Therapon University

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.

Paul W. Carlin, Th.D., LBT, is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and also an ex-offender. His indictment resulted in a six-year Federal prison sentence. While in the Federal prison in Texarkana, he made a lifetime commitment to the ministry. Since his parole in 1971, Dr. Carlin has earned three graduate degrees in theology, built a local church, and founded three divinely orchestrated ministries - Prisoners Bible Institute, The Association of X-Offenders, Inc., and The Therapon Institute, all of which are active yet today. He is the author of 16 books, 27 tracts, and four Bible correspondence courses for prisoners, in addition to the courses written for Therapon University.

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.

Professor J. Potgieter, Ph.D., D.D., is our Director of Student Career Development. He is a pastor, mentor, registered natural health practitioner and life style advisor. He is also the Director of Student Career Development and Empowerment with the Commonwealth Consultants in South Africa, and serves as visiting professor with the Commonwealth Open University in the British Virgin Islands. Dr. Potgieter has a passion for empowering people from all walks of life, to upgrade their quality of life. His special interests, to which he devotes much time and study, include career development, human behavior, visiting the sick, counseling, and research on youth and health.

Dr. Potgieter is currently writing two books: Do It Yourself ... You: The Fountain of Youth and Health; and Do It Yourself ... You: From Zero to Hero. He feels privileged to assist Therapon University in serving students from all over the world.

Rick Bough, Th.D., has recently become our newest staff member. He has been married to his wife, Sue, for 25+ years. He is an ordained minister, and considers himself a Bapticostal. Rick has written several courses for Therapon University, and holds a Doctorate in Biblical Theology. He is currently the online instructor for the curriculum's courses "Character Builder" and "Disciple Maker I and II."

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.

Therapon University: Board of Directors

Michael Ratcliff, B.Th., Business owner/operator 21 years, General Manager - hotel in USVI

Patricia Torchia, B.A. graduated Cum Laude, Owner Patco, advertising agency in USVI, Regional Sales Manager 12 years

John F. Warden, B.A., Business Administration, Owner Appraisal Associates, appraisal agency in USVI. business owner 25 years

William R. Judkins, Ed.M., Special Ed., Director of Special Education 5 years, Principal 19 years

Tammy Judkins, Ed.M., Elementary Education Teacher in the USVI

Gayle M. Ramin, Ph.D., Biblical Counseling, Crisis Counseling - 2nd Baptist Houston - 12 years, Public Speaker / Trainer, Author Counseling through the Season of Life offered by TU

Linda Ratcliff, Th.D., Ed.D., President Therapon University, Elementary Teacher 15 years, Business owner/operator 18 years