. As a proud alumna, I’ve seen and experienced how athletics — when rooted in faith — can shape lives in powerful ways. I’m committed to leading an athletics department that helps every student-athlete grow in Christ, compete with purpose and excellence, and lead with integrity both on and off the court.”

During her time as interim athletics director this year, Yonkers has unified athletics operations by facilitating collaboration among coaches and campus offices. She expanded new hires and launched new strategic initiatives to advance the student-athlete experience. She also played a key role in developing donor-engagement efforts through the Golden Eagle Club, increasing visibility for Golden Eagle athletics across the region, and reinforcing Cornerstone’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive success.

Coach Yonkers has been a 5-time recipient of the WHAC Champions of Character Coach for Women’s Basketball and in 2024-25 she received the Rob Miller Coach of Character Award, recognizing her for exemplary integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

Dr. Kevin Hall, associate vice president for Academics & Student Experience, added:

“As a Cornerstone graduate and former Golden Eagle student-athlete, Yonkers understands the transformative role athletics plays in shaping students for lives of skill and character. Since returning to Cornerstone in 2018 as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, she has mentored athletes to grow as competitors, teammates, and followers of Christ and has proven she will lead the next chapter of growth in athletics with strength and trusted vision.”

With a heart for service, Yonkers has guided her teams through various service projects and youth mentorship partnerships. She recently led an international vision trip to Guatemala in 2025, helping student-athletes connect their gifts to global service and ministry.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education (history and mathematics) from Cornerstone University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and she serves on WHAC and NAIA committees focused on student-athlete wellbeing and faith integration in coaching.

Cornerstone University celebrates Jessica Yonkers’ appointment as Director of Athletics and invites students, alumni, and the West Michigan community to join in prayerful support as she leads Golden Eagle Athletics to develop students through faith, excellence, and service to Christ.

If you are interested in more information about Cornerstone University athletics and vibrant campus degree programs, please contact admissions@cornerstone.edu to request information today.

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Cornerstone University is pleased to announce the formation of the President’s Industry Council — a collaborative partnership with distinguished CEOs and accomplished leaders from diverse industries dedicated to strengthening the nation’s workforce and preparing students and graduates to contribute meaningfully in their fields.

“I am delighted to welcome these experienced leaders to the President’s Industry Council as partners in sharpening our market position as we continue to prepare mission-focused, morally grounded, market-ready graduates,” said President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. “As advisors, they will help us anticipate emerging industry and workforce needs — bringing insight into the durable skills, innovations, moral frameworks, and workplace realities impacting our future. Cornerstone is committed to continue providing the return on investment students and families deserve and which will meet the great needs of our current and future society and market.”

In today’s fast-evolving economy, the challenges in higher education to stay relevant are rising: 80% of hiring managers report that recent graduates haven’t met expectations in the past year,¹ and nearly 60% of employers say recent college graduates are unprepared for the workforce.²

The president continues, “Cornerstone understands from our workforce partners that knowledge alone is not enough — graduates across every industry must also bring applied experience, adaptability, and strong moral reasoning and ethical grounding.”

To meet this evolving need, the university developed the Cornerstone Advantage — a distinctive approach that integrates academic excellence, Christ-centered, Biblically grounded moral formation, leadership development, experiential learning, and talent acceleration.

The President’s Industry Council builds on this educational approach, aligning curricula, internships, and training partnerships with emerging workforce needs. The council’s members represent diverse industries — from business, health care and social services to ministry, technology, entrepreneurship, and public leadership. Together, they bring a wealth of insight into the trends and opportunities shaping today’s workforce and tomorrow’s marketplace. Their perspectives help Cornerstone bring together world-class academics with the realities of professional life while keeping a Christian worldview at the center.

Members

• Johnny Brann Jr. – President & Owner, Interphase Interiors; Serial Entrepreneur
• Corey B. Brooks – CEO, Project H.O.O.D. and Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago
• Kristin Collier – Director of University of Michigan Medical School Program on Health, Spirituality and Religion
• Keith Cureton – CEO, Bethany Christian Services
• Kevin Cusack, Managing Director/Investments, Stifel
• Mark Johnson – Co-Founder and Partner, Michigan Software Labs
• Mary Ann Gomez Orta – President & CEO, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
• Roger Spoelman – Chair of the Board, BAMF Health
• Troy Vugteveen – President & CEO, Trillium Living

Through the President’s Industry Council, Cornerstone expands upon its mission to reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all aspects of career, life, and societal influence.

If you are interested in more information regarding the new council or in exploring our distinctive 65 plus degrees, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.

¹HR Dive, Recent grads unprepared for workforce, employers say, May 2024.

²Education Week, Gen Z Lacks Job-Readiness Skills, Survey Shows, Dec. 2023.

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