SHARE exists to “help English-speaking families serving in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East meet their children’s educational needs.” Through this mission, SHARE seeks to serve global workers to enable them to remain where God has called them. Cairn teams have long partnered with SHARE in this mission.

Many of the children at this conference are considered Third Culture Kids. This year’s Cairn team included four TCK students, who were able to bring personal understanding and insight into the unique experiences of the children they taught and served. Throughout the week, the team demonstrated consistent Christ-centered service, humility, and energy. Evening debriefs revealed deep spiritual growth, seen by one student’s reflection on the importance of missions: “I just don’t want to waste my life.”

On Thursday, March 5, 91łÔąĎ’s School of Divinity hosted its annual Church Leaders Conference. Pastors, lay leaders, and ministry workers gathered for a day of biblical teaching and encouragement. 

Dr. Jared C. Wilson, assistant professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO, served as this year’s keynote speaker, addressing the topic of “Recognizing, Resisting, and Recovering From Gospel Drift.” Wilson drew from his recent book, Lest We Drift: Five Departure Dangers from the One True Gospel, as he explored the importance of gospel centrality over three keynote sessions. 

In the first session, Dr. Wilson emphasized that the gospel is not advice or instruction but the announcement of what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ. In the second session, he identified three common obstacles that keep pastors from preaching Christ from every text of Scripture. Turning to Isaiah 40 in the final session, Dr. Wilson reflected on the heart of pastoral ministry, establishing the shepherd’s primary task is to proclaim the good news of Christ’s finished work. Together, the sessions encouraged church leaders to remain anchored in the gospel as the central message, confidence, and hope that sustains faithful ministry. Times of worship, fellowship, and a Q&A session rounded out the day’s schedule and provided refreshment for all attendees.

Dr. Keith Plummer, Dean and Professor of Theology for the School of Divinity shared, “We enjoyed a day of making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, singing heartily to our Savior, and being nourished by sound biblical teaching. A major takeaway for me from what Jared shared is how easy and perilous it is to assume that we are so well-acquainted with the gospel that we no longer need to hear it. It was refreshing to be reminded that we will never outgrow the message of salvation by grace through faith.”

Dr. Wilson’s conference sessions will be made available on Faith & Truth Media. You can watch the first session here: .

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s conference on March 4, 2027!

Dr. Keith Plummer, Dean of the School of Divinity, opened chapel by sharing from John’s account of the feeding of the five thousand. He highlighted John 6:23, where the apostle notes that the people returned to the place where they had eaten after the Lord had given thanks. Rather than first drawing attention to the miracle itself, John points to Christ’s thanksgiving. As Dr. Plummer reminded us, Jesus shows us what it looks like to live a life marked by gratitude and thankfulness.

Dr. Plummer then shared what he is thankful for, followed by seven other School of Divinity faculty. 

We are thankful for opportunities like this to reflect on how God continually keeps His promises. In the smallest moments, and the biggest milestones, we can always rejoice and give thanks to God! Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Stephen Dill, chair, EdD in Educational Leadership

Dr. Stephen Dill has joined the School of Education faculty as chair of the EdD in Educational Leadership. Dr. Dill brings to the position more than four decades of leadership experience in Christian education, including 25 years as head of school and assistant headmaster at Delaware County Christian School, followed by nearly a decade of executive leadership at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He most recently served as executive director of the ACSI Education Foundation, where he led strategic initiatives in research, innovation, and leadership development. 

Dr. Dill holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Temple University, an MA in Educational Leadership from Villanova University, and a BA in Social Science from Wheaton College. He has conducted over 100 professional workshops on topics including school improvement, accreditation, governance, finance, development, and strategic planning. He also brings extensive higher education experience, having taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership, finance, and governance at institutions such as Eastern University, Columbia International University, Grace College and Seminary, and 91łÔąĎ.

Christian Finnigan, chair, Politics, Philosophy, and History

Christian joins the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences as an associate professor and chair of Politics, Philosophy, and History. He previously served as assistant professor of history and politics at Colorado Christian University. He has also taught at several other institutions (Davenant Hall, Patrick Henry College, Sacred Heart University, and Yale University) and served as an Emo F.J. Van Halsema fellow at the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies at Calvin University, as a visiting assistant in research at Yale, and as a fellow at the Centennial Institute.

