King's Herald Fall 2008 by King University

Dogwood Weekend 2008 • Record Enrollment • The Academy at King

HE ADING

Fall 2008

Volume 4, Number 1

PRE SIDEN T ’S ADDRE SS

The King’s Herald is published by the Office of Marketing & Development.

A tradition of partnership

PHOTO BY DAVID WOOD

mong the many traditions upheld at King, the College has long focused on serving as a responsive partner to our region. Upholding this heritage involves communicating the principles of academic excellence, leadership, and spiritual growth to each of our students. It includes creating opportunities for active participation in the humanities and sciences, as well as interaction with speakers and performers of national caliber. And it means collaborating to provide our workforce, regional employers, and families with expanded opportunities. Over the past few years we have added six innovative degree options to our Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) programs. This fall we will add a seventh, the Bachelor of Technology (BTech). The BTech is designed to help graduates gain the knowledge needed to acquire leadership positions in information technology or to pursue graduate studies in the field. Many GPS programs were developed in response to the needs of regional employers, and were created with their cooperation. Such partnerships help strengthen our area workforce, as well as enhance the attractiveness of our area to new industry. Employers are not the only ones seeking King’s partnership. Over the past few years, families from throughout the Tri-Cities have asked for the College’s Dr. Gregory D. Jordan investment in their children’s education through the creation of a private high school serving grades 9–12. Working closely with these families, we have created the Academy at King, a high school that extends the mission and vision of the College. We have hired a dedicated group of faculty with diverse educational backgrounds, worked to renovate a temporary location close to campus, and secured financial aid packages to benefit enrollees. Students and their families are now eagerly participating in this new endeavor, and classes began August 11, 2008. More details about the school are included in this issue of the Herald, as well as at www.academyatking.org. The Academy is now adding to the contributions King makes to our community. Through an economic survey it was found that from 2002 to 2007, the College contributed more than $209 million dollars to our region, an average of nearly $42 million per year. It was also determined that approximately 92% of those funds were reinvested throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. This is solely the financial measure of our presence, and does not take into account the invaluable and enduring contributions made by our alumni. As we grow, we will continue to reflect a long and gracious heritage of service to others.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory D. Jordan President

President Dr. Gregory D. Jordan Vice President Marketing & Development LeAnn Hughes Chief Development Officer John King jwking@king.edu | 800.621.5464 Director of Alumni & Annual Giving Rocky Rausch rarausch@king.edu | 800.546.4256 Editorial Staff LeAnn Hughes Anna Lone | Sylvia Musgrove Miranda Gray Graphic Design Hillhouse Graphic Design, llc Contributors Anna Lone | Sylvia Musgrove Becky Jordan Thomas | Jenn Testa Nichole Long Sarah Eldridge, student contributor Photography Earl Carter with additional contributors as accredited. Contact Information 800.KING.ALM 1350 King College Road | Bristol, TN 37620 alumni@king.edu | www.king.edu/alumni Our Mission To educate students in an academically rigorous and collegiate setting that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, service, and career, leading to meaningful lives of achievement and cultural transformation in Christ. Our Vision To grow continually as a Christian comprehensive college, with pre-professional and professional schools, that builds lives for achievement and cultural transformation in Christ. ISSN 1936-7295 ©2008 King College

Contents

Features Dogwood Weekend ’08 welcomes hundreds to campus • Page 2 We reconnect with old friends and honor some very special alumni. The Buechner Institute • Page 5 The official inauguration of the Buechner Institute hosts more than 1,000 guests, notable speakers and ushers in fall lecture series.

Dogwood Weekend was great fun for everyone except the fish. Page 2

Donor dollars support wide range of campus needs • Page 8 Class agents, special projects, planned giving—many ways to make a difference. Performing & Visual Arts • Page 10 Cinderella took center stage with PVA spring productions.

Dogwood Weekend guests capture the moment. Page 2

The Academy at King • Page 12 King College fosters a new educational initiative with characteristic vision. Academic Center for Excellence • Page 13 New chapel banners celebrate Easter • Page 14 New degree programs • Page 15 Record commencements, record enrollment • Page 16 Tornado Sports • Page 18 Tornado athletes triumph in track & field, pitchers head for the pros, Hall of Fame honorees gather. King in community • Page 21 Men’s Ensemble, WCQR College Hero

An NIEHS grant secured by Dr. Vanessa Fitsanakis gives King students solid research opportunities. Page 25

Career Development for Students • Page 22

Graduate and Professional Studies graduates have cause for celebration. Page 16

Connections Staff & Faculty News • Page 24 New alumni director, grants for research, and faculty in the news. Alumni News • Page 28 Young alum recognized for heroism, Katherine Paterson returns to King, alumni in the news, alumni passings Calendar of Events • Page 34

Fall 2008

Dogwood Weekend ’08 D

ogwood Weekend 2008 brought the King College campus alive with hundreds of voices returning to greet former classmates and longtime friends. Throughout the weekend groups gathered to catch up on stories and milestones, review photos from years past, and honor outstanding KC graduates. On Friday, April 18, the Jay Baumgardner Golf Tournament was held at the Bristol Country Club Golf Course. Of the 20 teams that competed, the Ken Ross Architects team achieved the best score. Prizes given away for the putting contest and other competitions included a three-day, two-night stay at Nolichuckey Bluffs Cabins, round-trip

airline tickets from Air-Tran Airlines, gift certificates from Blevins Tires, a night’s stay at Meadowview Marriott, and many other awards. “We’re very grateful to SBS Services and Toyota of Bristol, our main sponsors, as well as to all our sponsors who helped support this event,” said Nichole Long, director of special events. “Thanks to all who participated, we had a very successful and exciting day on the course.” Saturday’s events began with the Fifty-Plus Club Breakfast, which after many years in DeFriece Place was relocated to the Student Center Complex to accommodate a growing number of guests. Throughout the morning alumni arrivals stopped in the Alumni Rest Stop in Wager Lounge to register, greet friends, and smile at past yearbook photos. Among hundreds of guests the annual Alumni Luncheon welcomed a wide range of class members, from Ralph Buchanan and Joe Showalter, both of the class of 1938, to Vica Shaffer, a graduate of the class of 2007. Dr. Tom Lewis was found to have traveled the farthest to attend, coming from

2008 marked the 70th Dogwood celebrations for alumni Joe Showalter, standing, and Rev. Ralph Buchanan, both of the class of 1938.

Sammamish, Wash. Winners of the Alumni Awards were announced, as well as one of the College’s newest ways to honor one of the community’s most beloved members. The establishment of the Jewel H. Bell Scholarship was announced by LeAnn Hughes, vice president of Marketing & Development. The

One of the highlights of the Alumni Luncheon was the announcement of the Jewel H. Bell Scholarship. The scholarship provides the opportunity for alumni and friends to follow her gracious example of opening academic doors for those in need. Dr. Ray Bloomer, left, associate dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and professor of physics, shares details on a new telescope installed in the Burke Observatory in March 2008. According to Bloomer, the new equipment is computer-controlled and can point to many more celestial objects in a given amount of time. An attached state-of-theart camera also allows very faint objects to be photographed. Alumni attendees for the presentation included Robert Landrum (’87), center, and Andy Pettigrew (’78), right.

King’s Herald

welcomes hundreds to campus news brought tears and applause as the honoree took the podium. “This scholarship recognizes Jewel’s devotion of more than five and a half decades to King College, and honors her support and leadership on the community level, as well as the personal guidance she has provided to so many individuals,” said Hughes. “Through this scholarship, many alumni and friends have the

opportunity to honor her by following in her very gracious example of helping students achieve their academic dreams.” Those interested in contributing to the Jewel H. Bell Scholarship can contact John King, chief development officer, at 800.621.5464 or present a gift online at www.king.edu/givetokc. Despite afternoon and evening rain showers, more than 300 people packed

into the Dining Hall for the Saturday evening Alumni Picnic, hosted by the President’s Office. Music was provided by Catbird Seat, featuring alumni Nathan McClure (’06), Brandon Story (’97) and wife Mariel Wallace-Story, and Dane Kinser (’06). “We had a wonderful Dogwood event, and look forward to hosting even more alums in 2009,” said Long.

Award winners recognized at alumni gathering

his year’s Dogwood Weekend at King College welcomed nearly 400 attendees including alumni, their families, and guests. During the annual event, several individuals were recognized for exceptional achievement in their career field, remarkable service to King, and commitment to serving as leaders in their communities. “We are thrilled to have hosted yet another successful Dogwood Weekend,” said John King, chief development officer. “This event offers opportunities to reconnect with classmates from King College and friends from the extended community. Each year, we are also pleased to have the opportunity to honor some of our outstanding alumni.” The Distinguished Alumni of the Year award was presented to Paul Montgomery, vicepresident of talent management for Eastman Chemical Company and a 1974 graduate of King College. Previously, Montgomery was vice-president of communications and public affairs. He joined Eastman in 1991 in the supply and distribution division, and was appointed as a community relations representative in 1992. He also worked as director of corporate relations and travel. Over the years, Montgomery has served as a member of the Kingsport Regional Planning Commission, president of the Kingsport Board of Education, president of the Kingsport

Fall 2008

PAUL MON TGOMERY

RICHARD BARR

branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, president of the South Kingsport Optimist Club, a Paul Harris Fellow of the Kingsport Rotary Club, president of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the Tri-Cities All-America City Partnership. Montgomery has been recognized as one of the “50 Most Influential African Americans in Tennessee,” and was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Regents in 2007 by Governor Phil Bredesen. Area resident Richard Barr received the 2008 Volunteer of the Year award. Barr graduated from King in 1966, and also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee. After graduation, he began working for Eastman Kodak in Kingsport in their Cellulose Esters Division on formula development, process improvement, and quality control. He retired in 1997 after 30 years of service. Barr received the Volunteer of the Year award for his involvement in preparing and distributing exam care packages to King College students each semester. He has also assisted with registration at alumni events, served as an active member of the Alumni Council and the King Volunteer Network, and is an enthusiastic supporter of King’s athletic teams. continued

DOGWOOD WEEKEND, continued L eft: Professor emeritus Dr. Ed Burke, Jr. joined the many attendees of the Science & Math Breakfast. Below: The Alumni Lounge gave many the opportunity to reminisce and review yearbooks. Ray Mastracco, Jr. (’58) of Edenton, N.C. spent some time looking through photos with his granddaughter Oksana Mastracco.

A bove: While a few spring showers dampened the evening, the train remained a favorite as it traveled the Oval R ight: Reverend Gary Howell (’58) and wife Louise of Wilmington, N.C. found his class photo—and Gary proved he’s still got that smile.

AWARD WINNER S, continued Mary Lee Williams of Bristol is the winner of the Graduate and Professional Studies award, exemplifying the college’s goals of excellence, achievement, and stewardship. Williams first graduated from King College in 1990 with a degree in business administration. While a senior at King, she joined Electro-Mechanical Corporation in Bristol, Va., through a co-op program, and began working there full-time immediately following graduation. After serving in many capacities within the corporation throughout the years, Williams was recently named corporate director of human resources. She holds certification as a professional in human resources and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Human Resources. Williams has served the community through involvement with Bristol Youth Leadership, the Chamber of Commerce, and, as a nine-year cancer survivor, in several capacities with the Sullivan County Cancer Society Relay for Life Steering Committee. In 2003, Williams earned her master’s degree in business administration from King in the college’s very first MBA cohort. Since earning her MBA, she has taught human resources in the night class Bachelor of Business

MARY LEE WILLIAMS

JERRY C ALDWELL

Administration program. She also serves as a guest speaker to both high school and college students on various subjects such as dressing for success, job interview preparation, job fair preparation, and resumé writing. Jerry Caldwell, a resident of Johnson City, is the recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement award. Caldwell came to King College on a golf scholarship in 1993. He played golf all four years, serving as team captain his senior year. In 1997, he graduated from King with a bachelor’s degree in business. Caldwell was hired full-time in the marketing and sales department by Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) after interning with the organization during his senior year of college. Now serving as a senior account executive, he has earned numerous honors at BMS and Bristol Dragway including Sales Person of the Year in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Caldwell, who was selected as the Bristol Motor Speedway Employee of the Year in 2007, was the highest revenue producing account executive in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. He also plays a significant role in Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit organization at BMS, which raises funds for children’s agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

King’s Herald

Faith Engaging Culture M

ore than 1,000 guests from points around the nation gathered on campus January 28, 2008, to participate in the inauguration of the Buechner Institute at King College. Designed to examine the intersections between faith, art, and culture, the Institute is named for author, scholar, and minister Frederick Buechner. The many notable speakers included Frederick and Judith Buechner; Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann; author Thomas Lynch; musician Michael Card; and professor Thomas Long, among others. The morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inauguration included tributes to Buechner, the awarding of an honorary doctorate from King, and comments and readings from Buechner, who shared unreleased passages from his 2008 work Yellow Leaves.

PHOTO BY CHUCK THOMPSON

Continued on page 6

More than 1,000 guests from points around the nation gathered January 28, 2008 to participate in the inauguration of the Buechner Institute at King College. Above, author, scholar, and minister Frederick Buechner addresses the crowd.

Celebrating the official inauguration of the Buechner Institute

Above: Many devoted readers stood in line for a chance to speak with Buechner and have their favorite volumes autographed. So that attendees had the opportunity to participate, Buechner graciously conducted a signing in the morning and another following his evening appearance.

