Calvary is excited to welcome Ron Sharp into the role of Dean of Students at Calvary, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted faith. His faith journey began in his early years, growing up within the church, but it wasn’t until a pivotal moment during a revival service in 1976 that the gospel truly resonated with him. From that moment on, Ron’s life became a series of steps of faith in following Christ, leading him toward discipleship and mentorship.
With a B.A. from Southeastern Louisiana University and an M.A.T.S. and an M.R.E. from Liberty University, Ron’s career took him through Christian publishing and eventually to the role of mentor, both formally and informally. He developed a passion for discipleship through his interactions in college and later as an advisor at various institutions.
Ron’s approach to mentoring is marked by a belief in the importance of maintaining availability and genuine care. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development, seeing progress and maturity in his mentees as they navigate through life’s challenges. Ron shared that although he’s passionate about witnessing growth in students’ lives, his commitment extends beyond graduation, desiring to see students flourish long after they leave campus.
“I’m excited about the present—seeing the transformation and maturing that takes place. But more than that, I ask them, ‘What are you going to become? What are you going to do with all that you’ve learned?’”
As Ron steps into his new role as Dean of Students, he is excited to interact with students on a deeper level, both inside and outside the classroom. He sees Calvary’s weekly chapel services as a cornerstone of the campus community and is eager to foster an environment where students can grow spiritually and academically. Ron’s vision for Calvary encompasses a holistic approach to education, integrating faith and learning in a way that impacts not only the present but also shapes each student’s future.
With his experience, passion, and unwavering faith, Ron Sharp looks forward to making an impact as the new Dean of Students at Calvary, guiding students on their journey of faith and education with wisdom and compassion.
Calvary University is excited to announce a new enrollment option for the upcoming fall semester that makes biblical education even more accessible: Microcredentials. Designed to equip Christians for effective leadership and service, each Microcredential program includes a specialized set of courses that are tailored to meet the unique needs of today’s Christian community.
Microcredentials are short, flexible programs that offer targeted learning opportunities in specific areas of interest. Unlike traditional degree programs, which require a significant time commitment, Microcredentials are structured around just three to four courses each. This allows individuals to acquire valuable skills and knowledge in a shorter period, making them ideal for working professionals, non-traditional students, and lifelong learners. Plus, accredited courses can count towards a degree at Calvary University or transfer to other institutions through articulation agreements, ensuring your investment if you decide to continue your education.
Our Microcredential offerings reflect Calvary University’s commitment to preparing Christians to live and serve according to the biblical worldview. With flexible learning options and focused course offerings, we empower students to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining grounded in timeless biblical truths. Whether through courses in biblical studies, theology, or corporate culture, students gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
For the believer seeking to enrich his or her ministry or a professional looking to integrate faith and work, Calvary University’s Microcredentials offer an effective and efficient pathway to practical growth and impact. Check out our Microcredential options and enroll today to start this fall!
In early May, Calvary reached a milestone in student enrollment. Tania Edwards, Vice President of Enrollment Management, explained, “Our registration currently reflects 460 students…This is the highest enrollment in Calvary’s history for the past 25+ years.” Of the student body, a little over half attend in-person classes, and the rest do long-distance-learning through Calvary’s online platform. Edwards attributed the growth to “a combination of expanding our degree offering and focusing on the student experience.” This tailored focus has an impact “from recruitment, to getting them in the correct degree program that really gets them excited about attending school, to showing them campus life and the various activities they can get involved in.”
Despite the fluid nature of the current academic situation, Calvary’s numbers are growing, and Edwards noted that Enrollment had even seen an increase in inquiries in the past months. She said, “The Business Department is growing exponentially. I’ve seen a lot of referrals come from students in that program.” Calvary’s blended model provides vital adaptability as students look for a more flexible education. As her team works hard to prepare for the fall semester, Edwards said, “This is a result of prayer and effort on the behalf of all faculty and staff. Our God is truly gracious!”
Due to the forecast of more winter weather, the Feast & Fund Auction has been postponed until March 29. We hope our supporters will be able to change their plans or make new plans to attend on this date. Click here to sign up.
March is a very busy month for Calvary. The Theatre Department will be presenting Newsies seven times over the next two weekends. Click here to purchase tickets. We also have Calvary Days, our campus preview event, coming up next weekend. Click here for more information.
In the midst of all this activity, Cycle 4 will be ending, and a new cycle will be beginning. Shortly after that is Spring Break which coincides with the Chorale Tour. Click here to see the Chorale’s schedule which includes stops in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska.
The end of March brings the new auction date and a recital by senior Cherrish Palmer. Would you pray that the weather has no further impact on any of these events? We thank the Lord for each of the students, faculty, and staff who make these events happen. Would you pray for health and energy to abound? Finally, we hope you’ll consider attending one or more of the upcoming events!
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Last Friday’s ConnectFest was a brand new idea for serving our local community. We are estimating that 700 people were on campus throughout the course of the 10-hour event. While we definitely enjoyed seeing alumni and friends of Calvary, it was extra wonderful to welcome those who have never set foot on this campus before. What a fun introduction to our school!
Friendly faces welcomed guests to ConnectFest.
Free Fun
ConnectFest was like a carnival and a community festival all rolled into one FREE day of excitement. Attendees were given 20 free tickets to play carnival games and win prizes. There were also more than a dozen rides, inflatables, and other attractions that young and old could do for free.
Trackless train ride
Slip ‘n’ Slide
Bubble soccer
Vendors and local businesses set up booths to sell their items or promote their services, and they did not have to pay any fees to participate. Several local churches also used this opportunity for community outreach.
Music, Food, and Fireworks
Josh Freerksen sang on stage.
No festival would be complete without live music, and we had plenty! Calvary students, Blue Ridge Christian School students, and local artists performed on an outdoor stage. We also enjoyed spoken word, drama, dance, poetry, and comedy mixed into the performance schedule. Terry Magelssen, a Christian illusionist, performed a show that was enjoyed by all ages. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the delicious food that was available to purchase from various food trucks. To top off a great day, we had a 13-minute fireworks show!
Thank you, Lord, for holding back the rain and providing a breeze on a hot day. Thank you, Admissions Team and ConnectFest committee, for all your hard work in dreaming up, planning, and implementing this BIG IDEA! Finally, thank you, volunteers, for running games and rides, picking up trash, handing out tickets, giving out prizes, etc. This event would not have been such a success without YOU!
