by jowens | May 26, 2017
Welch College conferred degrees on 58 students in its first commencement exercises since moving to Gallatin, TN, according to President Matt Pinson. Just a few days shy of the new Celorio Hall being available on the new campus, the college was blessed to have the use of nearby NorthField Church for its Commencement service on Friday, May 19, and Baccalaureate on Thursday evening, May 18. Students completed degrees in multiple programs ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to the new Master of Arts degree in Theology and Ministry. Forty-eight percent of the class graduated with honors.
Rev. Clint Morgan, General Director of Free Will Baptist International Missions, delivered the commencement address. He challenged graduates with seven African proverbs taken from his book African Proverbs: Wisdom without Borders, a product of his twenty-nine years of missionary service in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Rev. Todd Parrish, pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church, Washington, NC, presented Thursday evening’s baccalaureate sermon. He relayed to graduates the importance of servanthood as taught by Christ’s washing the disciples’ feet in John 13.
A hooding was held on Thursday afternoon, May 18, for Welch’s first graduates of the M.A. program in Theology and Ministry. This event took place in the new library of Coffman Hall. A reception followed for graduates and their families.
President Matt Pinson recognized Dr. Greg Ketteman for his eleven years of outstanding service as Welch College provost. Dr. Ketteman will begin a new position June 1 as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. School of Theology Dean Dr. Kevin Hester was named Academic Advisor of the Year. Dr. Ian Hawkins, Chairman of the Arts and Sciences Department, was recognized for ten years of faithful service to Welch College.
Immediately following the Commencement service, the college family hosted a luncheon on the new campus grounds for all graduates and guests.
The college commends to you and to the work of the Lord the members of the 2017 graduating class.
Associate of Science Degrees
Michal Tinsley Bell
Joelton, TN
Biology
Macie Brooke Cothran
Pleasant View, TN
Biology
Lydia Grace Creech
Macon, GA
Biology
Tavares Tony Dixon
Clarksville, TN
Ministry
Jessica Lindsey Hilliard
Franklin, TN
Early Childhood
Barry Lane Kelly
Bowie, TX
Ministry
Lauren Elizabeth LaMotte
Ashland City, TN
Biology
Eileen Elis Norment
Montgomery, AL
Business
Elizabeth Rose Palmer
Wellington, KS
Biology
Taylor Brooke Walker
Albany, GA
Biology
Bachelor of Science Degrees
Zachary Don Barefield
Russellville, AR
Youth and Family Ministry
Autumn Gayle Blades**
Cedar Hill, TN
History Education – Licensure 7-12
Jordan Patrick Chandler**
Pleasant View, TN
Business Administration
Joshua Ray Colson***
Johnston City, IL
General Christian Ministry
Alexander J. Crawford
Cave Springs, AR
Youth and Family Ministry
Morgan Danae Droll**
Ina, IL
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Gregory Allen Eaton
Waynesboro, TN
General Christian Ministry
Jared Andrew Forlines**
Nashville, TN
Psychology
Adam Heath Giles
Ashland City, TN
Psychology
Abigail Lauren Greenwood*
Nashville, TN
Early Childhood Education
Licensure PreK-3
Kimberly Gail Hagood**
Whitesburg, TN
General Christian Ministry
Trevor Allen Holden*
Searcy, AR
History Education
Licensure 7-12
Ashton Paige Johnson**
Ada, Oklahoma
Exercise Science
Jason Michael Jones*
Ernul, NC
Psychology
Jamie Lee Lane
Marion, NC
General Christian Ministry
Thomas Andrew Lovett
Madison, AL
General Christian Ministry
Albert Prestin Marable, Jr.
