Whatever your future occupation may be, we want you to know that life is about God. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.
At Welch College, you will be part of a community where students and professors know who you are.
Our students love it here, and you will too! You will have a great time making friendships that last a lifetime while learning in a safe, wholesome environment.
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College’s Rejoice! Ministry Team announces that their 2026 summer tour will begin Sunday, May 31, according to Dr. Todd Parrish, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. During their four-week tour, the thirteen-member vocal ensemble will hold services in eight churches in eight different states. The group will also attend Free Will Baptist state meetings in Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio.
“This year’s Rejoice! program includes hymns, gospel songs, and modern worship arrangements intended to minister to the hearts of the people we will visit,” Parrish said.
The members of the 2026 Rejoice! Ministry Team are Foster Beck, Opal Beck, Malena Campis, Marc Edgmon, Sarah Krummel, Camden Lewis, Abby Long, Joseph Lovett, Asher Matchett, Rachel Palmero, Jacob Robertson, Lindsey Slitti, and Rachael Wilkerson.
“Psalm 40:3 declares, ‘He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord,’” said Parrish. “The Rejoice! Ministry Team is excited to share the new song of the gospel to everyone they encounter on this tour. Please pray many will come to trust the Lord as a result of their ministry this summer.”
May 31 Hendersonville Free Will Baptist Church – Hendersonville, TN
June 4−5 Texas State Meeting – Cedar Park, TX
June 7 First Free Will Baptist Church – Pocahontas, AR
June 8−9 North Carolina State Meeting – Greensboro, NC
June 10 Peace Free Will Baptist Church – Florence, SC
June 14 First Free Will Baptist Church of Tampa – Seffner, FL
June 17 Free Will Baptist Church of Roanoke – Roanoke, VA
June 18−19 Virginia State Meeting – Roanoke, VA
June 21 McCorkle Free Will Baptist Church – Sod, WV
June 24 Heritage Free Will Baptist Church – Columbus, OH
June 25−27 Ohio State Meeting – Columbus, OH
June 28 Woodhaven Free Will Baptist Church – Woodhaven, MI
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College President Matt Pinson announced that this year’s Strong and Courageous Award will be presented to Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly at the college’s annual banquet celebrating Christian faith in the Sumner County community.
Mrs. Oglesby-Sutherly, a seventeen-year resident of Middle Tennessee, originally from Hope, Arkansas, is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Veranda Ministries, a faith-based respite program that ministers to adults living with dementia-related illnesses and their families.
Driven by a passion for relationship-based holistic care, Mary Anne earned triple certification as a trainer, consultant, and coach in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC) and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner with specialized training from both the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
As the host of the acclaimed podcast “Aging, Angst, and Alleluias,” Mary Anne offers education, support, strategies, and interviews with field experts to help care partners who are navigating dementia’s complexities.
Mary Anne has strongly advocated for families living with dementia in the public arena and successfully lobbied for legislation that expands care and support to those living with dementia-related illnesses in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Welch College’s annual Strong and Courageous banquet is a scholarship event to raise funds for Sumner County students. Strong and Courageous has raised over $325,000 for student scholarships at Welch. Past Strong and Courageous award winners are Rev. David Landrith (posthumous), Congressman Diane & Dr. David Black, Bob & Karen Goodall, Dr. Charles Lea, Rev. Doug & Linda Varnado, Rev. Jerry Moll, and Mrs. Joi Wasill.
Strong and Courageous will be held in Celorio Hall on the campus of Welch College, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. To support this event, contact the Office for Institutional Advancement at Welch College (615-675-5255) or visit welch.edu/strongandcourageous.
GALLATIN, TN—The fall 2025 semester at Welch College ended with 77 students receiving academic recognition, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. This honor list includes both Online and Enriched Adult Studies students whose fall courses ended in December. McAffee stated, “We congratulate these high performing students for their academic achievement. They have worked hard for this accomplishment.”
Twenty-two made all A’s and were placed on the President’s List—9 seniors, 5 juniors, 7 sophomores, and 1 freshman. Fifty-five earned a 3.25 GPA and all A’s and B’s and were placed on the Provost’s List—21 seniors, 11 juniors, 16 sophomores, and 7 freshmen.
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College is seeking a Dean of Students with a strong commitment to student development, spiritual formation, and campus community life to provide leadership across all areas of student services.
The Dean of Students will report to Dr. Daniel Webster, Vice President of Administration and Student Engagement. This individual will provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight for student life, ensuring that programs, policies, and practices align with the mission and values of Welch College.
Key Responsibilities
The Dean of Students will supervise resident directors and related personnel; establish and enforce policies governing student conduct; and ensure the consistent application of institutional standards. The position will also oversee student counseling and support services, working closely with campus leadership to promote student well-being and success.
Additional responsibilities include advising and supporting the student council and other student organizations; providing leadership for student activities and campus engagement; and collaborating with faculty and staff to address student concerns effectively. The Dean will also assume other responsibilities as assigned by the President and the Vice President of Administration and Student Engagement, consistent with institutional needs.
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
At least five years of leadership experience in student services or a closely related area
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Commitment to student development, discipleship, and community life
Active church involvement, Christian commitment, and alignment with the mission of the college
Deep understanding of and commitment to the Christian worldview and its application to life in a Christian community of faith and learning
Interested candidates should submit the following:
A cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position
A detailed resume
A 1,000 to 2,000-word essay discussing the application of the Christian worldview to the creation of a Christ-centered atmosphere for Christian college students living in a residential community that fosters the integration of faith and learning
Contact information for three professional references
Please send this information to Daniel Webster, Vice President of Administration and Student Engagement, at the address listed below or via email at daniel.webster@welch.edu by April 20.
Welch College is a Christian college located in Gallatin, Tennessee, whose mission is to educate Christian leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. The college is committed to providing high-quality education in a supportive, spiritually enriching environment.
The college looks forward to welcoming a dedicated leader who will invest in the students of our Christian community of faith and learning.
Daniel Webster Welch College 1045 Bison Trail Gallatin, TN 37066
GALLATIN, TN—Dr. Edward E. Moody, Jr., Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, and Chris Truett, Pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston, North Carolina, will be addressing the Welch College graduating class of 2026 on May 7–8, according to Welch President Matt Pinson. Truett will bring the Baccalaureate sermon Thursday evening, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. Moody will address the graduates during the Commencement ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8.
Moody has served as Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists since 2019. He earned his B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Welch College, his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from North Carolina State University. Dr. Moody and his wife Lynne have two adult children, Mackenzie and Mitchell, both graduates of Welch.
Chris Truett has served as Lead Pastor of Bethel Church since 2013, previously serving as Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor since 1997. He holds a B.S. in Church Music from Welch College and an M.A. in Worship Studies from Liberty University. Truett is an active member of the Free Will Baptist denomination and is a Welch College trustee. He and his wife Kim have three sons, Hunter, Jonathan, a graduate of Welch, and Easton, who is a member of the Welch Class of 2026.
“Commencement activities are moments of profound importance in the Welch campus community, especially for our graduates and their families,” Pinson said. “It highlights our mission to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. We invite friends, family, and alumni to join us in this special time of celebration.”
To learn more about Welch College, visit welch.edu.
