by jowens | May 10, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—Welch College conferred degrees on 34 students from 10 states and two other countries in commencement exercises at Memorial Auditorium on Friday, May 9, according to President Matt Pinson. Students completed degrees in multiple programs ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Thirty-five percent of the class graduated with honors.
Dr. David Dockery, president of Union University and president-elect of Trinity International University, compared the list of graduates to the list of names in Paul’s closing in his epistle to the Romans. He challenged the graduates to stand firm, not grow weary in doing good, and to stay true to the things learned during their time at Welch. He advocated following in the footsteps of those listed by Paul who were willing to risk everything for the cause of Christ and who found their identity in Him.
Executive Director of Arkansas Free Will Baptist Tim Campbell delivered the Thursday evening baccalaureate message from James 4:13-17, imploring graduates to surrender their dreams and aspirations to the will of God as an act of sacrificial worship to Him. He reminded graduates that while we dream and plan, “our ambitions must be rooted in God’s will.” He concluded by telling the story of Dr. LaVerne and Mrs. Lorene Miley, encouraging graduates to emulate their willingness to be used by God to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of so many.
Theology Program Coordinator and Campus Pastor Matthew McAffee was named Academic Advisor of the Year. President Pinson recognized Ron Callaway, Dr. Kevin Hester, Dr. James Stevens, Brenda Spruill, Wayne Spruill, and Ernie Thompson for 10 years of service to Welch College. Terry Forrest was presented with a plaque recognizing his 23 years of service as he retires this spring.
The college commends to you and the work of the Lord the members of the 2014 graduating class.
2014 Graduates with Majors and Honors
Associate of Science Degrees
Jacy Summer Congleton
Clayton, NC
Business
Priscilla Colleen Kacha Good
Nashville, TN
Business
Kimberly Gail Hagood+
Whitesburg, TN
Business
Nathaniel Matthew Hagood+
Whitesburg, TN
Business
Samuel R. Hersey+
Atlanta, GA
Business
Stacey Lee Kelley
Marietta, GA
Business
Chris Allen Pate
LaVergne, TN
Business
Johanna Grace Riggs+
Nantes, France
Nursing
Candice Dawn Curtis Smith
Fielding, New Brunswick, Canada
Business
Frances Angela Williams
Nashville, TN
Business
Derek Lynn Wilson
Sparta, TN
Ministry
Associate of Arts Degree
Nathan Ray Colvin
Dickson, TN
Bachelor of Science Degrees
Jamie Elizabeth Beckermann
Barnhart, MO
Business Administration
Victoria Elizabeth Bell*
Lexington, NC
Exercise Science
John Preston Cloninger
Hendersonville, TN
Business Administration
Daniel Lee Coker*
Iuka, MS
History – Licensure 7-12
Taylor Jean Coker*
Chapmansboro, TN
Business Administration
Quentin Michael Dickerson
Nashville, TN
General Christian Ministries
Phillip Andrew Easley
Kansas City, MO
General Christian Ministries
Haylee Lanise Hubbard
Hot Springs, AR
Psychology
Timothy Jack Hutchinson*
Riverview, MI
Youth Ministry
Autumn Jade Monroe
Norman, OK
Psychology
Edith Barrett Perry***
Ashland City, TN
Business Administration
Kayla Marie Sample***
Sesser, IL
Child Development and Learning – Licensure K-6
Hope Nicole Sisk
Nashville, TN
Early Childhood Education – Licensure PreK-3
Jared Andrew Wall
Knightdale, NC
Youth Ministry
Emily Elizabeth Whitworth**
Pleasant View, TN
Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts Degrees
Bethany Mae Douglas***
Fredericktown, MO
English
Kenneth Robert Engel*
Jacksonville, FL
Pastoral Ministry
Anthony Ryan Horton
Joelton, TN
English
Jacob Alton Manning***
Greenville, NC
Pastoral Ministry
Josue Israel Suarez**
Hialeah, FL
Pastoral Ministry
Samantha Jean Williams***
Springfield, AR
English
Bachelor of Music Education Degree
Robert Andrew Blake Cyrus
Nashville, TN
Music Education – Licensure K-12
___________________________________________________
*** Suma Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
* Cum Laude
+ Not Present
by jowens | May 5, 2014
Following in her father’s footsteps, Claire Ryan will continue her basketball career as a member of the Welch College Flames this coming fall. Ryan’s father, Brad, was a star for Welch from 1990-1994 and is one of four former Flames to have his jersey retired. Ryan’s mother, Tommie Jo, also attended Welch College. Claire signed a letter of intent on April 11, 2014.