Nashville, TN
General Christian Ministry
Steven Nicholas Marsh
Plant City, FL
Business Administration
Megan Mackenzie McNeill***
Woodlawn, TN
Early Childhood Education
Licensure PreK-3
Caleb Montgomery***
Fayette, AL
Psychology
William Carson Outlaw***
Nashville, TN
General Christian Ministry
Hannah Jane Pappas*
Turbeville, SC
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Shelby LeeAnn Payne**
Sesser, IL
Psychology
Travis A. Persinger*
Muncie, IN
Worship Music
Eric Pope
Wabash, IN
General Christian Ministry
Samuel Riggs***
Guin, AL
Exercise Science
Akelam Aswan Romain
St. Croix, Christiansted, USVI
Business Administration
Garrett Wayne Saunders
Seffner, FL
Biology
Ellen Marie Stox
Washington, NC
Psychology
Faron Wayne Thebeau**
Weslaco, TX
General Christian Ministry
Jeannine Nichole Tuttobene***
LaVergne, TN
Biology
Bachelor of Arts Degrees
Billy Jonathan Champion
Dothan, AL
Pastoral Ministry
Nicholas Kyle Coleman
Greenwood, AR
Youth and Family Ministry
Daniel Thomas Dell*
Nashville, TN
Pastoral Ministry
Devon Scott Jensen
Auburndale, FL
Pastoral Ministry
Renee Elizabeth Lancaster*
Mount Juliet, TN
English
Mackenzie Brianna McNeese*
Joelton, TN
English
Daniel Michael Reeves*
Owensboro, KY
Intercultural Studies
Benjamin Thomas Scott***
Clarksville, TN
English
Lauren Janel Strickland***
Jacksonville, NC
English
Cherish “Raven” Tuttobene***
LaVergne, TN
History
English
Rebekah Joy Zuniga**
Cedar Hill, TN
History
Bachelor of Music Education Degrees
Amy Hope McDonald**
Nashville, TN
Music Education
Licensure K-12
Zurisadai Zuniga Anaya***
Springdale, AR
Music Education
Licensure K-12
Master of Arts Degrees
Michael David Hollis
Nashville, TN
Theology and Ministry
Larry Lee Reynolds
Meridian, MS
Theology and Ministry
William Elliott Reynolds, Jr.
North Kingstown, RI
Theology and Ministry
Zachary Adam Vickery
Taylor, AL
Theology and Ministry
*** Summa Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
* Cum Laude
by jowens | May 10, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—Beginning in the Fall of 2017, Welch College will provide scholarship assistance of $4,000 annually per student for participation in select music groups such as the Rejoice! Ministry Team, according to David Williford, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
In addition to the scholarship aid, cash stipends will be provided for these students when they travel for Welch College. The Evangels drama team will also be given scholarship funds to be awarded at the discretion of the Drama Department Coordinator in consultation with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
“Interested students, both current and prospective students, are invited to audition for these groups. Prospective students who are unable to come to campus this summer can audition via Skype,” Williford said. Scholarship recipients will be chosen after auditions and interviews.
Returning students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be approved by the Dean of Students. Incoming freshmen must have a demonstrated record of leadership, a minimum 21 composite ACT score, and a pastoral reference letter. Students who meet renewal criteria may renew their scholarship each subsequent year of their attendance at Welch.
Williford said, “Welch College music ministry teams travel and represent Welch College in a variety of venues, including, but not limited to, local churches, association meetings, youth rallies, and fundraising events. They do a great job promoting Welch College throughout the academic year and up to seven weeks in the summer. We look forward to receiving contacts from new and returning students who might be interested in auditioning for a ministry team for this upcoming academic year.”
New and returning students who are interested in applying for scholarships should contact Derek Altom, Office Manager for Institutional Advancement, at daltom@welch.edu, or 615-675-5262.
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by jowens | Apr 30, 2017
Mr. Greg Fawbush, accomplished coach, athletic director, and Free Will Baptist pastor, has been named Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach at Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson. Fawbush fills the vacancies left by interim Men’s Basketball Coach Donnie Stevanus, who resigned in March, and outgoing Athletic Director Gary Turner, who, in transition to retirement, will continue to teach in and administer the Exercise Science degree and associated academic programs.
Since graduating from Welch College in 1995, Fawbush has ministered in a wide range of roles within the Free Will Baptist denomination. Early in his career, Fawbush served as a youth pastor, coach, and teacher. Most recently, he has served as Director of Athletic and Coaching Services at the 700-student-strong Seffner Christian Academy in Seffner, FL, and as Pastor of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Dover, FL.
