ACU Dedicates School of Education Building in Honor of Dr. Shelly Roden
On April 11, 2025, Arizona Christian University held a special building dedication ceremony to honor the remarkable legacy of Dr. Shelly Roden—an educator, leader, and faithful supporter of the university for more than four decades. The event marked the official dedication of the building and courtyard of the Dr. Shelly Roden School of Education, which was named in her honor in 2018.
The celebration began with an opening prayer by Dr. Anthony Allen, followed by a warm introduction from ACU President Len Munsil, who set the tone for an afternoon of gratitude and recognition. Several long-time friends, family and colleagues shared words of appreciation, including her son, Pastor Dr. Jim Roden, Dr. Linnea Lyding, Tim Reed, Dr. Larry Anderson, Arnie Doerksen, and Paul Hendricks. Their reflections highlighted Dr. Roden’s enduring impact on Christian education, her visionary leadership, and her unwavering support for the ACU mission.
Dr. Shelly Roden then offered a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the honor and reflecting on her decades of service to the university. From her early days as Education Department Chair to her role as Academic Dean and member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Roden has helped shape the lives and futures of countless students and faculty.
Following the indoor program, guests moved to the courtyard for a joyful continuation of the celebration. ACU education majors presented a tribute, honoring the legacy they now carry forward. President Munsil led the formal dedication, acknowledging the Roden family’s extraordinary generosity and long-standing investment in the university’s growth. A closing prayer was offered by Dr. Jim Baugh.
Dr. Roden’s legacy extends far beyond ACU. She is widely known as the creator of the AWANA Cubbies curriculum and beloved Cubbies song—resources that have introduced thousands of young children to biblical truth in churches around the world. Alongside her husband, Dr. Jim Roden, founder of Prochem, she has built a legacy of service, leadership, and giving. The Rodens have raised six children, have 25 grandchildren, and now enjoy a growing number of great-grandchildren—truly a family rooted in faith.
The dedication of the School of Education building stands as a lasting tribute to Dr. Roden’s influence on Christian education and her unwavering commitment to preparing future teachers to transform culture with truth.
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