by jowens | Oct 31, 2017
GALLATIN, TN— Over 900 people gathered at Welch College recently to dedicate its new campus and celebrate 75 years of service to Christ’s kingdom, according to Welch President Matt Pinson. Guests at the September 29 celebration included alumni, donors, denominational leaders, local and state political figures, Free Will Baptist supporters, local community leaders, and academic representatives from various institutions of higher education.
“Our people were there to celebrate three quarters of a century of God’s goodness and faithfulness,” President Pinson said. “They came to celebrate the culmination of a vision for campus relocation that spread over two presidential administrations at Welch. And they came to celebrate a future that is exciting and promising.”
The celebration began with an academic convocation, which was immediately followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Leaders from the Free Will Baptist denomination, community and governmental leaders, and higher education representatives expressed words of gratitude and commendation, and hymns and songs resonated from the audience, college choir, and alumni choir.
Following a barbeque luncheon under a tent on the quadrangle, guests enjoyed campus tours, a musical concert, children’s activities, and alumni reunions. The day ended with an encore presentation of The Slipper and the Rose performed by the Welch College Drama Department and Choral Union.
The public phase of the Building on the Legacy campaign was formally announced at the celebration, with the unveiling of the Pave the Way brick campaign. The campaign provides the opportunity for bricks to be purchased and installed at a future time on the Gallatin campus. Bricks are $250 and can be purchased in memory of, in honor of, or in the donor’s name. More information can be found at buildingonthelegacy.com.
To see videos of the dedication ceremony and events, please visit welch.edu/dedication.
by jowens | Oct 31, 2017
GALLATIN, TN— On October 10, Reader’s Digest named Gallatin, Tennessee, “Nicest Place in America 2017,” according to President Matt Pinson.
Reader’s Digest launched the “Nicest Place in America” contest in April 2017 in partnership with the private social network, Nextdoor. Hundreds of communities were nominated, with only ten locations chosen for voting. These ten cities received almost 80,000 votes, with more than 30,000 cast for Gallatin.
Reader’s Digest cites Gallatin’s faith communities and racial unity as the main reasons for Gallatin’s “Nicest Place” title. This was specifically showcased in the city’s reaction to a tragic police shooting, when nearly 100 community members gathered for a prayer vigil.
Founded in 1802, Gallatin has been transformed from a farm community to a booming suburban city. Despite its fast growth, Gallatin continues to maintain the traditional hospitality of a southern town. “Gallatin’s southern charm is one of its remarkable traits,” Pinson said. “Its commitment to the well-being of its citizens, its friendliness to the Christian community, and its support of nonprofit charity and service work make it a great fit for Welch College.”
“There’s no doubt that the Welch campus community both contributes to and benefits from Gallatin’s positive reputation. With over 10,000 hours of annual community service, local church involvement, and student job placement, Welch College will continue to serve Christ, His Church, and His world in Gallatin.”
To read more about the “Nicest Place in America,” pick up the November issue of Reader’s Digest or visit www.rd.com/nicest.
by jowens | Oct 28, 2017
Dear Welch College Family,
As many of you know by now, this afternoon a worker under the employment and supervision of SouthLand Constructors, our construction management firm, was killed in a construction-related accident on the Welch campus. We are praying earnestly for his family, that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Welch family is shocked and saddened by this sudden, tragic accident. SouthLand Constructors has been very concerned about the utmost safety of this project for the past two-and-a-half years, and we are deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence. We lift this family up in prayer, asking our entire college family to join us in prayer in this very painful moment for this family and our campus community.
Sincerely,
Matt Pinson
President
by jowens | Sep 18, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College received notification that the institution ranks 26th among “Best Regional Colleges” (South Region) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 edition of America’s Best Colleges guidebook, according to President Matt Pinson. The numerical ranking of 26 in the 2018 South Region indicates a rise of 5 places above the 2017 edition ranking of 31. Welch was also ranked 21 among “Best Value” Colleges in the South, and ranked 5th “Best Value” of all colleges and universities in Tennessee.
“How gratifying it is to see Welch ranked among America’s best colleges in this prestigious national study,” President Pinson said. “We are delighted that the college’s academic programs are recognized not only by our supporters but also by those beyond the institution. This recognition reassures prospective students and their parents that Welch remains a top-quality institution of higher learning that delivers on their educational investment, while keeping Christ at the center of the college experience.”
The “Best Regional Colleges” category where Welch is ranked includes 324 institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts and in professional fields such as business, nursing, and education. Colleges in this category are ranked within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.
U.S. News rankings offer opportunity to judge the relative quality of institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and more.
Welch received especially high marks in four strategic areas—percent of classes with under 20 students (90%), student/faculty ratio (8/1), first-year student retention rate (71%), and freshmen in the top 25% of their high school class (52%).
Provost Matthew McAffee said, “Once again Welch College has made significant gains in U.S. News & World Report rankings, moving up from 31 to 26. Although rankings like this are not the only gauge of an institution’s excellence and academic credibility, it is nonetheless a helpful external benchmark for us. This year again marks an incremental gain in our reputation among peer institutions. We are thankful for this blessing!”
More information is available about the rankings and methodology in the annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook at: www.usnews.com/collegemeth.
by jowens | Sep 17, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College has enrolled 367 students from 25 states and two other countries for the 2017 fall semester, according to Provost Matthew McAffee, a near-8% increase from last year’s numbers. Enrollment statistics indicate a diverse student body with a wide range of academic interests.
“We are grateful for the Lord’s blessing on Welch College in granting us this increase in student enrollment,” McAffee said. “We have a wonderful group of gifted students who are ready to pursue God’s calling on their lives. My impression of this group of Welch students leads me to anticipate a great year of academic excellence and spiritual formation.”
Two of the most exciting developments are the number of new students and dormitory students enrolled this semester. College officials report 94 new students, an increase of 57%, and 194 dormitory students, a 12% increase over last year’s numbers.
At press time the college reported 194 dormitory students, 16 commuter students, 17 graduate students, 11 Enriched Adult Studies students, 58 Online/Lifetime Learning students, and 71 dual enrollment students. Officials set the fall semester 2017 full-time student equivalency (FTE) at 275.
By classification they include 90 Freshmen, 64 Sophomores, 42 Juniors, and 55 Seniors, as well as graduate, non-degree part-time, and dual enrollment students.
By states, students number:
| Alabama |
15 |
| Arizona |
1 |
| Arkansas |
14 |
| California |
4 |
| Colorado |
1 |
| Florida |
14 |
| Georgia |
9 |
| Illinois |
13 |
| Indiana |
3 |
| Kansas |
1 |
| Kentucky |
2 |
| Michigan |
6 |
| Mississippi |
5 |
| Missouri |
14 |
| North Carolina |
26 |
| Ohio |
4 |
| Oklahoma |
6 |
| Pennsylvania |
1 |
| Rhode Island |
2 |
| South Carolina |
8 |
| South Dakota |
1 |
| Tennessee |
181 |
| Texas |
4 |
| Virginia |
8 |
| West Virginia |
1 |
| International |
23 |
President Matt Pinson said, “There’s nothing like the excitement of fall enrollment on the Welch campus. The dreams of graduating seniors combine with the energy of incoming freshmen to put a smile on every face. Our prayer is that not the increase in numbers but the Holy Spirit, by the power of His Word, will create an unparalleled zeal in our students this year.”
To contact Welch College for more information, email recruit@welch.edu or visit the college’s website at welch.edu.