During his 21-year tenure at Seffner Christian, Fawbush served in the athletic department and taught Senior Bible. He is well-known in South Florida for his successful high school basketball coaching career, with a record of 379-135. Fawbush led his program to four state tournament appearances, including two state runner-up finishes. He has been named Coach of the Year multiple times, both in Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.
As Director of Coaching and Athletic Services, he played an instrumental role in developing Seffner Christian’s athletic program as a noted force in the state of Florida. In that role he administered 29 teams and managed 47 coaches.
“Mr. Fawbush’s exceptional service at Seffner Christian Academy and ministry in the churches display his commitment to seeing God’s work successfully done, a heart for serving others, and a love for the Free Will Baptist Church,” Pinson said.
“We’ve watched him, from an academic standpoint, receive the highest marks from his professors in Welch’s new M.A. program in theology and ministry. His record as an outstanding preacher and minister who combines Christian worldview scholarship, a 21-year athletic career, and a winning coaching record in Christian education is a great combination for our mission here at Welch.”
Fawbush stated, “I look forward to returning to my alma mater to serve Welch as Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to support Welch as a representative in Free Will Baptist churches and Christian schools—and in the college’s new community in Sumner County.”
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by jowens | Apr 12, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—After 21 years as headmaster of Hendersonville Christian Academy, William Slater will be transitioning to a role as Dean of Enriched Adult Studies at Welch College, according to Matt Pinson, Welch’s president. Slater will conclude his tenure as headmaster of Hendersonville Christian Academy at the end of this school year and begin his new post at Welch June 1.
“We are excited to have an educational leader of Mr. Slater’s caliber to join our Welch team,” Pinson said. “With his thirty years of educational leadership in Christian K-12 education—more than twenty of it here in Sumner County—his record of community leadership in Sumner County, and his academic credentials, he will bring just what we need to the leadership of the newly launched Enriched Adult Studies program.” Slater holds an M.Ed. in educational leadership from the University of South Florida and a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Nashville School of Law.
The Enriched Adult Studies Program is a newly launched program for Christian adults who desire to complete their college degree. The program was created by Dr. Charles Lea, formerly of Vol State Community College and Union University, who joined Welch last year as Special Assistant to the President for Adult Education.
“Working with Dr. Charles Lea, Dr. Greg Ketteman, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Dean of Graduate and Adult Education, and Sarah Bracey, Adult Studies Liaison, Mr. Slater will give day-to-day leadership to the Enriched Adult Studies program and also serve in an advisory capacity on international students and dual enrollment relationships with private and Christian schools and the homeschool community,” Pinson said.
Pinson added: “Great days are ahead for Welch as we move forward with degree programs that stretch beyond our traditional focus on residential undergraduate education. We believe there are many students who have received an associate’s degree from Vol State, or who’ve attended another college and have never completed their degree, that will find Welch’s mission attractive. Mr. Slater understands our commitment to combine our strong Christian mission with academic excellence, and his addition to our team will posture us for growth.”
Welch College, Sumner County’s newest educational institution, offers more than 40 programs of study, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Accredited by SACS Commission on Colleges and ranked as one of the South’s best colleges by U.S. News and World Report, Welch recently opened operations on its new campus across from Station Camp High School in Gallatin. For more information, visit Welch.edu.
by jowens | Apr 12, 2017
At its last meeting, the Welch College Board of Trustees unanimously approved significant changes in the president’s leadership team, according to President Matt Pinson. “We’ve made some important changes to facilitate strategic growth for the college in its new Sumner County environment,” Pinson said. “These changes also posture the college for growth well into the future, as they involve gifted younger members of the faculty.” The transition will occur on June 1, the beginning of the 2017-18 fiscal year.
“There’s a pressing need to free up more of Dr. Greg Ketteman’s time to work on strategic growth initiatives now that we’re in our new environment as the only four-year residential college in Sumner County,” Pinson said. New initiatives planned on the new campus include the relaunching of an (evening) adult studies program; addition of more online degrees; initiation of master’s degrees in Christian leadership, teaching, and educational administration; and articulation of agreements with area colleges and universities creating new ways to earn baccalaureate degrees in nursing, ease of transfer to Welch, and outreach to Christian high schools and the homeschool community.
