As part of Cornerstone University’s yearlong America at 250 reflections and celebrations, nationally syndicated radio host, author, and cultural commentator Eric Metaxas returned to campus in his role as one of the university’s inaugural Distinguished President’s Fellows. A previous Wisdom Conversations guest, Metaxas continues an ongoing partnership with Cornerstone that connects students to nationally influential Christian leaders.

While on campus, Eric Metaxas addressed undergraduate students in a classroom lecture on the American Revolution, exploring how the Founders’ understanding of freedom — grounded in Biblical truth — continues to inform our understanding of liberty today and the responsibilities it places on the next generation as bold influencers for Jesus Christ. He also spoke to more than 650 students, faculty, and staff during Community Chapel, delivering a keynote message titled “The American Revolution & Freedom: If You Can Keep It.” In addition, Metaxas gave his first public readings from his forthcoming book, “Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World.”

Metaxas is a Yale graduate, host of The Eric Metaxas Radio Show, founder of Socrates in the City, and the bestselling biographer of works on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, William Wilberforce, and Martin Luther. For decades, his writing and broadcasting have explored the relationship between Biblical faith, civic responsibility, and the preservation of self-government.

Metaxas’ message reflects his perspective that universities like Cornerstone University and its distinctive general education curriculum, The Cornerstone Core, launching fall 2026, are vital today. Metaxas affirms Cornerstone’s mission and education approach. Unlike many universities that separate faith from civic and professional formation, Cornerstone integrates them through three essential pillars — grounding students in the beauty of Christianity, wisdom from the American experience, and marketplace intelligence.

Cornerstone University is frequently featured on Eric Metaxas national radio show. Check out the most recent interview with President Gerson Moreno-Riaño.

For more information about Cornerstone University’s 65-plus degree programs or The Cornerstone Core curriculum launching fall 2026, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu, request information, or call 616.222.1426.

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“A republic, if you can keep it.” With these words spoken right after the Constitutional Convention in 1787, just 11 years after the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin warned his contemporaries and all future Americans of the promise and frailty of the United States of America.

America, with all its grandeur, beauty, and promise, has always been frail. Why? Because its very existence rests on our willingness to believe in and live out its founding principles.

As part of its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Cornerstone University is inviting the community into a public conversation about the ideas that have shaped the American experiment and the role of Christian faith in sustaining it for our families, our citizens, and our future.

On Thursday, March 5, Cornerstone will host Wisdom Conversations: America at 250 – Christianity and the American Experience, an evening of dialogue featuring two nationally recognized public intellectuals: Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert P. George. Join hundreds of attendees as two of America’s most respected public intellectuals exchange robust and candid perspectives on America and its future.

Moderated by Cornerstone President Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the event will explore urgent questions at the heart of America’s civic life: What is the most secure foundation for liberty and rights – God or Government? How can we be united as a nation amidst competing versions of America’s founding? Can America be just and good without God and a spiritual revival of its people? How do we light the spark for a vibrant civic friendship among all Americans?

The event is part of Cornerstone’s ongoing Wisdom Conversations series – a national forum designed to bring leading voices from diverse backgrounds into thoughtful, substantive dialogue about the ideas shaping culture and public life. The series emphasizes civil discourse, intellectual rigor, deep reflection and engagement on today’s most pressing issues.

The “America at 250” theme reflects the nation’s approaching semiquincentennial and invites reflection on how historical influences contributed to America’s founding ideals, and how those influences are interpreted and debated today.

Dr. Cornel West, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, is a philosopher, author, and longtime public voice on democracy, race, and justice. A former professor at Harvard and Princeton, he is widely known for his books “Race Matters” and “Democracy Matters,” as well as for his commitment to public engagement.

Dr. Robert P. George is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. A legal scholar and political philosopher, he has served on several federal commissions, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He has written extensively on constitutional law, civil liberties, and moral reasoning in public life.

Together, West and George bring distinct perspectives and intellectual traditions to a shared interest in the moral underpinnings of democratic society.

This conversation is open to students, families, educators, business leaders, and community members interested in engaging foundational questions about America’s past and future. Wisdom Conversations brings the community together to address these questions with truth and grace, explore biblically-grounded, hope-filled solutions, and celebrate our nation’s God-given foundations with gratitude.

