Welch College Announces Expanded Summer School

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.

Craig Mahler Named Business Officer of the Year

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.

Welch College Announces Two Resident Director Openings

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.

93 Welch College Students Make President’s and Provost’s Honor Roll

The fall 2017 semester at Welch College ended with 93 students receiving academic recognition, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. This honor roll includes both online and Enriched Adult Studies students whose fall courses ended in December.

Thirty-seven students made all A’s and were placed on the President’s List—9 seniors, 6 juniors, 9 sophomores, and 13 freshmen.  Fifty-six earned a 3.25 GPA and all A’s and B’s and were placed on the Provost’s list—15 seniors, 8 juniors, 11 sophomores, and 22 freshmen.

President’s List: “A Honor Roll”
Kandace Ailworth (Fr.) TN
Michelle Alexander (Fr.) TN
Samuel Benninghoff (Sr.) TN
Catherine Blades (Fr.) TN
Laura Boivin (Fr.) TN
Sarah Brown (So.) TN
Joshua Burgus (Sr.) TN
Jimmy Daniels (Sr.) AR|
Summer Elliott (So.) QC
Micah Feltner (Fr.) TN
Jakob Gates (Fr.) TN
Jalynn Hood (So.) TN
Joshua Hunter (Jr.) AR
Cheyenne Johnson (Fr.) TN
Kinsley Kivette (So.) TN
Dakota Kron (Jr.) TN
Jonathan Lewis (Sr.) IL
Taylor Marsh (Sr.) TN
Hailee Morgan (Fr.) GA
Hannah Morgan (Jr.) TN
Jonathan Payne (Fr.) IL
Kasey Perry (Sr.) NC
Daniel Rojas (Jr.) TN
Kendal Ryan (Fr.) IL
Steven Simpkins (Jr.) TN
Kori Slemp (Sr.) VA
Halen Stidham (So.) AL
Sonny Thomas (So.) NC
Deborah Trifonova (So.) BG
Abby Walker (Jr.) NC
Abigail Warren (So.) TN
Ryan Whiticker (Sr.) TN
Kullen Williams (Fr.) TN
Brittany Wilson (So.) NC
Destinee Woolett (Fr.) SD
Whitney Wright (Sr.) OH
Zealtiel Zuniga Anaya (Fr.) AR

Provost’s List: “B” Honor Roll

Seniors
Stacy Allison, TN
Rachel Anderson, TN
Gabriel Cameron, GA
Benjamin Campbell, AR
Alyssa Hill, VA
Russell Houske, TN
Anna Kear, TN
Jacob Lute, OH
Rae Mahaney, OH
Hailee Mann, TN
Thomas Moody, TN
Kayla Newland, TN
Brandon Presley, TN
Maredith Ryan, IL
Stephen Seeley, NC

Juniors
Dalton Alvis, PA
Erica Brown, GA
Keren Delgado, AR
Thomas Cummings, TN
Daniel Hubin, TN
David Robinson, NC
Elizabeth Stevanus, TN
Rachel White, VA

Sophomores
Michelle Bigelow, CA
Mary Brown, AR
Elisha Cameron, GA
Baylea Freeman, VA
Kaliesha Garrison, MO
Andrew Glass, OH
Jacklyn Grizzle, TN
Jacqueline Hunter, AR
Avery Jones, OK
Mariah Moore, KS
Sarah Pierce, IL

Freshmen
Riley Bell, TN
Brice Carter, GA
Alegna Cochran, TN
Victoria Crook, TN
Michaela Easley, TN
Jessalyn Eubanks, IL
Garrett Galbreath, TN
Christy Harris, NC
Mark Henry, MO
Jerry Hopper, AR
Kelsey Horton, TN
Jenna Hurt, NC
Kylie Johnson, MI
Kayla Jowers, VA
Jolee McClure, TN
Jacob Nettles, MO
Seth Oliver, TN
Taylor Pate, FL
Ashlee Presley, TN
Mallie Sharenberger, TN
Gabriella Smith, CO
Victoria Thomsen, TN

Welch Volleyball Program Undergoes Leadership Changes

GALLATIN, TN—The volleyball program at Welch College is undergoing changes in leadership, according to Athletic Director Greg Fawbush. Ashley Lockert has resigned as head volleyball coach and will be replaced by Abigail Warren.

Lockert was a former player for the Lady Flames volleyball team and has been the coach for the past four seasons. The distance to the new campus and the extra time away from her family were contributing factors in her decision.

“The Flames volleyball program has shown great improvement under Coach Lockert’s leadership,” Fawbush said. Her first year, the team went 1-14 and then 3-15 the following year. The past two seasons, the teams’ records have improved greatly going 12-16, and finishing this year 14-12. This past year, the team went back into NCCAA regional play and made the top fifteen power rankings. Lockert also had two players that made the all-regional team. The volleyball program has had seven scholar athletes in the past four seasons.

“Coach Lockert has shown great dedication, not only to Welch College, but also to the young ladies that she has mentored. She has instilled a work ethic into the program that will be the foundation for the future,” stated Fawbush. “Under Coach Lockert’s tenure, the volleyball team became a respected volleyball program in the Mid-West region of the NCCAA.”

Abigail Warren has been named the new head coach of the Lady Flames volleyball team. A graduate of John Brown University, Warren spent two years as a missionary/teacher at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines. She earned her teaching degree from Welch in December 2017.

“Coach Warren was an exceptional basketball and volleyball player in high school,” Fawbush said. “She was also offered a full-ride volleyball scholarship to Mineral Area College. After one year, she transferred to John Brown University where she was given a full basketball scholarship. As a player, she was awarded the Christian Character and Scholar Athlete awards. While serving at Faith Academy, she coached their volleyball team. She has also been a volleyball referee on several levels.” Warren currently serves in the athletic department at Hendersonville Christian Academy as a coach and aids in high school weight training.

“It will be exciting to see Coach Warren’s vision implemented in the volleyball program at Welch College,” Fawbush continued.” I believe she strongly embodies the three core values of commitment, character, and competition of Welch College athletics.”

A Message from President Pinson

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

I trust you had a restful holiday and are enjoying a good New Year thus far. I am writing you to share with you a prayer request. Earlier this (Wednesday) evening, a water pipe in the Music wing of Celorio Hall burst and flooded the entire wing, with water also entering some into Common Grounds, the auditorium, and the area under the stage.

Servpro has already begun work drying and dehumidifying the building. They believe the building will be dry and ready to start classes on January 16, but restoration work will need to continue after the beginning of the semester at times that will not interrupt classes. Our insurance company, Brotherhood Mutual, has been notified and has already begun processing the claim.

Please pray that the work will go smoothly and that the beginning of the spring semester will be minimally affected. Also, please pray for financial provision for this unexpected emergency, since the college will have to pay a deductible to get the necessary work completed.

We are praying for a great spring semester at Welch and are so eager to welcome you all back.

See you soon.
In Christ,
Matt Pinson, President

P.S. We are asking everyone to stay away from this area. Employees whose offices are in this building can gain access via Mr. Craig Mahler.