For Immediate Release
GALLATIN, TN—Mrs. Whitney Lute has been named Dean of Students at Welch College, according to Dr. Daniel Webster, Vice President for Administration and Student Engagement.
Lute has served in Student Services at Welch College since 2020, most recently as Women’s Resident Director and Interim Dean of Students. “During her six years of service, Mrs. Lute has demonstrated effective leadership in residence life, student development and conduct, as well as counseling support and crisis response,” Webster said. “Her service has earned the confidence of the college’s administration and the respect and support of Welch students.”
President Matt Pinson expressed gratitude for Lute’s commitment to the college: “I’m so happy to announce Mrs. Lute’s appointment as Dean of Students. Whitney is deeply committed to the mission of Welch College and to the spiritual, personal, and academic development of our students. We look forward to her continued leadership in Student Services.”
Webster, who led the search process, said Lute emerged as the strongest candidate. “Having observed Whitney’s leadership over the past six years, we have seen her compassion and effectiveness,” Webster said. “She has the relational gifts to serve students and the administrative ability to lead this program.”
Lute’s commitment to students has also been recognized by the Welch student body. Earlier this year, students selected her to receive the Bert and Dianne Tippett Award, one of the college’s highest student-selected honors, reflecting the appreciation students have for her investment in their lives.
Lute earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Welch College and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Tennessee State University. Throughout the search process, she demonstrated a vision for a Christ-centered campus community where faith and learning are intentionally integrated.
Her qualifications were also affirmed by respected leaders beyond the Welch community. Even prior to the public announcement of the position, the administration received strong letters of recommendation that commended her character and leadership. These endorsements affirmed that Lute’s gifts and abilities are recognized not only by those who serve alongside her at Welch but also by leaders beyond the institution.
Lute said she is honored by the institution’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Welch students. “It is a privilege to serve the student body as Dean of Students at Welch,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of those who have served before me. I am grateful for the trust the administration and Board have placed in me and am excited to continue facilitating holistic student growth in an atmosphere centered on Christ.”
Welch College is a Christian college in Gallatin, Tennessee, whose mission is to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. For more information about Welch, visit the college’s website at welch.edu.