Wisdom Conversations: America at 250 – Christianity and the American Experience

Thursday, March 5, 2026
Doors open: 6 p.m.
Program begins: 6:30 p.m.

Cornerstone University, Christ Chapel
1001 East Beltline Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Register today. Registration is free and seating is limited.

Published February 25, 2026, on MLive

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Cornerstone Theological Seminary is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.  Students who complete the Colson Fellows Program can now apply graduate-level credit toward select Cornerstone seminary and certificate programs. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to forming ministry leaders who faithfully study, teach, and preach Biblical truth to expand the church of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Through this partnership, students who complete the Colson Fellows Program will receive six (6) credit hours toward eligible degrees at Cornerstone Theological Seminary.

The Colson Fellows Program helps its students apply Biblical truth and principles to everyday leadership, ministry, and spiritual life. Colson’s course work aligns with Cornerstone’s Christian apologetics and Christian worldview curriculum and meets the criteria for the disciplined study of its seminary degrees. Transferring these valuable credits reduces both time and expense for ministry professionals who want to accelerate graduate degree completion.

“Many of the students we serve are already deeply engaged in ministry and leadership,” said Dr. Jonathan S. Marko, dean of Cornerstone Theological Seminary and professor of philosophical and systematic theology. “This partnership honors the serious formation taking place through the Colson Fellows Program while helping students move forward in their theological education without unnecessary barriers.”

After completing the Colson Fellows Program, transfer credits will be applied toward the Christian Apologetics and Worldview Certificate, Master of Divinity (M.Div.), and M.A. in Ministry Leadership. All three are offered online or on-campus to fit learning preferences and busy life commitments. Specific course applications are determined in consultation with Admissions and academic advisors.

“Many Christians today, treat Christian worldview as an elective of the Christian faith,” said S. Michael Craven, vice president & dean of the Colson Fellowship at The Colson Center. “Cornerstone Seminary understands Christian worldview as the natural fruit of a robust biblical theology, weaving into every aspect of their curriculum and culture.”

Celebrating 85 years of studying and applying Gospel-centered Biblical truth to all aspects of life and ministry, Cornerstone University and its Cornerstone Theological Seminary are home to recognized scholars in theology, Christian worldview, and apologetics. The Colson Fellows program partnership fits naturally within that context. Students work through real-world questions and challenges of communicating and living out a Biblically faithful Christ-centered faith in today’s culture and contrasting worldviews, particularly within the church.

Students interested in applying Colson Fellows course work toward a Cornerstone seminary program are encouraged to contact admissions@cornerstone.edu or call 616.222.1426.

About the Colson Fellows Program

The Colson Fellows Program is a 10-month journey of Christian formation that grounds believers in the true Story of reality and equips them to live faithfully within it. In a culture awash in competing stories about meaning, identity, and purpose, Colson Fellows gain the clarity to see the world as it truly is, the confidence to live under the Lordship of Christ, and the courage to act faithfully in their callings. Through Scripture, serious study, and a committed learning community, participants move beyond merely knowing a Christian worldview to actually inhabiting it — here and now, for the good of their neighbors and the glory of God.

Listen to Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s recent interview with John Stonestreet for Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast. This conversation follows the on-campus screening of the Colson Center’s documentary “Truth Rising.”

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Cornerstone University is announcing a new partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, a top-rated rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to expand clinical experience, tuition assistance, and professional pathways for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at the university. Beginning fall 2026, the collaboration builds on Cornerstone University’s CCNE-accredited nursing program and aligns with the university’s focus on professional preparation and Christ-centered health care education.

Participating Cornerstone BSN students will have the opportunity to apply for tuition assistance provided through Mary Free Bed, gain enhanced clinical placements within its rehabilitative care environment, and pursue full-time nursing roles following successful completion of the BSN program and passage of the NCLEX-RN®.

“We are pleased to welcome Mary Free Bed as a partner in Cornerstone University’s nursing program,” said Dr. Misty Emmons, chief nursing administrator and director of nursing. “Mary Free Bed is known for excellent patient-centered care, and they also extend this quality commitment to their nursing staff. BSN students who receive a scholarship will receive the type of early career support that is critical to a successful transition from student nurse to registered nurse.”

