For Immediate Release
May 15, 2013
Welch College Graduates 37 in First Commencement Exercises Under New Name
NASHVILLE, TN—Welch College conferred degrees on 37 students from 14 states in commencement exercises at Memorial Auditorium on Friday, May 10, according to President Matt Pinson. Students completed degrees in multiple programs ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Forty percent of the class graduated with honors.
Dr. Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, delivered the commencement address, highlighting the importance of theHeritage, Message, and Mission of the graduating class as they go forward to minister in the Ecotone that is the post-modern world. George has served churches in four states and has written over 20 books. He is also senior editor at Christianity Today magazine.
Michigan pastor Rick Locklear presented Thursday evening’s baccalaureate message from 2 Timothy 2 encouraging graduates to take seriously their call to leadership and serve the Lord diligently and with excellence. Locklear, a 1980 Welch College graduate, has been involved in the work of Woodhaven Free Will Baptist Church in Woodhaven, Michigan for over 28 years and serves as a member of the board of directors of the Free Will Baptist Foundation.
Dr. James Stevens, program coordinator for the Music Department, was named Academic Advisor of the Year. President Matt Pinson presented plaques to Business Program Coordinator Dr. Rebecca Deel and Librarian Carol Reid for 25 years of faithful service to the Lord through the ministry of Welch College.
The college commends to you and to the work of the Lord the members of the 2013 graduating class.
2013 Graduates with Majors and Honors
Welch College
Associate of Science Degrees
Pamela Lynn Ham
Franklin, TN
Biology
Carol Spruill Holland
Waipahu, HI
Business
Russell Douglas Houske
Dover, TN
Ministry
Julie Marie Montero
Miami, FL
Biology
John Leonard Shamblin
Iuka, MS
Ministry
Wayne Thomas Smith †
Pamplico, SC
Ministry
Jesse Robert Timmons †
Florence, SC
Ministry
Gregory Allen Whitehead
Hampton, TN
Ministry
Christian Tyler Wilson †
Pleasant View, TN
Biology
Associate of Arts Degrees
Haylee Lanise Hubbard
Hot Springs, AR
Rebecca Jolene James†
Manor, GA
Bachelor of Science Degrees
Jacob Logan Culwell*
Springfield, TN
Business Administration
Amber Michelle Freeman
Glenwood, AR
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Nicholas Edward Hampton*
Pleasant View, TN
Psychology
Kelly Lynn Hicks
Taft, TN
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Rachel Ann Jackson**
Newport, TN
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Nicholas Blake Jordan
Iuka, MS
Youth Ministry
Stephan Alexander Knox
Ashland City, TN
Psychology
Matthew Jordan Looney***
Smithville, TN
General Christian Ministries
Catherine Lynn Pointer***
Russellville, AR
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6
Christen Paige Pointer***
Russellville, AR
Physical Education
Licensure K-6
Leigha Ruth Ramos*
Ashland City, TN
Early Childhood Education
Licensure PreK-3
Michael Anthony Shearon
Joelton, TN
Youth Ministry
Brittani Chari Sims**
Brighton, MI
Business Administration
Allison Leigh Wilkerson
Coker, AL
Psychology
Bachelor of Arts Degrees
Aaron Lee Pierce***
Tupelo, MS
Pastoral Ministry
Steven Christopher Reeder**
Doe Run, MO
Missions
Bethany Dawn Shope
Knoxville, TN
Missions
Gregory Mitchell Smith
Tawas City, MI
Pastoral Ministry
Robin-Lynn Marie Snow**
Tecumseh, MI
Missions
Kacy Rachel Stone
Morehead, KY
Missions
Montgomery Frank Thornsbury
Paintsville, KY
History
Bachelor of Music Education
Degrees
Brittany April Brown*
Woodbridge, VA
Licensure K-12
Kristina Nichole Clem**
Decatur, IL
Licensure K-12
Christian Elizabeth Cyrus**
Ashland, KY
Licensure K-12
Kayla Lynn Gaddis
Marion, NC
Licensure K-12
Rebekah Ayers Talbot***
Tuscaloosa, AL
Licensure K-12
*** Summa Cum Laude
** Magna Cum Laude
* Cum Laude
† Not Present