Malone Alumni News

Samuel Herbert '10, 39, passed away on November 2, 2026. Born on September 8, 1987, in Brunswick, Ohio, to Mark and Pam Herbert, Sam was a 2006 graduate of Brunswick High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Malone University, where he participated in intramural sports and was involved in the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Sam built a career in technology, working as an IT consultant at FirstEnergy before becoming a courier for FedEx in Chesterland. He loved his job, especially the people and dogs he encountered along his delivery route. Known for his generous heart, Sam never hesitated to help a friend or stranger. He was incredibly knowledgeable, could talk about nearly any subject, and even became fluent in Spanish while living in Panama. He also enjoyed giving back to his community, volunteering regularly and working the polls year after year. Sam will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, unbeliev...

  Taylor Lehmiller '16 has been promoted to assistant vice president at First Federal in recognition of her experience, leadership and continued contributions to the organization. Taylor graduated from Malone in 2016, majoring in both Marketing Management and Organizational Management. She has also continued her professional development through the 2020 Leadership Tuscarawas program and the Ohio Bankers League Bank Leadership Institute. She has been with First Federal for 14 years, holding several positions including customer service representative, special projects manager, cash management support supervisor and deposit operations manager. She was previously promoted to banking officer in October 2024. In her expanded role as assistant vice president, Taylor will oversee the cash management department, including its advisers and support team, helping ensure continued support and service for First Federal’s customers. Congratulations to Taylor on this accomplishment! The Pioneer co...

  Joyce Hamilton, 84, of Irmo, South Carolina, entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A devoted Christian, Joyce loved Jesus deeply and strived to reflect His love through kindness and compassion. She was respected and cherished by all who knew her, especially her beloved family, who brought her great joy. Born April 3, 1942, in Canton, Ohio, Joyce was the daughter of the late David and Alice (Masters) Miller. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1960, earned a degree in elementary education from Malone University in 1964, and graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago in 1968. Joyce devoted more than 30 years to teaching elementary school in Ohio, Illinois, and South Carolina before retiring in 2003. She was a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She also spent many years teaching women's Bible study groups and sharing her faith with others. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, ...

Malone University graduate Patricia Reynolds '21 is bringing her passion for mental health and wellness to her hometown with the opening of Elevating Mental Health & Wellness, located in East Liverpool, Ohio. Patricia holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and has worked in the mental health field since 2021, including positions at Aspire and Insight Social Health Services. Her practice provides counseling for children through adults, with services addressing anxiety, ADHD, stress management, work-life balance and emotional regulation, along with telehealth options. As an East Liverpool native and middle school girls' basketball and track coach, Patricia hopes her strong community ties will help clients feel comfortable seeking support. Her goal is to help individuals recognize their progress, manage everyday challenges and continue growing. In an interview with Morning Journal, she recently shared the heart behind her practice: "For me, starting ...

Congratulations to Dr. John Chopka ’89, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP)!  A 1989 graduate of Malone University, John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. He was involved in theater, the Aviso, and Student Senate, eventually becoming Student Body President.  After graduation, John built a distinguished career in higher education enrollment management and marketing.  John returned to Malone in 1997, serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing until 2007.  He then joined Messiah University--a fellow CCCU school--where he served as Vice President for Enrollment Management for nearly 18 years. Today, John serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. This well-deserved recognition celebrates John’s leadership and lasting contributions to higher education. Malone Univ...

Melinda Kay Talbott, age 63, of Newark, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital. She was born in Newark, Ohio on March 4, 1963, to the late Otto and Viola (Regoli) Talbott. Melinda obtained her undergraduate degree from Malone College and her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. She worked in higher education at several institutions and finally retired from Newark City Schools, Liberty Middle School, in 2024 where she taught health and physical education. In retirement she enjoyed operating her own home decor business, Rula’s, in Berlin, Ohio. Melinda was a devout Christian who attended church regularly. She loved gardening, traveling, and volunteering at the Licking County Humane Society. Melinda is survived by her sister, Darla Talbott; nephew, Blake (Gwen) Talbott; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held from 4PM-7PM Friday, October 16, and 10AM-12PM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral H...

Claudia Jane Kieselhorst of The Moorings of Gray Oaks in Naples, Florida, formerly of Palmira Golf & CC in Bonita Springs, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. Prior to living in Florida, Claudia lived in Catawba Island, Ohio and Annapolis, Maryland. Born on March 8, 1943, in Canton, Ohio, Claudia was the daughter of Parker & Arlene Schafer. Claudia graduated from Hoover High and continued her education at Malone College, where she received her teaching degree, both located in Canton. Claudia taught for over 30 years with most of her career at Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland. Claudia was married to James (Jim) Kieselhorst for 52 years before his passing in 2022. Their life was filled with countless dear friends and family. They enjoyed traveling, sailing and power boating on Lake Erie and the Chesapeake Bay. They led a very active social life in Florida and loved calling it their home. Claudia was a wonderful person and always the first to lend ...

