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—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.
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College proudly announces that Katie Bryan, head coach of the Welch College Lady Flames basketball team, has been named the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II National Coach of the Year. The honor recognizes Bryan’s outstanding leadership during a historic season for Welch College women’s basketball.
Bryan, who has served as head coach of the Lady Flames for 12 years, led the team to a record-breaking season highlighted by winning the program’s Regional Championship. Her leadership has helped elevate the women’s basketball program and establish the Lady Flames as a competitive force within the division.
Under Bryan’s direction, the Lady Flames have emphasized not only athletic excellence but also the Christian character and development of student-athletes. The program’s recent success reflects years of dedication to building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Bryan is a graduate of Welch College, earning an associate’s degree in biology in 2012 before completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Belmont University in 2014.
Her passion for basketball began at a young age through middle school and high school competition and continued into her collegiate years. Bryan later served alongside her father in coaching before eventually taking the helm of the Lady Flames program.
Karilyn Wieting also received the honor of First Team All-American for the NCCAA Division II. These prestigious acknowledgements further cement a historic season for the Welch College Lady Flames.
To inquire about participating in Welch athletics, email recruit@welch.edu.
GALLATIN, TN—Dr. Gavin Ortlund, President of Truth Unites, will deliver a series of guest lectures during the 2026 Leroy Forlines Lectures at Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson. The presentations are scheduled for April 13–14, 10:00 to 12:00, in Celorio Auditorium on the Welch campus. Ortlund’s topic will be “Reasons to Be Protestant.”
The Leroy Forlines Lectures began in 1993 at Welch College as a means of bringing well known speakers to campus who could address challenging issues of the day related to theology, philosophy, worldview, world mission, and other topics. They are named for long-time Welch professor and dean F. Leroy Forlines. The lectureship is made possible by means of a generous endowment by Professor Forlines’s wife Dr. Fay Forlines.
“It’s a special privilege to host Dr. Ortlund at Welch to deliver the Forlines Lectures,” President Pinson said. “He has done more than anyone to discuss with generations young and old the importance and biblical reasons for being Protestant in an era where many in Generation Z are decrying the shallowness of evangelical church life, looking for a way out, and even questioning Protestantism. Gavin is the best person to address this topic, and it’s such an honor to have him speak at Welch.”
Ortlund is President of the Christian apologetics ministry Truth Unites, Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville, and Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary. He has a Ph.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary in historical theology, an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Ortlund is the author of nine books as well as numerous academic and popular articles. His book What It Means to Be Protestant won the Christianity Today 2024 Book of the Year award. He is also author of the award-winning 2021 book Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t. He is a sought-after speaker at churches and conferences around the country. He and his wife Esther have five children.
The Forlines Lectures are open and free of charge to the public. Gifts to help make the Forlines Lectures possible may be made to Welch College by sending a check marked “Forlines Lectures” to Welch College, 1045 Bison Trail, Gallatin, TN 37066, or by giving online at welch.edu/give with designation to the lecture series.
