by jowens | Jun 19, 2015
Dear Friends of Welch College,
I am thrilled to report that the college has closed on the sale of its West End Avenue campus and is set to begin construction on its new campus site!
The campus was purchased by Mike Ford Custom Builders, LLC, a custom home building company in Middle Tennessee that is well-known for its fine homes in neighborhoods such as Westhaven, Windstone, and LaurelBrooke in nearby Franklin and Brentwood. That firm plans to construct multi-family units on the four contiguous lots on West End Avenue and single-family homes on Richland Avenue. Davidson Hall, the college’s first building, will be restored and sold as a single-family home.
CEO Mike Ford said, “We are so excited about this project. We are very thankful to be able to play the major role in adding 50 wonderful homes to this community. It’s already been very rewarding to meet and work with folks at Welch College. We couldn’t be happier that we have been able to help the college realize its dream of a new campus. I’d just like to thank everyone involved.”
The sale included all the campus property except Welch Library. We believe that the buzz of new construction in the neighborhood will increase the price of that home, one of the most important historic homes in Nashville.
This transaction is even better than the offer the college had from Aquinas College two years ago. We are grateful for that, because construction costs have risen since that time. Furthermore, we are increasing the square footage of our residence halls because of the 30 percent growth in dorm enrollment Welch experienced over the past two years. We are grateful to our development consultant, Dudley Smith of Land Innovations, and his team, as well as our realtors, Rick French and Ellen Christianson, for their invaluable help in making this sale a reality.
The new campus will be built on a 66-acre site in Gallatin, Tennessee, which the college acquired for $3 million in 2008, and which was recently appraised at $5.8 million. This property, a short 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, is situated in a fast-growing suburban community in Sumner County.
The site meets all the criteria the college set at the beginning of its land search. Much like the current campus, the new property is close to a limited access freeway, being less than a mile off State Route 386 (Vietnam Veterans Boulevard). It is near medical and educational resources and job opportunities for students, is surrounded by new housing developments, and is still in the Greater Nashville area.
Summer County is experiencing rapid economic and population growth. An array of restaurants, shops, and malls are opening in retail developments such as the Streets of Indian Lake, located a few minutes from the campus. Healthcare facilities and housing developments are also being built at an impressive rate.
Bob Bass, campus relocation consultant, said, “The location of the new campus site is excellent. Within a few minutes of the campus are both affordable homes for faculty and staff, as well as Fairvue Plantation and Foxland, high-end housing developments that provide job opportunities similar to what the college’s current Belle Meade surroundings have offered Welch students for decades.”
Sumner County’s vibrant economy, along with its inviting small-city atmosphere, means that the college will have the benefits of the larger Nashville community as well as the charm and convenience of the Gallatin and Hendersonville communities.
Colonel Mark Johnson, chairman of the Relocation Task Force, who spearheaded the property search, said, “We looked at over 100 potential sites before deciding on this beautiful land in Sumner County. Gallatin city officials, as well as business and educational leaders, have warmly welcomed us to the community. We’re now ready to take the next step.”
Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown said, “Gallatin is delighted to welcome Welch College to our community. We are honored that this highly respected institution has chosen to relocate its campus in Gallatin. We look forward to the day that Welch opens its doors and welcomes students to its new campus. Welch College has demonstrated its commitment to exceedingly high standards and that commitment to excellence is a perfect fit for the City of Gallatin.”
The Gallatin property is more than seven times the size of the West End Avenue campus. This means the college will not have to cap enrollment or curtail new academic programs planned for the future. There is room to construct buildings for instructional needs and student housing adequate for the present and far into the future.
The new campus will have a traditional, residential college campus feel. The campus quadrangle and buildings will feature classic, Jeffersonian campus architecture with fresh, new, and technologically up-to-date interiors. The larger campus site will have much more green space than the old campus. It will permit the construction of outdoor sports facilities for students and provide adequate parking for students, faculty, staff, and guests.
The college has secured the services of Focus Design Builders, a Wake Forest, NC-based firm, to construct the campus. They are working with Raleigh, NC-based Design Development Architects, who are providing architectural and engineering services, and Brentwood, TN-based Southland Constructors, who will handle construction management for the new campus. The goal for completion of construction and opening of school on the new campus is September 2016, January 2017 at the latest.