Fall 2008

THE BUECHNER INS TIT U TE, continued Far left: Afternoon sessions paid homage to Buechner’s work as novelist, memoirist, and preacher. Dale Brown, founding director of the Buechner Institute and author of The Book of Buechner: A Journey Through His Writings led the Buechner: the Novelist presentation.

INAUGURATION PHOTOS BY EARL CARTER

Thomas Lynch led the session entitled Buechner: the Memoirist. By trade an undertaker as well as an author, Lynch’s wry humor kept audiences entranced. Laughter from the popular commentator’s Chapel presentation could be heard well across campus, prompting demand for a return appearance.

Above: Panelists for Buechner: the Preacher session included William Evertsberg, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, Conn.; Thomas Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology; Jeff Munroe, director of the Western Great Lakes Region of Young Life, and Beth Yarborough, who has served as pastor at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church in Jonesborough, Tenn.

Above: Musician Michael Card was among those paying tribute to Buechner’s works. Card spoke at the inaugural event and then offered an evening concert in the Chapel. He has penned 20 albums of music, with 19 number one hits.

Above: The evening’s discussions closed with an on-stage interview between Buechner and long-time friend Walter Brueggemann. Between them, the pair have authored more than 90 books. Throughout the day Buechner expressed his appreciation for the warmth of the Buechner Institute community and joked that “he always knew he would one day be institutionalized.”

Above: Buechner’s presentation at the inaugural event marked the delivery of the first Annual Lectureship. In 2009, the second Annual Lectureship will be presented January 24 by author, scholar, and priest Barbara Brown Taylor. The event will be free and open to the public. Visit www.buechnerinstitute.org for more details.

King’s Herald

uring the fall semester 2008 King College is welcoming a wide range of scholars, memoirists, authors, and musicians to campus to examine a variety of issues. The Buechner Institute Lecture Series takes on questions of faith, politics, education, art, and storytelling, all through the lens of a national election and historic days resounding with challenges. “The fall series examines how faith, art, and culture are impacting our times, which is very much the purpose and the plan of the Buechner Institute,” said Dr. Tracy Parkinson, dean of the faculty. “This is reflected in the re-naming of our convocations series to the Buechner Institute Lecture Series.” Events throughout the series are free and open to the public, thanks to the support of donors and friends. Many events offer both a morning and evening session, allowing those with class, study, and work schedules convenient opportunity to hear from nationally recognized voices. “Our lecture series is based on the belief we need hearty sustenance in our spiritual and intellectual lives,” said Dale Brown, director of the Buechner Institute. “A steady diet of the sort of trivialities we often imbibe from mass media leaves us under-nourished. We’ve invited a group of guests who can provide a feast for those looking for something more substantial on the menu.” The calendar welcomes such voices as Thomas Lynch, an undertaker, poet, commentator and memoirist who returns to campus by popular demand following a laughter-filled appearance in January. Philip Jenkins, an author and scholar examining global shifts in Christianity, will discuss the tensions and similarities between the world’s major faiths. Author Daniel Taylor, contributing editor of Books & Culture, will illustrate how the power of story, connection to place, and milestone experiences shape our lives. Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly, will explore how Christianity is evolving in modern times, and Mark Edmundson, a groundbreaking scholar from the University of Virginia, will bring new insight to the familiar territories of Shakespeare, reading, and education. Closing out the series, famed classical composer Morten Lauridsen will be on campus for a one-week residency with King’s musical ensembles. Lauridsen served as composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale from 1994–2001 and as professor of composition at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music for more than 30 years. His well-known works include Lux Aeterna, Dirait-on, and seven vocal cycles which include the motet O Magnum Mysterium and the oratorio O Nata Lux. In 2007 he was awarded the National Medal of Arts and is one of only eight classical composers ever to receive the honor. “The Buechner Institute Lecture Series is very blessed to host this group of speakers, and also fortunate for the opportunity to continue the heritage of the convocation series established by Errol Rohr before returning full-time to the classroom,” said Brown. “I am grateful for Errol’s counsel, for Michele Fagan’s assistance, and for the involvement of the campus community. We look forward to thoughtful conversations presented with humor, intelligence, and grace.” For more information, visit www.king.edu/convo, www.buechnerinstitute.org or call 423.652.4785. Fall 2008

ELIZABETH DENTON

examining issues in depth

Thomas Lynch Wednesday, August 27 10:30 a.m. Convocation 7:30 p.m. Good Death, Good Grief, Good Funerals

Mark Edmundson Monday, September 15 10:30 a.m. Something Controversial About Shakespeare 7:00 p.m. Why Read?

Phyllis Tickle Monday, September 29 10:30 a.m. Christianity in the 21st Century—Where We Are and How We Got Here 7:30 p.m. Christianity in the 21st Century—What It Is and Where It Is Going

Daniel Taylor Monday, October 20 10:30 a.m. The Skeptical Believer: Telling Stories to Your Inner Atheist 7:00 p.m. I Tell Lies to My Mother: Dealing with Painful Memories in Memoir

Philip Jenkins JEFF SWENSEN

Fall lecture series

ALAN BETSON, IRISH TIMES

BUECHNER LEC T URE SERIE S

Monday, October 27 10:30 a.m. Christianity, Islam, and Europe’s Religious Crisis 7:00 p.m. Christianity and Islam: Mortal Enemies or Sister Faiths?

James Autry Monday, November 3 10:30 a.m. Servant Leadership 7:00 p.m. Looking Around for God: The Oddly Reverent Observations of an Unconventional Christian

Ken Wiley Monday, November 10 10:30 a.m. Unity and Response

Sarah Gordon Monday, November 17 10:30 a.m. Holy War: Secular Humanism and Law in the Late 20th Century

Morten Lauridsen Monday, December 1 10:30 a.m. Setting Poetry to Music: The Vocal Cycles of Morten Lauridsen

Donor dollars support a wide range A

s a non-profit organization, King College relies on a wide web of donors, foundations, and charitable partners to help growing scholars achieve their academic dreams. From volleyballs to books to classroom renovations, every gift helps create a culture of giving that benefits students and ultimately the community at large. “Every gift to King is meaningful,” said John King, chief development officer. “Among our donor base there are alumni and friends who provide a wonderful range of resources—they give of their time, money, artwork, books, and expertise. Every gift is welcome, because even five dollars raises the giving percentage, places King higher in national rankings, and increases our chance of receiving grants from federal and private sources. This in turn increases our recruiting potential for instructors as well as students, and so on.” According to King, there are as many ways to give as there are personalities in the alumni base. Following are a few ways that alumni and friends are making a positive difference.

The Class Agent Program In the 2007–2008 year, 22% of King’s alumni made a monetary gift to the College, providing funds for essential scholarships, campus upkeep, maintenance and renovations. This number has nearly doubled over the last four years, largely because of a rejuvenated Class Agent program that organizes each class year’s giving efforts. “Our class agents are a tremendous force for good in the life of the College,” said King. “They’re making a direct impact in the lives of students, and all of us here are very thankful.”

Gifts for Special Projects Sometimes donors wield the pocketbook power to effect a large-scale change over a short-term period. This was the case with Margaret Parks Taylor, whose generous gift enabled the renovation of the White Hall Auditorium in the summer of 2007. “Ms. Taylor has been a wonderful friend of the College for many years,” said King. “We’ve grown exponentially over the past eight years, and as a result one of our most pressing concerns was a new classroom that could serve larger classes and their technological needs. She saw this, and recognized a prime opportunity to help the College.” Taylor’s gift helped transform the auditorium, originally

White Hall Auditorium before (left) and after (above) renovations.

constructed in the late 1970s, to a state-of-the-art learning environment that provides instructors and students with room to work, wireless internet access and multimedia options for teaching. “This investment is one that benefits our entire population—students, faculty and staff,” said King. “And it will do so for many years to come.”

Planned Giving One of the most heartfelt commitments that donors can make is including the College in their will. This option provides tangible benefits to the donor and also establishes long-term venues for student success. “One of our residence halls, as well as many of our scholarships and endowed chairs have been created through bequests,” said King. “Planned giving creates a way that actively recalls and honors lifetime accomplishments while at the same time aiding others.” One such endowment is the Hugh and Georgia Hagan Chair of Languages and Literatures. The Hagan gift, first made in 2004, honors Georgia’s love of modern and ancient language and her commitment to education by funding a faculty position. Such endowments allow for the professor to progress in their own education, research, and publication efforts, simultaneously benefiting students under their tutelage. King notes that any endowment-directed gifts help secure the continuing excellence of the College and its programs. For more information on contributing to the endowment or making a planned gift, contact King at 800.621.5464 or e-mail jwking@king.edu.

King’s Herald

FE AT URE

of campus needs The Annual Fund for Scholarships and Programs Throughout the years, a favored way for alumni and friends to support King’s many programs has been the Annual Fund. True to its name, the fund is collected and dispersed each fiscal year for the purpose of providing tuition aid, maintaining the campus, offering faculty the chance to travel for educational conferences, purchasing athletic equipment, theatre props, musical instruments—whatever it takes to provide the level of education consistent with King’s heritage. “The Annual Fund is one of the most versatile tools we have in meeting the ongoing needs of the College,” said King. “Because the funds are unrestricted, they are available to help with tuition fees, athletics, academics, further training for faculty and staff, any range of needs the College is experiencing at any given time, big or small.” Overall, noted King, there are multiple ways to support the College and many provide a sense of satisfaction that a favored cause is being helped. “Whether you give to athletics, the E.W. King Library, the Buechner Institute, to a class scholarship—any of these pathways open educational experiences that a growing scholar would otherwise miss out on,” said King. “Each and every act of giving is important.”

2007–2008 Campus Community Campaign a ringing success Through the Campus Community Campaign held during the 2007–2008 academic year, King faculty and staff demonstrated that those who live the King mission every day support the College by giving of their time, talent,

and knowledge—as well as their financial resources. Faculty and staff donated to the College in record numbers, and saw the giving level for the year rise nearly 70 percent above giving in the previous fiscal year. A notable aspect of the campaign was that more than half of contributors were new donors making their first gift to the College. “This level of participation from our colleagues demonstrates that the College is strong and vibrant, hosting a committed faculty and staff who are willing to invest personally in its success,” shared Bronson Pasko, associate dean of students, who served as co-sponsor of the campaign. Dr. Cara Everett Anderson (’82), professor and dean of the School of Education, also served as co-sponsor. “When those who know the institution best endorse and support the work that is being done, this sends an important message,” she commented. “Our faculty and staff, in the course of doing their jobs, understand how important it is to support our students and they are doing this through their giving.” Through the Campus Community Campaign, faculty and staff were encouraged to support the Annual Fund for Scholarships & Programs and to also invest in favorite programs and departments. “Developing and strengthening the base of support among our faculty and staff is becoming an important part of our annual giving success,” noted John King, chief development officer, who organized the campaign. “I believe this sets a great example for our alumni, as well as the friends, corporations, and foundations that give to the College. This demonstrates that we, too, believe in King and are willing to support it financially.” The 2008–2009 Campus Community Campaign is already underway, we will keep you informed of its success.

SHOW YOUR KC COLORS WITH NEW TENNESSEE TAGS

newly redesigned King College license plate will soon give Tennessee alums a new way to tout their alma mater. The new plates should be available in January 2009 through the Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division. Many alums in Tennessee have proudly displayed the KC seal on their tags for years. “The new look was provided to update the design and make it more visible on the road,” said Miranda Gray, director of marketing and communications. “The new tag design includes the college colors and shield with its Presbyterian cross, and conveys a modern, yet classic tone that people associate with King.” The new tag will be available to any Tennessee resident

registering a private passenger motor vehicle. Standard DMV fees for a special collegiate plate apply. “Our second largest group of students comes from Virginia, and we’d love to be able to offer a Virginia license plate,” added Gray. “To create the special plate, Virginia requires a minimum of 350 applicants who have pre-paid a registration fee on a current, active vehicle in the state. We’ve had several dozen alumni say they want the plate and would be willing to pre-pay the fee, so if we can increase that number to 350 or more, we’ll be able to register the design.” To show your support for a Virginia King College plate, please send an e-mail to alumni@king.edu.

T O R N A D O1

Fall 2008

Performing & Visual Arts hosts successful I

t was another busy spring for King’s Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) department. In February 2008, theatre students presented “Miss Julie” under the direction of student Kristy Ray, a native of Stuart’s Draft, Va. The production was designed by student set and sound designer Ashley “Sid” Caire of Warrenton, Va., and student lighting designer Katherine Bowers of Bristol, Va. Elizabeth Dollar, associate professor of theatre and chair of the PVA department, and Christopher Slaughter, associate professor of theatre, provided guidance and supervision for the production. King’s Symphonic Band, under the direction of assistant professor of music Lonny Finley, performed the second concert of their inaugural season in March. The group is a multi-faceted organization offering instruction in musicianship and technical skills, providing opportunities for students to perform publicly. For the March concert, the band performed pieces such as “March of the Belgian Paratroopers” by Pierre Leemans, “Dedicatory Overture” by Clifton Williams, and “Ye Bank’s and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon” by Percy Grainger. A reception, hosted by Friends of the Arts at King (FOTAK), followed the performance. Dogwood Weekend 2008, held April 18 – 20, was particularly special for the PVA department. Both theatre and music students chose to focus their productions on the central theme of “Cinderella” with each group presenting a different version of the story. The theatre department performed the slapstick and satirical play, “Cinderella Waltz,” while the music department presented a humorous, light-hearted concert version of the tale with “The True Story of Cinderella.” Also in April, King’s Jazz Choir and All The King’s Men performed their annual spring concert. The Jazz Choir is an auditioned group of singers

From King College Theatre Department, a colorful rendition of “Cinderella Waltz.” Top left: Kate Bailey as Mother Magee, along with an amphibian friend; Above: Ben Marshall and Nora Beth Moran; and Kristy Ray as Mrs. Snow, the evil stepmother.

