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Throughout her life, Cornerstone University alumna Lauren Manzer (B.A. ’16) usually got dressed in the morning with a little help from her sister’s closet. “She’s a shopper and always has the latest and greatest,” says Manzer. “I’m known for not spending my money and being an outfit repeater. Of course, when she catches me wearing […]

If your upcoming high school graduate is anything like me, they might short circuit on ideas when you ask them what they want for Christmas. Or maybe they have already told you exactly what they would like but you want to add a surprise gift this holiday season. Well, I have created a gift guide […]

If your company hopes to grow its business, you need more than just a good idea. It’s great if you have a product or service that everybody wants. But it’s tough to sell if people don’t know about it. That’s where marketing comes in. Marketing is something that’s continually changing. Once upon a time, a […]

Trying to work part-time while going to school full-time can be quite the challenge. You’re trying to juggle classes, homework, work, your social life and the battle to stay on top of it all. Is it possible to work full-time and study full-time? Sounds crazy right? Like a recipe for complete, flaming burnout, followed by […]

We know that physical exercise brings great health benefits. Spiritual exercise brings benefits now—and for eternity. I Timothy says “… train yourself to be godly” (I Timothy 4:7). “Freedom and discipline have come to be regarded as mutually exclusive, when, in fact freedom is not at all the opposite, but the final reward of discipline.” […]

Trying to figure your dream career can be really challenging, especially if you’re older and are considering starting something new. It can be an intimidating prospect with so many possibilities and so much uncertainty. How can anyone possibly figure out their dream career? There are so many options, each with pros and cons. What can […]

Successful business owners and managers will tell you that to keep your company at the top of its game, employees must be more than merely satisfied with their work environment. They need to be actively engaged in the success of the company as well. Dissatisfied employees are more apt to produce less than adequate results, […]

Continuous improvement. Perseverance. Innovation. Another framework that people live and work within is either a growth mindset or fixed mindset. While often applied to the work environment, this distinction between a growth or fixed mindset can help set you on a path toward success and fulfillment in life. Both of these mindsets are based internally. […]

The invention and popularity of smartphones have dramatically changed the way people communicate and gain information. With a single device, you can Google a random question you have, text your classmate about the assignment you missed and call your spouse that you’d like to take them out for dinner. But the purpose of a phone […]

Across my career, I’ve had the opportunity to help a lot of people. It started with helping the person sitting across from me. As I moved into management, my goals extended to wanting to help families, then communities, the state and the country. Continually moving toward higher levels of influence with the same passion and […]

In a world fractured by ongoing wars, refugee crises, food insecurity, political uncertainties, and shifting cultural values, the fifth Wisdom Conversations presented by Cornerstone University on March 14 examined the essential role of Christianity as lived out by the church today. Four global leaders joined moderator Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone, for a 90-minute […]

Cornerstone University’s online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Development is named in the top 12 for private, non-profit Top Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs in 2023 ranked by Intelligent.com.  

Today’s job market looks different than it did a decade—or even a few years—ago. Through the “Great Resignation” phenomenon to ongoing position vacancies, job seekers are empowered to adapt and find a career they’re passionate about. If you’re on the hunt for a new career opportunity that aligns with what inspires you, you’ll first need […]

The journey of professional development is unique to you. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking for a new opportunity or advancing in leadership, there are always opportunities to grow. Often, that growth can come through pursuing a degree. When considering ways to broaden your experience with a degree, there may be several […]

Whether employed full-time, jumping between part-time jobs, taking care of family or waiting for that next opportunity, you work hard. As with any investment worth pursuing, becoming a student takes determination and persistence. Still, you know that the achievement of earning your degree is worth the time and dedication. You may be awaiting a promotion, […]

Save the date for Homecoming & Family Weekend at Cornerstone University during October 3-4, 2025! Reunite with hundreds of Golden Eagles and friends from across the generations on campus. Grandparents Day is now part of Homecoming & Family Weekend. We welcome alumni, students, parents and grandparents for an unforgettable weekend of connecting with old friends […]

Strategic planning. Continuous improvement. SWOT. In the organizational world, these concepts and approaches to work are commonly expressed in strategic and daily tasks. You may or may not currently use them or even have heard of them. Anchored in forward-thinking development, methods like these depend on team collaboration and intention to accomplish goals and persevere […]

When a new adventure or task seems challenging, we can be great at coming up with excuses. We rationalize why it’d be in our best interest not to take on an opportunity or try something new. In some cases, this is helpful. For example, you may rationalize the need to sleep and start fresh the […]

Lately, there has been a question circulating, “Is a college degree worth it?” If you’re considering skipping college, here are some facts to make an informed decision. Statistics don’t lie and they show that degree earners—on average—earn more than those with only a high school diploma. Fact #1: Over Your Lifetime, an Advanced Degree Can […]

What comes to mind when you think about college students? Young, fresh-faced, wide-eyed high school grads stepping onto campus for the first time? The freshman fifteen, where kids away from home for the first time put on 15 pounds from eating cafeteria food? Homesick kids in dorm rooms? While those certainly represent some of the […]

Are there advantages to taking classes online? It’s such a different experience from the traditional classroom environment. Why would someone want that? And why are so many people saying that online classes are a great alternative to in-person attendance at a class? Believe it or not, there are some enormous advantages to online classes. Some […]

We’ve all seen it happen. An employee performs well on the job, regularly exceeding expectations and producing quality work. The managers take notice of this employee, and eventually promotes that employee to a management position. Then things fall apart. It turns out that the employee is an absolute disaster as a leader. Deadlines are missed, […]

If you’re in the education field, you’ve probably heard of pedagogy. You’ve probably sat in seminars on the best pedagogy practices. If you’re an education student, you’ve encountered the term multiple times in your classes. But are you familiar with the term “andragogy”? It’s a key term in the education field and should at least […]

You’ve probably heard the term “emotional intelligence.” It’s come into vogue in recent years, with numerous books being written about the subject. Businesses are increasingly focusing on emotional intelligence and researchers are increasingly learning its importance. But what exactly is emotional intelligence? How can you determine if you have those characteristics? And why is it […]

Mentoring programs have a tremendous impact on employee development, talent retention and engagement. Employees crave feedback and often seek someone who has walked their path. THE QUESTION Offering a formal mentoring program demonstrates the organization’s commitment to talent development. It also allows for assistance in developing a career path, and answering the often-asked question, “How […]

What sets apart good leaders from great leaders? Is it political savvy and the ability to maneuver their way to the top? Is it the number of connections they have? Is it their ability to speak well and motivate people? While all these things may be helpful to varying degrees, leadership goes much deeper than […]

When you look at the most successful people in the world, one common characteristic is a passion for learning. Almost all of the are committed to constantly deepening their knowledge and understanding of the world. Michael Simmons notes: Warren Buffett spends five to six hours per day reading five newspapers and 500 pages of corporate […]

In most businesses, an “Employee Engagement Survey” goes out once per year to determine how engaged employees are with their jobs. The survey seeks to determine whether a person finds their job rewarding, feels like they have a real stake and interest in the company and cares about the overall success of the company. And […]

How many times have you heard the term “501(c)(3)” and wondered where this combination of letters and numbers came from, and what does it all mean? Maybe it’s not something you lose sleep over, but it’s helpful to know what’s behind this configuration of letters and numbers, and what being a 501(c)(3) is all about. […]

When you think about leadership, what comes to mind? Calling the shots? A bigger paycheck? The corner office? The respect of others? While all these things can be perks of leadership, these things must be earned. Leadership is more than simply a position or title. Leadership is about specific competencies. It’s about being a specific […]

Emotional intelligence is a fantastic gift. It makes you sensitive to the feelings of others, gives you the ability to harness emotions and allows you to use your own emotions for good. We’ve all interacted with someone who has a low emotional intelligence. It’s really frustrating, right? When you tell them you’re struggling with a […]

In a recent study, conducted by the Work Institute, career development was identified as the top reason people leave or remain with organizations. In their study titled, 2017 Retention Report, 240,000 employees were interviewed about factors that were most influential in their decision to stay with or leave an organization. For decades, organizations that have […]

Some decisions are easy. You want cereal for breakfast. You pick the blue shirt over the orange one. But some decisions may not come with as much ease. For example, the decision to return to or start a college degree comes with much consideration. This valuable choice may be more complicated than deciding between a […]

I have a goal in my ministry life: to be effective until the day God calls me home. If only I had a plan. Lately, I have been giving a lot of thought into nutrition and exercise as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen my body and improve the capabilities of my mind. What […]

These days, the term “work-life balance” is everywhere, and everyone from life coaches to corporate CEOs are talking about it. The term is a bit loosely defined, but it generally refers to how well you do (or don’t) manage responsibilities and relationships harmoniously throughout your life. When responsibilities become too great or too overwhelming, the […]

You can study and read more to increase your IQ or intelligence quotient. Working on understanding others and yourself can boost your EQ or emotional intelligence. But how can you improve your CQ or cultural intelligence to add value to your personal and professional life? Cultural intelligence is “an individual’s capacity to function effectively in […]

It’s Sunday night. The weekend is over and you begin to think and plan for what you have coming up in the next week. Your son’s soccer game is on Monday night. Pages 330-350 are due in your textbook by class on Thursday. You’re bringing dinner to your parents sometime this week. Your responsive essay […]

We hear the words “self-esteem” a lot. From the time we’re young, we’re told that we need have a good sense of self-esteem, and that if we don’t, we may have problems. But this can lead to confusion. What exactly is self-esteem? How can you know if you have low self-esteem? And if you do […]

A skill we all learn as children is the ability to play well with others, and the need for this skill doesn’t go away as we get older. In fact, it becomes vitally important once we’ve entered the workplace. Employers expect employees to be team players, and teamwork is required in almost every industry, from […]

Since we were kids, we’ve been learning and deepening our understanding of virtues and how they should be incorporated into our day-to-day life. We just may not have realized it at the time. In grade school, you learned important life skills like how to share and that it’s not nice to put gum in your […]

Have you ever tried to cram 34 hours worth of work, activities and sleep into a 24-hour day? It doesn’t work out too well. Especially as a student, your time is valuable. You may be working full-time with a family to care for. You have other responsibilities you love but that also fill up your […]

Emotional intelligence sometimes gets dismissed as an oxymoron or something less-than-scientific. After all, intelligence is about being rational and emotions are not exactly rational, right? Not so much. This line of thinking is now considered outdated and ineffective, both in the personal life and in the professional realm. Effective leaders must have high emotional intelligence […]

Today’s classroom is not like it used to be. Long are the days of breathing in chalkboard dust or squinting your eyes to see the overhead projector. Today’s curriculum usually isn’t based on memorizing a textbook and spurting back the answers. And, in today’s educational environment, you also have the choice of gaining knowledge and […]

Job titles serve a purpose. Titles identify roles and responsibilities within an organization. But they should not define who you are. WHAT DEFINES YOU? As founder and president of Valiant Coaching & Talent Development, LLC, I have seen employees buy into this. Many of my coaching clients have enjoyed successful careers, but they desire to […]

Is a fear of failure holding you back from success? If we’re honest, most of us are terrified of failing, whether at our jobs, in school or in social circles. We see failure as an undesirable experience that should be avoided at all costs. We also assume that when we fail at an activity, it […]