We are thankful to God for bringing to fruition the vision of a new campus that was initiated by president emeritus Dr. Tom Malone and his team more than two decades ago. A number of steadfast supporters of this vision have been supporting it financially over the past several years. This has enabled the college to pay down debt on the new campus site as well as engage in planning and design for the campus.
Our capital campaign to raise needed funds for campus construction is entitled Building on the Legacy. In a silent phase to the Building on the Legacycampaign, we have already raised $2.1 million in pledges ($1.6 million of which has already been received). We need to raise an additional $5.4 million in cash and gifts-in-kind ($3.4 million in five-year pledges and $2 million in gifts-in-kind of materials, labor, fixtures, etc.).
These funds, together with those raised from the sale of the West End campus and cash reserves, will pay for the $20 million-plus construction of the new campus. We are calling on friends of the college to invest in this campaign, which will be a once-in-a-lifetime investment in the kingdom mission of Welch College.
We will be unveiling more about the new campus and the Building on the Legacy campaign at the annual meeting of the National Association of Free Will Baptists in Grand Rapids, MI, next month. We also invite everyone to a groundbreaking ceremony on the new campus site, which we will host Tuesday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m. Details about campus relocation can be found at Buildingonthelegacy.org.
Please be in prayer for Welch College as we embark on the most important transition in the history of our beloved institution. Pray that God will provide the needed funds for this endeavor, and pray about your involvement in this historic event of the relocation and construction of a new campus for Welch College, for the glory of God and the extension of His kingdom.
Sincerely,
J. Matthew Pinson
President
by jowens | Jun 18, 2015
Abby Walker has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball and basketball at Welch College. Walker, from Washington, North Carolina, has excelled in both sports while playing for Washington High School.
“We have been working with Abby for a long time,” said Flames’ volleyball coach Ashley Lockert. “She is an all-around athlete who will do well at Welch. I am so excited that she will be here in the fall.”
Walker, the daughter of Darren and Melinda Walker, received numerous honors and awards over her athletic career at Washington, in All-Conference and the Sportsmanship Award.
Pictured: High School Volleyball Coach Kelly Slade, Melinda Walker, Sydney Walker Welch Coach Ashley Lockert
by jowens | Jun 8, 2015
On June 2, Randall House Publications published a new book by Welch College president Matt Pinson entitled Arminian and Baptist: Explorations in a Theological Tradition.
In Arminian and Baptist, President Pinson presents a collection of historical-theological essays from the vantage point of a variety of Arminianism sometimes called “Reformed Arminianism.” The book describes the contours of the theology of seventeenth-century English General Baptists Thomas Helwys and Thomas Grantham, probing their kinship with the thought of Jacobus Arminius. It also analyzes their divergence from other Arminians such as John Smyth, John Goodwin, and John Wesley. Unlike these latter thinkers, Helwys and Grantham emphasized Reformed understandings of the meaning of sin and salvation. This is seen most clearly in their doctrines of total depravity, penal substitutionary atonement, the imputation of the active and passive obedience of Christ, and progressive sanctification.
This unique brand of Arminianism produced a different way of looking at perseverance and apostasy than mainstream Arminianism. It emphasizes perseverance by grace alone through faith alone rather than the maintenance of a state of grace through works, penitence, and what Goodwin referred to as “repeated regeneration.” As Robert E. Picirilli remarks, “Anyone who has the slightest interest in understanding a thoroughly evangelical Arminianism, and seeing it in the context of its Reformation roots, will want to read this book.”
Pinson said, “Over the past couple of decades I have written a number of essays on Reformed Arminianism and how Arminian Baptists may locate themselves within the Christian tradition. Increasingly, with the resurgence of interest in Arminianism, I have had many requests for this material, some of which has never appeared in published form but which I have referred to in various published writings. Many have suggested that I collect them in one volume for ease of reference and to make them more accessible and available to a new audience. This book is the result of my decision to take their advice.”
PURCHASE Arminian and Baptist
Below are some recommendations of Arminian and Baptist:
“What a breath of fresh air Matt Pinson has been to me. While being enriched by and appreciative of the heritage of those referred to as Reformed theologians, I could never buy into the thoroughgoing Calvinistic paradigm. Pinson has shown that it is possible to harness the rich heritage of Reformed Theology without jettisoning a balanced and biblically grounded Arminianism.”
—Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director and former President, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka
“I highly recommend this book. . . . Most Arminians will encounter some surprises here. I also recommend it to Calvinists. Our first obligation to those with whom we disagree is to find out what they are actually saying. If this happens, Arminianism will be given a new face in the theological world.”
