S12:E08 | Dr. Will Smallwood

02/19/25 • 40 min

Dr. Will Smallwood’s Journey of Faith, Strength, and Healing

Imagine being in your 40s, healthy, full of energy, and leading the most significant fundraising campaign of your career. Then, out of nowhere, you receive devastating news: You have cancer. And not just any cancer, but an aggressive form with a prognosis that gives you only six months to live.

This was the reality for Dr. Will Smallwood, Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University. In November 2023, amid his leadership of Cedarville’s historic $175 million 1000 Days Transformed Campaign, Will’s life took an unexpected and life-altering turn. What began as persistent back pain quickly revealed something far more serious — multiple myeloma, a rare and often fatal blood cancer. Doctors told him that nearly 70% of the blood cells in his body were cancerous, and without immediate treatment, time was not on his side.

But in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, Will chose faith over fear.

With the unwavering support of his wife, Caroline, his parents, close friends, and the Cedarville University community, Will embarked on a grueling journey of treatment. Under the care of doctors at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio, he underwent intensive chemotherapy, battling both the disease and the unknowns ahead. His goal was clear: reduce the cancer enough to qualify for a bone marrow transplant at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus — his best chance for remission.

And then, the moment came.

After months of treatment, prayers, and trust in God’s plan, Will and Caroline sat anxiously in the doctor’s office, waiting for the news that would define their future. When they heard the words “you’re in remission,” the weight of fear and uncertainty lifted. Tears of joy and gratitude filled their eyes — it was an answer to countless prayers.

Today, Will is back to doing what he loves: leading his team at Cedarville, investing in the University’s future, and continuing to inspire those around him. While his battle with cancer isn’t over, remission has given him a renewed perspective on life, faith, and purpose. He no longer takes a single day for granted and views every opportunity as a gift from God.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/09a5946f

https://youtu.be/F-V0eRj5i0I

Dr. Will Smallwood’s Journey of Faith, Strength, and Healing

But in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, Will chose faith over fear.

And then, the moment came.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/09a5946f

https://youtu.be/F-V0eRj5i0I

Previous Episode

S12:E07 | Dr. Thomas White

Kindred Spirits in Commitment to the Word of God

In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville University, sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of the late Warren Wiersbe — one of the most influential Bible teachers of the 20th century. Known as “the pastor’s pastor,” Wiersbe’s ministry at Chicago’s Moody Church and with the “Back to the Bible” radio program impacted countless lives.

Dr. White shares how he first encountered Wiersbe’s BE Series as a seminary student and later had the privilege of meeting him personally. Their first meeting took place in Wiersbe’s basement, where a discussion about donating his library to Cedarville quickly turned into a heartfelt conversation about ministry, preaching, and Jesus. Wiersbe’s love for college students was evident in his desire to see his books equip the next generation of biblical leaders.

Cedarville University is now home to Wiersbe’s legendary library — a collection that could have gone to any number of institutions. However, Wiersbe was drawn to Cedarville’s and White’s unwavering commitment to conservative evangelical truth. He saw Cedarville as a place where students wouldn’t just learn theology but would leave loving God’s Word more than when they arrived.

Dr. White reflects on Cedarville’s role as a “greenhouse” for spiritual growth, where students are mentored, challenged in their faith, and shaped by daily chapel and an in-depth Bible minor. He also shares his personal passion for preaching and teaching students to interact deeply with the Word of God.

Tune in to hear more about the kindred spirits of Warren Wiersbe, Cedarville University, and Dr. White and be inspired to pray for a new generation of students who love Jesus and are ready to change the world for His glory!

https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ac2f3e1

https://youtu.be/JFjgdY61BCQ

Next Episode

S12:E09 | Focus on the Family with Chloe Hunt

From Resound Radio to Focus on the Family

Chloe Hunt, a 2023 graduate of Cedarville University, has transformed her passion for storytelling into a thriving career in Christian broadcasting. With a degree in broadcasting, digital media, and journalism, she now serves as an assistant producer for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she identifies and interviews guests for their flagship program, Focus on the Family With Jim Daly.

Her love for radio took root at Resound Radio, Cedarville’s student-run station, where she gained valuable experience in leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. A key influence in Chloe’s journey — like so many other broadcasting students at Cedarville —was Professor Jim Leightenheimer, who provided mentorship that helped shape both her professional path and spiritual growth.

Before landing her current role, Chloe sharpened her skills at The River in Columbus, one of the top Christian radio stations in the country. There, she worked on content creation, promotions, social media engagement, and artist relations. Each experience prepared her for the opportunities she has today, collaborating with influential Christian leaders in media.

Though Chloe’s career has taken unexpected turns, she has learned to trust God’s direction. Every step — from college radio to a national media organization — has reinforced her belief that God’s plan always leads to the right place.

Tune in to this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast to hear more about Chloe’s journey of faith, mentorship, and getting started in the world of Christian broadcasting.

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https://youtu.be/WHUjhGFlymk