What comes to mind when you think of a leader? You may think of certain characteristics or personalities that good leaders tend to have. A key characteristic for leaders to have is the willingness to learn and grow in their own professional development. This readiness to learn may not always come easy. You may think […]

We have a confession. We put off writing this article for a few days. Why? Because of procrastination. You probably knew that joke would be in here somewhere. Like almost everyone else, you’ve procrastinated. What many of us fail to realize apart from cute side remarks and the self-rationalization that you’ll always have plenty of […]

When you’re in grade school, you may have had class parties to celebrate birthdays, holidays and the start and end of the year. In high school, you passed your friends in the hallway and chatted with your classmates right up until the bell rang (and sometimes a little after). Attending school involves incorporating a sense […]

Conversations around reducing employee turnover, also known as talent retention, have been around since work began. But even though the topic is not new, the challenges facing employers and their approaches to reducing turnover is. A SHIFT IN TENURE Generational attitudes about how long a person remains at one job have dramatically shifted. For decades, […]

The level of success and happiness you’re able to find in your career and personal life is often centered around your perspective. There is power in positive thinking. Take the difference between a growth and fixed mindset, for example. A previous blog article on this revolutionary thinking explains the important distinction between the two. This […]

There’s no denying that the landscape of education is changing. With the advent of computers, the internet and mobile phones, there are so many technologies available today that were not present in the 1950s, or even ten years ago. A decade ago, the iPad didn’t exist. Now you’ll find them in millions of classrooms around […]

Imagine you have just stepped into the leadership of an established team. Sure, you’re a successful leader—but it’s clear that you have a lot to learn about your new team. How do you build that trust? Getting an opportunity to lead a team does not immediately put you in a position of authority with that […]

Your workplace culture is unique. While there are similar cultures, each one has individual attributes that make a statement—great, good, bad or horrible—about your organization. In today’s highly connected society, word spreads fast about your values, mission and the way you treat the people who work with you. Your workplace dynamics show a lot about […]

Have you ever stood in a museum, gazed upon a priceless painting and thought to yourself, “I wish I could do that”? Perhaps it was the last time you read a masterwork of literature. You wondered what it took the author to conjure up such a timeless and impactful story. Or possibly your mind races […]

Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” “Self-control is often used to describe a favorable character trait in people. The word is used fairly frequently, but what exactly is self-control, and why is it important?” Here, we’ll share some secrets of self-control and […]

Last summer, I took a friend out for lunch to celebrate her new job. She was starting the following week and thrilled that this job came two important “wins” for her: a pay increase and additional vacation days. Hooray! I asked her what made her change jobs and her reply was, “I loved my old […]

When was the last time you learned something by checking your phone or searching on the internet? Chances are, it was pretty recent. Technology and the internet have dramatically changed the way we learn. Our news sources are no longer limited to primetime TV or the daily morning newspaper. Information, stories and knowledge are just […]

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” —I Corinthians 11:1 The leader-follower relationship is one of the most important relationships in an organization (Bennis & Biederman, 2009; Burns, 1978; Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014). Yet we appear consumed with only the leadership side of that equation. Walk into most any bookstore […]

As a coach, I often work with clients who are needy for knowledge. They desire to grow professionally and often feel stuck in their current work environment. It is no secret that when an organization values developing their people, the benefits are numerous for both the employee and the organization. The benefits often include lower […]

Being productive is key to success, but it isn’t always easy. In fact, at times it can be extremely difficult to stay on task. There are many distractions that can keep people from staying productive. It can also be difficult to stay focused on something that is uninteresting or tedious. But why is productivity so […]

Every business needs people who make sure that the enterprise is organized, well managed and meets its goals and objectives. The performance of people in business administration and business management ensures that a company continues to work smoothly. Without these roles, employees would have no direction and no clear idea of expectations. The company’s goals […]

Leadership is an important practice within organizations. I’ve spent much of my career in education following leaders with different, unique styles and approaches to leadership. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to draw my own conclusions, tailor what I think is the best approach for me and share effective methods I have witnessed over the course […]

From entrepreneurs with the seed of a great idea to established companies, every business needs a business plan. But what is a business plan exactly? Is it worth the time and effort to write one? Let’s take a look at why your organization needs this business roadmap and how it can set you up for […]

For some learners, pursuing a degree online or working remotely is a dream come true. You’ve got more flexibility to read and study for when you work the best. For others, the switch to online—whether temporary or permanent—may have come with some fear and apprehension. Whichever mindset you find yourself in, know that you’re not […]

Whether words are on a report that is 8.5 inches by 11 inches, a social media feed or print books you’ll need to take your glasses out for, the activity of reading surrounds us daily. It’s a frequent joy or a necessary action to get done what we need to and be able to communicate […]

Through using the skills learned in their classes at Cornerstone University, two students are applying their knowledge in enriching internship experiences this summer. Paige Bauer and Mikayla Henke are gaining real work experience in the business world. Paige Bauer Paige Bauer (B.S. ’19), a business marketing major with a minor in graphic design, is currently […]

On. Oct. 27, Cornerstone University’s Christ’s Chapel platform was transformed visually and pragmatically into a living room for Wisdom Conversations: “How Should We Live Today?” It was a comfortable setting for a set of distinguished experts. Though they had not previously worked together, there was an immediate camaraderie and familial bond through their relationship with […]

When I moved back home to Michigan, I found out that paralysis was setting in after an accident. That was a really dark part of my life. The mobility in my lower body was draining, and it was hard to take care of myself. I thought God had given up on me. I had faith, […]

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” Usually the person uttering the phrase is trying to sell something, which is why we tune it out. No thanks, we don’t need a magical pill that will immediately improve our brain function by 20%. But when it comes to studying, there are some very specific […]

When going into Bro’s Doughs, a new donut shop by Knapp’s Crossing in Grand Rapids, Mich., one shouldn’t just expect flavors like chocolate, vanilla and sprinkles. While those donuts are still featured on the menu, customers can also expect to see flavors like Dutch crumb, café latte and strawberry Toaster Strudel. Brodie Hock (B.A. ’06), […]

From raising a family to navigating challenging conversations at work to seeking opportunities to serve in the community, the reasons behind your actions make a difference. In Matthew 7, Jesus shares a story of two builders. The wise builder built his house on rock, the foolish builder on sand. And as he shares, the outcomes […]

“Today I’m talking about life, love, and legacy.” Ryan Bomberger, co-founder and chief creative officer of The Radiance Foundation and national President’s Fellow at Cornerstone University, returned to campus to deliver a powerful chapel message about God’s love and design for His creation. The foundation’s mission, co-founded with wife Bethany, is to “illuminate the intrinsic […]

How are we, as followers of Jesus Christ, to engage the world while remaining faithful to our Christian calling? This profound and urgent question was at the heart of Cornerstone University’s fall Wisdom Conversations event on October 3, 2024. With nearly 900 students, faculty, and community attendees, this year’s event set a record, underscoring the […]

Recent campus protests have erupted around the nation prompting arrests and graduation cancellations. Concern is growing about the lack of moral leadership and civil order on college campuses alongside a decline in the Christian worldview. Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño joined Tudor Dixon, host and creator of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, to assess the recent […]

Stuart Stovall, a Cornerstone Track and Field team member, has qualified for the USA Track & Field Under-20 Championships! His hammer toss of 56.27 meters was a personal best and has booked Stovall a trip to Eugene, Oregon to compete for a spot on the Under-20 United States National Team! Qualifiers for the national team […]

As the Class of 2024 prepares for Cornerstone University’s 82nd graduation ceremonies on May 4, 2024, the university is pleased to announce Reverend Corey B. Brooks Sr. as its distinguished guest speaker. A pastor, businessman, philanthropist, mentor and visionary, Pastor Corey Brooks founded New Beginnings Church of Chicago, an urban, nondenominational inner city church on […]

On November 15, Cornerstone University welcomed The Honorable Betsy DeVos as November’s esteemed Community Chapel speaker. Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone, moderated the interview on faith, friendship and public engagement. During their conversation, DeVos reflected on the centrality of the Christian faith in her life’s work, the essential relationships that supported her throughout decades […]

Cornerstone University’s Golden Eagles invite students and the Grand Rapids community to come out and Pack the House to fight hunger in the Philippines this holiday season. There are several ways to participate in feeding families in need through two special events co-sponsored by Cornerstone University athletics and Friendship Sports International (FSI). On November 29, […]

The beautiful Cornerstone University symphonic band sounds of treasured hymn “Amazing Grace” opened the President’s Chapel on a Golden Eagle Day as an important precursor to an urgent message. A message Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño framed as an honest, urgent conversation related to this year’s theme, Christ Our Greatest Friend. He began with the powerful words […]

Cornerstone University invites the Grand Rapids community to join us for the Strikes for Stripes Veterans vs. First Responders softball fundraiser and a special First Responders Community Chapel. The university wishes to honor the brave men and women who have served the Grand Rapids community with leadership and sacrifice as we remember 9/11. Cornerstone is […]

Today, Cornerstone University is pleased to announce a new minor in Personal Certified Financial Planning® (CFP®). Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science business degree with a CFP® minor will be prepared to complete the prestigious CFP® examination and enter one of the fastest growing business careers in the U.S. market. According to the U.S. Bureau […]

The 2022 Cornerstone Women’s Volleyball team enters the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship riding the wave of a spectacular season! The Golden Eagles captured both the WHAC regular season and tournament titles this year, while setting a program record by winning 32 straight contests. Thanks to their fantastic play, Cornerstone (32-3) finds themselves ranked #20 […]

The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2022, including Cornerstone University men’s basketball head coach Kim Elders during the Hall of Fame’s special 50th anniversary celebration October 4th. Coach Elders was honored for leading CU to three NAIA DII national titles and his 30 years of contributions to CU athletics and regional […]

Kathy Sindorf (B.A. ’75) wanted to start a business, an organization that helped nonprofits with their marketing efforts. But when she called up her friend, marketing guru Bill McKendry, he had a different idea. And that idea was a book. In February 2022, Sindorf and McKendry will release, “Do More Good: Moving Nonprofits from Good […]

In May 2022, 19 Cornerstone University women’s volleyball players, coaches and staff took time out of their summer to serve in the Dominican Republic. Their trip included serving the community, sharing the gospel and playing volleyball games—both on the beach for fun and on the court for competition. During the seven-day trip, the team made […]

Cornerstone University’s Mol Arena became a hub of excitement on Saturday, May 7 as the university celebrated its 42nd commencement exercises and the class of 2022 received their associates, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees. Families from all over the world tuned in via livestream and thousands filled the bleachers, to honor their graduate during three […]

In March 2022, Jeffery Degner, professor of economics at Cornerstone University, received the top prize for a paper submitted to the Austrian Economics Research Conference in Auburn, Ala. The Austrian Economics Research Conference is an interdisciplinary gathering sponsored by the Mises Institute, one of the world’s leading think tanks for the Austrian school of economics. […]

On Thursday, April 21, 2022, classes were paused at Cornerstone University, but campus still teemed with activity and ideas. Posters lined hallways of academic buildings, music wafted through auditoriums and presentations offered research findings to classrooms full of students, faculty and staff. Celebration of Scholarship occurs every year at CU in the spring, only a […]

When most students think of spring break, they think of laying on a beach or spending time with friends from their hometown. For a group of 13 Cornerstone University students and staff, they spent spring break serving in Puerto Rico. Mario Adkins, associate director of academic success at Cornerstone, led a weeklong trip to the […]

