Welch College Graduates 68 in Class of 2021 in Commencement Exercises

Welch College Graduates 68 in Class of 2021 in Commencement Exercises

by | May 20, 2021

Welch College conferred degrees on 68 graduates for the class of 2021 and recognized 26 recipients of degrees from the class of 2020 on Friday, May 7, according to Provost Matthew McAffee.

The college held two commencement ceremonies in the Student Activities Center. Attendees for both ceremonies were scaled back owing to COVID-19 social distancing protocols. Both ceremonies accommodated additional guests with overflow seating for livestream coverage in Celorio Auditorium.

During the 10:00 a.m. ceremony, the institution awarded all bachelor’s degrees to the Class of 2021. In the 2:00 p.m. ceremony, the college granted associate’s and master’s degrees for graduates of 2021 and recognized participants from the graduating Class of 2020.

Dr. Steve Lemke, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Provost Emeritus at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered the commencement address for both ceremonies. He challenged graduates to pursue their vocational aspirations as a spiritual calling. All graduates, regardless of major, he said, are being sent out on mission to make a difference in the world for the kingdom of Christ.

President Matt Pinson recognized Dr. Ron Callaway on his retirement from the faculty, the longest-serving Missions/Intercultural Studies professor in the colleges’s history. The president also recognized Dr. Thurman Pate, former chair of the Teacher Education Department, for his retirement from the faculty in May 2020. Other retiree recognitions included long-time Christian Service director Mr. John Murray, who served three decades in this post after missionary service; former director of online studies Mr. Allan Crowson, former director of cleaning operations Mr. Ernie Thomson; and Special Assistant to the President Dr. Charles Lea.

The college commends to you and to the work of the Lord the members of the 2021 and 2020 graduating classes.

Class of 2021

Associate of Science Degrees

Laura Ann Boivin
Gallatin, TN
Early Childhood

Lee Ann Branch
Darlington, SC
Business

Katelynn Grace Chandler
De Soto, MO
Biology

Rebekah Elaine Ammini Chapman
Hannibal, MO
Biology

Julianna Celeste Foster
Hendersonville, TN
Biology

Kelli Savannah Kelly
Fayette, Alabama
Business

Halle Beth Lewis
Norman, OK
Biology

Shelby Louise Owens
La Vergne, TN
Biology

Ashleigh Marlene Sage
Wilson, NC
Biology

Lillian Claire Simpson
Hendersonville, TN
Biology

Kalena Elaine Taylor
Dover, TN
Teacher Education for Early Childhood

Naomi Duran Vazquez
Bethpage, TN
Biology

Associate of Arts Degrees

Loren Danielle Craig
Hermitage, TN
Teaching

Joy Faith Green
Pleasant Shade, TN
Teaching

Abigail Lynn Myers
Flat Rock, MI
Teaching

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Emily Elizabeth Abel*
Hendersonville, TN
Child Development and Learning