More than two decades after starring on the softball field for New Philadelphia, Sarah Schmidt is returning to her alma mater as the Quakers’ new head softball coach. A 2002 New Philadelphia graduate, Sarah was a four-year varsity letterwinner and three-time first-team All-East Central Ohio League selection. She helped lead the Quakers to the regional final as a freshman in 1999 and was part of ECOL championship teams in 1999 and 2000. Sarah continued her playing career here at Malone University from 2003-06, where she established herself as one of the program’s top hitters. She led the Pioneers with a .387 batting average and a .996 fielding percentage as a senior.  Sarah's name remains featured multiple times among Malone’s top 10 career and single-season statistical records. Previously Sara coached at both the high school and youth levels. She served as an assistant coach at Garaway from 2007-09 before returning to New Philadelphia, where she was an assistant from 2010-12....

Jami Brighty '00 has been named the new head coach of men’s golf at Wheaton College. Jami's lifelong connection to golf began when he started caddying at a golf club in Toledo, Ohio, at age 13. He then played four years of collegiate golf here at Malone University, where his college experience helped shape his path in the sport. During his senior year at Malone, a professional golfer encouraged Jami to pursue a career in the golf industry. That led him to Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he worked as an assistant golf professional before earning his PGA professional certification in 2006. Before joining Wheaton, he spent five years as head boys golf coach at Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, Illinois. His teams qualified for the state championship in each of the past three seasons. “It was very clear to me that God was leading me in this direction of getting back into the world of golf,” Jami said. Congratulations to Jami as he begins this new chapter at Wheaton! The Pioneer ...

  John K. Jones '93 was named senior vice president of Residential Services for MorseLife. John brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience to his new role.  His extensive background includes operations, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, human resources, and community development. John will oversee the strategic direction, resident satisfaction, operational performance, compliance, governance, financial results and brand positioning for more than 500 senior living units across luxury and affordable residences. He will focus on building upon the strong services already in place while collaborating with colleagues to further enhance the resident experience and ensure MorseLife’s services continue to evolve in response to the changing needs and expectations of those it serves. Way to go, John!  The Pioneer community is proud to cheer you on as you embark on this exciting new chapter! This article adapted from the Florida Hospital News and Healt...

  Wright State cross country and track and field head coach Rick Williamson has announced the addition of Mackenna Curtis Johnson to his coaching staff. "We are extremely excited to have Mackenna join our staff," Williamson said. "She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm. Her ideals fit perfectly with the core principles of our Track & Field and cross-country programs." Curtis Johnson joins the Raiders after spending time with On as a technical representative. Before that, she was part of the Roots Running Project in Boulder, Colorado. In 2024, Curtis Johnson ran the 10,000m in 32:47.14 at the Stanford Invite. She also placed in the top 10 at the 2023 USATF 10K Championships. A Lexington, Ohio, native, Curtis Johnson earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Malone University, where she was an All-American and two-time G-MAC Runner of the Year. She then earned her master's degree in Li...

  Dale P. Stitz, 78, of Perry Twp., passed away on Wednesday, September 16 from Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on November 7, 1947, in Massillon, the son of Paul and Elizabeth Stitz. Dale was a 1965 graduate of North Canton Hoover High School. He taught math and computer programming at Canton City Schools for 33 years followed by teaching math as an adjunct professor at Kent State University, Stark Campus. In 1975 he developed and taught the first computer programming course for Canton City Schools. He graduated as the valedictorian for his B.A. in mathematics and physics at Malone College in 1969 and received his M.A. in mathematics education from The Ohio State University in 1972.  Dale was an active member of Jackson Friends Church and an avid volunteer at Refuge of Hope Ministries. Through his faith and belief in the verse John 14:6 - “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” he has joined his wife Janice Stit...

Congratulations to Brian Shoop '80 on being selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2027!  We are celebrating with Brian on a lifetime of accomplishment and impact within collegiate baseball. During his time at Malone, Brian was named All MOC and All NAIA District 22 in baseball. He was inducted in the Malone Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.  Here is his bio from the ABCA press announcement:  "From NAIA national championships to NCAA Tournament appearances, Brian Shoop's coaching career reflected success at every level of the collegiate game. Over 31 seasons as a head coach, Shoop compiled a 1,061-694-1 (.605) record across stops at Birmingham-Southern and UAB. He spent 14 seasons at UAB, where he finished as the second-winningest coach in program history with more than 360 wins and guided the Blazers to a 2012 Conference USA Tournament title and the program’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. His teams earned 37 victories over na...