Christian also brings to the University experience in politics and ministry. His political work includes serving as director of ballot access and delegate selection for the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. Fred Thompson, as a White House Intern, and with the American Conservative Union. His work in ministry includes serving as a pastoral apprentice at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA; working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and as a ministerial candidate in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)­, preaching in churches throughout the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Christian holds a BA from Randolph-Macon College, an MA from University College London, an MLitt from the University of St Andrews, an MDiv from Reformed Theological Seminary, a ThM from Erskine Theological Seminary, and a JD from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. He is currently completing a PhD at McGill University and, as part of his doctoral work, has undertaken additional studies at the University of Cambridge, Yale University, and the University of Virginia. He has presented papers at academic conferences internationally, including the Sixteenth Century Society, the Society for Reformation Studies, and the Southern Political Science Association. More recently, he published a chapter, “The Emergence of Liberty and History’s Theo-Political Problem,” in Generation to Generation: Writings in Honor of Douglas F. Kelly (Mentor, 2023).

Isaiah Cramer, part-time faculty

Isaiah Cramer is a part-time faculty member who will be teaching in the School of Divinity and the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He received his BS in Bible and MDiv from 91łÔąĎ; MA in Hebraic Roots from Jerusalem University College; and is currently a PhD candidate at Columbia International University. His dissertation focuses on the exegetical impact of later canonical revelation on the book of Zephaniah. 

Janelle Curtis-Beaman, part-time faculty

Janelle Curtis-Beaman is a part-time faculty member teaching in the School of Business and Technology. Janelle holds a BA in Communication from Messiah University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University. Janelle began her career as a corporate trainer, working with businesses to improve their communication skills for the purpose of successful sales, management, and customer service. She uses this industry expertise, along with adjunct experience at Messiah University and Delaware Valley University, to serve businesses and non-profit organizations in the area. 

Amy Dunlap, part-time faculty

Amy Dunlap is a part-time faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. After receiving her BS in Bible and BS in Education (Secondary English Education) from Cairn in 2007, she began teaching at Esperanza Academy in North Philadelphia. She transitioned to teaching part-time at Cairn in 2014 after obtaining her MA in English from Westchester and a certification in teaching writing from the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project. Her passion is American literature and creative writing courses. In 2021, she transitioned to Cairn’s online programs and began teaching for Veritas Scholars Academy as well. This fall she rejoins the faculty in a part-time role in Cairn Online. 

John Stange, part-time faculty

John Stange is a part-time faculty member for the Digital Media & Communications program in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and for the School of Divinity. He holds a BS in Bible, BS in Education, and a MS in Christian Counseling from 91łÔąĎ.

John has served in pastoral ministry for over 30 years. He is the lead pastor of Core Creek Community Church in Langhorne, PA. He has a background in radio broadcasting and has always enjoyed creating various forms of media. He is the author of multiple books, including Dwell on These Things (Penguin Random House, 2021). John hosts two online platforms: BibleStudyHeadquarters.com and PlatformLaunchers.com. His podcasts in particular have been downloaded millions of times by listeners throughout the world.

Ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, the faculty members of 91łÔąĎ gathered to participate in the annual faculty workshop. This year, the focus of discussion was on assessment in the age of AI.

The decision to address this topic during the annual workshop follows the creation of the University Statement on AI, which was added to the 91łÔąĎ Student Handbook in 2024. With the University’s theological and pedagogical understanding of generative AI and its limits in view, the faculty directed its focus to how AI technology prompts changes in student assessment inside and outside the classroom.

The two-day workshop began with a devotional by Dr. Bryan Murawski, associate professor in the School of Divinity. This devotional was followed by two sessions, the first of which was theological considerations of new technologies hosted by Dr. Keith Plummer, dean of the School of Divinity. He presented data showing that the current generation is increasingly relying on generative AI for growing number of tasks, even as a form of companionship. 

The second session was led by Professor Charlotte Gleason, who is the chair of the humanities department in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She titled her presentation, “Thinking Differently: Practical Pedagogy in the Age of AI.” She presented better methods for student assessment, including multi-step project submissions, feedback loops from peers and the professor, and student self-reflection on the learning process—all of which deepen student learning in ways that are less tempting and more difficult to use AI for shortcuts. This presentation was followed by a seminar, which gave faculty the opportunity to workshop an assessment to deepen student learning and become more AI-resistant. 

On the second day of the workshop, Provost Adam Porcella discussed the difference between transactional and transformative learning in his presentation, titled “Discipleship in the Era of AI.” As a fitting conclusion to the workshop, the faculty joined the staff for the Fall 2025 Prayer Service—an intentional employee gathering of Scripture reading, prayer, and singing that has been held before the start of each semester since 2005. 