Ryan had a stellar career for Mount Vernon Township High School in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The 5’8” point guard averaged 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for Coach Jeff Lonnon. The Lady Rams were conference champions in 2013 and 2014 with Ryan at the helm, and she was rewarded by being named All-Conference Honorable Mention both years. She also is a good shooter knocking down 24 three-pointers while shooting 38% from the field.
“I have known that Claire was a ‘player’ for several years,” said Flames’ coach Larry Bryan. “She is an outstanding addition to our program and I am really looking forward to working with her. Her experience and leadership will make us a much better team. I want to acknowledge (assistant coach) Katie (Bryan) as a key in Claire’s recruitment.”
by jowens | Apr 10, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—Dr. David S. Dockery and Reverend Tim Campbell are scheduled to challenge the Welch College graduating class of 2014 May 8-9, according to President Matt Pinson.
Dr. David Dockery, president of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, and president-elect of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, will address the graduates during 10:00 a.m. commencement exercises Friday, May 9. Reverend Tim Campbell, executive director of Arkansas Free Will Baptists, will bring the baccalaureate message Thursday evening, May 8, at 7:00 p.m.
President Pinson said, “This is such a significant occasion for the entire college community, and especially for our graduating seniors and their families. Commencement week always vividly reminds us of Welch’s mission—to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have two wonderful speakers address the graduating class, and we hope that many will join us in this special time of celebration.”
Birmingham, Alabama native Dr. David S. Dockery was selected as the 15th president of Union University in December of 1995. During his 18-year tenure, the university saw significant growth, developing into a leader in Christian higher education. Prior to his presidency at Union, Dr. Dockery served as chief academic officer and theology and New Testament professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. In June, Dr. Dockery is set to become the 15th president of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife Lanese have been married for 38 years and have three sons and six grandchildren.
Reverend Tim Campbell is the Executive Director of Arkansas Free Will Baptists. A 1990 graduate of Welch College, Campbell has pastored churches in Missouri and Arkansas and served 10 years on the administrative staff at Welch, including time as Director of Stewardship Development and Dean of Students and Dean of Men. He is currently a member of the General Board and Executive Committee of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. He also serves as president of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council. He and his wife Jane have been married for 38 years and have one son, Ben.
by jowens | Apr 9, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—Mrs. Leigh Ann Smith has been hired to a full-time position in the Welch College business office, according to Craig Mahler, vice president for financial affairs. After working several months in a temporary role, Mrs. Smith was named full-time Staff Accountant effective March 1, 2014.
Mr. Mahler said, “We are excited to announce the hiring of Mrs. Leigh Ann Smith to the Welch College staff. She believes in the mission of the college and brings expertise and experience to her new role. She is skilled in the specific office and accounting procedures we need, and we are grateful to have her onboard. ”
Mrs. Smith holds degrees from Lipscomb University in both Elementary Education and Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis. She and her husband Greg have two sons, Archie and Andy.
Mrs. Smith said, “In the few short months that I have been here as a temporary employee, I have been made to feel so welcome by everyone that I have come in contact with. I am truly excited to be a part of the staff here at Welch College. It is great to work at a place where God is at the forefront of all that is done.”
President Matt Pinson said, “Leigh Ann Smith brings to our campus a proven record of excellence in her field, a wonderful, kind spirit, and a solid commitment to our Christian mission. What a great combination for Welch College!”
by jowens | Apr 7, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—This fall Welch College will add two new junior faculty members to its teaching roster, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. Chris Talbot will teach Youth and Family Ministry and Frank Thornsbury will teach English.
“Welch College has a rich history of employing fine young Christian adults who spend their lives in diligent service to God in this ministry,” Dr. Ketteman said. “God uses the freshness and strength of these willing servants to revitalize and refresh the work of Welch College. After observing these young men as students and leaders, we look forward to working with new junior faculty members Chris Talbot and Frank Thornsbury as they bring willing hearts, the freshness and strength of youth, and sharpened, God-given intellects into the ministry of Welch College.”