Dogwood guests got a double dose of funny as the Theatre Department presented “Cinderella Waltz” and the Music Department presented “The True Story of Cinderella.” Both scripts took a twist on the classic story, providing a pair of artful—and fractured—fairy tales. From left, Hannah Buckham, Lindsey Wilkinson, and Sarah Bird sing the parts of stepsisters and stepmother in “The True Story of Cinderella.”

King’s Herald

PERFORMING & VISUAL ART S

spring events who perform a wide array of jazz and gospel songs from various time periods. All The King’s Men consists of six auditioned singers whose repertoire includes traditional, folk, pop, doowop, and contemporary songs in three, four, and five-part harmony. The spring concert featured an assortment of music styles, as well as instrumental vocal solos from both groups. In May, the Symphonic Choir conducted their annual spring concert, held as part of the college’s

commencement weekend festivities honoring graduates and their families. At the end of the month, the choir traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall. This marks the fourth time in as many years that the King College Symphonic Choir has been invited to perform at the famed venue. The group presented “Ein Deutsches Requiem,” written by Johannes Brahms and conducted by internationally recognized composer John Rutter.

From left, Tiffany Morgan and Audrey Scyphers as Goneril and Regan in “Cinderella Waltz.”

FALL 2008: PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

lumni, friends, and the extended community are invited to join King’s Performing and Visual Arts Department for productions throughout the fall. Events include:

is free and open to the public. For more information, call 423.652.6332.

Wednesday, October 29 through Saturday, November 1

The King College Music Department presents its Fall Convocation at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel on campus. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 423.652.4846.

King College Theatre presents “Alabama Rain” by Heather McCutchen. The story is a dark Southern comedy just in time for Halloween, and tells the story of five sisters’ quest for water in a town where it has not rained for 40 years. The production is directed by senior theatre student Kristy Ray from Stuart’s Draft, Va. Set, lighting, and sound design are by Christopher R. Slaughter, associate professor of theatre, and costume design by Adriel Slaughter, an adjunct in the English Department. Performances are 7:30 p.m. each night in the Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $7.50 for Seniors, $5 for employees of the College and students of other schools, and free for King students with their ID. Tickets are available from Tornado Alley (the King College bookstore) and at the door one hour before each performance. Seating is limited and guests cannot be seated once the performance begins. For more information, call 423.652.4839.

Saturday, November 8 The King College Symphonic Band presents its Fall Concert under the direction of Lonny Finley, director of bands and instrumental activities. Concert begins at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, Tenn., and

Fall 2008

Tuesday, November 18

Saturday, December 6 King’s Symphonic Choir and additional vocal groups join award-winning classical composer Morten Lauridsen and the Symphony of the Mountains for the Eastman Chemical Concert Series. Traditional and classical holiday selections will be performed. The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Toy F. Reid Center at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tenn. Because this event is not sponsored by the College, tickets are required and available through the Symphony of the Mountains. For more information, call 423.392.8423.

Friday, December 12 The King College Music Department presents its annual Christmas Concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tenn. The King College Symphonic Choir and Collegium Musicum are under the direction of W. Patrick Flannagan, professor of music and the Jazz/Gospel Choir and All the King’s Men are under the direction of Shea Clay, assistant professor of music. For more information, call 423.652.4846.

King College n response to ongoing community requests, King College has now established the Academy at King, a private, tuition-based high school serving the Tri-Cities region. The project was initially announced in September 2007 as a potential exploration, and following positive due diligence by officials and an enthusiastic response from the community, has now welcomed its first students. Designed to serve families with students in grades 9–12, the Academy is a way for King to collaborate with area schools and further promote education through expanded academic opportunities and programs. “The Academy was created in response to requests from the community,” said Dr. Linda Fore, consultant for the Academy. “King has long served as a community resource, and similar to our expansion of course offerings and instructional locations, the Academy is another step in helping meet the educational goals of our region.” Classes began in August 2008 under the guidance of veteran educator Susan Melkowski, who serves as head of school. “We are delighted Susan is leading this new initiative,” said Fore. “She brings three decades of experience in instruction, curriculum design, policy making, standards testing and more. Her longtime investment in our area’s educational community and her familiarity with the administrative operations of an educational facility are very valuable.” Melkowski holds a bachelor’s degree in math education from Concord University, a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech, and an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership and policy studies, also from Virginia Tech. From 1977 to 2007, she served as an instructor at Virginia High School, and has also led courses at Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Highlands Community College. “The opportunity to help guide this project is very exciting,” said Melkowski. “I am enjoying collaborating with students and families throughout our area to offer educational resources consistent with King’s history of academic excellence, exploration of faith, and service to others.” Programming at the Academy offers a well-rounded mix of academic, fine arts and physical education experiences, with advanced placement options and strengths in math and science. A central focus of the Academy’s catalog is to challenge young scholars to excel in the classroom, preparing them for educational development at the collegiate level

PHOTOS BY ANNA LONE

and building a career foundation. Ninth and tenth grade students have been enrolled for the inaugural year, with eleventh and twelfth grades to follow in 2009 and 2010, respectively. “We support a nourishing environment that values multiple intelligences, learning styles and focuses on the academic disciplines,” said Melkowski. “Integrated learning helps students gain a larger perspective on their own lives and those around them, and by incorporating a number of academic experiences, we ultimately hope to cultivate a life-long love of learning in each participant. ” Faculty members joining Melkowski include Karen Cross, an award-winning regional educator with global experience, and Paul Ojanen, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and degree candidate at Harvard University. “We are delighted that Karen and Paul are helping craft this educational environment,” said Melkowski. “Their backgrounds offer tremendous depth to our curriculum, and they exemplify, in wonderful ways, what it means to be lifelong learners.” Cross, who is serving as dean of students and social studies instructor, is a Fulbright Scholar and the recipient of numerous honors, including the McGlothlin Award for Teaching Excellence and the Virginia Lottery Teaching in Excellence Award. For nearly two decades she served as teacher of social sciences with the Washington County and Bristol, Virginia School Systems, receiving multiple Teacher of the Year awards. Her international educational experience includes

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fosters new educational initiative a private, tuition-based high school serving the Tri-Cities region

journeys to Israel, Peru, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy, and Greece. Cross holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from King College and a Master of Education degree from Tusculum College. Ojanen, who is serving as mathematics instructor, received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT. He is a current candidate for a Master’s degree in Mathematics for Teaching at Harvard University. Previously, the Bristol native served as a tutor with Dorchester High School in Massachusetts, taught software engineering principles to Israeli and Palestinian students through the Middle East Education through Technology (MEET) program, and organized MIT’s Autonomous Robot Design contest. Ojanen’s background also includes active duty with the United States Air Force, coordinating with allied countries to provide communications and engineering support throughout Europe. As the Academy grows, extracurricular offerings being

considered include activities such as debate, photojournalism, theatre, vocal and instrumental musical groups, Beta Club, and co-curricular clubs in art, science and foreign language. The school may also offer extracurricular intramural athletic programs. Competitive athletic teams potentially include soccer, tennis, golf, volleyball, baseball, softball, swimming, diving and basketball. Two field trips are on the schedule for 2008–2009, one for a long December weekend in New York City, and an extended visit to Montepulciano, Italy in May. For the moment, Academy classes are located at a temporary site at 5825 Old Jonesboro Road. A new facility for the Academy and its students is planned for construction on the King College campus, adjacent to the lake. For more information and to be added to the Academy’s mailing list, please e-mail melkowski@academyatking.org. Additional information is available at www.academyatking.org.

ACADEMIC CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE OFFERS CONVENIENT, CENTR ALIZED LOCATION

uring the 2007–2008 academic year a new center was formed to offer King College students a convenient way to receive tutoring and assistance with projects. The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) incorporates the areas of writing, speaking, math, and learning services. The new center combines previous tutoring departments and brings them together in one centralized location on the first floor of Bristol Hall. Specialists in each subject are available for consult, including English Professor Kim Holloway, who serves as director of the Writing Center; English Lecturer Lori Byington, director of the Speaking Center; Assistant Mathematics Professor Wendy Traynor, who serves as director of the Math Center; and Learning Specialist Lisa Yokshas, director of the Learning Services Center.

Fall 2008

According to Yokshas, the center’s first year has received positive response and been visited by a wide range of growing scholars. “The Academic Center for Excellence is frequented by both undergraduate and graduate students,” she said. “We provide assistance to any student who needs help.” Each division within ACE specializes

in a particular area—students needing help with oral reports, improvements in test taking or study skills, feedback on papers or more can find an advocate ready to assist. According to Holloway, there are even options for students who may not frequent the main campus. “Because of the growing population of Graduate and Professional Studies students who do not come to the main campus, we have expanded the Writing Center to include an online component,” she said. “Now students who are taking classes in Kingsport or in Abingdon can receive tutor feedback on their papers by using our Blackboard site.” The ACE’s services will be available throughout the coming academic year and students needing assistance are encouraged to contact staff at 423.652.6302.

KC displays new Chapel banners K

ing students have been introduced to a new look in Memorial Chapel. The college unveiled seven new chapel banners created by artist Doreen Kellogg. A resident of Chattanooga, Tenn., Kellogg is a professional banner maker who has works represented in churches, schools, and businesses throughout the United States as well as seven other countries. Previously, she has fashioned Passion and Easter banners for King. Kellogg says the banners are reminders of that climactic week celebrated at Easter. “The Old Testament prophets all looked forward to the Savior’s coming and provision of redemption, and today, we look back to the events of that week of Jesus’ life and to His suffering and sacrifice for the

The seven new chapel banners created by artist Doreen Kellogg are reminders of the climactic week celebrated at Easter. Six of the titles are shown here.

sins of the world,” she said. “These banners have been created for the Lord’s glory and with rich fabrics, incorporating traditional symbols and colors.” For some of the banners she used gold and white, the traditional colors of Easter. According to Kellogg, gold signifies divine illumination and immortality, while white suggests purity and holiness. “Purples are appropriate for both Christ’s passion and resurrection because they represent both sorrow and penitence, as well as royalty. Greens suggest hope, growth, and life, while blues symbolize eternity, heaven, and infinity. All of these emblematic colors have been employed cumulatively throughout the set in a decorative and unifying way.” Each banner has its own theme, including: • Hosanna, which displays a palm branch, a Roman symbol of victory later carried over into Christian symbolism suggesting general victory, particularly a martyr’s triumph over death.

• Watch and Pray, featuring the lamp’s perpetual flame from the Old Testament, signifying God’s presence and holiness. • This Is My Body, showing wheat and grapes, representing Christ’s physical body and blood shed. • Crucify Him, which features the cross, the primary symbol recalling Christ’s sacrificial death for the redemption of His people. The cross is surrounded by a crown of twisted, thorny vines, a parody of the Roman emperor’s festal crown of roses. • Father Forgive, showing a dove, the principle symbol for the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism. • He Arose/He Lives, showing the metamorphosis of a butterfly, a symbol for Jesus’ victory over the grave. The set is completed by a single horizontal banner depicting Alleluia, a triumphant praise.

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King introduces new BTech degree B

eginning this fall, students at King College have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology (BTech) degree. Designed for working adults, the program is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to acquire professional and leadership positions in information technology (IT), or to pursue research or graduate studies in the field. “We are continually looking for innovative options for our students in terms of academic programming,” says Matt Peltier, associate vice president and dean of academic affairs at King. “We want to equip them with the skills needed to excel in their careers. This benefits our students, and also strengthens our area work force, making our area increasingly attractive to potential employers.” Through the new degree, students will garner skills such as using and applying current technical concepts and practices in the core informational technologies, designing effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrating them into the user environment, identifying and evaluating current and emerging technologies and assessing their applicability to address users’ needs, as well as a number of other abilities to prepare students for work in an IT-focused environment. Core courses for the BTech degree include Professional Communications, Principles of Management, Intro to Web Design, Intro to Computer Science/ Programming, Accounting, Structures/ Computer Architecture, Database Management, Systems Analysis, Network Management, Advanced Web Programming, Current Issues in Technology, and Information Security. “Considerable research and planning went into establishing the program, and we are excited to offer this wonderful opportunity to our students and the surrounding community,” said Peltier. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Fall 2008

Development, of the top 50 fastestgrowing occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, eight are IT-related. The Tri-Cities and surrounding areas have experienced a growing need for IT professionals, particularly with the presence of IT

industries such as CGI-AMS, Northrop Grumman, and AT&T. For more information about the BTech degree at King College, contact Micah Crews, director of recruitment for graduate and professional studies, at 423.652.4773 or mrcrews@king.edu.

MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE NOW AVAIL ABLE IN KINGSPORT

eginning this fall, Kingsport-area residents seeking a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) will have a new and convenient educational option. King College will be offering the degree program, designed to accommodate working adults, at its downtown Kingsport location at 104 East Main Street. “We’re very pleased to provide the opportunity for residents of Kingsport and surrounding areas to pursue a degree from King without having to travel a great distance from home,” says Tracy Parkinson, dean of the faculty. “Programs offered at the Kingsport location are designed to balance the personal and professional challenges that adult learners face while providing the quality of degree they expect from King College.” The program is ideal for adults who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing or continuing a career in education. Courses are crafted to help improve classroom teaching skills, as well as prepare educators for advanced roles in instructional leadership and practice. The program is open to those holding teacher licensure as well as those seeking licensure in elementary or secondary education. Classes meet one evening per week, reducing the need for travel and providing time for participants to meet work and family demands. The curriculum includes a mix of core subjects, research, and field work, and depending on an applicant’s previous educational background, can be completed in as little as 16 months. “Our degree programs are intended to build knowledge and practice in the field, foster professional integrity, and promote personal growth,” says Parkinson. “Ultimately, the outcomes of this program will improve education for students, their families, and communities throughout our region.” Responding to career and workforce development needs, the college also offers Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees and a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in downtown Kingsport. All feature times convenient to returning students and working adults. For more information on available programs, including full admissions requirements for the M.Ed., contact the King College Office of Admissions at 800.362.0014 or visit www.king.edu.

December and May commencements host F

at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Ohio. He is a member of numerous professional societies including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Practice, Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Tennessee Medical Association, Tennessee Association of Family Physicians, and Medical Group Management Association. During the commencement ceremony, King College presented Miller with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Colleges nationwide present this prestigious award to honor members of the community for their application of spiritual qualities to daily living. It highlights the importance of service to others and service to the community. The college also awarded an honorary doctorate to Mr. Louis King, the founder of Kintronics Laboratory, a world-class maker of radio transmission systems located in Bristol, Tenn. During the May 2008 ceremonies, more than 280 graduates walked across the stage to receive their respective degrees. During the event, a number of graduates and community representatives were honored for their dedication to academic excellence, service to others and lifelong learning. King presented honorary degrees to Dr. Scott Weimer and Dr. William W. Locke. Weimer, who was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Divinity, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas and received his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Divinity School. He went on to earn a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. During the summer of 2005, after being named one of

PHOTO BY EARL CARTER

ollowing eight consecutive years of record-breaking enrollment, King College has made a change to its academic calendar. The college has now added a December commencement to the schedule to help balance the everincreasing number of graduates. December 2007 marked the first celebration of fall commencement exercises. While graduation ceremonies have traditionally been observed out of doors, the winter-time event takes place in the campus Student Center Complex. Approximately 130 students participated this past year, including Graduate and Professional Studies students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses, and the first graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program. “We were thrilled to host a fall commencement,” said Matt Peltier, dean of Academic Affairs for King. “An additional graduation ceremony in December was needed due to King’s record enrollment of 1,516 students during the fall 2007 semester. This is a special event not only for the graduating students and their loved ones, but also for the college’s faculty, staff, and community members.” Dr. Jerry Miller, CEO of Holston Medical Group (HMG), delivered the commencement address. An active family physician for 40 years, Miller founded HMG and served as medical director until June 2004. The practice has grown to become the region’s largest multi-specialty provider with more than 100 physicians, specialists, and mid-level providers. Miller received his medical degree in 1965 from the Medical College of Virginia, and completed his internship

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many new graduates three Georgia pastors to receive the prestigious Pastoral Sabbatical Grant from the Lilly Foundation, Weimer traveled to South Korea, China, and France. In 2006, he visited North Avenue Presbyterian’s sister church in Mexico City, where he participated in a dedication ceremony at Presbyterian University in Kenya. In 2007, he led trips to Thailand, Myanmar, and Honduras. For his focus on mission around the world and in Atlanta, Weimer was honored with the James H. Costen Award for Religion, given by the Interdenominational Theological Center. Locke, who was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Letters, has served as president of Northeast State Technical Community College since 1996. He has been employed in the educational profession for more than 30 years in various positions. Prior to his current position, he served as director of the Job Skills Training Center and as vice-president for academic affairs at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn. Locke has extensive experience in public school

King enrollment shows ninth year of record numbers

Fall 2008

administration, including serving as the state director for elementary and early childhood education and as a teacher in public schools and four colleges and universities. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1962 and received a Doctorate of Education in educational administration from East Tennessee State University. Locke, a Vietnam veteran, is also a graduate of the National Defense University’s National Security Management program and the United States Army Command and General Staff College. The prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was presented to long-time music educator and arts advocate Mary Landrum and Dennis Phillips, mayor of Kingsport since 2005. The honor was also bestowed upon two King College graduates, Robert Warren Beck and Craig John Parker. The award is named after Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a lawyer, devout Christian, mediator, orator and philanthropist. Twentyfive southeastern colleges and universities present these awards, which highlight the importance of service to others and service to the community.

his year King College welcomed the largest-ever student body for the fall semester, enrolling 1,703 students between the main Bristol campus and the many satellite campuses throughout the region. This year’s increase in enrollment marks the ninth consecutive year of growth and a 12 percent increase over the same period last year. Melinda Clark, vice president of enrollment management, attributes the phenomenon to the creation of innovative programs and a focus on accessibility. “We want to provide students and working adults with the tools they need to advance, and also serve as a responsive partner to the workforce development needs of the region,” she said. “Combined with our efforts to bring the quality of a King degree to instructional locations around the area, this commitment to our students has generated nearly a decade of enthusiastic response.” King supports nearly a dozen instructional sites in the Tri-Cities and beyond, including

Tennessee locations in Kingsport, Johnson City and Blountville, and Virginia sites in Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Marion, Richlands, Grundy and Wytheville. But it isn’t just the student body that’s growing. The college’s faculty and staff have expanded to keep up with the enrollment boom. “While King has more than doubled in the past five years alone, we maintain an approximate 14-to-1 student-faculty ratio,” Clark said. “It is the personal attention students receive both in and out of the classroom that makes the King College experience distinctive.” Stressing the immense benefits of King’s continued outgrowth in the community, vice president of marketing and development LeAnn Hughes added, “It is our goal to support the educational and economic development initiatives of the region, and it has been proven time and again that making higher education affordable, as well as accessible, is key to this process.”

Tornado Sports

KING COLLEGE TE AMS HAVE A RECORD Y E AR

KC’s Track and Field stars place high in championships

fter a surprising seventh-place finish at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor National Track & Field competition, the King College men were ready to once again make their mark in the 2008 meet held in Saint Louis, Mo. They did just that with an eighth place overall finish in a field of 57. Along the way they earned two Individual National Championships and secured four AllAmerican designations. Tyrell Cuffy led the way with two individual championships as he defended his 200 meter title and added the 100. Kemar Hyman made it a one-two sweep for King in the 200 meter, placing him on the AllAmerican podium. The freshman from the Grand Cayman Islands made an immediate impact for the squad in his NAIA Outdoor Nationals debut. Rounding out the meet highlights was the surprise finish from the 4x100 relay team of Cuffy, Hyman, Maxwell Hyman and Anthony Todt. The team was seeded sixth going into the finals, but put together a championship-level performance that produced a thirdplace finish. On the women’s side Brittany Simmons was the lone All-American for King with her sixth place finish in the 400 meter finals. Running in lane seven, Simmons had to fight hard down the straight to seal her All-American status. This capped a fine season for the sophomore from Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tenn., which included school records in both the 400 (55.96) and the 800 (2:16.94).

Left: Brittany Simmons was named an All-American and set two KC records during the 2007-2008 track and field season. Center: Tyrell Cuffy clinched two individual championships in the 200 and 100 meter races at the NAIA Outdoor National Track & Field competition. Far right: Kemar Hyman, left, and Tyrell Cuffy, center, continued their competition on into the summer, where Hyman finished eighth in the 100-meters final at the 2008 IAAF World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

TORNADO ATHLETES SCORE ATHLETIC, ACADEMIC HONORS IN 2007-2008

he Tornado’s 2007–2008 athletic year proved to be one for the record books. With seven Appalachian Athletic Conference championships, six teams represented at their NAIA national tournaments and two individual national championships, it was inevitable that King would be the front runner for the Appalachian Athletic Conference Duard Walker All-Sports Trophy. The trophy was established as a way of recognizing member institutions with the most successful all-around sports program for the year. Member colleges compete in 15 sports: baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track and field for men; and basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball for women. Points are awarded based on team place finish in the regular season and sport Conference Championship Tournament/Meet. King not only received the award for the first time in school history, but also set a record number of points in the competition. The Tornado scored a 790, with the next closest score held by Union College, who finished with 660. Multiple King athletes were recognized for their individual efforts this season including 37 AAC All-Conference selections, 10 All-Region XII selections and 10 NAIA All-American selections. In addition to the excellence established on the playing field, King College student-athletes also excelled in the classroom. Fourteen teams had a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and there were 63 AAC All-Academic selections, and 8 Daktronics-NAIA All-American Selections.

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TORNADO ATHLE TIC S

Two Tornado pitchers head for the professionals

ince the hiring of Head Coach Mark Conkin in late fall of 2006, the King College baseball team has transformed back to one of the top teams in the region. The Tornado finished that 2007 season with a 31–18 record, a sixth place finish in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and a bright future for the 2008 season. With some familiar numbers in the 2008 season, the men again finished 31–8, but a different placement showcased a memorable season. Finishing the regular season tied for second with Union College, the men headed into the conference tournament as the number three seed because of a tie break rule which gave the second-place seed to Union. Their seed proved to hold true as the men finished in third place, qualifying them for the NAIA Region XII Tournament. King was knocked out of post-season play by Tennessee Wesleyan, a team ranked ninth in the NAIA Top 25, by one run. But the excitement did not end there for the Tornado. In June 2008 Eric Allen became the first King College baseball player to sign a professional contract when he signed with the Chicago Cubs. Two days later, teammate Jace Smith also headed for the professionals, signing with the Kansas City Royals. Allen comes from Kingsport, Tenn., attended high school at Sullivan Central, and graduated from King. He has been assigned to the Boise Hawks of the short-season Northwest League. “Allen is a prototypical pitcher,” said Conkin. “He has the body size at six-three and 195 pounds and throws 90 to 93 miles per hour. He has a big arm. I could see him being a closer or a set-up guy. Some of his best outings for us were as a reliever.” Smith, a resident of Dripping Springs, Texas, was an ace for the team, finishing the season with a 7–1 record, a 2.59 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 87 innings, a record that didn’t hurt when it came to his hopes in the draft. After signing, Smith said he thought he had a chance to be drafted. “But I knew if it didn’t that I would have a chance to sign with somebody anyway,” he commented. “Jace throws 88 or 89 mph,” said Conkin. “But he had only 14 walks in 87 innings and teams hit just .234 against him.” The All-Appalachian Athletic Conference and All-Region XII pick could stay in Arizona and play for the Surprise Royals, be sent to the Pioneer League and play for the Idaho Falls Chukars in the advanced rookie Pioneer League, or be sent to Burlington of the Appalachian League. If he is assigned to Burlington, he would have a chance to come back and pitch in the area which has five Appalachian League affiliates in Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Elizabethton and Greeneville. “This is definitely big for us that we are having kids from our program signing with professional teams,” said Conkin.

Fall 2008

King College baseball players Eric Allen and Jace Smith made history in June 2008 when both were signed to professional ball clubs— Allen, to the Chicago Cubs, and Smith to the Kansas City Royals.

Tornado pitcher Eric Allen, top, made history as he signed with the Chicago Cubs in June 2008. Teammate Jace Smith, left, joined the record books as he headed for the diamond with the Kansas City Royals.

Lady Tornado rule the volleyball court K

ing College’s Lady Tornado volleyball team wrapped up its season by delivering the team’s 11th consecutive AAC tournament title to first-year head coach Chris Toomey. King entered the tournament as the second seed with a 25-13 record, and went on to win three out of four matches (21-30, 30-17, 30-27, 30-22) against Bryan College to seize the AAC title. The Tornado went on to host the NAIA Region XII tournament, where expectations were high for the number one

seeded team. Upset was in the air, however, when first time tournament qualifiers UVA-Wise took to the court. The Lady Cavs fell to the Tornado in the first two games 21-30 and 24-30, but came from behind in a stunning turn of events to hand King three straight losses of 36-34, 32-30, and 15-13. The Lady Cavs went on to defeat Bryan College in the tournament and advanced to a first-ever appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. The Lady Tornado ended their highly successful season 25-14 and the team expects only great things to come as the senior-less group will remain intact for the 2008 season.