“As emerging AI technologies continue to reshape the world of education, we are intentional in how we engage them,” said Dr. Adam J. Porcella, senior vice president and provost. “We will leverage their benefits where appropriate, but never at the expense of the relational, formational, and distinctly human dimensions of teaching and learning. Our priority is to ensure that technology serves the mission of Christian higher education, not the other way around. 91łÔąĎ is committed to being a place where humans teach humans.”

91łÔąĎ is thrilled to announce a new academic partnership with Planted Gap Year, a nine-month, Christ-centered discipleship program located in the rolling hills of northern Pennsylvania. Starting in Fall 2025, students who enroll in Planted will have the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credits through 91łÔąĎ, weaving together the richness of biblical education with hands-on experience in farming, outdoor adventure, and intentional community.

For both institutions, this partnership is more than academic—it’s deeply missional. Planted Gap Year was created for young adults eager to step away from the noise and rush of modern life and grow deeply in their knowledge and love of Jesus. Set on the peaceful grounds of near Wellsboro, PA, the program invites students aged 18–24 to live intentionally, serve joyfully, and grow spiritually. Each day blends practical and spiritual habits, from studying Scripture and practicing hospitality to tilling soil and working with livestock.

“Planted is a place where students experience God’s revelation together in his Word and in His world,” said , co-founder and executive director of Planted. “Partnering with 91łÔąĎ allows us to reinforce the academic value of that growth, equipping students for future study without compromising the immersive, formational experience we offer.”

Through the Cairn–Planted partnership, students will receive:

• Up to 24 college credits from 91łÔąĎ, transferable to all of the 70+ undergraduate programs that Cairn offers.
• Eligibility for federal financial aid, including loan and grants, by completing the
• An affordable, accredited path forward—Planted’s base is $14,500 for the 2026-27 year, with an additional $2,625 for academic credit

“This collaboration is a natural extension of our mission,” said Dr. Adam Porcella, Cairn’s senior vice president and provost. “Cairn’s commitment to biblical integration, academic excellence, and whole-life education aligns beautifully with Planted’s desire to ground students in Christ before they take their next steps into college or career.”

At its core, Planted helps young adults cultivate what truly matters: a resilient faith, an identity rooted in Christ, and the practical skills to engage the world with wisdom and grace. By adding college credit to this foundation, 91łÔąĎ and Planted Gap Year are empowering students to continue cultivating their knowledge and skills after Planted.

To explore how Planted Gap Year and 91łÔąĎ can help launch your journey of faith, formation, and college readiness, visit or cairn.edu/gap-year-programs.

This award recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies the ideals of Christian scholarship and service that define the Cairn academic community. The selection is based on several criteria:

1. Extraordinary professional contribution,
2. Skillful and integrative educational contribution,
3. Meaningful investment in students, and
4. Collegiality and support within the academic community.

Over the course of her career at Cairn—beginning in 1989—Dr. Wolf has been recognized for her remarkable dedication to the University’s mission and to the students. Through national and international presentations, contributions to an ISME publication, service with the PMEA, and her leadership as chief reader for the PRAXIS Music Tests at ETS, she has brought distinction to her field and to Cairn. Dr. Wolf’s classroom teaching—spanning from private piano instruction to music education courses—is marked by creativity, rigor, and biblical integration.

Dr. Wolf also generously extends this expertise beyond the University through the Cairn Community Arts Academy. Her investment in students is deeply personal and formative, helping shape not just their musicianship but their character and faith. Finally, as Chair of Music Education, she models collegiality and leadership that is both gracious and wise, contributing significantly to the life of the faculty as a whole.

Congratulations, Dr. Wolf!

When Kenneth Mercadante ’18 graduated from the business administration program at Cairn, he had in mind to one day be a business owner. He did not, however, have any intention of owning his family’s business.

Ken’s father began Dura-Plex, Inc. in 1972, a small home renovation business in New Jersey. While it would in some ways be natural for Ken to follow in his father’s footsteps, he had no interest. Growing up, he watched his father experience the grueling challenges of working in the home improvement industry, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 recession. He wanted to follow his father’s example of business ownership, but this particular industry was off the table, at least so he thought.

Ken began working at Jersey Mike’s Subs shortly before graduation, with a goal of one day becoming a franchisee. While he enjoyed much of the work there, he decided the casual restaurant business was ultimately not for him. It was at this same time that his dad approached him and his brother Anthony about buying Dura-Plex. More willing than he was once before, and after much prayerful consideration, Ken left Jersey Mike’s and bought the business with his brother in 2020. 