Mary Free Bed is widely recognized for its leadership in rehabilitation and its patient-centered model across inpatient, outpatient, and specialized services. As a mission-driven health care organization, it offers a clinical environment where students engage in interdisciplinary care focused on recovery, dignity, and quality of life. Through this partnership, Cornerstone students will encounter rehabilitative nursing practices that emphasize clinical judgment, collaboration, and whole-person care.

“We’re excited to support Cornerstone nursing students as they develop into the next generation of compassionate caregivers,” said Maria Opoku‑Agyeman, Mary Free Bed chief nursing officer and vice president of inpatient services. “Together, we’re strengthening the nursing workforce and helping more people find hope and freedom through rehabilitation.”

Cornerstone’s BSN program provides a rigorous academic foundation supported by simulation and supervised clinical experiences. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, and a commitment to patient care within a Christ-centered framework. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN® and pursue nursing roles across a range of health care settings.

Cornerstone’s nursing faculty combine academic and clinical expertise to support close mentorship, with both the 2024 and 2025 BSN cohorts achieving a 100% NCLEX-RN® pass rate.

“Preparing nurses of strong character and professional excellence is central to Cornerstone University’s academic mission and curriculum approach,” said Dr. Kevin S. Hall, vice president of academics and spiritual formation. “As workforce needs continue to grow, our partnership with Mary Free Bed expands clinical opportunities that prepare nurses to deliver exceptional, compassionate care to patients and communities.”

Together, Cornerstone University and Mary Free Bed are investing in the preparation of nurses equipped to serve patients, strengthen healthcare teams, and meet the evolving needs in West Michigan.

To learn more about Cornerstone University’s CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and this partnership, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu or 616.222.1426.Cornerstone University partners with Mary Free Bed to expand BSN clinical training, tuition support, and workforce pathways in rehabilitative care.

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Cornerstone University today announced the launch of The Cornerstone Core – a bold new General Education curriculum designed for students to learn and embody greatness of character and superb industry preparation.

“At a moment when the value of higher education is widely questioned,” said President Gerson Moreno-Riaño, “The Cornerstone Core educates students to live, work and serve from a sophisticated moral, truth, and knowledge framework grounded in the Christian worldview. Learning in this framework, Cornerstone’s students are positioned to influence their communities and industries with the moral goodness and creative industry solutions that employers and society are calling for.”

The Cornerstone Core, a 33-credit hour set of courses, offers a distinctively different general education than that offered at any other college or university in America. It is a core education grounded on three learning domains: the beauty of Christianity, the wisdom of the American experience, and market intelligence.

The Beauty of the Christian Worldview

Students learn of the beauty of Christianity through studying the grandeur of the Triune God, the greatness of the Gospel, the great doctrines of the Christian faith, and the coherence of the Christian faith rooted in the truth and reality of God’s revelation and creation. Students explore not only the beauty of Christianity but its profound significance and relevance for today’s most pressing questions.

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Students learn of the wisdom of the American experience through Cornerstone’s Great Works Canon of the American Experience. These original speeches, sermons, letters, debates, and foundational texts of America engage students with the enduring questions of liberty, order, duty, and self-government. This intentional moral and civic formation prepares graduates who understand not only their freedoms, but their obligations to community and country.

Leading this curricular focus on the American Experience is Cornerstone’s Distinguished Scholar of American Government and Civic Engagement, Dr. John G. West. “Unlike any other general education model in America,” said West, “The Cornerstone Core restores the moral and intellectual foundations that make freedom possible. The depth of the Christian faith has shaped constitutional government throughout history. When students grasp that connection, they are prepared not only to succeed, but to sustain a free society.”

Marketplace Intelligence

Students learn the knowledge domains that sustain advanced industry markets through studying analytical reasoning, scientific thinking, artificial intelligence, free market economics, and communication intelligence. Beyond learning these knowledge domains and their related skills, students are prepared to think deeply, deliberate wisely, and communicate truthfully — bringing Christian marketplace intelligence into industries, institutions, and emerging technologies.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary and Cornerstone marks 85 years of Christ-centered education, The Cornerstone Core reflects a clear conviction: the Christian worldview — the ideals it inspired for the founding of the American Republic and the innovative advances it has propelled throughout the world — remains more relevant today than ever.

The Cornerstone Core reflects what Cornerstone believes education should be: bold in purpose, deeply influential, and grounded in Christ.

Are you ready to lead as a bold Christian influencer? Call 616.949.5300 or request information today to discover which of Cornerstone’s more than 65 degree programs is right for you.