Not everyone finds themselves as the owner of an organization they interned at only months before, but that just happens to be how Owen Woltjer’s (B.S. ’21) story turned out. He admits that it’s not a typical path for a recent college graduate, but it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. In fall 2020, […]

With the development of Cornerstone University’s new nursing program and the remodeling of Daverman Hall for the Mary De Witt Center for Nursing also comes a vital aspect of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cornerstone—new technology to help students prepare for work in hospitals and clinics around the world. The equipment, developed by […]

When I was looking at colleges, I had the opportunity to visit Cornerstone University twice before I committed to enrolling. During my visit, I got a better view of what my life on campus would look like. Now as I play board games in the student lounge or eat popcorn chicken bowl in the cafeteria, […]

This fall, Cornerstone University launched the Bachelor of Science in computer science. This program is part of CU’s new Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics (CEM) Division. In the realm of information technology and beyond, employers have a need for creative thinkers who can solve problems quickly and predict future business needs. “A recent internship supervisor […]

On Friday, Oct. 22, Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D., will be inaugurated as Cornerstone University’s 12th president. This event will include nationally recognized voices from ministry organizations, Christian higher education and the public square who will help set the stage for the new administration. The inauguration ceremony will take place in Christ Chapel on Friday, Oct. 22. […]

Dr. Michael Wittmer, professor of systematic and historical theology at Cornerstone Theological Seminary, recently published “The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible,” a journey through Scripture using photos, maps, artwork and more. The book was released in July 2021 and is currently in the top 100 Bible handbooks on Amazon. “A college friend of mine […]

On Saturday, Aug. 28, the temperature reached 92 degrees in Grand Rapids, Mich. But that didn’t stop over 430 families from arriving on Cornerstone University’s campus, with cars full of boxes, to move students into residence halls. “Honk if you’re excited!” said one sign, held by a student volunteer, that greeted cars as they poured […]

The Teacher Education Division—including the M.A. in education with a concentration in educational leadership—at Cornerstone University has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The accreditation is valid until April 2028. Accreditation is a seal of approval for colleges and universities, ensuring that their education preparation programs are peer-reviewed and […]

The health care industry is constantly changing. Advances on the clinical side, changes with third-party payers like insurance and government regulations are just a few of the ever-changing components of today’s health care environment. Today, the focus on quality and patient experience has never been more important. Patients are consumers, and many of them have […]

Samilla Asante (B.S. ’22) knew she wanted an internship in marketing and sales. As a business administration major and psychology minor, it would be the perfect intersection of both of her interests. When she landed an internship at Colgate-Palmolive, an international consumer products company, it was the perfect fit. “I want to someday work in […]

The Cornerstone University board of trustees announced today it has unanimously appointed Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño as its 12th university president. Moreno-Riaño succeeds Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who retired this month after 13 years. Moreno-Riaño joins Cornerstone after serving for over seven years as executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Regent […]

Author’s Note: The following article is written by Steve Biondo, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Here, he shares some reflections on leadership in his work and mission as he leads in the day-to-day operations of the Tim Tebow Foundation. God ordains our steps for a mission that He has for us. And to build […]

We’ve all heard stories about people dropping out of college to start multi-million dollar businesses. People like Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Dell and Steve Jobs who threw off the chains of higher education and got right down to making money. These stories lead some people to conclude that a college education isn’t necessary. That all you […]

From food banks to health services to after-school programs and more, opportunities to serve in your community are abundant. In fact, the nonprofit sector has grown considerably in the last 10 years—up 20 percent—compared to only 2 to 3 percent in the for-profit sector. With this growth also comes more teams to facilitate, resources to […]

After months of debate and research and processing, you’ve decided to make the plunge: you’re going to back to college. Maybe it’s because you want to advance in your job or pursue a new career. Maybe you need to get additional credits to maintain a certification. Or maybe you just want to challenge yourself. Whatever […]

What does it mean for you to be successful in college? Many students entering college for the first time, or perhaps returning to college after many years, wonder if they can be successful in their studies. Within higher education, student success is often thought of in terms of persistence (staying enrolled in college) or meeting […]

“Burnout” is the worst nightmare of everyone from nurses to copywriters to pastors. The unrelenting, breakneck pace of modern American life—in some ways a necessary evil—specifically applied to the high demands of a job means that burnout is a potential threat for everyone with a full-time job. But what can a person do? You have […]

For some, a doctorate degree is the ultimate academic achievement. You’ve conquered your way through a bachelor’s, master’s and now the doctorate. But, learning doesn’t need to stop once you get the “Dr.” in front of your name. Here, we share how earning a terminal degree doesn’t mean an end to continual learning. WHAT DOORS […]

Serving in leadership is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Leaders in ministry provide direction, confidence, encouragement and hope to those they serve. Ministry leaders carry great influence—influence that must be intentional in its use. One area where those in key ministry positions can do harm involves crossing the line from leading […]

The cursor continues to blink on the blank document. You have a paper to write for your next class. It’s due soon. And you have no idea what to write, or how to start. The kids are in bed, hopefully sound asleep. Your spouse is doing his or her own work. Now, it’s time for […]

You’ve got the content down. Now you just need to edit your paper. You’ll need to look at grammar and punctuation. You’ll need to make sure your spelling is accurate and your paragraphs are structured well. And, you’ll also need to check the APA format. Ensuring your paper follows APA Style may seem like a […]

You’ve searched through peer-reviewed journal articles. On your work table lies a tall stack of books you’ve accumulated from the expansive library shelves. You’ve bookmarked numerous e-books with helpful information for your research paper. Yet it seems your aggregation of quality sources is still missing something to bring your paper to the next level of […]

You’ve written, edited and read your paper out loud. The content you’ve included in this first research paper is golden, and you’re so proud of your work. But then you show it to your friend to read, and she graciously points out a couple of mistakes that make you hit your head with your palm. […]

After hours of work, you pull one last sentence out to finish writing that paper. Cross all the t’s, dot all the i’s and you’re good to go. Or should you be? Once you include and format that last page of references, you’re just about there. But you also probably have some editing to do. […]

You’ve put in the work of researching, reading, writing and revising your paper. You’ve read it out loud and followed the assignment requirements. You’re going strong, but there’s still another step you need to perfect your paper. The peer edit. Utilizing peer review in your writing process may not always be easy. You’re offering the […]

You’ve got the assignment. You know your topic. Now you’ve just got to translate your thoughts into a well-written five-paragraph paper. If you’ve ever tried to read an unorganized paper or essay, you realize how important maintaining structure is. Often, your paper will be broken into five paragraphs or sections. This structure includes the introduction, […]

Returning to college to complete your degree is a major commitment. It can be both an exciting time and one filled with anxiety. Distance learning has increased access and options for adult learners seeking to meet their educational needs. In my experience as an adult student and instructor, I have identified four tips the adult […]

Students pursue their bachelor’s degree for a plethora of reasons: To take that next step toward their dream career. To be an example for their children to never quit on what you set out to do. To get that promotion that will generate a little more income. To take that sidestep into an industry you […]

When navigating how you can pursue your goals by furthering your education, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Things like your employment situation, your family schedule and your area of study all affect your next steps in finding an educational journey that will set you on a path toward success. Sometimes, […]

When you think of what career goals you want to accomplish, do you know the steps you’ll need to take to get there? Unfortunately, there’s rarely a blueprint with step-by-step directions that will show us the way. If only it was that simple. So what are you to do if you’re looking to take the […]

Soft skills and emotional intelligence are quickly climbing the ranks of important and sought-after abilities across industries. Technology and business practices continue to evolve so quickly that set skills take a backseat to the ability to constantly learn new ones. As a result, businesses are placing an increased emphasis on fluid intelligence and other soft […]

Education is complex. Therefore, we need a variety of tools to measure the learning that occurs and how it happens. In an academic culture filled with statistics and analyses, we find ourselves surrounded by numbers to interpret and decisions to make. We seem to derive satisfaction and certainty from measuring the quotient, or the magnitude […]

Check the news app on your phone or watch primetime TV and you’ll soon be reminded that this world is far from perfect. People are in need all around us. They may lack an external need, such as shelter or a consistent meal on their dinner table, or an internal need such as mental health. […]

When I was first asked about writing for this blog I was honored to be considered. But no more than 30 seconds later I was riddled in fear. Fear of what other people would think about my post. Fear that my post wouldn’t be enjoyed or have an effect on others. Fear that though my […]

As children, we’re often asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What was your answer? Our responses tend to start off creative with no fear of rejection, such as career paths like race car driver, Olympic athlete or president. Although who are we to taint your dream of winning […]

No two life journeys are the same. Each of us has followed our own path to where we are today. Some paths have been relatively smooth with only minor hiccups and bumps that have steered us off course but then soon returned. Other paths may have taken a full detour, not knowing where we were […]

As active participants in our communities, we can serve in many ways. From volunteering at a local food pantry to mentoring kids after school to offering an encouraging word to a coworker to donating blood and so much more, the opportunities to meet the needs of others are all around. To fuel this passion for […]

Look at a typical business and you’ll find they have several different divisions that allow the organization to run smoothly. The sales teams work with clients to acquire new leads. The marketing teams promote the business’ brand, products and services. IT personnel make sure all technology functions efficiently. Finance and accounting departments track the books […]

Whether we realize it or not, the world of business is all around. We purchase our bag of ground coffee for our morning cup at a price determined by an economist’s price analysis. We keep track of our spending through a budget. In our work, we make strategic moves that allow our business to be […]

When you hear the word “theory,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of dull math classes in high school or a scientific proposition that really expresses nothing more than an opinion. But in reality, a sound foundation of theory can help you excel personally and professionally and in influencing others. Taking theory and applying […]

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams What does leadership mean to you? A leader can be the one who makes decisions, assigns responsibilities, sets the example, encourages the team and contributes to the trajectory of an organization. Most often, […]

My master’s program officially began at Cornerstone University in April 2017. But it really started way before then. In fact, it started as soon as I entered the workforce in 2015. I said that I would give myself a year, two at the most, before I began to prepare and start graduate school. I wanted […]

Do you remember what it was like to learn your ABCs or sound out words when beginning to read your favorite books out loud? You most likely had a teacher, parent or friend who guided you with patience and encouragement as you grasped the language. He or she didn’t laugh when you mispronounced a vowel […]

The M.B.A. has become one of the most popular versatile postgraduate degrees. From contributing to career advancement, a boost in income and excellence in a competitive marketplace, it’s no wonder 25% of all graduate degrees earned from 2011-12 were in business. And with that versatility comes the opportunity to balance that well-rounded perspective with an […]

From small businesses and Forbes 500 companies to classrooms and small groups, there always seems to be a leader. Whether that leadership is just one teacher or a cabinet of decision-makers, organizations and groups of people are often led most effectively when there is an effective team of management who are guiding, supporting and empowering […]

Language is important. It’s one of the foundational elements of a culture. It has the power to uplift, inform and hurt. Without language, it can be tough to communicate. And it’s something many of us can take for granted as we engage in everyday conversation. As an educator, you have an important responsibility in empowering […]

Mindfulness is a term that has integrated many areas of our lives. The more we learn about it, the more we realize that being mindful empowers us to be more successful in our relationships, educational opportunities and careers. It also can be the catalyst to choosing healthy boundaries with ourselves and others in any situation […]

