Letter from President Pinson Regarding Commencement

Letter from President Pinson Regarding Commencement

Dear Members of the Welch Community,

These have been challenging times for all of us as we have coped with a global pandemic that had farther-reaching consequences than I ever imagined it would have. Our community has been resilient, however, and has navigated these troubled waters with prudence and with grace.

I was so saddened to have to announce to the Class of 2020 last year that we would have to cancel their normal 2020 Commencement activities. After meeting with the executive council of the Senior Class, we decided that the best way forward was to have Commencement exercises for the Class of 2020 at the same time as that of the Class of 2021.

While there are still many details to be finalized, and while anything could change given the current unpredictable situation with COVID-19, I wanted to announce the date of the Commencement exercises for both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 so that students and their guests could mark it on their calendars and make travel plans.

All Commencement activities for both classes will take place on Friday, May 7th. The times, locations, and details of the gatherings will be forthcoming. Guest seating will be limited owing to COVID-19 and the need for physically distanced seating. Thus a limited number of free tickets will be provided to each graduate for his or her family and friends.

Neither the graduate breakfast nor a Baccalaureate service will be held. An awards ceremony for the Class of 2021 will be held virtually, similar to what we held last year for the Class of 2020. Also forthcoming will be details regarding hooding for master’s degree recipients.

More details will follow as we finalize them. Thank you for your patience as we work through what will be a very different celebration in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. And continue to pray for us here at Welch as we continue to make key decisions and fulfill our mission in these difficult times.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

Sincerely,

Matt Pinson
President

A Packing Guide for College Freshmen

A Packing Guide for College Freshmen

Hey guys –  It’s Raygan here! I remember when I began packing for my freshman year at Welch, I was stressed out. I spent my days on YouTube and Pinterest just trying to figure out what I really needed to pack. However, It wasn’t until the end of my freshman year that I actually knew exactly what I needed. YouTube videos got a lot of it right, but I also found that there were many things I never actually needed and they just took up space. So if you’re wondering what you really need to pack – do not worry! I am going to share 3 things that I think every college student needs and 3 things that you should definitely leave at home!

3 THINGS YOU NEED IN YOUR COLLEGE LIFE!!!!

  • A STEAMER

Just an FYI, your clothes are gonna wrinkle…BAD! And yeah you could use a wrinkle spray or even pray the dryer works some magic on that business casual shirt, but I can promise you that you’ll need something stronger. I know a few people that brought actual ironing boards to campus, but ain’t no one got time or room for that. I had girls beating down my door to use my steamer. It’s cheap, small, and quick. 10/10 Dr. Pinsons recommend.

  • TEXTBOOKS

I know… you’re like “Raygan duh” but hear me out!! A lot of students wait until classes start to get their textbooks, but sometimes you’ll have reading assignments that same week (I know crazy right?). The stress of ordering books the week school starts is actually horrid; so here’s a tip for you to do a few weeks before school starts. After you register for classes (If you’ve pre-registered) go on Populi and see who your professors are. Once you’ve done that, send them a little sweet email (their email will be on Populi), and ask them what you’ll need for class! For starters, you can have your books before the first day, but more importantly, you’ll look like a good student early on *cough* teacher’s pet *cough* 

  • BASIC ADULTING ESSENTIALS

You are becoming an adult, and college is the first big step in your new independent journey! With being an adult, you need to be prepared for any situation you might encounter. So here are a few things you will definitely need to have on hand! 

  • A laundry basket (The sad truth is that you’ll be doing laundry a lot)
  • Quarters! (duh for the laundry…Definitely not for a speedway slushie…unless…) 
  • Extra sheets/Pillowcases (not to sound like your legal guardian, but “ew! wash your sheets!”)
  • Silverware and plates (Your friend across the hall might be making guacamole.. you have to be prepared)

NOW ONTO THE THINGS YOU DON’T NEED…

  • WINTER COATS

When you choose Welch you are also choosing Tennessee, and the crazy weather we have here. I have lived here my entire life and can go ahead and tell you that the winter coats you wanna bring will not be used until the middle of December. I can almost promise that we will be living in Summer heat until Halloween with maybe one snowstorm in September. Take my advice, and bring one light jacket, a rain jacket (add an umbrella while you’re at it.. It rains.. A LOT!), and one coat you can leave in the back of your car. It is all you will need.

  • TOO MANY CLOTHES/TOWELS

While we’re on the topic of Winter clothes, it is a good idea to mention that you do not need your entire wardrobe and bathroom stuff. I am ashamed to admit that I am the queen of overpacking clothes (especially shoes!), but the truth is that you just won’t wear them all, and they will take up so much space. Bring your clothing essentials, 3 towels, and enough shoes to have a pair for any occasion you’ll encounter (Don’t forget your dress shoes!!!!).