TORNADO HALL OF FAME HONORS PAST AND PRESENT LEADERS Athletics seeks news on past Hall of Fame inductees Each spring, King College alumni anticipate the coming of Dogwood Weekend and its many events, including the renewed Athletic Hall of Fame inductions. The event is designated as a time to remember the past, honor the present, and catch a glimpse of the future as plans for growth are unveiled. “We are reminded that in order to grow, we must acknowledge and remember our past achievements,” said Jenn Testa, head softball coach. “In order to properly recognize those who have been honored in previous Hall of Fame selections, we would like to start a book highlighting the achievements of those athletes.” As part of the project the Athletics Department is now seeking photographs, memorabilia, and personal recollections from family members and friends of the following Hall of Fame members: Fred E. Reuning 1924 Max R. Osburn 1924 Elton Sharpe 1926 Russell T. Stuart 1927 Arthur P. Hammerstrom 1928 Lewis Summer 1938 Emil Gavlak 1940 Bill Wilkinson 1940

Above: Hall of Fame inductees at the 2008 Dogwood ceremonies included KC’s 1994 women’s volleyball team. Members of the team included Debbie (Allen) Cutshall (’95), Crystal (Coe) Miller (’95), Shannon (Cromer) Mincey (’95), Christa (Hogan) Boggs (’95), Wendy (Moody) Ratliff (’95), Kelly (Toomey) Elliott (’95), Sarah (Lowe) Caines (’96), Joi (Reed) Harrell (’97), Tamara (Ricker) Yelton (’97), and Holly Rolen (’98). (Not pictured: Leslie (Baldwin) Clark (’98), Rachael DeVries (’98), and Jayme (Wheeler) Smith (Attd).) Staff included Maria (Wayland) LaBarbera (’94) and Christie (Morgan) Kleinmann (’96). (Not pictured: Julia “Kitsie” (Kell) Helo-Gaviria (’95).) Coaches for the team included Head Coach Susie Toomey, and Assistant Coaches Chris Toomey (’97) and Sharon Funari (’92). Left: Head Baseball Coach Jerry Opp was honored for his many years of service and personal dedication to the success of each player.

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KING AND COMMUNIT Y

King students perform at Bristol race With only four days’ notice, the King College men’s choral ensemble All the King’s Men was asked to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” to open the Food City 250 at the Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22nd.

hanks to the help of many dedicated King College staff, they were a rousing success. “It was exciting and a little nerve-wracking,” said Will Brimer, one of the performers, “but a great opportunity.” Directed by Ms. Shea Clay, the seven members of the King’s Men scheduled extra practices in the few days they were together on campus before the Friday night race. Clay had

the group practice all over campus — indoors and out — to become accustomed to singing in a variety of circumstances, including in front of other students. “If they could sing in front of their peers, they could sing in front of anybody,” Clay said of the group, whose members receive performing arts scholarships for their participation in a King College choir. “It was a lot of pressure. We did well. It was good for the music department, for King College…it was good for everybody.” Clay also stressed the campus-wide involvement in the undertaking: staff members from the President’s office, Career Services, the Performing and Visual Arts department, and others all helped plan, organize, and prepare for the event. This memorable performance would not have been possible without them.

Bristol police sergeant is King, WCQR college hero

n June 2008, King College, 88.3 FM WCQR, and sponsoring partners Salsarita’s and eCampus Virtual Bookstore, announced the winner of the College Hero promotion. The contest was open to military veterans, civil servants including fire, EMS responders and police, and outstanding regional volunteers who sought the chance to complete their college education through a full-tuition scholarship for a King College professional studies program. Over 5,000 WCQR listeners voted, with Greg Brown, a Bristol, Tennessee police sergeant, emerging as the winner. “Thank you so much for this opportunity,” said Brown when accepting his award. “It means so much that you care enough to offer this for people who serve others. I’m speechless.” Brown was one of five finalists including Joy Autin of Bristol, Va., Carol Robinson of Abingdon, Va., Jacob Sprouls of Jonesborough, Tenn., and Tim Sturgill of Bristol, Va. In addition to his full-tuition scholarship to King, Brown will also receive a new laptop computer courtesy of Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, textbooks courtesy of eCampus Virtual Bookstore, a $50 gift certificate from the King College Tornado Alley Shoppe, and a semester of free dinners courtesy of Aramark. King College is also offering each of the

Fall 2008

other four finalists a half-tuition scholarship. According to Brown, now is the perfect time for him to complete his bachelor’s degree. In 2005, he was forced to drop classes when he was activated by the Navy. He served his active duty at the Kuwait/Iraq border from 2005 to 2006. Brown will pursue his Bachelor of Business Administration, a degree program offered through King’s graduate and professional studies (GPS), featuring class schedules and learning environments designed for working adults. “We’re honored to offer this opportunity,” said Micah Crews, director of recruitment for GPS at King. “Our military veterans, civil servants, and volunteers have given of themselves to protect and serve us in so many ways, and we are thrilled that we’re able to give a little back by helping someone like Sgt. Brown complete his bachelor’s degree at no cost.” The College Hero contest is a new addition to opportunities offered and sponsored by King College, WCQR, Salsarita’s, and eCampus Virtual Bookstore. Over the past two years, the partners have also helped a College Mom and a College Dad pursue their undergraduate degrees at no cost.

Office of Career Develo “My four-year career plan for students includes annual progress checks in the form of personal interviews, and each year at King, students will focus on a different aspect of career development. Besides taking FOCUS-2, freshmen attend Career Week in early October to get a closer personal look at specific careers and talk with professionals in different fields.” —Nichole Long, director of career services and special events

eginning this fall, the Office of Career Development will be undergoing some major changes and improvements aimed at providing more and better opportunities for students. With the addition of Nichole Long to the department, Career Services is now better equipped to help incoming students choose a field that is right for them, and help graduating students successfully acquire jobs in their areas of study. Career Development has always helped students find and succeed in internships, which are required coursework for many majors. In the past, the department has also featured workshops on aspects of the job hunt like successful interviewing and résumé writing. The plan improves the structure for incoming students to follow for discovering their primary areas of interest and focusing on a major in which they can be successful. The advent of a new four-year student career plan and effective career assessment software called FOCUS-2 will provide this structure. FOCUS-2 is a series of personality- and skills-based tests taken online. These tests help students narrow Nichole Long their career possibilities according to the things they like to do or are good at doing. A student taking the test is presented with a range of focused but noncareer specific activities and asked to rate his or her interest in completing these tasks. Other tests assess personality, skills, values, and leisure activities. FOCUS-2 then combines the results of these tests and returns a list of specific careers that might interest the student, along with the average salary for each job and pertinent majors offered at King College. By taking these tests students can pinpoint interests they would like to pursue and identify majors that will help them succeed in those goals. Donna Felty All incoming freshman will take FOCUS-2, and the test will also be available to any other students who wish to use it. Nichole Long, director of career services and special events, will help to guide students through the process. Long is passionate about helping students find their place and succeed in college. “My four-year career plan for students includes annual progress checks in the form of personal interviews, and each year at King, students will focus on a different aspect of career development,” said Long. “Besides taking FOCUS-2, freshmen attend Career Week in early October to get a closer personal look at specific careers and talk with professionals in different fields.” Sophomores will have opportunities to shadow professionals and will be placed in what Long referred to as “industry clusters,” so as to be mentored by men and women in their chosen career fields. These “clusters” will be comprised of faculty, alumni, mentor students, and career development staff. During sophomore year, students will also begin actively seeking and participating in internships. Juniors will focus on building their portfolios and developing résumé-writing and interviewing skills, and seniors will begin actively job hunting with the assistance of Career Development. All four years students are encouraged to get involved on campus in clubs and organizations related to their majors.

PHOTOS BY ANDY OLSON

King’s Herald

C AREER DE VELOPMEN T

lopment expands services Donna Felty, director of career development, is committed to finding all available job and internship possibilities for King College students in the region. As a liaison with local businesses and corporations, Felty identifies specific internship and employment opportunities for current and graduating students. “I am planning to contact more than 100 businesses and non-profit organizations in the Tri-Cities and Nashville this year, and I’m hoping to expand my network to Richmond, Charlotte, Chattanooga, and elsewhere,” Felty said. “I hope to build a database of job and internship openings to match students specifically to those opportunities that will most benefit them in pursuit of a degree or a career.” King College alums who know of job or internship openings in their region, or who might be interested in becoming student mentors themselves, are encouraged to contact Felty at 423.652.4752 or dhfelty@king.edu.

Attention, King alumni: Do you know of job or internship openings in your region, or are you interested in becoming a student mentor? If so, contact Donna Felty at 423.652.4752 or dhfelty@king.edu.

Another King graduate’s success story unfolds . . . W

hen interviewing for her first post-baccalaureate job, Laura Kilgus found that potential employers were impressed that she remained involved with various campus groups and organizations at King College, all while studying and completing an internship in nursing. During her senior year, Kilgus served as president of the Student Nursing Association and was a member of the college choir and the Refreshment Company, a student singing ministry. She was also a member of the first Lady Tornado soccer team to win both the conference and regional tournaments, qualifying to compete in the national tournament in Daytona, Fla. “The employers seemed to appreciate the fact that I participated in so many different activities,” said Kilgus. “I was able to share with them what I learned from each experience, and share common interests with every person with whom I interviewed.” The unintentional strategy worked and Kilgus was offered a position in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Duke University in Durham, N.C. She will rely particularly on skills learned in the classroom at King, and those clinically put into practice as a nursing extern at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn. Still, she points to her professors and other college staff members for having had the greatest impact on her life and current work. “They have been very influential,” she said. “I was never turned away or denied the opportunity to visit with these individuals, whether it was strictly educational or just small talk.” Although, her nursing career is just beginning, Kilgus already has big plans for the future. She has a long-term goal of working as a traveling nurse in the United States and abroad. Laura Kilgus, ’08, Nursing

Fall 2008

STAFF & FACULT Y NEWS

Veterans assume new responsibilities, new staff joins

Mark Mervis

t was a busy summer in the development department at King College as a new employee was welcomed and a couple of familiar faces assumed new roles. Mark Mervis, of Bristol, Va., joined the team as a development officer. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with our charitable partners,” said Mervis. “It’s wonderful to be a part of a process that gives our students the tools needed to chart their success.” For the past ten years, Mervis served as a project manager, with a sales and marketing focus, in the packaging industry. Albert “Rocky” Rausch filled the position of director of alumni and annual giving. The staff transition comes as John King, former director of alumni and annual giving, takes over the duties of chief development officer. Rausch served King from 1992 to 2005 as vice president of student development. For the past year, he has been assisting King’s development program, fostering relationships with donors in Chattanooga, Tenn. and surrounding areas. He has now relocated to Bristol to assist with on-campus alumni and development activities. “I’ve enjoyed catching up with alumni I knew as undergraduates and meeting many others from around the region and nation,” he said. Rausch holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling, and is completing his doctoral degree in youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. Send your alumni news to Rausch at alumni@king.edu.

Rocky Rausch

Support and provide for your family’s future With a Charitable Gift Annuity, you can enjoy significant tax benefits while transferring assets to King. In return, you will receive a quarterly annuity payment for the rest of your or your spouse’s life. This type of gift is ideal for those who desire current income yet want to leave a legacy gift that will support King College’s mission.

It is never too early or too late to start thinking about your financial future. To find out how to make a planned gift to benefit King College, contact John King at 800.621.5464 or via e-mail at jwking@king.edu.

King’s Herald

CONNEC T IONS

In his new role as chief development officer, John King will oversee the College’s development program and related areas of annual giving, planned giving, and major and capital fundraising. “This new opportunity allows me to be present with alumni, as well as assist the many growing scholars who depend on King to help them achieve their academic dreams,” said King. King graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1988, and lives in Piney Flats, Tenn. He spent 18 years in the printing business before his employment at the college. King will complete a Certificate of Fundraising Management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University later this year and is also a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

PHOTOS BY ANDY OLSON

development office at King

John King

Grant helps students engage in original research

ith the help of a $150,000 grant, students in King College’s Biology Department have been conducting original research related to common household and industrial pesticides. Dr. Vanessa Fitsanakis, chair of the Biology Department, received the grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety (NIEHS). Payable over a three-year period, the funds have already benefited seven students working in Fitsanakis’ lab. Four were able to attend the international meeting of the Society of Toxicology in Seattle, Wash., to offer their findings alongside graduate and doctoral-level presenters. “Even though we have only had the funding for a few months, students have already seen tremendous benefits from this opportunity,” said Fitsanakis. “It’s a great feeling for them when they can discuss their own work at King alongside professors from Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt or King’s College in London. And when they do, they are seen as experts on their particular topic.” The research is being conducted using microscopic invertebrates found in the soil. “We are exposed to a variety of chemicals during the course of our daily activities,” noted Fitsanakis. “These could be found in our home, workplace or the general environment. We don’t really have a complete picture of how they all interact. Fortunately, these invertebrates have cells similar to ours, and their nervous system uses many of the same chemicals found in our brain, but they provide a much simpler model to work with. These factors provide a good basis for understanding how pesticides may actually affect cell function in humans.” “Recently our society has focused more on the influence of pollution, chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning agents on our Fall 2008

bodies,” added Fitsanakis. “Some of the diseases we currently associate with aging may actually be avoidable if we had a greater understanding of how compounds accumulate in and affect our bodies.” Participation in research is open to a wide range of students enrolled at King, including those in biology, chemistry, and education-related backgrounds. “Ultimately, the goal is for students from a range of disciplines to recognize the importance of science,” said Fitsanakis. “This type of activity also allows them to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to a research question that may ultimately make a positive difference in our daily lives.” 25

STAFF & FACULT Y NOTES

in June, he presented “On Faith and Fiction.” Brown will also appear at the Faith and Fiction event at Memphis Theological Seminary in October 2008.

degree. She represented the college at the Association of College & Research Libraries Institute for Information Literacy’s competitive professional development program.

