Today, as we draw from the Cedarville Stories podcast archives, we are reintroduced to the son of missionary parents and a former U.S. diplomat, who transformed Cedarville’s international studies program with a worldwide worldview.

Dr. Frank Jenista, former professor of international studies, had attended 13 schools in 12 years before finishing his education at a large American high school in New Jersey. When he arrived at Cedarville, he found a loving, supportive community of faculty and friends who inspired him to discover God’s plans for his life, which would include service as a U.S. diplomat.

Once back at Cedarville, he applied his global perspective to the university’s international studies program, which he helped develop into a highly successful major with students serving all over the world, including in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Dr. Jenista also grew Cedarville’s Model United Nations team into a consistent Outstanding Delegation winner at the national competition in New York City. Lastly, he encouraged Cedarville schools and departments to think globally through study abroad and internship opportunities. 

Cedarville’s Model United Nations team, which Dr. Jenista advised for many years, performs with excellence at regional and national competitions.

One of Dr. Jenista’s former students, Jerica (Ward) Lamar ’09, is serving as a diplomat in Kenya and was honored at this year’s Legacy Banquet on Homecoming and Parents Weekend as the 2019 Young Alumna of the Year.