Congratulations to our 2026 Alumni Award Recipients! These individuals stood out amongst other nominees for the ways they keep Christ's Kingdom First in serving their communities, the church, and the world.  2026 Alumni Award Recipients Young Alumna of the Year: Blake Stuckey '20  Young Alumnus of the Year: Brandon Bapst '17 Alumna of the Year: Julianna Smith '08  Alumnus of the Year: Joseph Hudak '72 Graduate Program Alumnus of the Year: Brian Hollingsworth '02 '14 Malone alumni continue to impact and improve the world through their work and lives each day, and we are excited to honor these distinguished alumni for their professional and personal accomplishments.  Join us in celebrating these alumni at our Alumni Awards Banquet on September 18 during Homecoming & Family Weekend (tickets are available here ). Stay tuned for highlights on each recipient coming soon to both our blog and Instagram, @malonealumni . 

Emily (Trnka) '21 and Xavier '21 Moore welcomed their third child to the world, Eden Jane Moore.  Congratulations to the Moore family! Praying blessings upon you all as you transition to a family of five. 

Erin Brown Thomas '07 recently won an Academy Award for her role as associate producer on the short film "The Singers." The film tied for Best Live Action short film.  Congratulations to Erin on this success! The Pioneer community is cheering you on and looking forward to your continued impact in film.  To read more about Erin's win, click here to read her interview with the Canton Repository .

Brian McFee '97 was recently named assistant principal at East Central High School.  He has over 25 years of educational experience and is known for being a collaborative leader who values strong relationships, high expectations, and creating an environment for students to thrive. Brian earned a Master of Educational Administration from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical and Health Education from Malone College. Congratulations to Brian on this accomplishment! Your alma mater is cheering you on in this next chapter.  This post is adapted from 812noww.com. You can view the original article here . 

  This article President Greg Miller, Ph.D.,  first appeared in Crain's Cleveland Business . It has been shared here with permission.  The landscape of American higher education is undergoing a historic, turbulent reconfiguration. The structural causes of this shift have been analyzed at length: rapid technological disruption, sharp regional demographic declines, mounting student debt, and an evolving corporate workforce. The fallout is undeniable; since the pandemic, nearly 50 not-for-profit colleges have closed their doors, and another 40 have merged. For institutions in the Midwest and Northeast, where population shifts are felt most acutely, the warning signs are blinking wildly. Yet, amidst this widespread volatility, there is a distinct sector experiencing remarkable resilience. As president of Malone University, I hold radical hope for the future of our institution and the roughly 200 Christ-centered, Bible-based universities across the country — including member s...

  Congratulations to Ashton Dulin '18 who was recently featured in Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Colts of 2026! Here's a small excerpt from the article: To say that Ashton Dulin is a vital part of the Colts' overall operation would be understating it. From his contributions on special teams as a gunner and blocker to his offensive production whenever called upon and everything in between, Dulin is a player whose efforts often go unnoticed, or at least underappreciated. When it comes to his anticipated increased workload on offense, Dulin's proven reliability has put him on the inside track to becoming the Colts' third starting wide receiver... If you've watched even a single game of Ashton Dulin's career thus far, it's evident that he epitomizes consistency, and that's precisely why he's expected to earn his spot as a starter in the Colts' offense in 2026. We're excited to cheer Ashton on in the season ahead! You can click here to ...

Congratulations to Jessica (Parcher) Shelenberger '02 on her promotion to associate dean for student success at Westminster College!  In her new role, Jessica will provide strategic leadership for student support initiatives within the Student Success Center. In addition to academic success programs, she will oversee accessibility resources, coordinated care and the CARE early alert program. We are cheering on Jessica in this accomplishment, and praying for her success as she continues to cares for students in her new role at Westminster College!  This is adapted from a feature in New Castle News. You can view the original article here for more information.   

This article by President Greg Miller, Ph.D., appeared first in print in the Canton Repository . It has been reshared here with permission.  The warning signals across the American higher education landscape are flashing bright red.  Driven by shifting demographics, mounting student debt, rapid technological changes, and evolving workforce needs, the sector is shrinking. Since 2020, nearly 50 nonprofit colleges have closed their doors and another 40 have merged — largely concentrated right here in the Midwest and Northeast. Given these sobering statistics, people are often surprised when I express deep hopefulness about the future of Malone University and the roughly 200 institutions like us across the country (the member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and the International Alliance for Christian Education). My confidence is not wishful thinking; it is grounded in our distinct, unchanging mission. In this fractured cultural moment, Christ...