Liz Dollar, chair of the Performing & Visual Arts Department and her husband Mark Dollar, dean of graduate and professional studies, welcomed their daughter Sophia Elizabeth on February 7, 2008. Sophia weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. at birth and was 19" long. The previous October, Mark had the opportunity to conduct research at the archives of the British Film Institute and the Imperial War Museum in London, England. His work there was part of a research sabbatical awarded for the fall of 2007 and contributed to his article titled “Sacrifice as Sacrament: Derek Jarman’s War Requiem.”

Dr. Craig McDonald, director of the Snider Honors Center, is looking forward to the publication of his second novel, An Early Fall. The book will be released by Capstone Fiction during the second half of 2008.

Donna Felty, director of career development, is serving as the 2008 Vice-Chair for Community, Governmental, and Leadership Development for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Shannon Harris, assistant professor of History, and Amanda Lewis, lecturer of History, attended the historic 50th Anniversary meeting of the African Studies Association in New York, New York in October 2007. The association brings together faculty, students, and all those interested in African scholarship from a wide range of disciplines and approaches. Both were able to meet with distinguished African history faculty and attend sessions on topics relevant to their research and teaching. Jenny Horton, instructional services librarian, graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Information Science

SAV E T H E DAT E

Dr. Dale Brown, director of the Buechner Institute at King College, is celebrating the publication of his latest book, Conversations with American Writers: The Doubt, the Faith, the In-Between. The work features extensive interviews with well-known writers such as David James Duncan, Jan Karon, Ron Hansen, Sheri Reynolds, Ernest Gaines, Silas House, Lee Smith and others. Excerpts from the new book have appeared in publications such as Sojourners, Christian Century, Cimarron Review, The Southern Ledger, and more. Best-selling author Clyde Edgerton noted about the book that Brown “asks the right questions, and asks them to good writers.” In May, Brown spoke at the Ann Arbor, Mich. Book Festival, and was also interviewed by the Chicago Tribune. His review of Ron Hansen’s Exiles, entitled “To Be Rather Than to Seem” is being published by Sojourners. At the Christian Scholar’s Conference at Lipscomb University

PHOTO BY EARL CARTER

Dr. Cara Everett Anderson, dean of the school of education, Dr. Karen Shaw, chair of the English Department, and Dr. Tracy Parkinson, dean of the faculty were selected to participate in the Mellon Global Community Initiative in Salzburg, Austria, in January 2008. Fifteen colleges and universities from the Appalachian College Association and from Historically Black Colleges and Universities were invited to attend the summit, which explored proposals related to the advancement of globalization in college and university curricula. Anderson and Shaw are developing a course on cultural identity development, and will return to Salzburg in January of 2009 to report on the success of the course.

Dr. Andrew Simoson, chair of the Mathematics and Physics Department, presented the paper “A Double-Minded Fractal” at the National Mathematics Meetings in San Diego, Calif. January 7, 2008. He has written a book review of The Archimedes Codex by R. Netz and W. Noel (De Capo Press, 2007) which appeared in Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 60:2 (June 2008) 132. Simoson is also receiving the George Polya Award for an article entitled “Pursuit Curves for the Man in the Moone,” published in College Mathematics Journal, 38:5 (2007). The prize was awarded August 1, 2008, at the Mathematical Association of America’s summer gathering in Madison, Wisc. At the gathering Simoson also presented a paper entitled “Falling through the Earth in The Mirrour of the World,” and participated on a panel discussing “Writing for MAA Journals.” Simoson’s summer break included two weeks of Spanish instruction at the Ixbalanque School in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. Becky Thomas has accepted the position of director of institutional effectiveness at King College. Thomas has served King since 1999 in the Office of Marketing and Development. In her new role, Thomas will develop and coordinate a comprehensive institutional effectiveness and assessment program involving academic, educational support, and administrative units in compliance with SACSCOC criteria and the King College mission, vision, and strategic plan.

SAV E T H E DAT E

Monday, January 24, 2009 T heSecond Buechner Institute Annual L ectureship

Barbara Brown Taylor, Episcopal

priest, author, and scholar. Visit www.buechnerinstitute.org or www.king.edu/convo for more information

King’s Herald

CONNEC T IONS

STAFF PASSINGS Richard “Dick” Bowers, former University of South Florida athletics director, died June 28, 2008 at the age of 77. Bowers oversaw USF’s fledgling sports program through its early years, joining the physical education staff in 1963 and becoming athletics director from 1966 until 1983, when he became director of development for the university’s College of Business Administration. His contributions included spearheading the development of the school’s baseball field, golf course and the SunDome. Former USF President Betty Castor said Bowers, who played basketball at the University of Tennessee in the 1950s, was “responsible for bringing basketball to USF.” From 1957 to 1959, Bowers was a basketball and tennis coach and physical education (P.E.) professor at King College. According to King alum Fred Young, he was “a wonderful instructor, coach, and person. He was very highly principled, warm, and friendly.” He is survived by Madge, his wife of 48 years, son Rick, daughter Delisa and two grandchildren. Madge Bowers served as the women’s P.E. instructor and a coach at King. Daniel H. Fetters, age 54, passed away suddenly on June 30, 2008. He was born in Morrisville, Penn., and had been a resident of Bristol Virginia since 1980. Mr. Fetters was a graduate of The King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and earned his master’s degree from the University of Delaware. He had also attained degrees from the University of Evansville, Ind., and ETSU. He had been a professor at King College for many years and was most recently teaching at Virginia Intermont College. He was a member of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and member of the choir. Dan was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was an avid hiker and tennis and softball player. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald H. Fetters. Survivors include his wife, Linda S. Fetters; children, Laura Elizabeth Fetters, Jennifer Fetters Snyder and Daniel Paul Fetters; grandson, Toby Jacob Snyder; mother, Dolores Fetters; brothers, Dean Fetters and Doug Fetters; sister, Diane Mellace; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 5, 2008 in the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Angus Shaw officiating. Interment followed in Cold Spring Cemetery. Pallbearers included Chuck King, Ike Lowry, Adrian Lowry, Kenneth King, Kenneth Alfrey, Dee Baines, Dan Jarvis and Greg King. Honorary pallbearers were elders and deacons at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers,

Fall 2008

memorials may be made for the family to Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, 280 Cold Spring Church Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Mary Helen (Gray) Leslie, former assistant to the business manager, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, in the Wellmont Hospice House. She was a native of Washington County, Va., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Gray of Green Spring. She graduated from Mitchell College, Statesville, N.C., and Virginia Intermont College. Bristol had been her home since 1937. She retired from King College in 1970. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was past president and life member of the Women of the Church and was active in Meals on Wheels, Church Women United, YWCA Advisory Board, Girl Scouts, and other civic projects. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Leslie in 2005. She is survived by her son, David E. Leslie (’68) of Washington, D.C.; her daughter, Jo Marie Leslie (’70) of Baltimore; and one sister, Mrs. R.K. (Nancy) Lowry Jr. of Abingdon. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, in the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Gordon Turnbull officiating. Burial followed in the Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Ave., Bristol, TN 37620; Healing Hands Health Center, 210 Memorial Drive, Bristol, TN 37620; Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN. 37620; or the Bristol Life Saving Crew, 1601 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201. Martin Ord Lee Spangler, 79, died Friday, April 25, 2008, at his home. He was born in Roanoke County, Va., on Sept. 17, 1928, and was a son of the late Horace Clinton and Ruth Josephine (Webster) Spangler. Mr. Spangler retired in 1993, after 29 years of service as a professor at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pa. He had taught at Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania for one year and King College for seven years. He was a member of the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, where he was serving as a deacon, member of the church choir, Rockingham Male Choir and the Bridgewater Village Choir. He was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, Va., received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater College in 1950 and received his doctorate from Virginia Tech in 1958. He was united in marriage June 16, 1956, to Mary Lee Wampler Spangler of Bridgewater, who survives. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are

three daughters, Nancy Rebecca Fuhrman of Collegeville, Pa., Julia Ann Mast and Susan Ruth Schlegel of Cherry Hill, N.J.; a son, John Martin Spangler of Philadelphia; and three sisters, Josephine Wampler of Bridgewater, Mary Garrett of Prescott, Ariz., and Eleanor Brogan of Salem, Va. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Leanndra Mast and Zachary Fuhrman.

Evelyn McLeod Thomas, 82, respected musician, beloved teacher and much loved mother, passed away in her home December 27, 2007. She was a native of Mars Hill, N.C., and lived in Bristol since 1949. She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, completed graduate courses at Juilliard and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and received a Master of Music degree from Eastman School of Music. She went on to teach music and English at Mars Hill College, Mary Hardin Baylor College, Carson Newman College, Sullins College, Milligan College and most recently at King College. She was a charter member of the Bristol Concert Choir, Emmanuel Episcopal Church Choir since 1965, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Bristol Music Club and an honorary member of the music fraternity Pi Kappa Lambda. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Angus and Evelyn A. McLeod, brother, Dr. John McLeod, and sister, Clyde “Pinkie” Hoffman and her husband J. Mack Thomas Jr. Survivors include her children, Olivia T. Farr and husband Bob of Cincinnati, Ohio, J. Mack Thomas III and wife Patty of Bristol and Molly Wurmser and husband Bob of Bristol; grandchildren, Parker Thomas, Abby Farr, Kate Farr, Amanda Sinclair, Mary Thornburg and Leanne Lietzke; two great-grandchildren, Evan and Sam; most special friend and companion, Gene Lockhart; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Music Club scholarship fund, Emmanuel Episcopal Church; or the music departments of Milligan College or King College.

ALUMNI NEWS

King swim team member recognized for heroism Lindsey Witherspoon never thought she would face a life-and-death situation during her winter break from King College.

et that is just what the freshman swim team member experienced on December 26, 2007, when she pulled a woman from a sinking car in Fort Patrick Henry Lake in Kingsport, Tenn. Witherspoon was dropping off a family member and friends at Warriors’ Path State Park when she saw a vehicle rolling down a bank toward the lake, and a woman struggling inside. According to Witherspoon, her decision to dive in and try to save the woman was “spur of the moment.” “It was a situation where you would actually kind of prefer to be a bystander,” she said. “However, I felt that I should and could help.” Witherspoon’s extensive background in swimming proved invaluable during the intense situation. After swimming for Sullivan South in high school, she received an athletic scholarship to compete for the Lady Tornado swim team at King. She has also taught swimming lessons for a number of years, and provided lifeguard services for her local YMCA. “My swimming experience helped a lot, especially the experience from teaching swimming lessons,” she stated. “I guess it prepared me better than anything. The lady held on to my back as I was swimming, just like the kids do.”

Witherspoon said she focused on trying to keep her head above water as she was swimming. “The water was freezing, which made it hard to breathe.” After transporting the woman to a depth where she could stand on her own, two female joggers arrived on the scene to aid both the victim and Witherspoon, who modestly defers attention to the other heroes that day. “It wasn’t just me. So many other people helped. My friend, Kim (Richards), called 9-1-1, and others nearby were there helping. I am very thankful for that.” Witherspoon’s actions were honored by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. She was presented with a plaque recognizing her for courage and heroism. Several of Witherspoon’s mentors at King College, including Dr. Rob Littleton, contacted her upon learning of the bravery and selflessness she demonstrated during the incident. Littleton, who is the vice president for Student Affairs at King, served as Witherspoon’s First Year Experience instructor last semester. “It was a privilege to have Lindsey in class her first semester in college,” he said. “I am very proud of her and the heroic efforts she displayed. She put her own safety second and exhibited great courage and character. We are very proud to have her as a student at King College, and I am excited for Lindsey as she begins her second semester.”

ALUMNI CL ASS NOTES King College Trustee Dr. Bill Heizer (’58) can be seen on the Discovery Health Channel in two shows, “The 627 Pound Woman: Jackie’s Story” and “We Lost 800 Pounds: Robin & Jackie.” The shows chronicle the challenges of two women who have both lost 400 pounds, one through bariatric surgery and the other through her own efforts. Bill serves as professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He and wife Linda (Lawson) Heizer (’64) reside in Chapel Hill, N.C. Jim Casada (’64) was named Communicator of the Year by the National Wild Turkey Federation

(NWTF). Each year, the NWTF recognizes a communicator who answers the call to promote wild turkey hunting and embraces the preservation of North America’s hunting heritage. Casada, from Rock Hill, S.C., has written for most major outdoor magazines and been involved with many books related to the outdoors. Other honors include the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association’s Tom Rollins Award; Outdoor Writer’s Association of America’s J. Hammond Brown Memorial Award; recognition from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation as the state’s outstanding conservation communicator; and more than 125

state, regional and national awards for writing and photography. For more information visit www. jimcasadaoutdoors.com. Kay (Wright) Camenisch (’69) has published a book, Uprooting Anger: Destroying the Monster Within. The book is composed of 31 meditations with Bible studies designed to reveal the roots of anger, give steps to conquer them, and lead to freedom in Christ. The book is appropriate for individual or group study. Learn more at www.uprootinganger.com. Kay and husband Dr. Robert Camenisch (’70) reside in Stanford, Ky.

