by jowens | Feb 22, 2018
The 39-voice Welch College Choir will give seven performances March 14-20 in a seven-day tour through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, according to David Williford, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Dr. James Stevens, choir conductor and chairman of the Welch Music Department, invites area churches to join with host congregations for the choir’s vocal presentation. The tour program will consist of sacred choral selections and gospel songs designed to evangelize and encourage.
“We really want to encourage local churches and youth groups to mark their calendars and make every effort to attend a service in their area,” Williford said. “We also want to ask people to pray for the health and safety of the choir as they travel and present God’s Word, and to pray that God would bless in every service.”
Spring Tour Schedule
|
| March 14, 2018 |
7:00 p.m. |
Sutton Free Will Baptist Church |
Pocahontas, AR |
| March 15, 2018 |
7:00 p.m. |
First Free Will Baptist Church |
North Little Rock, AR |
| March 16, 2018 |
7:00 p.m. |
First Free Will Baptist Church |
Greenwood, AR |
| March 18, 2018 |
11:00 a.m. |
Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church |
Jenks, OK |
| March 18, 2018 |
6:00 p.m. |
Wellington Free Will Baptist Church |
Wellington, KS |
| March 19, 2018 |
7:00 p.m. |
First Free Will Baptist Church |
Ozark, MO |
| March 20, 2018 |
7:00 p.m. |
Calvary Free Will Baptist Church |
Salem, IL |
by jowens | Feb 22, 2018
Welch College received notification that it has been certified as a 2018 Best Christian Workplace in the United States, according to Dr. Kevin Hester, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness. This is the fourth time the college has participated in the BCW survey. The survey has been conducted for the past twelve years by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI)—anonymously surveying over 100,000 employees to date.
“This is the most widely used assessment instrument for gauging the health of workplace culture,” Hester said. “Welch regularly uses it as one of several means whereby we judge the health of the overall organization and constantly strive for improvement. We’re excited to learn that once again our results have qualified us as a Best Christian Workplace. The survey results indicate that not only is Welch College a great place to study and learn, but it has a flourishing culture and engaged staff committed to our mission of educating leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world. I love going to work at Welch College, and I am grateful to have such a Christ-like, committed group of fellow believers as coworkers.”
To be certified as a Best Christian Workplace, organizations must complete the BCWI employee engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. The survey covers such issues as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian witness, supervisory effectiveness, work satisfaction, personal growth and development, management effectiveness, supporter satisfaction, teamwork, communications, and pay and benefits.
The top five most favorable responses from Welch employees, in comparison to other Certified Best Christian Workplaces, were:
–Over the past year, Welch College has met its goals.
–Welch College retains highly capable staff/employees.
–I would prefer to remain with Welch College even if a comparable role at a higher pay level were
available in another organization.
–Welch College has an effective strategy for meeting the needs of those we serve.
–There is a high level of trust between leaders and staff/employees at Welch College.
The anonymous survey of full-time employees at Welch College had a 97% response rate. The survey posed 60 questions to employees, grouped under nine major areas: Fantastic Teams, Life-Giving Work, Outstanding Talent, Uplifting Growth, Rewarding Compensation, Inspirational Leadership, Sustainable Strategy, Healthy Communication, and Engagement Overall. Welch scored above the average of Certified Best Christian Workplaces in all nine areas.
Welch Provost Dr. Matthew McAffee said, “One of the top marks of effective organizations is that a lot of people want to work there, and when they come to work there, they don’t want to leave. We’re grateful we have this at Welch, and it’s gratifying to see it evidenced in this national survey.”
The top eleven questions employees rated Welch highest on, and which received a rating of greater than 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “strongly agree,” were:
–In my area we work effectively as a team.
–I am very satisfied with the opportunities I have to use my spiritual gifts in my role.
–The mission and goals at Welch College make me feel my work is important.
–My supervisor cares about me as a person.
–My supervisor helps me to solve work-related problems.
–Leaders at Welch College exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
–Leaders at Welch College demonstrate compassion for people at all levels.
–Leaders at Welch College keep a focus on putting Christ first in daily decision-making.
–Welch College reflects Christ to the world.
–I would recommend that my family/friends use or support the programs/services of Welch College.
–I am motivated to put in extra effort beyond what is expected to help Welch College succeed.