—F. Leroy Forlines, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Students, Welch College
“. . . a compelling account of an Arminianism that is at once Reformed, classical, and evangelical. Some Calvinists will find here a set of first cousins they never knew they had, and some Arminians will discover a sturdier faith that comes within ‘the hair’s breadth’ of difference Mr. Wesley talked about.”
—Timothy George, founding dean, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture
“I thank God for the resurgence of grace-oriented, gospel-focused Arminianism represented in this book. This is an Arminianism with a deep sense of radical human depravity, the sovereign initiative of God, penal substitutionary atonement, and the imputation of the active and passive obedience of Christ to the believer. We may sometimes disagree on the ‘how’ and the ‘when’ of salvation, but we agree on the ‘what’ and the ‘Who.’”
—Russell Moore, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention
“I enthusiastically recommend this book. . . . These essays will answer the reader’s questions about the Arminianism that is part of the tradition of those of us whose heritage lies in the English General Baptists of the seventeenth century. . . . Kudos to Pinson and to Randall House for bringing them to us in this format.”
—Robert E. Picirilli, Professor Emeritus and former Academic Dean, Welch College
“. . . a timely, thoughtful, and thorough presentation of the Arminian Baptist theological tradition . . . a significant contribution to perpetuating, persevering, and promoting the theological traditions of Free Will Baptists. They as well as others will profit greatly by reading this book.”
—Melvin L. Worthington, Executive Secretary Emeritus, National Association of Free Will Baptist
PURCHASE Arminian and Baptist
by jowens | Jun 5, 2015
Reverend Gary Fry, vice president for Church Relations since February 2012, has announced his plans to retire from Welch College in August of this year. Mr. Fry served the college establishing and developing relationships with churches across the nation in an effort to raise awareness of the college’s needs while also looking for ways the college could be of service to pastors and churches. In addition to traveling for the college, he served as public relations coach for traveling music groups and also worked to promote the online program.
Before coming to Welch, Mr. Fry, a 1972 Welch College graduate, served as the Missouri State Association executive director, pastored Mountain Grove Free Will Baptist Church for 23 years, and served on the Welch College Board of Trustees for 12 years, 10 as chairman.
Fry said, “I have certainly enjoyed my time at Welch. There is not a better group of people with which to work. Were it not for my failing health, I would continue to serve the Lord here. These are exciting times at the college. We have a growing student body, and there is a great spirit on campus. The administration and board are moving the college forward toward relocation. It’s a great day to be a part of the Welch family!”
President Matt Pinson said, “We are saddened to see Brother Fry retire. Gary Fry represents what Welch College is all about. His service as a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees, and now as a vice president, have been outstanding. He has served, and will continue to serve, as a valued advisor and friend to me and the college. His commitment to Welch College and his understanding of its mission are second to none.”
Vice President for Institutional Advancement David Williford said, “Gary Fry has been a friend, a confidant, a counselor, and an outstanding representative for Welch College. On a personal level, I will miss him. On a professional level, all of us will miss his insight, wisdom, and the skills he brought to bear as he shared Welch’s story with the churches of our denomination. Gary served faithfully in spite of health issues that often made it difficult on him. My prayer is that God will give him a fruitful ministry in his retirement years, because, even though Gary will be slowing his pace, he will never cease to labor in the work of the kingdom.”
Reverend Fry and his wife Shirley plan to make their home in Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he will provide pulpit supply and continue to represent Welch College as a regional representative.
by jowens | Jun 1, 2015
Welch College conferred degrees on 50 students from 15 states in commencement exercises at Memorial Auditorium on Friday, May 8, according to President Matt Pinson. Students completed degrees in multiple programs ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Forty-eight percent of the class graduated with honors.
Judge Alberto Gonzales, former U. S. Attorney General and current Dean of Belmont College of Law, delivered the commencement address. He warned graduates that life can be subject to “rogue waves,” unexpected events that turn our worlds upside down. Gonzales explained that while these hardships may come to define us, they do not have to destroy us. He encouraged graduates to use these difficulties as opportunities to grow closer to God and their families and friends. Gonzales also emphasized the importance of taking time to discover our passions and the gifts God has given us, and to pursue them.