As an alumnus of Cornerstone University, you are part of our family. This week, our campus has seen some difficult challenges thrown our way, leading to a lot of disappointing decisions. But we’re family, and we’re going to get through this together. Watch a message from Dennis Graham, director of alumni relations, that talks about […]

West Michigan Youth for Christ is a non-profit, faith-based ministry with a mission to reach out to the young people in the Greater Grand Rapids area and Lakeshore. Youth for Christ accomplishes this by using fellowships as “building times”; not in the sense of a bible study or a spiritual time but are, instead, meant […]

Whether halfway around the world or right here in West Michigan, Cornerstone University students utilize valuable internships to help prepare them for their future careers. From majoring in pre-med to business marketing to mathematics, three Cornerstone students are using their God-given talents to gain global and local experience through their internships this summer. Melanie VanSloten […]

You always knew that this day would come: your child is leaving for college. They’ve packed up their cars, gathered their things and all you can think about is how much you’re going to miss them. This is only natural: you want what’s best for them and for their entire lives. Now that they are […]

You’re an A+ student, so you’ve done your research. You’ve read all the blogs and seen all the lists. Almost everything you own has been pressed, folded and crammed into cardboard boxes at the foot of your bed. It’s two weeks before move-in day, and you think you’re as ready as you’ll ever be. But […]

If you have been through high school, then you are most likely familiar with exams. College isn’t too different. Exams are a part of education, a way to test the knowledge gained through the course of a semester. So how do you survive this potentially stressful time? Well, as a veteran of exams, I’ve learned […]

On March 13, Cornerstone University welcomed Joanna Ng as this month’s distinguished chapel speaker for Community Chapel. Her message, “Living Life to the Full,” reflected on milestone moments from her transformational faith journey, including formative experiences growing up as a daughter in a Chinese family and the process of discerning her vocational calling. Ng previously […]

During the first Cornerstone University Community Chapel in February, the Honorable Kay Coles James exhorted students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university to live in reverent awe of who God is and to remember the source of their identity in Jesus Christ. As she prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday this year, James shared […]

For alumnus Jim Sprague (B.A. ’84), the National Sanctity of Human Life Day brought cultural awareness to a position that he champions every day as a Christ follower and as the leader of Michigan’s largest nonprofit medical clinic for women with an unplanned pregnancy: the sacredness of human life. Sprague has worked as a nationally […]

Cornerstone University’s pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Cornerstone’s nursing bachelor’s degree program joins the 865+ colleges and universities nationwide accredited by the CCNE. The accreditation process formally began in 2021 and included a complete self-study document outlining the program’s ability […]

Hundreds of alumni, parents, siblings, spouses and friends from across the generations gathered together for Homecoming & Family Weekend at Cornerstone University on October 6-7. The annual multi-day tradition celebrated lifegiving friendships built through shared experiences as part of Cornerstone’s Christ-centered, transformative learning community. In addition, it reunited alumni and friends with a few of […]

International student learning and ministry opportunities can bring a Cornerstone University Christ-centered influential education to life outside the classroom, playing an important role in expanding a student’s Biblical worldview, ministry service impact, and real-world learning experiences.  Recently, Golden Eagle Women’s Soccer traveled to Honduras and business students explored the Netherlands and France, making important connections […]

If we haven’t had the pleasure of crossing paths yet through the Navigating Undergrad Blog, hi! My name is Bianca, and I have written for this blog for the last year and a half. Three and a half years ago, I started my educational journey at Cornerstone, and I am happy to say that this […]

Samuel Greer, the 2022 Cornerstone Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year, lives the life of a pastor, even when he is not at the pulpit. For the past 32 years, Greer has served as lead pastor for Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church. He also recently retired as head of school for Western Michigan Christian High […]

I have survived three and a half years of college without a car. Yes, there were times when I felt bad about having to ask around for a ride to the grocery store or felt like I was pulling teeth to find a ride to my church. But through all of these encounters, for better […]

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has officially reaccredited Cornerstone University as a degree-granting institution through 2032. The declaration was confirmed in a letter from the HLC to Cornerstone’s president, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, on Jan. 14. The HLC is the highest accrediting body for the central United States. It grants accreditation to post-secondary institutions based on […]

The books that line shelf after shelf are standard fare for what you might find in the office of a university president—leadership strategies, apologetics, higher education pedagogy, a handful of notable memoirs and autobiographies. But tucked in between those books on Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s shelves are ones that speak more about the man sitting in […]

“From the moment I met my husband, I knew immediately that I’d never met anyone like him.” Ellen Moreno-Riaño has a soft voice with a slight Southern lilt, having grown up in Knoxville, Tenn. But when she speaks, it’s evident that she’s filled with the Spirit of God. Sometimes, tears will come to her eyes […]

Join us as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and language education at our conference, ‘AI in ESL: Understanding, Implementing, and Navigating Opportunities and Challenges‘ on April 12, 2025. Empower your teaching with AI-driven strategies, address ethical considerations, and unlock new possibilities for your students. From AI basics to advanced applications, this conference offers […]

I attended Cornerstone University as a traditional undergraduate student with a ministry and Bible major. Unlike many of my classmates, I had no intention of working in a church. It was during my freshman year at CU that I began to embrace my God-given passion for Deaf ministry, but I wasn’t sure what exactly that […]

When school dismisses for the summer, most college students return to summer jobs while finding time to hit the beach, spend time with friends or soak up the sun. But for three Cornerstone University students, their summer looked a little different. They traveled to the Mises Institute in Auburn, Ala., to listen to 35 lectures […]

An air of excitement filled Christ Chapel on Thursday, Aug. 26, as the first cohort of 16 nursing students gathered for Cornerstone University’s first annual Blessing of the Hands. The Blessing of the Hands is a ceremonial event for nursing students about to begin their program. It reinforces the importance of physical touch in the […]

Many years ago, Terri (Burns) Fowler received an invitation to lunch. The invitation was from Marketplace Chaplains U.S.A., which provides chaplain services to a variety of workplaces. They offered Fowler a job. Initially, she declined, asserting that it wasn’t what she wanted. However, she agreed to pray about it and consider a role as a […]

As my third year here at Cornerstone University is winding down, it is finally starting to hit me that it won’t be too long before I graduate. That thought is both terrifying and exciting. I know there are a lot of high school seniors in a similar place right now as they are moving on […]

Waking up feeling purposeless is incredibly frustrating. You look around and see your friends and coworkers living passionate, engaged, meaningful lives. They have deep relationships, rewarding jobs and a sense of direction that compels them to hop out of bed each morning with a spring in their step. You know that God has something good […]

When you think of the activity of reading, what comes to mind? For some, reading may come with memories of curling up on rainy days with a cup of tea and a blanket and being immersed in another’s story. You may be a frequent visitor to the library or bookstore, where they know you by […]

My mom attended Cornerstone University, and I had no intention of following in her footsteps. God had other plans, though, which has seemed to become a theme in my life. I am so thankful for my time at Cornerstone and all the growth that happened academically, socially and spiritually. I left Cornerstone a better person […]

Eli Anderson (B.A. ’18) had no clue when he committed to Cornerstone University in 2014 that, less than four years later, he’d be digging up ancient history in Israel. Coming to Cornerstone After spending seven years of his life as a missionary kid in Mexico, it came time for Eli to make the difficult decision […]

God’s call for our lives is not something to be taken lightly. Most of us are able to discern the direction He would like us to go, but we can’t help holding on to our own plans in the meantime. But then there are people like Blake Wisz (B.A. ’14), who faithfully follow the Lord […]

The Cornerstone University Enactus team is proud to announce that it was awarded the title of Regional Champion at the Enactus Regional Championship in Lombard, Ill., yesterday. The Regional Championship provides a platform for Enactus teams to share the details of their social enterprise projects with a panel of leading business executives, while also giving […]

Hey, for any of you who may have forgotten, it’s February—it’s the month of Valentine’s Day and of love! Hopefully, you still have time to pick up something special for the important people in your life. (And you don’t even have to tell them that I reminded you!) The love of my life, of course, […]

Cornerstone University student Alexa Heeres (B.S.W. ’17) is spending her summer serving women all over the world, without ever leaving West Michigan. Heeres, a social work and spanish student entering her senior year, is working this summer as an intern for Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l), a non-profit organization that strives to create circles […]

Several Cornerstone University students are utilizing their summer breaks to gain valuable, real-world experience by serving as interns at companies and organizations related to their fields of study. Margaret Cragel One of these students is Margaret Cragel (B.S. ’17), a business economics and business finance major. Currently, Margaret serves as a financial research assistant in […]

From shopping at the grocery store to interacting with our co-workers, social distancing practices have transformed our lives. And when it comes to how students engage in a learning environment, the educational model has changed … forever. With distance learning and online courses, virtual communication between students and instructors is prevalent from first-grade classrooms all […]

Cornerstone University student Zachariah Nyp (B.S. ’19) has been named a national finalist for the 2018 Project Leader of the Year award through Enactus United States. According to the Enactus United States’ website, “Enactus is an international organization that connects student, academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into […]

On May 21, 2018, the Cornerstone University Enactus team competed in the National Enactus Competition in Kansas City, Mo. There are 444 teams in the United States and only 87 teams advance to the national competition. The Cornerstone presentation team was a brand-new team this year, made up of freshman through senior students: Zach Nyp, […]

Editor’s Note: We are always excited to highlight new publications from CTS and CU staff and faculty. This week, we’ve asked Stephen Popp to share a piece from his new book on Revelation. Stephen serves in the Finance and Accounting office at Cornerstone University. The book of Revelation offers a blessing to those who read […]

Where do I begin working when I graduate with the M.A. in Counseling? This is the question I couldn’t get out of my head during my last year in the program. I knew I wanted to work with trauma, but I was nervous to start my own practice. What options were left? I needed a […]

Celebrating diversity and supporting both local and international artisans, Cornerstone University’s International Artisan Market (IAM) on Nov. 2 will spotlight over 60 vendors selling handcrafted goods. Held in the Bernice Hansen Athletic Center, the market is organized by 10 students on the CU Enactus team. The idea was originally conceived and led by Sarah Marsman […]

In one week, my four-year-long journey as a student at Cornerstone University will come to an end. When I first came to CU, I was a wide-eyed 18-year-old with big hopes and dreams for what my future would be. God had some crazy plans in store for me, things I could not even begin to […]

At Cornerstone University, we prepare you for future-ready careers in the fast-evolving fields of health, science, and technology. Our accredited programs blend academic rigor with the practical skills demanded by each industry, all integrated with a Christian worldview of Biblical truth. Through hands-on experiential, applied learning, you’ll be ready to create innovative solutions for real-world […]

You’re looking for a college degree that aligns with industry demands for today and the future and reflects your Christ-centered values. With numerous high-growth, degrees and majors to choose from, Cornerstone University’s pioneering work in online education programs supports your career and life. Our 100% online courses embed practical, industry-relevant skills in growing fields and […]

At Cornerstone University, our Ministry, Media & Arts online and on-campus degree programs prepare you for influential careers in ministry, digital media, worship, and communication to influence the world for Jesus Christ. Rooted in a Biblically Orthodox Christian worldview, our programs develop your ministry and media professional skills and character, empowering you to embody Christ […]

