Derek Altom, a 2007 graduate of Welch College will be joining the advancement team at Welch College in October as office manager for the Office of Institutional Advancement. An Indiana native, Derek has held ministry positions in Alabama and Oklahoma. He served as youth and children’s pastor at New Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Nauvoo, Alabama, and most recently as senior pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church, Ada, Oklahoma.
While at Welch, Derek was a four-year member of the college choir, traveling three years on college ministry teams. He served as student body worship leader his senior year.
Altom is married to Jennifer Bryan Altom, also a 2007 Welch graduate. Derek and Jennifer are the proud parents of four children, Stephen, Larry, Josiah, and Silas.
“Welch College has invested so much in my development academically, professionally, and spiritually. It excites me to have the opportunity to return and begin doing the same for the people of our denomination, especially with those students who are training at Welch. I believe in the mission of the college and am looking forward to working with the great men and women who minister at Welch,” Altom said.
Mike Edwards, director of the annual fund, said, “I am thrilled to have Derek join the advancement team. Welch College is blessed to have him come on board. I was Derek’s pastor during his teen and early college years. I’ve watched him grow and become a disciplined spiritual leader, loving husband, and caring dad. His love and enthusiasm for Welch College is contagious. I look forward to working with Derek.”
David Williford, vice president for Institutional Advancement said “We are excited that Derek is joining our team. He was a part of this office as a student worker and also as a ministry team representative. He is a man of the highest integrity. We are pleased to have him join us once again.”