by jowens | Apr 26, 2013
Dr. Timothy George and Reverend Rick Locklear to Address Welch College Graduates
NASHVILLE, TN—Dr. Timothy George and Reverend Rick Locklear will address the Welch College class of 2013, according to President Matt Pinson. Timothy George, founding dean of and professor at Beeson Divinity School, will address the graduates at the 10:00 a.m. commencement service on Friday, May 10. Rick Locklear, pastor of Woodhaven Free Will Baptist Church (Michigan) will present the baccalaureate message Thursday evening, May 9.
George has served as the dean of Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, since the school’s founding in 1988 and is actively involved in Evangelical higher education at large. As an ordained minister, he has served churches in Georgia, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Alabama. He is an accomplished author, having written over 20 books, several of which are used as standard text books on Reformation theology, and is a regular contributor to scholarly journals. He also serves as senior editor at Christianity Today magazine.
Locklear has served the Woodhaven Free Will Baptist Church in Woodhaven, Michigan for over 28 years. An alumnus of Welch College, he answered the call to preach during his junior year. He is the long-time moderator of the Wolverine Association in Michigan and serves as a member of the board of directors of the Free Will Baptist Foundation.
President Matt Pinson said, “This is such an important occasion for the entire college family, and especially for the graduating seniors. Commencement week always brings us face-to-face with our mission as a college—to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through Biblical thought and life. We are grateful for the opportunity to have two such excellent speakers address the graduating class, and we hope that you will join us in this special time of celebration.”
by jowens | Apr 12, 2013
For Immediate Release
April 12, 2013
Jeff Bennett, Welch College Comptroller, Resigns
NASHVILLE, TN—Jeff Bennett, Welch College business office associate since August 2011 and Comptroller since January 2012, has resigned effective Friday, April 19, according to Craig Mahler, vice president for financial affairs. He has accepted a position working in the Finance and Operations department of the Cheatham County Board of Education.
Mr. Bennett is an active member of Ashland City Free Will Baptist Church where he serves as Youth Minister. He also works as design editor and publisher for The Messenger, quarterly publication of the West Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists, and administrator for the state association website.
Mr. Bennett said, “I consider it a great honor to have served Welch College as Comptroller. My time here has given me many positive experiences and great memories that I will cherish for years to come. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the college’s mission, vision, and unwavering service to the Lord.”
Mr. Craig Mahler, Welch College vice president for financial affairs, said, “Jeff Bennett has been a valuable asset during his tenure with Welch College. His positive attitude and professionalism have made him a vital member of the Welch College family and a joy to work with. Jeff will be sorely missed; however, our prayers go with him as he undergoes this transition, and we are confident that he will excel as he continues to follow the Lord’s leading.”
by jowens | Apr 3, 2013
NASHVILLE, TN—Dr. Ken Riggs will be shifting from interim Psychology Program Coordinator to online psychology course consultant and adjunct professor at Welch College, according to Provost Dr. Greg Ketteman. Dr. Ketteman said, “The college is deeply indebted to Dr. Riggs for his selfless and invaluable service over the past two years. Combined with his previous service, Dr. Riggs’s most recent tenure at Welch College yields a total of 25 years as a full-time faculty member.”
Previously, Riggs served Free Will Baptist Bible College from 1971 to 1993 both as a faculty member in teacher education and Christian education as well as chairman of the Department of Teacher Education. He is well known as a preacher and conference speaker, as well as author of the recent ETA book, Teaching Techniques: Becoming an Effective Teacher.
Mr. Michael Oliver will succeed Dr. Riggs as interim Psychology Program Coordinator in the fall. Oliver, who holds a B.S. from Welch College and an M.A. in psychology from the University of Alabama, has served as adjunct instructor in psychology for the college.
After giving up his trucking business to attend Welch College, Oliver served as a youth pastor and pastor in Free Will Baptist churches. He has served the college in a number of capacities, including men’s resident director for two years. For the past four plus years, he has served the college’s institutional advancement department, engaging in advancement office management, college representation at associational and state meetings, and donor relations. He will continue to serve part-time in those areas.
Dr. Ketteman said, “Michael and his wife Kim were meaningfully involved in the lives of our students as resident directors in Goen Hall, and he has become a vital member of the college community. His love for students and for counseling and his interests in educational psychology and pastoral care combine to make him well suited for this area of service.”
by jowens | Mar 29, 2013
Matthew Bracey Joins Welch College Team in Registrar/Teaching Position
NASHVILLE, TN—Matthew Bracey will join the Welch College family as Registrar beginning July 2013, assuming many of the responsibilities of the Academic Administrative Assistant position formerly held by Lynsey Riggs, along with registrar duties, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. Mr. Bracey will also teach courses in history, law, and theology.
Mr. Bracey is a 2008 graduate of Welch College (B.A., history) and holds an M.A. degree in theology from Beeson Divinity School and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Mr. Bracey sat for the Tennessee Bar Exam in February, and he and his wife Sarah will celebrate their first anniversary in May.
Dr. Ketteman, said, “Matthew Bracey is exceptionally well-prepared to assume his duties at Welch College. It is rare to find an individual who is so qualified to wear the various hats the college needs at this time. Thank God for His providential leading of Matthew back to his alma mater.”
by jowens | Mar 14, 2013
All-Region Teams Announced
The Mid-East Region announced its all-region teams recently. Three Flames were selected.
Jake Manning was a first-team selection. Manning, a shooting guard, averaged 19.2 points per game, dished out over three assists per game, and pulled down nearly four rebounds per game.
Kindred Sides was a second-team pick. Sides averaged a double-double with 17.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He led the Flames in field goal percentage by shooting nearly 50% from the floor.
Corey King received honorable mention. The freshman point guard averaged 9.9 points per game and led the Flames in assists, averaging 3.5 per game.
“We had good region representation this year,” said Coach Nathan Willhite. “I am pleased that the region coaches recognized the abilities of our players.
by jowens | Mar 1, 2013
Kendred Sides became the Flames’ 13th player to join the 1000 point club when he knocked down a fifteen footer against Johnson University on February 14, 2013. He went on to add to that number by finishing the season with a career total of 1,032 points.
For the 6’3” junior from Pensacola, Florida, it has been a stellar career to date. Each year his stats have increased steadily. In his freshman year he averaged 10.3 points per game (ppg) and 6.4 rebounds per game (rpg). Last year as a sophomore, he averaged 15.2 ppg and 7.1 rpg. This year was his best, averaging a double-double with 17.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg.
“Kendred is a complete player,” said Coach Nathan Willhite. “He is athletic and aggressive with a knack for the ball. He has one of the best mid-range jumpers I have ever seen and is an extremely hard worker.”
Sides is the son of Martin and Gail Sides.