Talbot, minister of students at Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, NC, will begin teaching in the Youth and Family program. Originally from Michigan, Talbot is a Welch College graduate, completing the Bachelor of Science degree in pastoral ministry in 2012, and is slated to complete his master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Grace Theological Seminary in May.
Talbot has served in his current youth role since 2012. Before that he served as an associate pastor in Alabama. He also served three years (two full-time, one part-time) as recruitment/enrollment counselor at Welch, representing the college across the denomination in camps, youth retreats, and other venues.
Named to “Who’s Who Among American College and University Students,” Talbot has an impressive ministry of writing and speaking. He blogs at TheHSF.com and has blogged for FWB21.com. He is also a contributor to the interdenominational youth ministry website Rootedministry.com. He plans to pursue a doctorate. He is married to Rebekah (Ayers), a Welch graduate and music teacher who was elected “Most Outstanding Student” by the Welch faculty her senior year.
Eastern Kentucky native Frank Thornsbury will become an instructor in the English program. He is a recent Welch College history graduate who will complete his master’s degree in English at Valparaiso University this summer. Twice elected student body president at Welch, he was named “Best All Around Boy” by his peers his senior year.
Thornsbury jump-started Welch College’s involvement in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. He was elected best student senator by his peers from more than 80 colleges and universities in Tennessee, as well as receiving the Carlisle Award, the organization’s top honor. He has also served as a campaign manager and staffer in a number of Kentucky state political campaigns.
With interests in linguistics, hermeneutics, and the great books of Western Civilization, Thornsbury will serve as a strong addition to the humanities faculty at Welch. He has plans to obtain his doctorate.
“I’m excited about these two new, young faculty members,” said Welch president Matt Pinson. “Chris Talbot and Frank Thornsbury are just the sort of teachers we need at Welch College. They’re both energetic and zealous about the gospel, and they wed that zeal to a commitment to the discipleship of the mind. What’s more, they’re dyed-in-the-wool Free Will Baptists who will winsomely appeal to the broad spectrum of students in our denomination.”
by jowens | Apr 4, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN—This fall will bring a change to the ministry program at Welch College, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, provost. After 23 years on the faculty, Terry Forrest will retire as program coordinator for Pastoral Ministry, being replaced by Dr. Barry Raper. Raper will shift from his Youth and Family role at the college while still teaching some courses in that area.
Prior to his service as program coordinator for Pastoral Ministry, Forrest served eight years as Dean of Students and, prior to that time, as a successful Free Will Baptist pastor and church planter. For the past several years, Forrest has served as associate pastor to Dr. Raper, who, in addition to his duties at the college, serves as pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, a large, growing congregation in the greater Nashville area.
President Matt Pinson said, “I can’t say enough good about the ministry of Terry Forrest at this college. He has been a rock-solid leader and mentor to scores of young pastors going out from Welch College. He will be greatly missed on this campus, but we’re hoping he will still teach some courses for us on a part-time basis.”
Prior to coming to teach at Welch College in 2006, Dr. Raper served as associate pastor and then pastor of Red Bay Free Will Baptist Church in Red Bay, Alabama. He is a graduate of Welch College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and recently received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Seminary. He continues to serve as senior pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church.
Dr. Ketteman said, “Dr. Barry Raper is a man of great integrity and deep, passionate commitment to living out God’s Word. He is uniquely gifted as a teacher who thoughtfully prepares then skillfully teaches each class and preaches each sermon for maximum impact. He is a powerful and challenging example for every pastor and youth minister both in the classroom, and in his broader Christian ministry.”
President Pinson added, “Dr. Raper is a godly man with a remarkable commitment to personal holiness who has a reputation among Welch students for modeling the spiritual disciplines. Yet he combines with these personal qualities a vibrant, gospel-centered pastoral ministry at Bethel. We are so excited to have him step into this role. He’s tailor-made for it.”
Under the leadership of Mr. Forrest and Dr. Raper, ministry education at Welch College has become more academically integrated, with all students in the Pastoral program and the newly formed Youth and Family Ministry program taking the same “Christian Ministry” core, consisting of pastoral ministry, preaching, pastoral counseling, biblical languages, and other courses. In addition, students study a concentration of either Pastoral Ministry or Youth and Family Ministry.