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As the Cornerstone University community gathered for the first spring 2026 semester President’s Chapel, President Gerson Moreno-Riaño began with a clear truth: Change is a certainty. Loss and disruption can arrive without warning, especially in today’s uncertain times. Hebrews 13:8 is a beautiful, immutable constant — “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” — the unchanging Jesus.

Four Christ-centered responses were examined for navigating life’s inevitable upheavals, calling students, faculty, and staff to deepen their longing for Christ and to cultivate transformation, discernment, and peace rooted in Him.

Change, Dr. Moreno-Riaño explained, is rarely welcomed. “It is not a fun thing to talk about sometimes or to undergo,” he began.

Scripture speaks plainly to that truth: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1, KJV).

Disruptions were highlighted that mark life and linger long after they begin. The president spoke candidly about his parents’ marriage separation during his first year of college, reshaping family relationships and turning holidays into something that required careful navigation.

“That’s called change,” he said. “Not fun, not welcomed, very uncomfortable, very difficult, very painful. And … unavoidable.”

Dr. Moreno-Riaño acknowledged that other students may relate to a similar loss. Some lose parents suddenly. Others face broken relationships or circumstances they did not choose. Some upheavals impact the entire community like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic — empty streets, isolation, fear, and a deep sense of uncertainty.

“All of a sudden,” he said, “massive change.”

In terms of massive change, forces reshaping life now include cultural instability and rapid technological disruption. From artificial intelligence affecting how people work and relate, to uncertainty surrounding institutions once assumed to be stable, a world where predictability feels increasingly scarce.

Building on Hebrews 13:8, he suggested our first response to upheaval and uncertainty is to cultivate longing for Christ.​ “Change should drive us to long after that which does not change,” he said. “And the only one who doesn’t is Jesus Christ.”

Next is to think about change as an opportunity to cultivate the pursuit of Christ-centered transformation. He urged, “Think, Lord Jesus, how do I allow you to transform me to the image of yourself in this difficult change?” Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed.

Such moments also require us to cultivate discernment. “It’s easy for us to react,” the president acknowledged, pointing to a culture that increasingly responds to difficulty by rejecting or “canceling” others — especially in strained family relationships. Again, Romans 12 reveals the need for renewed minds to discern “what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” and to embody Jesus Christ in response to pain and hurt.

Cultivating a lifestyle of Christ-centered peace was the final charge. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As the chapel closed in prayer, the audience was redirected once more to the unchanging Christ. No one knows what lies ahead. But in a world marked by uncertainty, Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Enjoy hearing the full Cornerstone University President’s Chapel: Unchanging Jesus.

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Dr. Douglas Groothuis, distinguished university research professor of apologetics and Christian worldview at Cornerstone University, recently published an op-ed in LifeNews titled “There is No Right to Die.” He argues that as assisted suicide laws expand and public opinion rapidly shifts toward “right to die” as a moral standard, safeguards meant to set limits erode quickly. More fundamentally, he outlines that such laws cross a moral line because they deny the God-given intrinsic worth of human life, integral to America’s founding Judeo-Christian principles.

Groothius expresses concern for citizens about this moral erosion as New York joins 12 states and Washington, D.C., which protect assisted dying by law. He cites The Economist, which reports 30% of Americans may soon live in states that allow doctors to prescribe life-ending drugs — similar to Canada and the Netherlands.

While the New York law and a similar law in Oregon include safeguards intended to prevent abuse, he points to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, which initially was limited to terminal cases and now includes broader eligibility.

Over 60,300 Canadians, roughly one in 20 deaths, have died through assisted suicide nationwide, surpassing Alzheimer’s and diabetes related deaths combined.

For Groothuis, this is a predictable result, urging citizens to carefully consider these realities,

“Once you violate a fundamental moral principle, you slide into a moral abyss. That principle is that human life has intrinsic, incomparable, and unique value that should not be violated,” or “disposed of at will.”

Drawing distinctions between Euthanasia (where a doctor administers the drug) or doctor-assisted suicide (where a doctor assists the patient in administering the drug), Groothius maintains that human life retains its worth. Advances in palliative care are now common, and yet, even in great suffering, death can be “stewarded well” and should not be intentionally ended,

“… the fact that anyone at all is legally allowed to choose to die with the assistance of a doctor is, in itself, morally wrong. Because of our human dignity, we have the right to life. This implies the right not to be murdered. But suicide, whether assisted by a doctor or not, is self-murder.”