Business innovation offers a powerful value proposition that sets the most successful organizations apart in every industry. Business college graduates who can effectively lead people and processes with an innovation mindset are in great demand. Cornerstone University’s Business & Innovation ACBSP-accredited degree programs are industry-specific and focused on educating authentic Christ-centered leaders excited to influence […]

Prior to serving as the university’s athletic director, Aaron Sagraves worked as the assistant athletic director for external relations and communications at Cornerstone University. A 2004 graduate of CU, Aaron spent seven years as the assistant athletic director for communications at Davenport University. During his time as SID at Davenport, Aaron was named the 2008-09 WHAC […]

Before the interview, before the offer, before your new position comes the all-important resume. While employers know that everything about your experience, abilities and company compatibility can’t be demonstrated on just one sheet of paper, the resume is often seen as the starting point. And, especially in cases where there may be a very high […]

Fruitfulness Through God’s Faithfulness . . . like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season (Ps 1:3). “It was a delight to have the Cornerstone University Chorale and CREDO come to our school. The Chorale ministered to our entire student body in chapel with musical selections that were varied in […]

Throughout her life, Cornerstone University alumna Lauren Manzer (B.A. ’16) usually got dressed in the morning with a little help from her sister’s closet. “She’s a shopper and always has the latest and greatest,” says Manzer. “I’m known for not spending my money and being an outfit repeater. Of course, when she catches me wearing […]

If your upcoming high school graduate is anything like me, they might short circuit on ideas when you ask them what they want for Christmas. Or maybe they have already told you exactly what they would like but you want to add a surprise gift this holiday season. Well, I have created a gift guide […]

If your company hopes to grow its business, you need more than just a good idea. It’s great if you have a product or service that everybody wants. But it’s tough to sell if people don’t know about it. That’s where marketing comes in. Marketing is something that’s continually changing. Once upon a time, a […]

Trying to work part-time while going to school full-time can be quite the challenge. You’re trying to juggle classes, homework, work, your social life and the battle to stay on top of it all. Is it possible to work full-time and study full-time? Sounds crazy right? Like a recipe for complete, flaming burnout, followed by […]

We know that physical exercise brings great health benefits. Spiritual exercise brings benefits now—and for eternity. I Timothy says “… train yourself to be godly” (I Timothy 4:7). “Freedom and discipline have come to be regarded as mutually exclusive, when, in fact freedom is not at all the opposite, but the final reward of discipline.” […]

Trying to figure your dream career can be really challenging, especially if you’re older and are considering starting something new. It can be an intimidating prospect with so many possibilities and so much uncertainty. How can anyone possibly figure out their dream career? There are so many options, each with pros and cons. What can […]

Successful business owners and managers will tell you that to keep your company at the top of its game, employees must be more than merely satisfied with their work environment. They need to be actively engaged in the success of the company as well. Dissatisfied employees are more apt to produce less than adequate results, […]

Continuous improvement. Perseverance. Innovation. Another framework that people live and work within is either a growth mindset or fixed mindset. While often applied to the work environment, this distinction between a growth or fixed mindset can help set you on a path toward success and fulfillment in life. Both of these mindsets are based internally. […]

The invention and popularity of smartphones have dramatically changed the way people communicate and gain information. With a single device, you can Google a random question you have, text your classmate about the assignment you missed and call your spouse that you’d like to take them out for dinner. But the purpose of a phone […]

Across my career, I’ve had the opportunity to help a lot of people. It started with helping the person sitting across from me. As I moved into management, my goals extended to wanting to help families, then communities, the state and the country. Continually moving toward higher levels of influence with the same passion and […]

In a world fractured by ongoing wars, refugee crises, food insecurity, political uncertainties, and shifting cultural values, the fifth Wisdom Conversations presented by Cornerstone University on March 14 examined the essential role of Christianity as lived out by the church today. Four global leaders joined moderator Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone, for a 90-minute […]

Cornerstone University’s online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Development is named in the top 12 for private, non-profit Top Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs in 2023 ranked by Intelligent.com.  

Today’s job market looks different than it did a decade—or even a few years—ago. Through the “Great Resignation” phenomenon to ongoing position vacancies, job seekers are empowered to adapt and find a career they’re passionate about. If you’re on the hunt for a new career opportunity that aligns with what inspires you, you’ll first need […]

The journey of professional development is unique to you. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking for a new opportunity or advancing in leadership, there are always opportunities to grow. Often, that growth can come through pursuing a degree. When considering ways to broaden your experience with a degree, there may be several […]

Whether employed full-time, jumping between part-time jobs, taking care of family or waiting for that next opportunity, you work hard. As with any investment worth pursuing, becoming a student takes determination and persistence. Still, you know that the achievement of earning your degree is worth the time and dedication. You may be awaiting a promotion, […]

Strategic planning. Continuous improvement. SWOT. In the organizational world, these concepts and approaches to work are commonly expressed in strategic and daily tasks. You may or may not currently use them or even have heard of them. Anchored in forward-thinking development, methods like these depend on team collaboration and intention to accomplish goals and persevere […]

When a new adventure or task seems challenging, we can be great at coming up with excuses. We rationalize why it’d be in our best interest not to take on an opportunity or try something new. In some cases, this is helpful. For example, you may rationalize the need to sleep and start fresh the […]

Lately, there has been a question circulating, “Is a college degree worth it?” If you’re considering skipping college, here are some facts to make an informed decision. Statistics don’t lie and they show that degree earners—on average—earn more than those with only a high school diploma. Fact #1: Over Your Lifetime, an Advanced Degree Can […]

What comes to mind when you think about college students? Young, fresh-faced, wide-eyed high school grads stepping onto campus for the first time? The freshman fifteen, where kids away from home for the first time put on 15 pounds from eating cafeteria food? Homesick kids in dorm rooms? While those certainly represent some of the […]

Are there advantages to taking classes online? It’s such a different experience from the traditional classroom environment. Why would someone want that? And why are so many people saying that online classes are a great alternative to in-person attendance at a class? Believe it or not, there are some enormous advantages to online classes. Some […]

We’ve all seen it happen. An employee performs well on the job, regularly exceeding expectations and producing quality work. The managers take notice of this employee, and eventually promotes that employee to a management position. Then things fall apart. It turns out that the employee is an absolute disaster as a leader. Deadlines are missed, […]

If you’re in the education field, you’ve probably heard of pedagogy. You’ve probably sat in seminars on the best pedagogy practices. If you’re an education student, you’ve encountered the term multiple times in your classes. But are you familiar with the term “andragogy”? It’s a key term in the education field and should at least […]

You’ve probably heard the term “emotional intelligence.” It’s come into vogue in recent years, with numerous books being written about the subject. Businesses are increasingly focusing on emotional intelligence and researchers are increasingly learning its importance. But what exactly is emotional intelligence? How can you determine if you have those characteristics? And why is it […]

Mentoring programs have a tremendous impact on employee development, talent retention and engagement. Employees crave feedback and often seek someone who has walked their path. THE QUESTION Offering a formal mentoring program demonstrates the organization’s commitment to talent development. It also allows for assistance in developing a career path, and answering the often-asked question, “How […]

What sets apart good leaders from great leaders? Is it political savvy and the ability to maneuver their way to the top? Is it the number of connections they have? Is it their ability to speak well and motivate people? While all these things may be helpful to varying degrees, leadership goes much deeper than […]

When you look at the most successful people in the world, one common characteristic is a passion for learning. Almost all of the are committed to constantly deepening their knowledge and understanding of the world. Michael Simmons notes: Warren Buffett spends five to six hours per day reading five newspapers and 500 pages of corporate […]

In most businesses, an “Employee Engagement Survey” goes out once per year to determine how engaged employees are with their jobs. The survey seeks to determine whether a person finds their job rewarding, feels like they have a real stake and interest in the company and cares about the overall success of the company. And […]

How many times have you heard the term “501(c)(3)” and wondered where this combination of letters and numbers came from, and what does it all mean? Maybe it’s not something you lose sleep over, but it’s helpful to know what’s behind this configuration of letters and numbers, and what being a 501(c)(3) is all about. […]

When you think about leadership, what comes to mind? Calling the shots? A bigger paycheck? The corner office? The respect of others? While all these things can be perks of leadership, these things must be earned. Leadership is more than simply a position or title. Leadership is about specific competencies. It’s about being a specific […]

Emotional intelligence is a fantastic gift. It makes you sensitive to the feelings of others, gives you the ability to harness emotions and allows you to use your own emotions for good. We’ve all interacted with someone who has a low emotional intelligence. It’s really frustrating, right? When you tell them you’re struggling with a […]

In a recent study, conducted by the Work Institute, career development was identified as the top reason people leave or remain with organizations. In their study titled, 2017 Retention Report, 240,000 employees were interviewed about factors that were most influential in their decision to stay with or leave an organization. For decades, organizations that have […]

Some decisions are easy. You want cereal for breakfast. You pick the blue shirt over the orange one. But some decisions may not come with as much ease. For example, the decision to return to or start a college degree comes with much consideration. This valuable choice may be more complicated than deciding between a […]

I have a goal in my ministry life: to be effective until the day God calls me home. If only I had a plan. Lately, I have been giving a lot of thought into nutrition and exercise as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen my body and improve the capabilities of my mind. What […]

These days, the term “work-life balance” is everywhere, and everyone from life coaches to corporate CEOs are talking about it. The term is a bit loosely defined, but it generally refers to how well you do (or don’t) manage responsibilities and relationships harmoniously throughout your life. When responsibilities become too great or too overwhelming, the […]

You can study and read more to increase your IQ or intelligence quotient. Working on understanding others and yourself can boost your EQ or emotional intelligence. But how can you improve your CQ or cultural intelligence to add value to your personal and professional life? Cultural intelligence is “an individual’s capacity to function effectively in […]

It’s Sunday night. The weekend is over and you begin to think and plan for what you have coming up in the next week. Your son’s soccer game is on Monday night. Pages 330-350 are due in your textbook by class on Thursday. You’re bringing dinner to your parents sometime this week. Your responsive essay […]

We hear the words “self-esteem” a lot. From the time we’re young, we’re told that we need have a good sense of self-esteem, and that if we don’t, we may have problems. But this can lead to confusion. What exactly is self-esteem? How can you know if you have low self-esteem? And if you do […]

A skill we all learn as children is the ability to play well with others, and the need for this skill doesn’t go away as we get older. In fact, it becomes vitally important once we’ve entered the workplace. Employers expect employees to be team players, and teamwork is required in almost every industry, from […]

Since we were kids, we’ve been learning and deepening our understanding of virtues and how they should be incorporated into our day-to-day life. We just may not have realized it at the time. In grade school, you learned important life skills like how to share and that it’s not nice to put gum in your […]

Have you ever tried to cram 34 hours worth of work, activities and sleep into a 24-hour day? It doesn’t work out too well. Especially as a student, your time is valuable. You may be working full-time with a family to care for. You have other responsibilities you love but that also fill up your […]

Emotional intelligence sometimes gets dismissed as an oxymoron or something less-than-scientific. After all, intelligence is about being rational and emotions are not exactly rational, right? Not so much. This line of thinking is now considered outdated and ineffective, both in the personal life and in the professional realm. Effective leaders must have high emotional intelligence […]