“With his outstanding leadership skills, the respect he has gained in the academic community, and his ability just to get things done, Dr. Greg Ketteman is uniquely qualified to lead the kind of strategic growth initiatives we need in our new setting here in Sumner County,” Pinson explained. “Making these changes will free up his time to work on such initiatives for the future growth of the college and enable a number of younger leaders to exercise their gifts at the college.”
These changes involve the following personnel:
Dr. P. Greg Ketteman will transition to the role of Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Dean of Graduate and Adult Studies, and Distinguished Professor of Education. Ketteman, who was born in South Carolina and reared in Nashville, Tennessee, has served as Provost at Welch College for the past eleven years. Before that he served on the Welch Board of Trustees for four years. Known widely in Free Will Baptist circles as an active lay church leader and music minister, Ketteman graduated from Welch in 1977 with a B.S. in Teacher Education. He went on to earn M.Ed. and Ed.D. degrees in educational leadership from Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University, respectively, and also underwent significant graduate studies in the field of public administration. Before coming to Welch, he enjoyed a distinguished three-decade career in Metro Nashville Public Schools, the first half of that time as a teacher and the second half as a principal. Ketteman and his wife of 40 years, Jill, who has served at Welch since 1998 and currently works in the Financial Aid Office, have two grown children, Jack and Emilee, and five grandchildren.
Dr. Matthew J. McAffee will become Welch’s Provost. A native of New Brunswick, Canada, McAffee was originally ordained in the Atlantic Canada Free Will Baptist Association. He served as a part-time faculty member from 2003-2006 and pastored Lewisburg Free Will Baptist Church, before going back to graduate school. He returned to Welch in 2010 to teach biblical studies and biblical languages and also served as campus pastor and program coordinator for Theological Studies. A graduate of Welch College (B.A.), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of Chicago (M.A., Ph.D.), McAffee has written a number of scholarly and popular articles in journals such as the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, and the Journal of the American Oriental Society. He recently co-authored Sexuality, Gender, and the Church(Welch College Press) and is author of Life and Mortality in Ugaritic: A Lexical and Literary Study(Eisenbrauns, forthcoming) and co-author of Going Deeper with Old Testament Hebrew: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the Old Testament (B&H Academic, forthcoming). He will continue to teach Bible and biblical language courses while fulfilling his new administrative duties. McAffee lives on campus with his wife Anna, who serves as women’s resident director at Welch, and their four children, Abigail, Lydia, Samuel, and Marianne.
Dr. Kevin L. Hester has been named Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and will maintain his role as Dean of the School of Theology. A graduate of Welch, Dr. Hester holds an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University and has written a number of books and articles, including, Eschatology and Pain in the Theology of Gregory the Great. Dr. Hester has a strong reputation in the Christian higher education accreditation community, having served on numerous accreditation teams for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). He serves as a commissioner on the ABHE Commission on Accreditation and also serves on the editorial board of the ABHE Journal. In his new role he will teach, oversee both undergraduate and graduate divisions of the School of Theology, and serve as the planning and accreditation liaison for the college. He and his wife Leslie have four sons, Spencer, Seth, Justin, and Jackson. His oldest son Spencer is a student at Welch.
Matthew Steven Bracey will transition to the role of Vice Provost for Academic Administration. Bracey has served four years as Registrar at Welch. Originally from Ashland City, Tennessee, he graduated from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University (Juris Doctor) and also holds a B.A. in history from Welch and a master’s degree in theology from Beeson Divinity School at Samford. A Ph.D. student in Ethics and Public Policy at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he has written widely, serving as co-author and editor of Sexuality, Gender, and the Church (Welch College Press) and co-editor of The Promise of Arminian Theology (Randall House Academic). He is also a managing editor at the Helwys Society Forum (TheHSF.com). Bracey will continue teaching courses in law, history, and theology and serving as managing editor of Welch College Press. His wife Sarah, a licensed professional counselor, is currently completing her doctorate in counselor education and supervision and serves as adult studies liaison, staff counselor, and adjunct instructor in psychology at Welch.
“These are exciting times of transition for Welch College,” Pinson remarked. “These changes will make strategic growth possible but will also facilitate preparation of current faculty for future leadership at Welch. I ask our college family to join me in prayer for these leaders and for this process.”