As America celebrates 250 years since its founding, Groothius’s op-ed exposes the fallacy that there is “dignity in death” as human life has unique value created by God. And it is fundamental to the nation’s strengths and must be preserved, saying,

“This view of human dignity is based on the uniquely Judeo-Christian ideal that we are made in the image of a personal and moral God. It is one of the greatest gifts that Western civilization has given the world…”

Read Dr. Groothius’ full article published by LifeNews.

About Dr. Douglas Groothius

Dr. Groothius is a best-selling author, Christian philosopher, apologist and public intellectual. As Cornerstone University’s first distinguished university research professor of apologetics and Christian worldview, he works with undergraduate students and prepares Cornerstone Theological Seminary ministry students in an orthodox Biblical worldview. His mission is to inspire all students to know Jesus more deeply and exemplify His character spiritually and professionally.

For more information about Dr. Groothius or Cornerstone University’s Christian apologetics and Christian worldview integrated curriculum and programs, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.

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The Cornerstone University community gives thanks for the life and enduring legacy of Board of Trustees member and seminary alumnus, Dr. Mark Campbell (M.A. ’09) who passed away on February 7 after a period of illness.

For nearly three decades, Dr. Mark Campbell has been a trusted and faithful presence in the life of Cornerstone University. As a longstanding member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Mission Stewardship Committee, his leadership and friendship have helped sustain and advance Cornerstone’s Christ-centered education with strength, vision, and steadfast gospel-centered mission.

“Dr. Campbell’s legacy is one of extraordinary consistency and unwavering commitment to uphold the university’s original Biblical mission,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “He has given generously of his wisdom, his resources, and his heart for nearly 30 years — and we are better because of it. His life and leadership serve as a model of what it means to live out the calling of Christ in every area of influence.”

Dr. Campbell’s impact lives on. As a respected physician and founding member of the Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, he has spent his career at the intersection of science and faith, bringing healing, hope, and dignity to patients facing some of life’s most difficult battles, remaining faithful to the LORD during his own battle. His contributions to the field of oncology have shaped the medical landscape of West Michigan. He was also known for his love of motorcycles and the open roads of West Michigan, co-owning Hot Rod Harley-Davidson in Muskegon, Michigan.

A 2009 graduate of the Cornerstone Theological Seminary, Cornerstone University proudly named Dr. Mark Campbell the 2025 Alumnus of the Year, recognizing a graduate whose life reflects exceptional professional achievement, enduring commitment to community, and Christ-honoring character.

“For many years the members of the Board of Trustees have been privileged to serve alongside Dr. Mark Campbell,” said Dr. Richard Koole (BRE ’70), chair of Cornerstone University’s Board of Trustees. “We witnessed firsthand a life marked by unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ — evident in his humble leadership and steadfast commitment to keeping Cornerstone University anchored in Biblical truth.”

Please lift the Campbell family in prayer for strength and comfort as they honor Dr. Campbell’s unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ, His Savior.

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Presenting before a national audience of peers, two Cornerstone University environmental biology students debuted original research at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference.

The 86th annual conference, held January 25–28, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, brought together nearly 1,000 students and professionals from across the Midwest focused on fish, wildlife, and natural resource research.

Through professional poster presentations, Katie Westfall (‘25) and Levi Wilson (‘25) networked and made national connections while debuting wildlife research developed through faculty-guided

Bachelor of Science in environmental biology coursework. Their work reflects a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on science investigation, data analysis, and clear scientific communication and leadership among peers – essential skills for careers in the sciences.

Westfall presented research examining how artificial light influences bird migration patterns in the West Michigan region.

“It was exciting to share the work with other people who have similar interests and passions,” Westfall said. “The conference was a great chance to connect with experienced professionals and learn about diverse projects and research.”

Exploring fall migration trends of several sparrow species, Wilson studied how conditions in breeding ranges relate to migration behavior.

“Once I arrived at the conference, it quickly became much more than just presenting research,” Wilson shared. “I learned about organizations beyond the well-known agencies, which was incredibly helpful as I think about future career options.”

As part of Cornerstone University’s career-ready Cornerstone Advantage and Christian worldview-focused curriculum, students are equipped to apply rigorous science practices that are also understood as Biblically grounded —- honoring God’s creation within the science community.