Over the past five years, Ken has learned a lot about the business of leading people. Dura-Plex is a small business, but the nature of their work requires a large number of staff. Business ownership comes with a long list of responsibilities, but Ken believes that person management is one of the most time-consuming but important investments. This is why his faith in Christ is so central to his business operations. As Ken shared, “Your team is relying on you as a leader everyday. Your mood sets the tone, and your work ethic is being used as an example. You need to be completely invested and interested in your people in order to run a successful business.”

His faith also directs the way Dura-Plex engages their customers. In an industry where large corporate companies play tricky sales games or pressure customers, Dura-Plex is committed to transparent pricing and a customer-first culture. Whether roofing, siding, decking, doors, or windows, most of Dura-Plex’s services are those that their customers will do once in their lives. These projects are important investments, and Ken and his team are committed to treating every project with that same level of value. Operating on these principles, Ken is pressing forward in his goal to make Dura-Plex New Jersey’s most trusted exterior remodel company.

Sabrina-Rose (Mason) Benedict ’18 has always described herself as “crafty.” Shortly after graduation, she was working as an office assistant and looking for a new hobby to do in her spare time. She picked up a few skeins of yarn and taught herself how to make a finger-knitted blanket using a YouTube tutorial. After making a few and sharing her final results online, she found herself being commissioned to make more blankets for friends and family. With their encouragement, she opened “Sab’s Blankets” and began selling at local craft shows. 

To pair with the blankets, Sabrina also began making pillows. One night, while sitting on her couch in the middle of pillow-making, she couldn’t help but think that the half-done pillow resembled an octopus. She reworked her pillow pattern into an octopus stuffie pattern (appropriately named “Ollie”), and once stuffies were on the brain, she created patterns for several plush characters including Beatrice the Bumblebee, Popper the Penguin, and Willie the Whale. These stuffie patterns quickly became her best-seller and business exploded, leading Sabrina to change her business name to “Sab’s Stuffies” in 2022.

Sabrina’s business growth can be largely attributed to her social media presence. On @sabsstuffies, Sabrina promotes her products, shares finger-knitting basics and solutions to common issues, and gives viewers a glimpse of the unique circumstances related to being a crafter and business owner. Through this, Sabrina has built an online community of crafters (over 1.5 million strong) to teach, learn from, and share with. 

Running a business with such a large online presence comes with challenges. Among the thousands of positive comments and shows of support, dissenting voices inevitably make themselves known. Sabrina shared that it is easy to let these comments destroy your confidence in your work, but “having a broader community of people that are constantly speaking life and encouragement to me helps drown out the negative noise when it arises.” This community is something that she values most about her business model and reminds her of the community she shared on the cross country team and with her roommates and friends at Cairn.

With over 15,000 sales and counting, Sab’s Stuffies shows no signs of slowing down. Making the most of her toddlers’ nap times, Sabrina is continuing to add to her line of products, film tutorials, and sell at local craft markets. She currently has over 23 patterns released and has plans to launch at least 10 more in 2025. 

Abigail (White) Edman ’21 is a Rhode Island native who always loved the beach. Growing up, she found that all major beach brands were influenced by the West Coast and didn’t reflect the unique experience of East Coast beach towns. The dream of creating an East Coast beach brand burned in the back of her mind for years until her husband, Caleb Edman ’22, encouraged her to make it a reality. The Sundance Company was born in Summer 2022.

Sundance is a distinctly East Coast swim and beachwear brand that is inspired by New England summers. Abigail designs sustainable swimwear that is made from recycled materials and produced in small batches. In addition to her East Coast wear, she will also offer limited time runs that reflect other coastal destinations she’s visited, such as Costa Rica, where she studied abroad during her undergraduate studies in the School of Business.

What started out as a small direct to consumer e-commerce business became a brick and mortar store in April 2024. Set in the bustling vacation spot of downtown Newport, The Sundance Company stands just a half-mile from the beach. With only 200 square feet of retail space, Abigail has had to come up with many creative solutions to make the most of every inch of space available. The limited space has not limited her sales, though. Having a beachtown storefront has increased her sales and placed her within a network of other local business owners who support and encourage one another.

Her faith in Christ impacts every decision she makes for her business. It is the reason why the shop is closed on Sunday mornings. It prompts her to write Bible verses on packages before she ships out a new order. It is her motivation for thinking carefully about fashion and making conscious decisions to source products ethically, combat overconsumption, and steward the earth’s resources well. As the name suggests, Sundance is positioned to be a bright light in the community that conducts business with excellence and integrity.

In the future, Abigail wants to see her brand grow enough to the point that she can take a step back out of the day-to-day operations and focus solely on design and development. But for now, she is grateful for every day she has been given to build a brand that brings attention and gives back to the East Coast beaches that shaped her.