Therapon University Staff
Linda A. Ratcliff, Th.D., Ed.D., is the President of Therapon University. She has spent her entire
life teaching, 15 years in elementary school, and also three years teaching English in Japan via the
Internet. She is the author of several workbooks used by the university. She wrote the only
faith-based day care seminar to be approved in Texas for 20 CEU's, and taught that in Texas for
several years to day care providers and workers. She has been a pastor's wife, and has always
been active in her church as board member, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, and
member of the music ministry team as keyboard player, choir director or singer, or hammered
dulcimer player. Her experience as a business owner/operator for 18 years has been invaluable in
running the day-to-day operation of the school.
Jimmy D. Fitzhugh is an ordained Full Gospel minister, pastor, mentor, and encourager. Jim has
been in ministry for 35 years, and is a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Jim is a diligent student
of the Word, and encourages others to discover the untapped resources in God's Word. His
enthusiasm is contagious, and he is committed to being a carrier. He is also committed to
Therapon University's mission of validating people one degree at a time. He was a major contributor
to the course Key Counseling Issues.
Wieskawa Aleksandra Beben, M.Th., is our new registrar for Poland and certain other countries. Wieskawa was a school teacher for 10 years. She is a dedicated, born-again Christian businesswoman, with a passion for the upliftment of people. She is very serious about training Christian leaders in communication, and is dedicated to the development of ministry skills by making the courses at Therapon University available internationally.
William J. VandeSande, BA, MACE, is Therapon University's e-Business Manager and Web Developer. Bill holds a Bachelors degree in theatre and a Masters in Applied Christian Education. He serves on the board of directors for Renewed Focus, a Christian ministry which caters to the spiritual renewal needs of clergy and lay leadership through retreats and seminars. Bill has more than thirty years experience in the communications industry including local television production in Dallas and Houston, network television as a producer and audio technician for such companies as ABC-News, NBC-News, and Court TV. He has been self-employed since 1992 as owner of Creative Media Enterprises, a company devoted to interactive CD development, educational programming, and Internet development, including e-commerce. Bill is continuing his studies in the Doctoral Program at Therapon University while simultaneously serving the University as e-Business Manager.
Bill's personal ministry is Christian Theatre and has been involved in planting new drama programs in three churches in his
home area of Conroe, Texas, north of Houston.
Daniel G. Hiers, Ph.D., serves as Curriculum Developer and editor for the original course texts and workbooks used by Therapon University, and is also the author of several courses and workbooks used by the university. He has served as a youth director of a small church. He is especially active in prison ministry, and is dedicated to a deliverance ministry for youth and convicts - to guide them through release from addiction to drugs, alcohol, TV, pornography - through careful study of the Word.
Michael E. Ratcliff, B.Th, serves as Registrar for Therapon University. He is a licensed Belief
Therapist (LBT), and his experience as business owner/operator for 21 years makes his input and
assistance invaluable as he willingly serves in whatever capacity is needed by the school. He has
edited several of the courses used by the school, and created answer keys for many.