Today’s classroom is not like it used to be. Long are the days of breathing in chalkboard dust or squinting your eyes to see the overhead projector. Today’s curriculum usually isn’t based on memorizing a textbook and spurting back the answers. And, in today’s educational environment, you also have the choice of gaining knowledge and […]

Job titles serve a purpose. Titles identify roles and responsibilities within an organization. But they should not define who you are. WHAT DEFINES YOU? As founder and president of Valiant Coaching & Talent Development, LLC, I have seen employees buy into this. Many of my coaching clients have enjoyed successful careers, but they desire to […]

Is a fear of failure holding you back from success? If we’re honest, most of us are terrified of failing, whether at our jobs, in school or in social circles. We see failure as an undesirable experience that should be avoided at all costs. We also assume that when we fail at an activity, it […]

What comes to mind when you think of a leader? You may think of certain characteristics or personalities that good leaders tend to have. A key characteristic for leaders to have is the willingness to learn and grow in their own professional development. This readiness to learn may not always come easy. You may think […]

We have a confession. We put off writing this article for a few days. Why? Because of procrastination. You probably knew that joke would be in here somewhere. Like almost everyone else, you’ve procrastinated. What many of us fail to realize apart from cute side remarks and the self-rationalization that you’ll always have plenty of […]

When you’re in grade school, you may have had class parties to celebrate birthdays, holidays and the start and end of the year. In high school, you passed your friends in the hallway and chatted with your classmates right up until the bell rang (and sometimes a little after). Attending school involves incorporating a sense […]

Conversations around reducing employee turnover, also known as talent retention, have been around since work began. But even though the topic is not new, the challenges facing employers and their approaches to reducing turnover is. A SHIFT IN TENURE Generational attitudes about how long a person remains at one job have dramatically shifted. For decades, […]

The level of success and happiness you’re able to find in your career and personal life is often centered around your perspective. There is power in positive thinking. Take the difference between a growth and fixed mindset, for example. A previous blog article on this revolutionary thinking explains the important distinction between the two. This […]

There’s no denying that the landscape of education is changing. With the advent of computers, the internet and mobile phones, there are so many technologies available today that were not present in the 1950s, or even ten years ago. A decade ago, the iPad didn’t exist. Now you’ll find them in millions of classrooms around […]

Imagine you have just stepped into the leadership of an established team. Sure, you’re a successful leader—but it’s clear that you have a lot to learn about your new team. How do you build that trust? Getting an opportunity to lead a team does not immediately put you in a position of authority with that […]

Your workplace culture is unique. While there are similar cultures, each one has individual attributes that make a statement—great, good, bad or horrible—about your organization. In today’s highly connected society, word spreads fast about your values, mission and the way you treat the people who work with you. Your workplace dynamics show a lot about […]

Have you ever stood in a museum, gazed upon a priceless painting and thought to yourself, “I wish I could do that”? Perhaps it was the last time you read a masterwork of literature. You wondered what it took the author to conjure up such a timeless and impactful story. Or possibly your mind races […]

Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” “Self-control is often used to describe a favorable character trait in people. The word is used fairly frequently, but what exactly is self-control, and why is it important?” Here, we’ll share some secrets of self-control and […]

Last summer, I took a friend out for lunch to celebrate her new job. She was starting the following week and thrilled that this job came two important “wins” for her: a pay increase and additional vacation days. Hooray! I asked her what made her change jobs and her reply was, “I loved my old […]

When was the last time you learned something by checking your phone or searching on the internet? Chances are, it was pretty recent. Technology and the internet have dramatically changed the way we learn. Our news sources are no longer limited to primetime TV or the daily morning newspaper. Information, stories and knowledge are just […]

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” —I Corinthians 11:1 The leader-follower relationship is one of the most important relationships in an organization (Bennis & Biederman, 2009; Burns, 1978; Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014). Yet we appear consumed with only the leadership side of that equation. Walk into most any bookstore […]

As a coach, I often work with clients who are needy for knowledge. They desire to grow professionally and often feel stuck in their current work environment. It is no secret that when an organization values developing their people, the benefits are numerous for both the employee and the organization. The benefits often include lower […]

Being productive is key to success, but it isn’t always easy. In fact, at times it can be extremely difficult to stay on task. There are many distractions that can keep people from staying productive. It can also be difficult to stay focused on something that is uninteresting or tedious. But why is productivity so […]

Every business needs people who make sure that the enterprise is organized, well managed and meets its goals and objectives. The performance of people in business administration and business management ensures that a company continues to work smoothly. Without these roles, employees would have no direction and no clear idea of expectations. The company’s goals […]

Leadership is an important practice within organizations. I’ve spent much of my career in education following leaders with different, unique styles and approaches to leadership. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to draw my own conclusions, tailor what I think is the best approach for me and share effective methods I have witnessed over the course […]

From entrepreneurs with the seed of a great idea to established companies, every business needs a business plan. But what is a business plan exactly? Is it worth the time and effort to write one? Let’s take a look at why your organization needs this business roadmap and how it can set you up for […]

For some learners, pursuing a degree online or working remotely is a dream come true. You’ve got more flexibility to read and study for when you work the best. For others, the switch to online—whether temporary or permanent—may have come with some fear and apprehension. Whichever mindset you find yourself in, know that you’re not […]

Whether words are on a report that is 8.5 inches by 11 inches, a social media feed or print books you’ll need to take your glasses out for, the activity of reading surrounds us daily. It’s a frequent joy or a necessary action to get done what we need to and be able to communicate […]

Through using the skills learned in their classes at Cornerstone University, two students are applying their knowledge in enriching internship experiences this summer. Paige Bauer and Mikayla Henke are gaining real work experience in the business world. Paige Bauer Paige Bauer (B.S. ’19), a business marketing major with a minor in graphic design, is currently […]

On. Oct. 27, Cornerstone University’s Christ’s Chapel platform was transformed visually and pragmatically into a living room for Wisdom Conversations: “How Should We Live Today?” It was a comfortable setting for a set of distinguished experts. Though they had not previously worked together, there was an immediate camaraderie and familial bond through their relationship with […]

When I moved back home to Michigan, I found out that paralysis was setting in after an accident. That was a really dark part of my life. The mobility in my lower body was draining, and it was hard to take care of myself. I thought God had given up on me. I had faith, […]

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” Usually the person uttering the phrase is trying to sell something, which is why we tune it out. No thanks, we don’t need a magical pill that will immediately improve our brain function by 20%. But when it comes to studying, there are some very specific […]

When going into Bro’s Doughs, a new donut shop by Knapp’s Crossing in Grand Rapids, Mich., one shouldn’t just expect flavors like chocolate, vanilla and sprinkles. While those donuts are still featured on the menu, customers can also expect to see flavors like Dutch crumb, café latte and strawberry Toaster Strudel. Brodie Hock (B.A. ’06), […]

From raising a family to navigating challenging conversations at work to seeking opportunities to serve in the community, the reasons behind your actions make a difference. In Matthew 7, Jesus shares a story of two builders. The wise builder built his house on rock, the foolish builder on sand. And as he shares, the outcomes […]

“Today I’m talking about life, love, and legacy.” Ryan Bomberger, co-founder and chief creative officer of The Radiance Foundation and national President’s Fellow at Cornerstone University, returned to campus to deliver a powerful chapel message about God’s love and design for His creation. The foundation’s mission, co-founded with wife Bethany, is to “illuminate the intrinsic […]

How are we, as followers of Jesus Christ, to engage the world while remaining faithful to our Christian calling? This profound and urgent question was at the heart of Cornerstone University’s fall Wisdom Conversations event on October 3, 2024. With nearly 900 students, faculty, and community attendees, this year’s event set a record, underscoring the […]

Recent campus protests have erupted around the nation prompting arrests and graduation cancellations. Concern is growing about the lack of moral leadership and civil order on college campuses alongside a decline in the Christian worldview. Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño joined Tudor Dixon, host and creator of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, to assess the recent […]

Stuart Stovall, a Cornerstone Track and Field team member, has qualified for the USA Track & Field Under-20 Championships! His hammer toss of 56.27 meters was a personal best and has booked Stovall a trip to Eugene, Oregon to compete for a spot on the Under-20 United States National Team! Qualifiers for the national team […]

As the Class of 2024 prepares for Cornerstone University’s 82nd graduation ceremonies on May 4, 2024, the university is pleased to announce Reverend Corey B. Brooks Sr. as its distinguished guest speaker. A pastor, businessman, philanthropist, mentor and visionary, Pastor Corey Brooks founded New Beginnings Church of Chicago, an urban, nondenominational inner city church on […]

On November 15, Cornerstone University welcomed The Honorable Betsy DeVos as November’s esteemed Community Chapel speaker. Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone, moderated the interview on faith, friendship and public engagement. During their conversation, DeVos reflected on the centrality of the Christian faith in her life’s work, the essential relationships that supported her throughout decades […]

Cornerstone University’s Golden Eagles invite students and the Grand Rapids community to come out and Pack the House to fight hunger in the Philippines this holiday season. There are several ways to participate in feeding families in need through two special events co-sponsored by Cornerstone University athletics and Friendship Sports International (FSI). On November 29, […]

The beautiful Cornerstone University symphonic band sounds of treasured hymn “Amazing Grace” opened the President’s Chapel on a Golden Eagle Day as an important precursor to an urgent message. A message Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño framed as an honest, urgent conversation related to this year’s theme, Christ Our Greatest Friend. He began with the powerful words […]

Cornerstone University invites the Grand Rapids community to join us for the Strikes for Stripes Veterans vs. First Responders softball fundraiser and a special First Responders Community Chapel. The university wishes to honor the brave men and women who have served the Grand Rapids community with leadership and sacrifice as we remember 9/11. Cornerstone is […]

Today, Cornerstone University is pleased to announce a new minor in Personal Certified Financial Planning® (CFP®). Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science business degree with a CFP® minor will be prepared to complete the prestigious CFP® examination and enter one of the fastest growing business careers in the U.S. market. According to the U.S. Bureau […]

The 2022 Cornerstone Women’s Volleyball team enters the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship riding the wave of a spectacular season! The Golden Eagles captured both the WHAC regular season and tournament titles this year, while setting a program record by winning 32 straight contests. Thanks to their fantastic play, Cornerstone (32-3) finds themselves ranked #20 […]

The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2022, including Cornerstone University men’s basketball head coach Kim Elders during the Hall of Fame’s special 50th anniversary celebration October 4th. Coach Elders was honored for leading CU to three NAIA DII national titles and his 30 years of contributions to CU athletics and regional […]

Kathy Sindorf (B.A. ’75) wanted to start a business, an organization that helped nonprofits with their marketing efforts. But when she called up her friend, marketing guru Bill McKendry, he had a different idea. And that idea was a book. In February 2022, Sindorf and McKendry will release, “Do More Good: Moving Nonprofits from Good […]

In May 2022, 19 Cornerstone University women’s volleyball players, coaches and staff took time out of their summer to serve in the Dominican Republic. Their trip included serving the community, sharing the gospel and playing volleyball games—both on the beach for fun and on the court for competition. During the seven-day trip, the team made […]

Cornerstone University’s Mol Arena became a hub of excitement on Saturday, May 7 as the university celebrated its 42nd commencement exercises and the class of 2022 received their associates, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees. Families from all over the world tuned in via livestream and thousands filled the bleachers, to honor their graduate during three […]

