FROM THE DIRECTOR

May 2025 Update

Jaclyn Gidley

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

It’s always a joy to connect with you and share what’s happening across our vast and diverse Wildcat community. In this edition, we’re excited to highlight Spiritcare, a spiritual support ministry available to all IWU alumni—because your journey matters long after graduation.

Over the past few weeks, we proudly welcomed around 1,500 new graduates into the alumni family, celebrating their achievements across four commencement ceremonies. What a joy it is to see the Wildcat family grow!

You’ll also find spotlights on outstanding alumni who are living out their calling in inspiring ways, along with university news and updates on how we’re working diligently to build partnerships and create more opportunities for our greater community.

Thank you for staying connected. We’re proud to walk alongside you, wherever God leads.

Spiritcare seeks to facilitate spiritual guidance during this pivotal life experience, to create openness to Scripture and the message of Jesus Christ.

Learn More

UPCOMING UNIVERSITY RELATIONS EVENTS

We’re Hitting the Road Again This Summer!

Our team is excited to travel across the country once more for the Wesleyan Church District Conferences! Last summer was an incredible time of reconnecting with alumni and friends, and we can’t wait to do it all again. We’d love to see you along the way—stay tuned for details on where we’ll be as we'll have Meet & Greets at certain conferences!

IWU is honored to invite you to our upcoming Pastors and Church Leaders Day — a special time of encouragement, connection, and celebration of the vital role you play in the life of the Church and in the Kingdom. Join us on campus for a day of worship, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and fellow ministry leaders. Whether you’re a long-time friend of IWU or visiting for the first time, this is our way of saying thank you for the ways you faithfully shepherd God’s people.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Kenneth Mayfield '14

Martin University named Kenneth Mayfield its new chief financial officer on April 28. Mayfield previously served as CFO of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The university cited his 20-year background in public sector finance and strategic leadership. His role will include managing budgets, financial planning and internal controls.

Katherine (Arch) Hager '16

Katherine recently released her third book, Unbroken. In Unbroken, Katherine Hager unpacks the epistle of 2 Timothy, verse-by-verse, to inspire, encourage, and inform mothers of the importance of knowing Scripture—for the benefit of their children and grandchildren. This book is perfect for mamas who are committed to training up their children in the Word of God in order to strengthens the bonds of generational faith, wisdom, and knowledge. As this world grows darker, followers of Christ have their work cut out for them—particularly mothers.

Mira Cassidy '24

Cassidy, a passionate alumna and solo performer of Let Mia Tell It, has curated a powerful event titled Recovering From the Effects of Religious Trauma Through Theatre, taking place June 17 at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. The evening will spotlight the often-overlooked issues of religious trauma and healing through the arts. A panel discussion—featuring experts like Elizabeth Muckley, Michelle Moseley, Minister Martia Stewart, Pastor James Jackson, and Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones—will explore how theater and trauma-informed ministry can support healing in faith communities. Learn more at miraplay.eventbrite.com.

UNIVERSITY NEWS & NOTES

Tiffany Jackson: Building Bridges and Creating Opportunity

Planning to remain at IWU long term, Jackson hopes to continue expanding the Bridge Initiative and improving resources for students and partnering organizations. Her decision to follow God’s calling has already borne fruit, as she is currently enrolled and studying in IWU’s doctoral program.

Read Full Article Here

IWU Accredited by National Organization for Financial Integrity

IWU has received official accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Integrity (ECFA).

“Receiving ECFA accreditation highlights IWU's long-standing commitment to ethical financial management and accountability,” IWU President Dr. Jon Kulaga said. “It provides assurance to our donors and partners that we are stewarding resources with integrity and purpose.”

Read Full Article Here

ALUMNI NEWS & LIFE UPDATES

Bill English '83

Bill graduated in July 2022 with a PhD in Business Management, and published the 2nd edition of his book, A Christian Theology of Business Ownership, this month.

Judy Hollandsworth '97

Judy became on ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and continued my studies to become a Chaplain in 2015. She finished chaplain studies as part of her Masters of Divinity at Bethany Theological Seminary, at Advent Health Shawnee Mission Hospital.

Scott Martin '97

The Bettendorf Community School District announced that Scott Martin will be their new Director of Operations, starting on April 28. Martin has extensive experience in school district operations and most recently was the Chief Operations Officer/Deputy Superintendent for Indianapolis Public Schools. He was previously the Director of Operations for both the Davenport Community School District and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana.

Hope Showley '05

Hope is retiring after 35 years of teaching at Rochester Community Schools. She completed her undergraduate studies at Ball State University in grades K-12 choral music and grades 5-12 English. She later obtained her master’s in curriculum, assessment and instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kristen (Park) Trella '07

The Tippecanoe School Corp. has named Kristen as the TSC Secondary Teacher of the Year. Trella, an English teacher at Harrison High School, has garnered over 25 years of teaching experience after earning her bachelor's degree from Indiana University Northwest and a master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Robert Preston '08

Marquis Who's Who has honored Robert A. Preston, MBA, for his distinguished expertise in product development and his leadership in the HVAC industry. With more than two decades of experience, Mr. Preston has established himself as a key figure in operations with a focus on building efficiency and mechanical systems.

Emily (Rodemann) Ihle '12

Emily has launched her own design business, Render Dwell, which specializes in architectural renderings and interior design services and recently founded a nonprofit called Dwell House. We transform empty houses into warm, fully furnished homes for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Based in Sidney, Ohio, Dwell House is powered by volunteers, community donations, and thoughtful design — turning each space into a place of dignity, hope, and stability.

Angela Clay '12 & '17

Angela, DNP, MSN-ED, RN, is making significant strides in the nursing field as a Registered Nurse Nursing Tutor and RN Telephone Triage specialist affiliated with Grand Canyon University and the VISN Clinical Contact Center. Her multifaceted role combines nursing education and patient care coordination, aiming to support both aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals in their daily practices.

Robert Chenier '13 & '15

Robert was recently promoted to Accreditation & Performance Manager for the Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department. Responsible for managing the Department's CAPRA Accreditation, as well as strategic planning and performance management. The Department serves a city of over 265,000 residents on Florida's Treasure Coast.

Rebecca Roberts '15

Arbour Specialty, an insurance broker in the Southeast and previously called Southern Specialty Underwriters, has named Rebecca Roberts as its new president. Roberts has 30 years in the insurance industry, including recently as southeast regional Vice President at Burns & Wilcox.

Ashley Berry (Crosley) '22

Ashley Berry, MSN, RN, a highly skilled Registered Nurse, has been in the role of Nurse Manager at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) since 2021. With a profound commitment to patient care and a wealth of experience, Ashley Berry is committed to upholding RHI's mission of delivering compassionate and personalized rehabilitation care. With her leadership, the hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals on their journey to recovery.

Jason E. Nash '22 & '24

Jason was recently hired as an adjunct for IWU National and Global! He is honored and excited for the opportunity to invest in students and contribute to the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University in this new capacity.