  • TOO MUCH DORM DECOR

If you have your Pinterest dorm board on another tab, you might want to click out for a minute. Sure, a boujee room will look super cute when you move-in, but no one tells you the struggles of taking it down. Plus all of those fluffy, fur throw pillows will end up on your floor. Keep it cute and simple. You can do a lot with a single tapestry and some pictures from home (Do not forget the lights!).

I hope I have made your packing life a little simpler. College is so much fun so don’t prepare by stressing over what to bring! At Welch, you are gonna make so many friends that if you forget something, there is a good chance your neighbor will have an extra. And if you need some shoes, there is an even better chance that I over-packed for the third year in a row! But if all else fails…there is always a Walmart down the street. Happy Packing!!!

Raygan Sellers Welch College in Gallatin, TN Blog Contributor

Raygan Sellers is a Junior at Welch College majoring in Humanities and works for the Enrollment Department as a Student Rep for prospective students.  She is active on campus displaying her theatrical and musical talents.  Raygan also serves as the Bronte Society President.

Welch College Choir Tour “One of the Best in Years”

The forty-member Welch College Choir, under the direction of Dr. James Stevens, completed a three-state tour during spring break covering 1700 miles and ministering in ten locations over seven days, according to according to Todd Parrish, Director of Church Relations.

“Church members in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia worshiped joyfully as the choir sang through the O Praise the Name program,” Parrish said. “The choir did a variety of music, which included anthems, hymn arrangements, spirituals, and contemporary worship songs. Alumni and former choir members stated that this was one of the best Welch choirs in years.”

Choir members spent time with residents at the Governor’s Bend Assisted Living Center in Erwin, TN, as well as with students at Gateway Christian Academy (VA) and Bethel Christian Academy (NC). “One teacher expressed how grateful she was that the college students went out of their way to make her fifth graders feel important,” Parrish said. Over 300 academy students signed up to receive more information about Welch College. From these student information cards, Andrea Sosa (VA) was selected to win a free Apple watch.

Welch College Athletic Director Inducted into Hall of Fame

Welch College Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Fawbush will be inducted into the National Athletic Association of Private Schools Hall of Fame on March 29, according to Welch President Matt Pinson.

“We’re very proud of Coach Fawbush achieving this honor,” Pinson said. “The Hall of Fame is for private school coaches, players, and athletic directors who help build and advance the cause of private schools.”

Fawbush coached at Seffner Christian Academy in Florida for 22 years before coming to work at Welch in 2017. On January 26, 2019, Fawbush achieved his 400th win at the Welch vs. Georgia Northwestern Tech game (104-71). Since his start at Welch, Fawbush has added soccer (men’s and women’s) to the college sports program and has led the school to rejoin regional play in NCCAA Division II.

For more information on Welch College athletics, go to welch.edu/athletics.

Welch Marks Highest Fall Enrollment in 34 Years

For the Fall 2018 semester, Welch College enrolled the highest number of students in 34 years, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. Total enrollment statistics indicate 404 students from 22 states and five foreign countries.

“I am delighted to see this impressive increase in our enrollment numbers,” McAffee said. “We pray the Lord will continue His transformative work in the lives of these students He has entrusted to our care.”

“Particularly exciting is the increase in new students this year, both freshmen and transfer students,” McAffee said. This fall 93 new students enrolled in on-campus programs at Welch, a 21% increase from last year’s new freshman and transfer enrollment of 77. A total of 116 new students joined the student body for the new school year, including graduate, online, and adult studies enrollments. 1984 was the last year fall enrollment was higher, with a headcount of 417.

At press time the college reported 200 dormitory students, 53 commuter students, 27 graduate students, 18 Enriched Adult Studies students, 38 Online/Lifetime Learning students, and 68 dual enrollment students. The fall’s full-time equivalency (FTE) is 300 students, the highest in 12 years.

President Matt Pinson said, “We’re thankful to God for this blessing of another increase in dormitory and FTE enrollment. This is the most dorm students we’ve had in many years, and we’re grateful to the Lord for His providential blessing. In a time when most college and university dorm enrollment is flat or declining, it’s wonderful to see ours going up.”

President Pinson continued, “I commend Daniel Wester, Debbie Mouser, and the entire enrollment team for their diligent work in bringing in this excellent class of new students, our largest incoming class since 2006.”

To contact Welch College for more information, email recruit@welch.edu or visit the college’s website at www.welch.edu.