In March 2022, Jeffery Degner, professor of economics at Cornerstone University, received the top prize for a paper submitted to the Austrian Economics Research Conference in Auburn, Ala. The Austrian Economics Research Conference is an interdisciplinary gathering sponsored by the Mises Institute, one of the world’s leading think tanks for the Austrian school of economics. […]

On Thursday, April 21, 2022, classes were paused at Cornerstone University, but campus still teemed with activity and ideas. Posters lined hallways of academic buildings, music wafted through auditoriums and presentations offered research findings to classrooms full of students, faculty and staff. Celebration of Scholarship occurs every year at CU in the spring, only a […]

When most students think of spring break, they think of laying on a beach or spending time with friends from their hometown. For a group of 13 Cornerstone University students and staff, they spent spring break serving in Puerto Rico. Mario Adkins, associate director of academic success at Cornerstone, led a weeklong trip to the […]

Not everyone finds themselves as the owner of an organization they interned at only months before, but that just happens to be how Owen Woltjer’s (B.S. ’21) story turned out. He admits that it’s not a typical path for a recent college graduate, but it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. In fall 2020, […]

With the development of Cornerstone University’s new nursing program and the remodeling of Daverman Hall for the Mary De Witt Center for Nursing also comes a vital aspect of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cornerstone—new technology to help students prepare for work in hospitals and clinics around the world. The equipment, developed by […]

When I was looking at colleges, I had the opportunity to visit Cornerstone University twice before I committed to enrolling. During my visit, I got a better view of what my life on campus would look like. Now as I play board games in the student lounge or eat popcorn chicken bowl in the cafeteria, […]

This fall, Cornerstone University launched the Bachelor of Science in computer science. This program is part of CU’s new Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics (CEM) Division. In the realm of information technology and beyond, employers have a need for creative thinkers who can solve problems quickly and predict future business needs. “A recent internship supervisor […]

On Friday, Oct. 22, Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D., will be inaugurated as Cornerstone University’s 12th president. This event will include nationally recognized voices from ministry organizations, Christian higher education and the public square who will help set the stage for the new administration. The inauguration ceremony will take place in Christ Chapel on Friday, Oct. 22. […]

Dr. Michael Wittmer, professor of systematic and historical theology at Cornerstone Theological Seminary, recently published “The 5-Minute Visual Guide to the Bible,” a journey through Scripture using photos, maps, artwork and more. The book was released in July 2021 and is currently in the top 100 Bible handbooks on Amazon. “A college friend of mine […]

On Saturday, Aug. 28, the temperature reached 92 degrees in Grand Rapids, Mich. But that didn’t stop over 430 families from arriving on Cornerstone University’s campus, with cars full of boxes, to move students into residence halls. “Honk if you’re excited!” said one sign, held by a student volunteer, that greeted cars as they poured […]

The Teacher Education Division—including the M.A. in education with a concentration in educational leadership—at Cornerstone University has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The accreditation is valid until April 2028. Accreditation is a seal of approval for colleges and universities, ensuring that their education preparation programs are peer-reviewed and […]

The health care industry is constantly changing. Advances on the clinical side, changes with third-party payers like insurance and government regulations are just a few of the ever-changing components of today’s health care environment. Today, the focus on quality and patient experience has never been more important. Patients are consumers, and many of them have […]

Samilla Asante (B.S. ’22) knew she wanted an internship in marketing and sales. As a business administration major and psychology minor, it would be the perfect intersection of both of her interests. When she landed an internship at Colgate-Palmolive, an international consumer products company, it was the perfect fit. “I want to someday work in […]

The Cornerstone University board of trustees announced today it has unanimously appointed Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño as its 12th university president. Moreno-Riaño succeeds Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who retired this month after 13 years. Moreno-Riaño joins Cornerstone after serving for over seven years as executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Regent […]

Author’s Note: The following article is written by Steve Biondo, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Here, he shares some reflections on leadership in his work and mission as he leads in the day-to-day operations of the Tim Tebow Foundation. God ordains our steps for a mission that He has for us. And to build […]

We’ve all heard stories about people dropping out of college to start multi-million dollar businesses. People like Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Dell and Steve Jobs who threw off the chains of higher education and got right down to making money. These stories lead some people to conclude that a college education isn’t necessary. That all you […]

From food banks to health services to after-school programs and more, opportunities to serve in your community are abundant. In fact, the nonprofit sector has grown considerably in the last 10 years—up 20 percent—compared to only 2 to 3 percent in the for-profit sector. With this growth also comes more teams to facilitate, resources to […]

After months of debate and research and processing, you’ve decided to make the plunge: you’re going to back to college. Maybe it’s because you want to advance in your job or pursue a new career. Maybe you need to get additional credits to maintain a certification. Or maybe you just want to challenge yourself. Whatever […]

What does it mean for you to be successful in college? Many students entering college for the first time, or perhaps returning to college after many years, wonder if they can be successful in their studies. Within higher education, student success is often thought of in terms of persistence (staying enrolled in college) or meeting […]

“Burnout” is the worst nightmare of everyone from nurses to copywriters to pastors. The unrelenting, breakneck pace of modern American life—in some ways a necessary evil—specifically applied to the high demands of a job means that burnout is a potential threat for everyone with a full-time job. But what can a person do? You have […]

For some, a doctorate degree is the ultimate academic achievement. You’ve conquered your way through a bachelor’s, master’s and now the doctorate. But, learning doesn’t need to stop once you get the “Dr.” in front of your name. Here, we share how earning a terminal degree doesn’t mean an end to continual learning. WHAT DOORS […]

Serving in leadership is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility. Leaders in ministry provide direction, confidence, encouragement and hope to those they serve. Ministry leaders carry great influence—influence that must be intentional in its use. One area where those in key ministry positions can do harm involves crossing the line from leading […]

The cursor continues to blink on the blank document. You have a paper to write for your next class. It’s due soon. And you have no idea what to write, or how to start. The kids are in bed, hopefully sound asleep. Your spouse is doing his or her own work. Now, it’s time for […]

You’ve got the content down. Now you just need to edit your paper. You’ll need to look at grammar and punctuation. You’ll need to make sure your spelling is accurate and your paragraphs are structured well. And, you’ll also need to check the APA format. Ensuring your paper follows APA Style may seem like a […]

You’ve searched through peer-reviewed journal articles. On your work table lies a tall stack of books you’ve accumulated from the expansive library shelves. You’ve bookmarked numerous e-books with helpful information for your research paper. Yet it seems your aggregation of quality sources is still missing something to bring your paper to the next level of […]

You’ve written, edited and read your paper out loud. The content you’ve included in this first research paper is golden, and you’re so proud of your work. But then you show it to your friend to read, and she graciously points out a couple of mistakes that make you hit your head with your palm. […]

After hours of work, you pull one last sentence out to finish writing that paper. Cross all the t’s, dot all the i’s and you’re good to go. Or should you be? Once you include and format that last page of references, you’re just about there. But you also probably have some editing to do. […]

You’ve put in the work of researching, reading, writing and revising your paper. You’ve read it out loud and followed the assignment requirements. You’re going strong, but there’s still another step you need to perfect your paper. The peer edit. Utilizing peer review in your writing process may not always be easy. You’re offering the […]

You’ve got the assignment. You know your topic. Now you’ve just got to translate your thoughts into a well-written five-paragraph paper. If you’ve ever tried to read an unorganized paper or essay, you realize how important maintaining structure is. Often, your paper will be broken into five paragraphs or sections. This structure includes the introduction, […]

Returning to college to complete your degree is a major commitment. It can be both an exciting time and one filled with anxiety. Distance learning has increased access and options for adult learners seeking to meet their educational needs. In my experience as an adult student and instructor, I have identified four tips the adult […]

Students pursue their bachelor’s degree for a plethora of reasons: To take that next step toward their dream career. To be an example for their children to never quit on what you set out to do. To get that promotion that will generate a little more income. To take that sidestep into an industry you […]

When navigating how you can pursue your goals by furthering your education, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Things like your employment situation, your family schedule and your area of study all affect your next steps in finding an educational journey that will set you on a path toward success. Sometimes, […]

When you think of what career goals you want to accomplish, do you know the steps you’ll need to take to get there? Unfortunately, there’s rarely a blueprint with step-by-step directions that will show us the way. If only it was that simple. So what are you to do if you’re looking to take the […]

Soft skills and emotional intelligence are quickly climbing the ranks of important and sought-after abilities across industries. Technology and business practices continue to evolve so quickly that set skills take a backseat to the ability to constantly learn new ones. As a result, businesses are placing an increased emphasis on fluid intelligence and other soft […]

Education is complex. Therefore, we need a variety of tools to measure the learning that occurs and how it happens. In an academic culture filled with statistics and analyses, we find ourselves surrounded by numbers to interpret and decisions to make. We seem to derive satisfaction and certainty from measuring the quotient, or the magnitude […]

Check the news app on your phone or watch primetime TV and you’ll soon be reminded that this world is far from perfect. People are in need all around us. They may lack an external need, such as shelter or a consistent meal on their dinner table, or an internal need such as mental health. […]

When I was first asked about writing for this blog I was honored to be considered. But no more than 30 seconds later I was riddled in fear. Fear of what other people would think about my post. Fear that my post wouldn’t be enjoyed or have an effect on others. Fear that though my […]

As children, we’re often asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What was your answer? Our responses tend to start off creative with no fear of rejection, such as career paths like race car driver, Olympic athlete or president. Although who are we to taint your dream of winning […]

No two life journeys are the same. Each of us has followed our own path to where we are today. Some paths have been relatively smooth with only minor hiccups and bumps that have steered us off course but then soon returned. Other paths may have taken a full detour, not knowing where we were […]

As active participants in our communities, we can serve in many ways. From volunteering at a local food pantry to mentoring kids after school to offering an encouraging word to a coworker to donating blood and so much more, the opportunities to meet the needs of others are all around. To fuel this passion for […]

Look at a typical business and you’ll find they have several different divisions that allow the organization to run smoothly. The sales teams work with clients to acquire new leads. The marketing teams promote the business’ brand, products and services. IT personnel make sure all technology functions efficiently. Finance and accounting departments track the books […]

Whether we realize it or not, the world of business is all around. We purchase our bag of ground coffee for our morning cup at a price determined by an economist’s price analysis. We keep track of our spending through a budget. In our work, we make strategic moves that allow our business to be […]

When you hear the word “theory,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of dull math classes in high school or a scientific proposition that really expresses nothing more than an opinion. But in reality, a sound foundation of theory can help you excel personally and professionally and in influencing others. Taking theory and applying […]

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams What does leadership mean to you? A leader can be the one who makes decisions, assigns responsibilities, sets the example, encourages the team and contributes to the trajectory of an organization. Most often, […]

My master’s program officially began at Cornerstone University in April 2017. But it really started way before then. In fact, it started as soon as I entered the workforce in 2015. I said that I would give myself a year, two at the most, before I began to prepare and start graduate school. I wanted […]

Do you remember what it was like to learn your ABCs or sound out words when beginning to read your favorite books out loud? You most likely had a teacher, parent or friend who guided you with patience and encouragement as you grasped the language. He or she didn’t laugh when you mispronounced a vowel […]

The M.B.A. has become one of the most popular versatile postgraduate degrees. From contributing to career advancement, a boost in income and excellence in a competitive marketplace, it’s no wonder 25% of all graduate degrees earned from 2011-12 were in business. And with that versatility comes the opportunity to balance that well-rounded perspective with an […]