Justice J. Alameda
Chattanooga, TN
Psychology

Catherine Rose Blades***
Cedar Hill, TN
Biology

Kenae Ashley Briggs
Chesterfield, VA
Psychology

Adam William Brown***
Eldorado, IL
Theological Studies

Mikaela Deanna Bullard**
Virginia Beach, VA
Psychology

Blake Christopher Chandler***
Westmoreland, TN
Business Administration

Makenzie Grace Crain*
Portland, TN
Psychology

Michaela Roshele Easley***
Dickson, TN
Early Childhood

James Wilson Gates
Pleasant View, TN
Exercise Science

Hannah Katherine Gorrell**
Scott Depot, WV
Biology Education

Allyson Kate Greenwood*
Nashville, TN
Elementary Education

Stacey Young Haralson
Nashville, TN
Theological Studies

Rachel DeAnn Hastings
Owasso, OK
Business Administration

Kelsey Renee Horton**
Ashland City, TN
Child Development and Learning

Bryan Thomas Houser***
Chesterfield, VA
Music Performance

Jami Miranda Howell**
Chipley, FL
Psychology

Daniel Elmore Hunter*
Tuscaloosa, AL
Biology

Margaret Grace Jackson
Algood, TN
Theological Studies

Tyler Jordan Justice
Greenville, NC
Business

Samuel Arden Lane*
Bluff City, TN
Psychology

John Andrew McClure
Pleasant View, TN
Music Performance

Destinee Autumn Payne***
Box Elder, SD
Child Development and Learning

Jonathan McGuire Payne***
Ina, IL
Theological Studies

Ashlee Rose Presley*
Oak Ridge, TN
Psychology

Laurel Madelyn Woodis Pruitt**
White House, TN
Child Development and Learning

Elaine Taylor Park Pugh*
Gallatin, TN
Psychology

Kendal Lee Ryan***
Ina, IL
English, Secondary Education

Ashley Rae Sammons
Westerville, OH
Psychology

Jim Bryson Taylor
Roan Mountain, TN
Theological Studies

William Garry Walker*
Spruce Pine, AL
Theological Studies

Rebecca Lynn Wall*
Belmont, NC
Psychology

Kullen Reece Williams***
Antioch, TN
Theological Studies

Emily Claire Wise*
Lebanon, TN
Psychology

Andrew Bryant Yerby**
Fayette, AL
Business Administration

Elizabeth Ann Yerby**
Madison, AL
Child Development and Learning

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Hailey Savannah Boyer*
Fredericktown, MO
English

Hannah Katherine Goucher**
Hernando, MS
Intercultural Studies

Taylor Melayne Pate**
Lake Butler, FL
Intercultural Studies

Kasey L Perry
Goldsboro, NC
English

Mallie Scott Sharenberger***
Elmwood, TN
History

Jonathan Brooks Truett*
Kinston, NC
Pastoral Ministry

Bachelor of Music Education

Summer Dawn Walker**
Depew, NY
Music Education

Master of Arts Degrees

Derek Allen Altom
Old Hickory, TN
Theology and Ministry

Russell Douglas Houske
Gallatin, TN
Theology and Ministry

Joshua Allen Hunter
Pleasant View, TN
Theology and Ministry

Lazaro Riesgo
Miami, FL
Theology and Ministry

Matthew Wayne Rose
Coeburn, VA
Theology and Ministry

Carl David Short
Blue Springs, MO
Theology and Ministry

Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees
Jennifer Trice Morrison
Gallatin, TN
Special Education

Carrigan Taylor Pate
Hendersonville, TN
Teaching

Hannah Elizabeth Postlewaite
Christiansted, VI
Teaching

Maredith Claire Ryan
Hendersonville, TN
Instructional Leadership 

Class of 2020

Associate of Science Degrees

Tanner Michael Carson
Gallatin, TN
Business

Kiera Kiyomi Jorden
Grand Junction, CO
Biology

Robert Michael Mackinley Waddell
Joelton, TN
Biology

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Meagan Marie Fulcher Charlton*
Ayden, NC
English
Licensure 6-12

Nikolette Jones Collier
Tuscaloosa, AL
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-5

Emilee Savannah Davis**
Charlotte, NC
Psychology

Ryan Alexander Erb
Knoxville, TN
Business Administration

Emma Elizabeth Guthrie*
Hartford, IL
Psychology

Hannah Noel Reynolds Jimmeye*
North Kingstown, RI
Exercise Science

Avery Noell Jones**
Owasso, OK
Business Administration

Kinsley Victoria Kivette***
Sevierville, TN
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-5

Allison Marie Pogue
Wentzville, MO
History
Licensure 6-12

Jacklyn Rachel Grizzle Reed***
Bristol, TN
Business Administration

Kelsey Lynn Reed
Perryville, MO
Business Administration

Daniel Alejandro Rojas***
Prosser, WA
History
Licensure 6-12

Newman Maxwell Ward
Mount Juliet, TN
Exercise Science

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Abigail Caitlin Fawbush*
Greenbrier, TN
Humanities

Jacqueline Abigail Hunter**
Pleasant View, TN
Humanities

Sarah Elizabeth Pierce*
Mount Vernon, IL
Intercultural Studies

Master of Arts Degrees

Joshua Blake Alderman
Dothan, AL
Theology and Ministry

William Ross Hicks
West Plains, MO
Theology and Ministry

Brandon Kyle Presley
Knoxville, TN
Theology and Ministry

Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

Rejyna McClure Beck
Cottontown, TN
Teaching

Joshua Patrick Burba
Nashville, TN
Teaching

Cassie Morgan Davenport
Gallatin, TN
Teaching

Christine Ruth Lewis
Chicago, IL
Special Education

 

*** Summa Cum Laude – 3.75
** Magna Cum Laude-3.50
* Cum Laude-3.25
† Not Present

Letter from President Pinson Regarding Commencement

Letter from President Pinson Regarding Commencement

by | Feb 12, 2021

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

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

by | Apr 4, 2019

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

by | Mar 28, 2019

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

by | Sep 21, 2018

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.