Dr. David S. Painter (’70), associate professor of history and foreign service at Georgetown University, has been named a Senior Visiting Fellow by the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway. David will spend the spring 2008 semester at the Institute conducting research and writing for a forthcoming book about oil and its role in world history. The Norwegian Nobel Institute runs a research program on issues related to peace and war. As part of that program the Institute awards a limited number of fellowships for guest researchers. David is one of three senior visiting fellows for the spring

King’s Herald

CONNEC T IONS

Alumni profile: Katherine Paterson

story in childhood, and the power of imagination in everyday life. Born in China in 1932 to Christian missionaries George and Mary Womeldorf, Paterson and family returned to the States after Japan’s invasion of Manchuria. They settled in Virginia, in a rural landscape that later became a setting in several of her novels. After her graduation from King in 1954, Paterson taught school in Lovettsville, Va., for a year. She then lived and worked for four years in Japan as a missionary before beginning her writing career in 1964. She holds master’s degrees from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Va., and Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Paterson and her husband, John, a retired Presbyterian minister, live in Barre, Vt. They are the parents of four grown children. Paterson’s bookshelves feature an impressive array of accolades, including the ALMA award, two Newbery Medals, two National Book Awards and the 2006 Parents’ Choice Gold Award, among dozens of others. In 2007, Disney adapted Bridge to Terabithia into a major motion picture. Paterson also serves as a vice president of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, and is a member of the National Advisory Board for the Buechner Institute at King College. “I owe a great deal to King for what they gave me,” she said in reference to her undergraduate experience. “King gave me an education I am still drawing from today.”

2008 program. During his time at the Institute, Painter will work on a comprehensive analysis of oil and world power that will illuminate a wide range of important issues central to understanding the history of the twentieth century. In addition to the accolade, David has previously been named a Rhodes Scholar and is the author of Cold War: On the Brink of the Apocalypse; The Cold War: An International History; and Oil and the American Century: The Political Economy of U.S. Foreign Oil Policy, 1941–1954. He received a doctorate in U.S. history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a bachelor’s degree

Chamber of Commerce. Paul and wife Cherry live in Kingsport, Tenn.

Fall 2008

in history from King College and a bachelor’s degree in modern history and modern languages from Oxford University. He resides in Arlington, Va. Paul Montgomery (’74, MBA ’07) has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Regents by Governor Phil Bredesen. The board consists of 18 members who take on six-year terms. In addition to serving on the Board of Regents, Montgomery is also the vice president of talent management for Eastman Chemical Company, and was honored in August 2007 with the Distinguished Leadership Award, given by the Kingsport

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LOOMIS PATERSON

mong the many notable poets, scholars, authors, and musicians who came to King in 2007–2008, one visit in particular was a heartfelt homecoming. Internationally recognized children’s author Katherine Paterson, a member of King’s Class of 1954, returned in November 2007 to the applause of more than 1,000 guests. Her appearance was part of the convocations series Stories that Connect, an apt phrase for a woman whose tales are cherished and told the world over. “It’s nice to come home to King,” she told guests, “except King looks nothing like it did when I was here!” One of the world’s most honored children’s authors, Paterson has penned such titles as Bridge to Terabithia, The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved, among dozens of others. In addition to King students, faculty and alumni, her audience included children from area middle schools, regional educators, and pastors. “People ask me if I get nervous when I speak,” she commented. “Only when there are people in the audience who knew me when I was eighteen…and there are too many people in this audience who knew me then. Fearsome people like Mrs. Winship!” Along with readings from her work, Paterson shared her experiences in receiving the world’s largest children’s literature prize, Sweden’s Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA). She also commented on writing, creativity, and the role of faith in art. “People often ask me when I’m going to write a Christian book,” she said. “I think they mean a book that does not offend. But any story without power does not have the ability to transform, and any book that has the power to transform has the power to offend.” Paterson went on to emphasize the importance of what she called the “vital nourishments” of

Debbie Raines (’74) was presented the Apple Award for Teaching at Grundy High School in Grundy, Va. A resident of Vansant, Va., she was nominated for the singular honor by her fellow teachers in Buchanan County. As part of her win, Raines was given a check for $15,000. She has taught English at Grundy High School since 1974, and has encouraged a number of her students to attend King. Dr. John V. Draper (’80) has joined the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in

Laurel, Md., as a member of the Senior Professional Staff. He is assigned to the Human Systems Integration Section in the C4 and Decision Technologies Group of the National Security Technology Department. His duties involve developing command and control technology for defensive counterspace and homeland security. He lives in Columbia, Md. Tracy (Russell) Easterling (’92) received the Keep Bristol Beautiful Service Award at the 98th Annual Bristol Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. She resides in Bristol, Tenn. continued

ALUMNI CL ASS NOTES Sonya (Eustice) Haskins (’92), home educator and author, has published The Homeschooler’s Book of Lists with Bethany House. Designed as a resource for parents and students, the book includes important information designed to help with home school curriculum. The book also includes organizational lists, home school methods, and reading lists for various age groups. Additional information is available at www. sonyahaskins.com. Sylvia Musgrove (’92), director of public and community relations, and Mandy Butterworth (MBA ’07), director of recruitment and admissions, were featured in the Business Journal of the Tri-Cities, Tenn./Va. as members of the 2007 class of Forty Under 40. The program recognizes young professionals who are committed to excellence in their careers and who dedicate time to volunteerism throughout the Tri-Cities area. Deidra (Sibert) Peacock (’93) graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill, N.C., in September 2007. She is Product Manager for Revenue Cycle Solutions at Misys Healthcare Systems in Raleigh, N.C. Deidra and her husband, Scott, reside in Youngsville, N.C. Scott Peak (’94) has been named market president by Wachovia Bank. Peak joined Wachovia in 2005 as market president for North Carolina’s Wilkes County. He most recently served as the senior regional credit officer for Southwest Virginia. Peak earned a master’s in business administration from Regent University. He resides in Bristol with his wife Missy and their son Dominic. Brian (’94) and Becky (Baer) (’95) Shultz’s son Aaron competed in the World Sport Stacking Championship (WSSA) after Team Germany recruited him when they were in need of a nine-year old

to complete their team. Aaron finished with the fourth place medal in the individual 3-3-3 competition, and with the third place trophy in the individual cycle competition. He also broke the Colorado state record for nineyear olds in the cycle with a time of 8.41. Aaron received his first World Championship trophy after Team Germany won first place in the timed relay competition. The family resides in Centennial, Colo. Will (’98) and Amanda (Necessary) Hankins (’97) welcomed Samuel McCaleb, born November 13, 2007. He weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz, and was 19.75 in. long. Will is serving as the faculty technical director for the Belhaven College Department of Theatre in Jackson, Miss., and Amanda joined the Belhaven College Library as a librarian. The Hankins reside in Richland, Miss. Katrina (Darnell) Lambert (’98) is working as membership sales manager for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority. She resides in Palm Desert, Calif. Reverend Bryan (’99) and Mandy (Murphy) Crotts (’99) reside north of Charlotte, N.C. in Huntersville. Their children are Carolyn, age 3, Patrick, age 22 months, and a third child due in November. Mandy is a homemaker and has been received as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Bryan is the associate pastor for young adults and administration at Huntersville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He was elected Moderator of First Presbytery for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Joel Ekstrom (’99) has graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in English from East Tennessee State University. He is employed as a counselor in the Office of Financial Aid. Joel and wife Michelle reside in Elizabethton, Tenn.

Jeff Robinson (‘99) and wife Kristy celebrated the birth of their first child, Jeffery Blake, December 4, 2007. Jeff works as a teacher and coach at Chilhowie High School in Chilhowie, Va. The Robinsons reside in Marion, Va. David Taylor (’99) married Ginger Singleton in Sumter, S.C. in October 2007. David serves as pastor to the Presbyterian Church of Floyd in the mountains of Virginia, where he has been for more than four years. Ginger works at the Chateau Morrisette Winery. Jona (Mann) Osborne (’00) and husband Donald have announced the birth of twin boys. Luke Thomas, weighing 5 lbs., 8oz., and Nate Benjamin weighing 5lbs., 2oz. were born Sept. 19, 2007. The family resides in Bluff City, Tenn. Andrew Clayton Rice, son of Tom (’02) and Lesley (Miller) Rice (’02) was born Wednesday, July 2, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz. and measuring 21 inches in length. The family resides in Hixson, Tenn. Jen Zaveckas (’03) graduated from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) at Virginia Tech in June 2007 with a degree in osteopathic medicine (DO). She was also promoted to the rank of captain in the United States Air Force, and is now pursuing a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wright State University/Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Evan Walker (’06) served as summer staff chaplain for the Appalachia Service Project, a Christian ministry which has repaired more than 13,000 homes in central Appalachia. The project utilizes college-age students from across the country to act as leaders, and 14,000 high school

students and adults who worked in the eight week Home Repair Ministries summer program to fix 500 homes of needy families 25 communities throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Walker lives in Johnson City, Tenn., and will complete his training at Princeton Seminary School in New Jersey next year.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS King College alumni and friends gathered at the Mellow Mushroom in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. on Thursday, Feb. 21 for an event hosted by John King and Rocky Rausch of King’s Marketing & Development Department. Among those in attendance were Gerry Stephens, Sr. (Trustee) and his wife Estes, J.B. Collins (’40), Louis (’59) and Sandy (Brown) (’61) Priddy, Doug (’99) and Judy (Mosolgo) (’99) Hamill, Tom (’02) and Lesley (Miller) (’02) Rice, Brian (’06) and Emily (Dodson) (’07) Stoddard, and Sandra Coleman (’07). King College alumni and friends in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area met at the Bonefish Grill in Cary, N.C. on Thursday, March 27 for a gathering hosted by the college’s John King. Attendees included Katherine Parrish (’55), Ed Lewis (’61) and his wife Hilda, Stephanie (Fleming) Cothran (’77) and her daughter Elizabeth, Nancy (Blankenship) Hillsman (’81), Jim Hollenhead (’85), and Amy (Bratter) Denison (’90).

For information on future alumni gatherings, log on to www.king.edu/ alumni. If you are interested in attending a gathering, or if you would like to plan one for your area, please contact Rocky Rausch at 800.546.4256, or via e-mail at alumni@king.edu.

King’s Herald

CONNEC T IONS

ALUMNI PASSINGS One of the ways King is alerted to the passing of someone in our alumni community is through the assistance of family, friends, and classmates. Please help us stay up to date with these important events so that we can share them and send a timely note of comfort to family members. Thank you to all those who help us in this process. Howard Stokely Barger, 97, (’32) died on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at his residence. He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., Sept. 1, 1910, a son of the late David Andrew Barger and Ethel Stokely Barger. He attended King College and the University of Tennessee and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked with the U.S. Railway Mail Service for 30 years and retired from the Bristol Tennessee post office. Mr. Barger had been an active member, of First Presbyterian Church, Bristol Tennessee. He also was a well-known basketball player at the Bristol Family YMCA for 70 years. Survivors include his daughters, Elizabeth “Betty” Barger and Linda Barger, both of Bristol Tennessee; his brother, Hugh P. Barger of Kingsport, Tenn.; and his brother-in-law, John J. McQueen of Tulsa, Okla. Jeanne Litton Warren English, age 91, (’38) died on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at her home following a brief illness. See page 28, Sullins Alumnae Passings, for more information. Margaret Cox Umberger, 100, (’41) died Sunday, June 8, 2008. She attended Virginia Intermont College, East Tennessee State University, Columbia University and King College. Mrs. Umberger was a teacher in the Sullivan County school system for 30 years. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Ridgefields Country Club. She was an outstanding volunteer, devoting her time to the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Netherland Inn, and Bays Mountain Park. She volunteered at Holston Valley Hospital Blood Bank for 45 years, where she was best known as “The Cookie Lady.” She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Umberger Gorham of Nashville; six grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, John I. Cox, Blountville; and 13 nieces and nephews. The Rev. George Allen Fletcher, 85, (’48) died Sunday, March 23, 2008, at the Presbyterian Home of S.C. Rev. Fletcher was born in Bristol, Tennessee on November 27, 1922, the son of the late Eugene Abbott Fletcher and Edith Kinzel Allen Fletcher. He graduated from King College in Bristol, Tennessee and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Rev. Fletcher also attended the Chicago Art Institute and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Rev. Fletcher was a Presbyterian minister and served churches in Nicholasville and Wilmore, Ky.,

