by jowens | Oct 31, 2017
GALLATIN, TN— On October 10, Reader’s Digest named Gallatin, Tennessee, “Nicest Place in America 2017,” according to President Matt Pinson.
Reader’s Digest launched the “Nicest Place in America” contest in April 2017 in partnership with the private social network, Nextdoor. Hundreds of communities were nominated, with only ten locations chosen for voting. These ten cities received almost 80,000 votes, with more than 30,000 cast for Gallatin.
Reader’s Digest cites Gallatin’s faith communities and racial unity as the main reasons for Gallatin’s “Nicest Place” title. This was specifically showcased in the city’s reaction to a tragic police shooting, when nearly 100 community members gathered for a prayer vigil.
Founded in 1802, Gallatin has been transformed from a farm community to a booming suburban city. Despite its fast growth, Gallatin continues to maintain the traditional hospitality of a southern town. “Gallatin’s southern charm is one of its remarkable traits,” Pinson said. “Its commitment to the well-being of its citizens, its friendliness to the Christian community, and its support of nonprofit charity and service work make it a great fit for Welch College.”
“There’s no doubt that the Welch campus community both contributes to and benefits from Gallatin’s positive reputation. With over 10,000 hours of annual community service, local church involvement, and student job placement, Welch College will continue to serve Christ, His Church, and His world in Gallatin.”
To read more about the “Nicest Place in America,” pick up the November issue of Reader’s Digest or visit www.rd.com/nicest.
by jowens | Feb 18, 2017
For Immediate Release
February 18, 2017
NASHVILLE, TN—Welch College has named Matthew Steven Bracey as cross country coach at Welch College, according to Athletic Director Gary Turner. “Welch has taken a big step toward building a strong cross country program with the hire of Matthew Bracey as its new cross country coach,” Turner said. “An avid runner himself, Bracey has a real heart for running and is excited about the prospect of building a really strong, vibrant program. He looks forward to working and running with students, as well as building personalized training programs for them.”
Bracey has run numerous marathons, including, most recently, the Mercedes-Benz Marathon and the Walt Disney World Marathon. He has also run several smaller races, winning his age category in a recent 5k.
“I’m honored to serve in this capacity as the coach for Welch’s cross country team,” Bracey remarked. “The opportunity to combine two things that I love—Welch and its students on the one hand, and running on the other—is an awesome blessing. I look forward to building a great cross country program and team. And I’m especially excited about working even more with students.”
Bracey, a 2008 graduate of Welch College, received an M.T.S. from Beeson Divinity School and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He began working for Welch in 2013, where he serves as Associate Vice Provost and teaches law, theology, and history. He has also co-edited and contributed to two books and written a number of scholarly and popular articles.
“I believe Coach Bracey will take our cross country program to a whole new level,” said Turner. “With his love of Welch College and his passion for running, I think we’ll see the program flourish. If you’re interested in cross country, or know someone who is, contact Coach Bracey at mbracey@welch.edu.”
