For Immediate Release
Two Welch College Professors Receive Doctorates
December 9, 2013
NASHVILLE, TN— Welch College professors Ian Hawkins and Barry Raper have both completed defense requirements for their doctoral dissertations and officially received their degrees, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, provost.
Ian Hawkins is the Biology and Science Department Program Coordinator at Welch College. He began his tenure as professor in 2006. He successfully defended his two-part dissertation on April 14, 2013. Part one of his dissertation was entitled, “Virtual versus Hands-on Laboratories: Which is Best for Electrochemistry?” and part two was entitled, “Synthesis of Aurones Using a Deep Eutectic Solvent.” He received the Ph.D. in Math and Science Education from Middle Tennessee State University at the school’s August 2013 Commencement.
Barry Raper is the Program Coordinator of the Youth and Family Ministries Department at Welch College and pastor of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Ashland City, Tennessee. He graduated from Welch in 1999 and returned as a member of the faculty in 2006. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Spirituality on May 17, 2013. The topic of his dissertation was “Teaching Biblical Meditation as a Means to Transformative Prayer to Students at Welch College.”
Dr. Ketteman said, “Dr. Ian Hawkins and Dr. Barry Raper embody the very best about the faculty at Welch College. While these godly men have carried heavy loads throughout their respective doctoral programs, their courses have reflected serious academic depth, breadth, and excellence in pedagogy. We are thankful for their examples of diligence and humble service, and we congratulate them on completion of their programs.”