Wayne Miracle, pastor of New Life Fellowship FWB Church in Statesboro, Georgia, presented Thursday evening’s baccalaureate sermon from Luke 10, encouraging graduates to give their lives to the harvest of God’s Kingdom. Miracle, moderator of the Georgia State Association of Free Will Baptists and member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, emphasized the need for commitment to the work of the harvest, to the message of the gospel, and to one another. He implored graduates to take full advantage of the investments that teachers, family, and others have made in their lives and to not settle for a life beneath their potential.
Welch College Business Department Coordinator Dr. Rebecca Deel was named Academic Advisor of the Year. President Matt Pinson also recognized Dean of Women Susan Forlines for 25 years of faithful service to Welch College.
Dr. Bruce Barnes, former president of Gateway Christian College in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was included in the processional and led the prayer of consecration for the graduating class. Dr. Barnes worked closely with the administration of Welch College to aid in the enrollment of many former Gateway students after that school closed in 2013.
The college commends to you and to the work of the Lord the members of the 2015 graduating class.
Associate of Science Degrees
Camille René Driggers
Turbeville, SC
Nursing
Joslin Erin Ferguson
Hermitage, TN
Nursing
Celeste Anne Ford
Chapmansboro, TN
Nursing
Anna Carole Grimsley
Colquitt, GA
Nursing
Thomas Wesley Hoffmaster II
Inwood, WV
Ministry
Rae Ann Mahaney
Reynoldsburg, OH
Business
John Tyler Norris
Winfield, AL
Nursing
Hannah Elizabeth Skaggs
Ashland, KY
Nursing
Kelsey Brooke Turner
Tishomingo, MS
Nursing
Associates of Arts Degrees
Staci Anne Clarke
Columbus, OH
Tyler Brooke Fondren
Florence, MS
Bachelor of Science Degrees
Loren Rae Alexander
Mountain Home, AR
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Charity Shea Brown***
Nashville, TN
English
Licensure 7-12
Nathan Ray Colvin
Dickson, TN
Biology
Licensure 7-12
Derek John Cominskie***
Virginia Beach, VA
General Christian Ministries
Daniel Lee Culwell
Rose Bud, AR
Youth and Family Ministry and Business
David Anthony Dell***
Virginia Beach, VA
General Christian Ministries
Joel Alexander Forlines*
Nashville, TN
Music Performance
Priscilla Barnes Hawkins
Nashville, TN
Psychology and Learning
Dakota Vance Herren*
Ashville, NC
Biology
Elizabeth Marie Hill***
Norton, VA
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Matthew Lee Jackson
Nashville, TN
Business Administration
Lesley Allison Jenkins**
Spring Field, TN
Psychology
Audrey Kathleen Jordan***
Joelton, TN
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Casey Leigh-Anne Lewis***
Washington, NC
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Deandra Dawnae Lindsay*
Red Bay, AL
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Amanda Leighann Mouser*
Nashville, TN
Business Administration
Matthew John Mouser
Nashville, TN
General Christian Ministries
Keegan Brent Murfin
Pleasant View, TN
Business Administration
Kelsey Brooke Nelson
New Bern, NC
Psychology
Melissa Lauren Nelson**
New Bern, NC
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Courtney Renee Pennington
Tampa, FL
Exercise Science
Maria Lyn Petty**
Beecher City, IL
Psychology
Daniel Arthur Pugh*
Millington, TN
General Christian Ministry
Laura Chantal Riggs***
Nantes, France
Biology
Joshua Michael Simmons*
Virginia Beach, VA
General Christian Ministries
Elizabeth Gail Snow**
Old Hickory, TN
Exercise Science
Kevin Wayne Stox
Ayden, NC
Youth Ministry
Sean D. Taylor*
Richmond, VA
General Christian Ministries
Cody Lee Truett
Dover, FL
General Christian Ministries
Kristin Denise Trussell*
Seffner, FL
Psychology
Miles Reid Wilkerson**
Amory, MS
General Christian Ministries
Bachelor of Arts Degrees
Reese Richardson Brown***
Nashville, TN
History
Katherine Victoria Fry**
Mountain Grove, MO
English
Walter Hernandez, Jr.
Clinton, TN
Missions
Richie Gabriel Kyburz
Desoto, MO
Pastoral Ministry
Collin Michel Lane
Russellville, AR
History
Derreck Andrew Lute**
Wheelersburg, OH
Pastoral Ministry
Keri Dawn Simpson
Northport, AL
English
*** Summa Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
* Cum Laude