Westfall expressed this mission-driven opportunity,

Caring for God’s creation wisely is one of our many responsibilities, and presenting research at conferences like these is one way to “Declare his glory among the nations” (Psalm 96:3).

At the conference, Dr. Rob Keys, student mentor and professor of Environmental Biology and Science Education, also presented research on bird ecology and citizen science. He highlighted how data gathered by non-scientists contributes to scientific understanding and the responsible management of the natural world. Reflecting more broadly, Keys noted,

“The sharing of God’s creation with many who do not know Him is always a joy. In my field of bird ecology, the data generated by citizen scientists is crucial in understanding and being wise Christian stewards of the creation.”

He encourages more Cornerstone students to attend and present at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference coming to Grand Rapids in 2027.

To explore Cornerstone University’s B.S. in Environmental Biology, including concentrations in Wildlife Biology and Water Resources, and other science programs taught from a Christian worldview, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.

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Cornerstone University has appointed Dr. John G. West as its first Distinguished Scholar of American Government and Christian Civic Engagement, effective January 15, 2026. Amid America’s SuperCentennial year and 85 years since the university’s founding, this inaugural role reflects Cornerstone University’s continued commitment to nationally recognized scholarship that prepares students to apply a Christian worldview to civic and professional life.

Dr. West is a leading Christian scholar, author, and cultural commentator whose work has influenced national conversations on American government, public policy, technology, science and culture, and the relationship between faith and civic life. He will continue to serve as vice president of the Discovery Institute and managing director of its Center for Science and Culture, where his scholarship examines how ideas influence institutions, culture, and public responsibility, and more specifically, the intersection of Christian faith within the sciences and humanities.

“Cornerstone University is pleased to welcome Dr. West as a distinguished scholar at this historic time in our nation and Cornerstone University,” said President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. “John’s vast scholarship, public intellectual engagement, and experience will prepare our students to engage complex American cultural and professional challenges with intellectual seriousness, Biblically grounded moral clarity, and a Christian worldview of God’s vision for human flourishing.”

In his role as Distinguished Scholar of American Government and Christian Civic Engagement, West will serve as a special academic and cultural resource for the university. He will contribute to curriculum and learning outcomes in American government and civic engagement and engage regularly with students, faculty, and the community through lectures, chapel addresses, and public conversations aligned with Cornerstone’s mission.

For students, this role reinforces Cornerstone’s commitment to preparing graduates who apply a sophisticated Christian worldview to every part of career and life — leading with wisdom, responsibility, and purpose in their chosen profession and community.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Cornerstone University as its Distinguished Scholar of American Government and Christian Civic Engagement,” said West. “Cornerstone University has become a trailblazer in American Christian higher education. Its focus on equipping students with a comprehensive Christian worldview anchored in Biblical truth is exactly what our nation needs. I’m excited — and honored — to be part of an institution that is dedicated to training future Christian leaders who can revitalize America.”

West’s appointment comes at a consequential moment: America’s Super Centennial and Cornerstone University’s 85 years of Christ-centered mission and impact. West will co-chair Cornerstone University’s Taskforce on America’s 250th “Super-Centennial” Celebration, helping guide academic programming, public events, and thought leadership as the university, its students, and the nation reflect on its history and future. Dr. West will also welcome the West Michigan community to Wisdom Conversations on March 5, America at 250: Christianity and the American Experience.

Dr. West’s work also engages constitutional law, American political institutions, and the relationship between religion and politics, bringing historical depth and contemporary relevance to questions shaping civic life today.

West previously chaired the Department of Political Science and Geography and has taught political science and history at California State University, San Bernardino, and Azusa Pacific University. Earlier in his career, he served as managing editor of Public Research, Syndicated, which distributed public affairs essays to more than 700 daily and weekly newspapers nationwide.

A former professor and department chair at Seattle Pacific University, West holds a Ph.D. in government from Claremont Graduate University and B.A. in communications (editorial journalism) from the University of Washington. He has written or edited 13 books and directed more than a dozen documentaries examining the cultural consequences of ideas, drawing on intellectual influences such as C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and the American founding.

For more information about Dr. West’s role or to explore Cornerstone University’s 65-plus on-campus and online career-ready degrees and certificates, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu or call 616.222.1426.

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