by jowens | Jan 17, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—Welch College received notification that it has been certified as a 2014 Best Christian Workplace in the United States, according to President Matt Pinson. The college participates in the international survey biennially. The BCW survey has been conducted for the past eight years by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute—surveying over 100,000 anonymous employees to date.
President Pinson said, “This is the second time in a row we’ve been named a ‘Best Christian Workplace.’ What great news for the college family that our employees recognize Welch College as a place where God is honored and workers are respected, and they rate the college as an exceptional place to work. We outpaced the industry in 47 of 56 survey questions! We have a wonderful group of Christians pulling together on the Welch campus, and I’m glad the broader community recognizes that fact.”
In order 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.
Al Lopus, president of BCWI, notes, “We salute this year’s Best Christian Workplaces for their intentional efforts to nurture an organizational culture that reflects God’s divine nature, even in a difficult economy. We strongly encourage anyone who isn’t working in a Christian organization to consider one of these, especially if they have a desire to be part of a mission greater than themselves.”
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.
“Welch College teachers, staff, and administrators face many challenges in a very difficult economic environment and a culture that is increasingly hostile to the Christian worldview,” Provost Greg Ketteman said. “Being certified as a Best Christian Workplace in America demonstrates that Welch employees are responding to difficulty with courage, integrity, diligence, and the assurance of God’s providence. They recognize that in spite of challenges we face, serving the Lord here is a blessing.”
by jowens | Jan 14, 2014
Lady Flames 66
Valley Forge 55
January 14, 2014. When you shoot only 26% from the floor, you better rely on solid defense and hope you can score from the free throw line if you want to have a chance to win. Both happened as the Lady Flames pulled out a tough win against Valley Forge Christian College, 66-55, in the Piedmont International Classic.
Early in the game, Flames’ leading scorer, Ashton Johnson, went to the bench with two quick fouls with two of her teammates to follow her shortly to the bench. But, point guard, Emily Thrasher and reserves Rachel Burns and Lauren Strickland came up with several big plays while contributing quality minutes. Thrasher scored nine points during that stretch, allowing Welch to take a slim four point lead into the locker room.
Shooting improved only slightly in the second half, but Leslie Nichols was able to find her mark, scoring 13 of her 14 points in the second stanza and Johnson was able to play the rest of the game without fouling out while staying aggressive on both ends of the floor, going 10-10 from the free throw line.
But, it was down the stretch where the Lady Flames really hung tough. Trailing 50-49 with four minutes remaining, a perfect pick-and-roll play by Johnson and Nichols gave Welch the lead they would never relinquish. And, clutch free throws helped seal the deal.
“It was a total team effort,” said Coach Larry Bryan. “We shot so poorly, but found a way to win. Our bench was amazing. Late in the game, leading by three (53-50), it was Tabitha (Frady) who knocks down two huge free throws that extends the lead, making it a two possession game, and with under a minute left Amy (Picket) nails two big free throws to put the game out of reach. I am so proud of our team. It was a very physical game and we just maintained our composure.”
Statistically, there are several things that need to be noted. Johnson and Nichols led the team with 14 points apiece while Jessie Melvin and Thrasher each chipped in 11. Melvin completed a double-double pulling, down 11 rebounds and Burns added 10 rebounds.
Welch hosts Hiwassee College on Friday. Game time is set for 5:30pm.
by jowens | Jan 10, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—Dr. Etta Crittenden Patterson, adjunct faculty member at Welch College since 2005, has accepted a full-time position in the Teacher Education Department, according to Provost Greg Ketteman.
Dr. Ketteman said, “Dr. Etta Patterson has maintained an excellent Christian testimony as an educator, teaching for many years in local schools followed by a long and successful career in the state department of education in Tennessee. Dr. Patterson is a valuable addition to Welch teacher education because she understands teaching and learning from personal experience in the classroom, personal experience where educational policy is made and implemented, personal experience teaching other teachers, and from her extensive graduate studies. It is an answer to prayer for this dedicated Welch College alumnus to return to the Teacher Education Department at her alma mater.”
Dr. Patterson grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school and attended First Free Will Baptist Church of Owasso (now Rejoice FWB). She received a B.A. from Welch College in 1976 and completed a B.S. in 1980. She went on to earn an M.Ed. from Tennessee State University in 1993 and her Ed.D. from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 2013. She brings to Welch College 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in both Christian and public school settings. She is married to long-time Nashville educator Dr. Greg Patterson.
President Matt Pinson said, “It’s a blessing to have such a stellar educational professional with Christian school and public school experience come to teach at Welch College. Dr. Patterson is excellent at what she does and understands our Christian mission and philosophy of education, and her students love her.”
by jowens | Jan 7, 2014
After four years at the helm of the Lady Flames volleyball team, Amy Walker is stepping down as head coach. Walker took over in 2010 and immediately made an impact on her players, serving not only as coach, but mentor and friend to her players.
Walker leaves at a time when there will be only one graduating senior for the Lady Flames, so the new coach will inherit a team with some veteran players to build around.
“Coach Walker did a wonderful job for Welch College,” said Gary Turner, Athletic Director. “She was a pleasure to work with and gave a great deal to the volleyball program, moving it forward, even with her full-time teaching load at a local elementary school.”
A search will begin immediately to find Walker’s replacement.
by jowens | Dec 9, 2013
For Immediate Release
Two Welch College Professors Receive Doctorates
December 9, 2013
NASHVILLE, TN— Welch College professors Ian Hawkins and Barry Raper have both completed defense requirements for their doctoral dissertations and officially received their degrees, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, provost.
Ian Hawkins is the Biology and Science Department Program Coordinator at Welch College. He began his tenure as professor in 2006. He successfully defended his two-part dissertation on April 14, 2013. Part one of his dissertation was entitled, “Virtual versus Hands-on Laboratories: Which is Best for Electrochemistry?” and part two was entitled, “Synthesis of Aurones Using a Deep Eutectic Solvent.” He received the Ph.D. in Math and Science Education from Middle Tennessee State University at the school’s August 2013 Commencement.
Barry Raper is the Program Coordinator of the Youth and Family Ministries Department at Welch College and pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Ashland City, Tennessee. He graduated from Welch in 1999 and returned as a member of the faculty in 2006. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Spirituality on May 17, 2013. The topic of his dissertation was “Teaching Biblical Meditation as a Means to Transformative Prayer to Students at Welch College.”
Dr. Ketteman said, “Dr. Ian Hawkins and Dr. Barry Raper embody the very best about the faculty at Welch College. While these godly men have carried heavy loads throughout their respective doctoral programs, their courses have reflected serious academic depth, breadth, and excellence in pedagogy. We are thankful for their examples of diligence and humble service, and we congratulate them on completion of their programs.”
