James T. Jeremiah, 1954-1978

A pastor in Dayton, Ohio, and a Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland Board Member, Jeremiah initiated the discussions with the Cedarville College Board of Trustees which led to BBI assuming control of the College in 1953. He then became president and served until 1978. Enrollment in 1954 was about 100 students. Under his leadership, the College began the transformation from a struggling, unaccredited school to an accredited institution of higher learning respected for its graduates, programs, faculty, and mission "for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ." College enrollment steadily increased during Jeremiah's tenure, reaching more than 1200.