From small businesses and Forbes 500 companies to classrooms and small groups, there always seems to be a leader. Whether that leadership is just one teacher or a cabinet of decision-makers, organizations and groups of people are often led most effectively when there is an effective team of management who are guiding, supporting and empowering […]

Language is important. It’s one of the foundational elements of a culture. It has the power to uplift, inform and hurt. Without language, it can be tough to communicate. And it’s something many of us can take for granted as we engage in everyday conversation. As an educator, you have an important responsibility in empowering […]

Mindfulness is a term that has integrated many areas of our lives. The more we learn about it, the more we realize that being mindful empowers us to be more successful in our relationships, educational opportunities and careers. It also can be the catalyst to choosing healthy boundaries with ourselves and others in any situation […]

As an alumnus of Cornerstone University, you are part of our family. This week, our campus has seen some difficult challenges thrown our way, leading to a lot of disappointing decisions. But we’re family, and we’re going to get through this together. Watch a message from Dennis Graham, director of alumni relations, that talks about […]

West Michigan Youth for Christ is a non-profit, faith-based ministry with a mission to reach out to the young people in the Greater Grand Rapids area and Lakeshore. Youth for Christ accomplishes this by using fellowships as “building times”; not in the sense of a bible study or a spiritual time but are, instead, meant […]

Whether halfway around the world or right here in West Michigan, Cornerstone University students utilize valuable internships to help prepare them for their future careers. From majoring in pre-med to business marketing to mathematics, three Cornerstone students are using their God-given talents to gain global and local experience through their internships this summer. Melanie VanSloten […]

You always knew that this day would come: your child is leaving for college. They’ve packed up their cars, gathered their things and all you can think about is how much you’re going to miss them. This is only natural: you want what’s best for them and for their entire lives. Now that they are […]

You’re an A+ student, so you’ve done your research. You’ve read all the blogs and seen all the lists. Almost everything you own has been pressed, folded and crammed into cardboard boxes at the foot of your bed. It’s two weeks before move-in day, and you think you’re as ready as you’ll ever be. But […]

If you have been through high school, then you are most likely familiar with exams. College isn’t too different. Exams are a part of education, a way to test the knowledge gained through the course of a semester. So how do you survive this potentially stressful time? Well, as a veteran of exams, I’ve learned […]

On March 13, Cornerstone University welcomed Joanna Ng as this month’s distinguished chapel speaker for Community Chapel. Her message, “Living Life to the Full,” reflected on milestone moments from her transformational faith journey, including formative experiences growing up as a daughter in a Chinese family and the process of discerning her vocational calling. Ng previously […]

During the first Cornerstone University Community Chapel in February, the Honorable Kay Coles James exhorted students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university to live in reverent awe of who God is and to remember the source of their identity in Jesus Christ. As she prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday this year, James shared […]

For alumnus Jim Sprague (B.A. ’84), the National Sanctity of Human Life Day brought cultural awareness to a position that he champions every day as a Christ follower and as the leader of Michigan’s largest nonprofit medical clinic for women with an unplanned pregnancy: the sacredness of human life. Sprague has worked as a nationally […]

Cornerstone University’s pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Cornerstone’s nursing bachelor’s degree program joins the 865+ colleges and universities nationwide accredited by the CCNE. The accreditation process formally began in 2021 and included a complete self-study document outlining the program’s ability […]

Hundreds of alumni, parents, siblings, spouses and friends from across the generations gathered together for Homecoming & Family Weekend at Cornerstone University on October 6-7. The annual multi-day tradition celebrated lifegiving friendships built through shared experiences as part of Cornerstone’s Christ-centered, transformative learning community. In addition, it reunited alumni and friends with a few of […]

International student learning and ministry opportunities can bring a Cornerstone University Christ-centered influential education to life outside the classroom, playing an important role in expanding a student’s Biblical worldview, ministry service impact, and real-world learning experiences.  Recently, Golden Eagle Women’s Soccer traveled to Honduras and business students explored the Netherlands and France, making important connections […]

If we haven’t had the pleasure of crossing paths yet through the Navigating Undergrad Blog, hi! My name is Bianca, and I have written for this blog for the last year and a half. Three and a half years ago, I started my educational journey at Cornerstone, and I am happy to say that this […]

Samuel Greer, the 2022 Cornerstone Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year, lives the life of a pastor, even when he is not at the pulpit. For the past 32 years, Greer has served as lead pastor for Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church. He also recently retired as head of school for Western Michigan Christian High […]

I have survived three and a half years of college without a car. Yes, there were times when I felt bad about having to ask around for a ride to the grocery store or felt like I was pulling teeth to find a ride to my church. But through all of these encounters, for better […]

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has officially reaccredited Cornerstone University as a degree-granting institution through 2032. The declaration was confirmed in a letter from the HLC to Cornerstone’s president, Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, on Jan. 14. The HLC is the highest accrediting body for the central United States. It grants accreditation to post-secondary institutions based on […]

The books that line shelf after shelf are standard fare for what you might find in the office of a university president—leadership strategies, apologetics, higher education pedagogy, a handful of notable memoirs and autobiographies. But tucked in between those books on Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s shelves are ones that speak more about the man sitting in […]

“From the moment I met my husband, I knew immediately that I’d never met anyone like him.” Ellen Moreno-Riaño has a soft voice with a slight Southern lilt, having grown up in Knoxville, Tenn. But when she speaks, it’s evident that she’s filled with the Spirit of God. Sometimes, tears will come to her eyes […]

I attended Cornerstone University as a traditional undergraduate student with a ministry and Bible major. Unlike many of my classmates, I had no intention of working in a church. It was during my freshman year at CU that I began to embrace my God-given passion for Deaf ministry, but I wasn’t sure what exactly that […]

When school dismisses for the summer, most college students return to summer jobs while finding time to hit the beach, spend time with friends or soak up the sun. But for three Cornerstone University students, their summer looked a little different. They traveled to the Mises Institute in Auburn, Ala., to listen to 35 lectures […]

An air of excitement filled Christ Chapel on Thursday, Aug. 26, as the first cohort of 16 nursing students gathered for Cornerstone University’s first annual Blessing of the Hands. The Blessing of the Hands is a ceremonial event for nursing students about to begin their program. It reinforces the importance of physical touch in the […]

Many years ago, Terri (Burns) Fowler received an invitation to lunch. The invitation was from Marketplace Chaplains U.S.A., which provides chaplain services to a variety of workplaces. They offered Fowler a job. Initially, she declined, asserting that it wasn’t what she wanted. However, she agreed to pray about it and consider a role as a […]

As my third year here at Cornerstone University is winding down, it is finally starting to hit me that it won’t be too long before I graduate. That thought is both terrifying and exciting. I know there are a lot of high school seniors in a similar place right now as they are moving on […]

Waking up feeling purposeless is incredibly frustrating. You look around and see your friends and coworkers living passionate, engaged, meaningful lives. They have deep relationships, rewarding jobs and a sense of direction that compels them to hop out of bed each morning with a spring in their step. You know that God has something good […]

When you think of the activity of reading, what comes to mind? For some, reading may come with memories of curling up on rainy days with a cup of tea and a blanket and being immersed in another’s story. You may be a frequent visitor to the library or bookstore, where they know you by […]

My mom attended Cornerstone University, and I had no intention of following in her footsteps. God had other plans, though, which has seemed to become a theme in my life. I am so thankful for my time at Cornerstone and all the growth that happened academically, socially and spiritually. I left Cornerstone a better person […]

Eli Anderson (B.A. ’18) had no clue when he committed to Cornerstone University in 2014 that, less than four years later, he’d be digging up ancient history in Israel. Coming to Cornerstone After spending seven years of his life as a missionary kid in Mexico, it came time for Eli to make the difficult decision […]

God’s call for our lives is not something to be taken lightly. Most of us are able to discern the direction He would like us to go, but we can’t help holding on to our own plans in the meantime. But then there are people like Blake Wisz (B.A. ’14), who faithfully follow the Lord […]

The Cornerstone University Enactus team is proud to announce that it was awarded the title of Regional Champion at the Enactus Regional Championship in Lombard, Ill., yesterday. The Regional Championship provides a platform for Enactus teams to share the details of their social enterprise projects with a panel of leading business executives, while also giving […]

Hey, for any of you who may have forgotten, it’s February—it’s the month of Valentine’s Day and of love! Hopefully, you still have time to pick up something special for the important people in your life. (And you don’t even have to tell them that I reminded you!) The love of my life, of course, […]

Cornerstone University student Alexa Heeres (B.S.W. ’17) is spending her summer serving women all over the world, without ever leaving West Michigan. Heeres, a social work and spanish student entering her senior year, is working this summer as an intern for Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l), a non-profit organization that strives to create circles […]

Several Cornerstone University students are utilizing their summer breaks to gain valuable, real-world experience by serving as interns at companies and organizations related to their fields of study. Margaret Cragel One of these students is Margaret Cragel (B.S. ’17), a business economics and business finance major. Currently, Margaret serves as a financial research assistant in […]

From shopping at the grocery store to interacting with our co-workers, social distancing practices have transformed our lives. And when it comes to how students engage in a learning environment, the educational model has changed … forever. With distance learning and online courses, virtual communication between students and instructors is prevalent from first-grade classrooms all […]

Cornerstone University student Zachariah Nyp (B.S. ’19) has been named a national finalist for the 2018 Project Leader of the Year award through Enactus United States. According to the Enactus United States’ website, “Enactus is an international organization that connects student, academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into […]

On May 21, 2018, the Cornerstone University Enactus team competed in the National Enactus Competition in Kansas City, Mo. There are 444 teams in the United States and only 87 teams advance to the national competition. The Cornerstone presentation team was a brand-new team this year, made up of freshman through senior students: Zach Nyp, […]

Editor’s Note: We are always excited to highlight new publications from CTS and CU staff and faculty. This week, we’ve asked Stephen Popp to share a piece from his new book on Revelation. Stephen serves in the Finance and Accounting office at Cornerstone University. The book of Revelation offers a blessing to those who read […]

Where do I begin working when I graduate with the M.A. in Counseling? This is the question I couldn’t get out of my head during my last year in the program. I knew I wanted to work with trauma, but I was nervous to start my own practice. What options were left? I needed a […]

Celebrating diversity and supporting both local and international artisans, Cornerstone University’s International Artisan Market (IAM) on Nov. 2 will spotlight over 60 vendors selling handcrafted goods. Held in the Bernice Hansen Athletic Center, the market is organized by 10 students on the CU Enactus team. The idea was originally conceived and led by Sarah Marsman […]

In one week, my four-year-long journey as a student at Cornerstone University will come to an end. When I first came to CU, I was a wide-eyed 18-year-old with big hopes and dreams for what my future would be. God had some crazy plans in store for me, things I could not even begin to […]

Before the interview, before the offer, before your new position comes the all-important resume. While employers know that everything about your experience, abilities and company compatibility can’t be demonstrated on just one sheet of paper, the resume is often seen as the starting point. And, especially in cases where there may be a very high […]

Fruitfulness Through God’s Faithfulness . . . like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season (Ps 1:3). “It was a delight to have the Cornerstone University Chorale and CREDO come to our school. The Chorale ministered to our entire student body in chapel with musical selections that were varied in […]