BCWI is a research-based organization and human resources consulting firm based in Mercer Island, Washington. Its purpose is to serve faith-based organizations by creating processes of discovery, facilitating organizational effectiveness, and encouraging practices that build healthy workplaces.
For more information on Welch College, visit Welch.edu. To give a gift to fund the construction of the new Welch campus, visit BuildingontheLegacy.com.
by jowens | Feb 19, 2018
Welch College recently announced a new expanded summer school program for the Summer of 2018, according to Dr. Charles Lea, Special Assistant to the President at Welch College.
“College students who are home for the summer from both public and private colleges and universities or new students waiting to begin in the fall can attend Welch and improve their chances of completing a bachelor’s degree in only four years,” Lea said. “Welch College is expanding offerings, simplifying the admission process, and reducing tuition for new students, as well as transient students from other colleges or universities while home in Sumner County for summer break.” Courses will also be available for high school juniors and seniors who wish to obtain dual enrollment credit.
General education, Bible, and selected science courses will be offered in two five-week and two two-week summer sessions. College officials said that the admission process for the summer terms has been streamlined, making it easier to enroll.
“In addition to the expanded offering, Welch will introduce a new instructional delivery option, which allows students to attend class five days a week for two weeks and complete the remainder of the course through an independent study option during either five-week term,” said Welch Provost Matthew McAffee. “Most importantly, credits are transferable.”
The lower tuition structure will make Welch the most cost-efficient Christian college in the mid-state. Welch College is a Christian college that offers over 40 programs of study and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the South’s “Best Colleges.”
“This summer, students can have it all: lower cost, highest quality, transferable credits, innovative instructional delivery, and a Christian environment,” Lea said. “Don’t waste the summer break. Experience a summer at Welch and see the difference!”
Those interested in applying can visit the Welch College website at welch.edu/summerschool or call 615.675.5336. Classes begin for the first five-week term May 21.
by jowens | Feb 19, 2018
The Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC) recognized Welch College Vice President for Financial Affairs Craig Mahler as the 2018 H. G. Faulkner Distinguished Business Officer of the Year, according to President Matt Pinson. ABACC, a professional society of 183 Christian colleges in the United States and Canada, recognizes outstanding individuals in the field of Christian Higher Education business and financial management. Mahler was presented the award February 15 during ABACC’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida.
“It is clear from Craig’s staff’s nomination of him for this award that he goes above and beyond his job description to serve his institution and that his colleagues hold him in great respect,” said Bruce Hoeker, Executive Director of ABACC.
Mahler was named Vice President for Financial Affairs at Welch College in January 2012. He previously served six years as the college’s comptroller (2006-2012). Mahler oversees the Business Office, Financial Aid Office, and Plant Operations.
In addition to his duties as chief financial officer, Mahler has been an essential part of the campus relocation effort, serving on the Transition Planning Committee and Relocation Task Force. Mahler was crucial in executing the campus transition from Nashville to Gallatin, volunteering significant time after hours. The Welch Student Body recognized Mahler as the 2017 recipient of the Bert and Dianne Tippet Award in honor of his diligent work.
Pinson stated, “We could not have faced the challenges of relocation without Craig Mahler’s integrity, work ethic, and expertise. He is wholeheartedly committed to the ministry of Welch College, and we are so proud of him for receiving this singular honor.”
Mahler graduated with honors from Tennessee Technological University, receiving a B.S. in business administration in 2004, and he received his Master of Business Administration from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2016. Mahler spent several years in TTU’s Internal Audit Division while a student at the university and was involved in specialized management training at DeKalb Community Bank, now Wilson Bank & Trust, in Smithville, Tennessee.
Craig and his wife Sabrina have two daughters, Lily and Madeline. He and his family live in Carthage, TN.
by jowens | Feb 2, 2018
Welch College has announced two openings for Resident Directors in its men’s and women’s residence halls, according to Dr. Jon Forlines, Vice President for Student Services.
“After several years of stable occupancy and management in these positions, our men’s and women’s Resident Director positions will both be open after this spring semester,” Forlines said. “We’re seeking mature Christian role models for our students who can engage in mentoring, spiritual formation, and restorative discipline with dorm students on our new campus in Gallatin, Tennessee.”
Those interested in applying for either of the positions should email a résumé and cover letter to Jon Forlines at jforlines@welch.edu with Resident Director typed in the subject line. A job description will then be emailed to the applicant. The deadline for receiving résumés is Friday, February 16, 2018.