Fall 2008

and New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church in McClellanville. William “Bill” McKinley Poole (Attd., ’50), age 80, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, in the Wellmont Hospice House. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol, Tenn., a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, a graduate of Emory & Henry College and a well-known land developer in the Bristol area. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his daughter, Molly P. Mahoney and her husband Richard; his son, James Andrew Poole and his wife Brynne; his granddaughter, Tabitha W. Sells and her husband Jamie; his great-granddaughter, Kalyn McKinley; his great grandsons, James Connor and Hayden Ty; his two brothers, Beryl Poole and Lemuel Poole; his sister, Mary Stover; and several nieces and nephews. Ralph P. Harr (’51), age 81, passed away Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at Wellmont Hospice House. Ralph was born April 4, 1926, and was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Ralph was a graduate of Blountville High School and attended King College. Harr was co-owner and operated Bristol Auto Auction for over 48 years. He was the clerk and master of Sullivan County Chancery Court for 48 years, serving until June 30, 2001. He served as county commissioner for 30 years and was on the budget committee and the Sullivan Partnership Network. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served on the board of directors for Tri-Cites Bank and Janie Hammitt Home for Children. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Marjorie Willis Harr; one son, Jon Paul Harr (’87) and wife Ramona of Bristol; one daughter, Jackie E. Harr (’90) and fiancé Jimmy Doss of Bristol; grandsons, Austin and Evan Harr; and several nieces and nephews. Rev. John T. Bare, 79, (’53) of Cox’s Creek, Ky. passed away peacefully on Good Friday, March 21, 2008 surrounded by family and friends. Born in Ashe County, N.C., October 21, 1928, the son of Fred and Hallie Bare; survived by his wife, Edith; his children Steve Roggenkamp (Karen), Bill Roggenkamp (Sharon), Jennie Boyd (Doug) and six grandchildren. John served as pastor at the Presbyterian churches of Bardstown, Pleasant Grove, Perryville, Grayson, and others. The Louisville Presbyterian Seminary recently honored him as a distinguished alum. He also owned and operated a large farm in Nelson County for many years. Dr. Samuel Jackson Cartledge II (’55) of Decatur, Ga. died May 11, 2006. Son of Samuel A. and Mary Grace Kehrer Cartledge, he received his bachelor of arts in French at King College, and his doctorate in linguistics from Yale University. He

taught French at the University of Georgia, and in 1966 moved to California State University in Fullerton. Before retirement in 1997 he had been chairman of the Modern Languages Department, and director of the International Studies Program, spending two years at Aix-en-Provence, France, and one year in Tubingen, Germany. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Atlanta. He is survived by his sons, John C. and Charles D. Cartledge; daughter-inlaw, Joyce Hana; and grandsons, Jack Charles and Samuel James Cartledge, all of California; brother, Dr. Frank K. Cartledge (’60) of Baton Rouge, LA; and sister Mary C. Moore of Ocala, Fla. Patricia (Morrow) Hope (’64), of Charlottesville, Va., passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, at her home. She was born in Tazewell County and was preceded in death by her husband, James Allen “Big Jim” Hope; and a son, Frederic William Hope. Hope received her B.A. from King College of Bristol, Tennessee, and her M.Ed from the University of Virginia. She had been a teacher for 30 years in the Virginia public schools, and worked with her husband as Big Jim’s Restaurant and Catering Company. She is survived by her son, Edward Hope and his special friend, Lisa Kindrick; two stepdaughters, Cynthia Brown and Janet Hope; three grandchildren; her sisters, Ann Parks, Charlotte Sizemore, and Dorothy Morrow; her brother, James Donald Morrow; as well as a host of other family and friends. Robert Theodore (Bobby) Schneitman (’79) age 52, born March 19, 1956 in Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord on April 15, 2008. Bobby is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Cindy; his daughter Rev. Brooke Schneitman, his mother Janis, his brother Dale & wife Mandy, his brother Dean & wife Jodie; his aunt Mary Ann & cousin Chuck, Stansfield; his aunt Mary Byers, and his niece Casey & husband Josh Ray. Bobby graduated from Old Young High in 1974 and he graduated from King College in 1979 where he played basketball. Bobby’s life’s work was in service to the Lord at the church he attended. He was an active member of Meridian Baptist Church. Patricia Lynn Barton (MBA ’06), age 47, passed away early Monday morning, Sept. 10, 2007, after a long illness. Lynn grew up in Marion. She worked her entire career at Brunswick Defense, Marion Composites and General Dynamics. She was a sincere thoughtful person who spent her life helping and caring for others. Lynn was a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and has now left this world to be with him. Lynn is survived by her husband, Greg Barton of Marion; two daughters and one son-in-law, Cary and Justin Lampkins and Erika Barton, all of Marion; and one sister, Brenda Wright of Dry Fork, Va.

SULLINS ALUMNAE NEWS SULLINS ALUMNAE PASSINGS

Robert and Doris A. (Hutchins) Denman (’47) were recognized by the Salado Chamber of Commerce in Salado, Texas with the 2008 Hall of Fame Award. The Salado Village Voice noted that the Denmans have been integral in promoting the town by organizing and supporting business groups, the arts, education, the town’s historical society, tourism and more, opening their historic home to guests and schools alike. The couple are known as local ambassadors and remain active with the First Baptist Church, where Robert is a deacon and Doris is the prayer chairman.

2008 Sullins Reunion at Dogwood Weekend

The room features a booth from the Hut where alumnae can gather to reminisce and catch up on a hand of cards. From left, Carolyn (Huffman) Roane (’56) of Atlanta, Ga.; Lora Lynn Jones (’70) At the 2008 Sullins Reunion at Dogwood of Alexandria, Va.; Joanna (Webb) Griffith (’56) of Weekend, Lora Lynn Jones (’70) and Joanna (Webb) Griffith (’56) had the chance to review Minneapolis, N.C.; Lucretia “Lucy” Vance Gilmer (’47) some of the Sullins memorabilia located in the of Bristol, Va.; and Jayne Meyers Santoro (’66) of Interlaken, N.J. former Martin Hall.

Other alumnae at the reunion included Jane Snyder (’71) of Johnson City, Tenn.; Lynn Morbach-Wilson (’71) of Erwin, Tenn. and Karen (Vandergrift) Boone (’60) of Bluff City, Tenn.

PHOTO COURTESY OF C. BURDE

In the fall of 2007, Nancy (Foster) Carroll (’50), pictured below at right, saw a photo in the St. Petersburg Times of a fellow graduate from Sullins College. Although the two had never met, Nancy gave Constance (Hamilton) Burde (’43) a call, and the two were able to meet for lunch at Leverock’s Seafood Restaurant and, according to Constance, “talk about old times.”

Georgia Lady Stone Dunham (’31), 95, passed away Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007. She was the daughter of the late Charles Daley and Effie Mae Lady Stone. She was educated at Bristol Virginia High School and Sullins College, before moving to Washington, D.C., where she was employed in the U.S. Air Force Intelligence (CID) at the Pentagon for three years. She also worked as secretary to the superintendent of printing at National Republic Publishing Co., the American Chemical Society, Scripps-Howard Daily News, the Washington Evening Star and the Arlington Sun. She moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., and was on the staff of the St. Petersburg Times and the St. Petersburg Independent and was involved in the Woman’s Professional Club, Pinellas County Leukemia Society and several Yacht Clubs. Dunham was a member of Central Presbyterian for over 66 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Dunham, a graduate of the University of Houston and a freelance writer; a son by a previous marriage, Alexander Robert Preston VI; and several cousins. Jeanne Litton Warren English (Sullins ’36, King College ’38), age 91, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at her home following a brief illness. She was born in Bristol, Va. on Feb. 18, 1917, the daughter of the late Ruba Litton and George M. Warren. She attended public schools and was a graduate of Sullins College in 1936 and King College in 1938. Following college, she taught at both Wallace Elementary and Central schools. In 1941, she married Ralph Stickley English of Bristol, Tenn. During her husband’s Army service in World War II, she managed his business, Ralph’s Confectionery, on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. English died in 1978. English was a longtime active member of the Bristol Border Guild and of State Street United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her only sister, Julia Warren Gemmell. She is survived by her brother, George M. Warren Jr. of Bristol Virginia; two nieces, Janet Gemmell Kell of Richmond, Va., and Merle Warren Dickert of Bristol Virginia; and two nephews, George M. Warren III of Little River, S.C., and James Watkins Warren of Bristol, Va. Margaret Jane (Peg) Deakyne Pritchard-Buis (’46), age 80, passed away Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 after an 18 month battle with leukemia. She is survived by her husband, Robert Buis, two daughters, Nancy and Cindy, two sons, Dick and Jim, 12 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Peg will always be remembered as a loving mother, a caring wife and a loyal friend. She sang in the choir at Epworth Methodist Church.

King’s Herald

CONNEC T IONS

Jean Burney Roddenbery, 81, (’46) died Monday, December 10, 2007 at her residence. Roddenbery was a member of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. She and her husband, Hall Roddenbery, were joint owners of Jean and Hall Florist for more than 55 years. She was a Y-teen director of YWCA following her graduation from Miller High School. She remained active in the YWCA, serving on the Board of Directors. She was a member of the Pilot Club of Macon and the “Miller High School ‘44 Lunch Bunch”. Her life revolved around her family and friends. Roddenbery was the wife of the late Hall Roddenbery and the daughter of the late Arthur Eugene Burney and the late Nell Wilson Burney. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Joy R. and Jeff Amerson and Burney and Bob Ingle, all of Macon, Ga.; Grandchildren, Steven Hall Amerson of Athens, Stuart P. Amerson of Carrollton, Jeanell Fried and Brockett Seaborn Ingle, both of Macon; and great-grandchildren, Gavin and Carson, both of Macon. Elizabeth Keele Smith Lynch (’48) passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008, surrounded by her family. Born July 29, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Taylor Garnett Smith and Ruby Steele Smith of Rosedale, Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Matthews Lynch Sr. of Lebanon, Va. She is survived by four children, Hugh Lynch Jr. and wife Stephanie of Charlotte, N.C., Ellen Blanock and husband Francis P. Blanock Jr. of Powhatan, Va., Martha Smith of Roanoke and Susan Lynch of Naples, Fla.; her sister, Mary Douglas Gray and her husband Burrell M. Gray of Lynchburg, Va.; and her six grandchildren, Keele Smith, Carter Smith and Stuart Smith of Roanoke and Kathryn Lynch, Avery Lynch and Hugh Lynch III of Charlotte. Lynch was a graduate of Lebanon High School, attended Sullins Jr. College and graduated from Emory & Henry College, class of 1950. Following her graduation from Emory & Henry, she attended the University of Virginia School of Medical Technology. Lynch grew up on Old Rosedale Farm, where she and her family were members of Elk Garden United Methodist Church. She was employed by Russell County Schools for 26 years, serving as a biology teacher at Lebanon High School. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Fort Maiden Springs Chapter. Her later years were spent in Abingdon and Roanoke. Memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Public Library, 205 Oak Hill St., Abingdon, VA 24210.

Fall 2008

Patricia Ann McCary Wait (’53) died March 11, 2008, after a short illness. Born in New York City in 1933, she received an associates degree from Sullins College in 1953, and her bachelors degree in history from Delaware State University in 1966. She married the late Robert Atwood Wait in 1955; the marriage ended in divorce in 1990. In 1964, Pat was the chair of the Goldwater for President Committee in Kent County, Del.; in 1966 she founded the Republican Women’s Club in Dover, Del. From 1969–71 she was a member of the Republican Town Committee in Ridgefield, Conn., and served as Town Chair for the Weicker for Senate campaign in Litchfield County in 1970. In 1976, she became president of the Jefferson County W.V. Republican Women and co-chair of the Republican campaign committee. She coordinated the Cleve Benedict for Congress campaign in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and in 1982 became a District Republican committeewoman for West Virginia. In 1983, Pat became an industry specialist with the U.S. Commerce Department, and then was executive director of the West Virginia ReaganBush ’84 campaign. In 1985 she became press secretary to Rep. Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.). Memorial donations be made to the St. James School Scholarship Fund, St. James Academy, 17641 College Rd., St. James, Md. 21781. Jane Keister Turman (ATTD), age 67, died Jan. 3, 2008. Born in Bristol, Va., Jane graduated from Virginia High School in 1958. Following attendance at Sullins College and East Tennessee State University, Jane moved to Richmond and a career in retail merchandising. She served on the board of the Richmond Children’s Theatre and as president of the Garden Club in Chesterfield County. After moving to Roanoke in the early ’70s, she worked with special needs children in the Roanoke County School System and served as a nursery school teacher at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She retired from a rewarding career in 2005. Jane was an excellent athlete with a passion for horseback riding, diving, swimming and tennis. She was very proud of her childrens’ accomplishments and her grandchildren were also a great source of joy. Jane was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, William Lee Turman, her son, Christopher Lawrence Turman, and her brother, Waldo Williams Keister. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kimie and Bill Ranken; two granddaughters; one grandson; and her sisterin-law. Sincerest gratitude is extended to her two dearest friends, Betty Dennis and Sylvia Clarkson, for their loving care and assistance. Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Holy Spirit-General Fund, 6011 Merriman Road, Roanoke, VA 21018.

William “Bill” Edward King Sr., age 80, husband of Ruth Moseley King, died on Oct. 23, 2007, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He is survived by Ruth Moseley King, his wife of 53 years; his son, William E. King Jr. and his wife Ronan and their children, Will and Moseley; his daughter, Nell King Bieger and her husband Dan and their children, Daniel and David; and his sister, Betty King Irvine and her husband Walter and their children, Walter Jr. and Beth. After graduation from Tennessee High School in 1945, Mr. King honorably served in the U.S. Navy before attending Davidson College, and Washington and Lee University. He began his business career at the E.W. King Co., then owned and operated Bill King Clothiers in Downtown Bristol before co-founding Charter Data Systems, a national forerunner in utilizing computer technology in retail management and consulting. As a partner in Ruth King Antiques and owner of Better Services Inc., he developed an expertise in importing goods from England. A true gentleman, Bill King will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of Bristol, his “no problem” positive attitude, his generous spirit and his kindness to all. Memorial contributions may be made for the restoration of his grandparent’s home, the E.W. King House, c/o The Bristol Historical Association, P.O. Box 204, Bristol, TN 37621; or to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1376, Bristol, VA 24203.

STAFF

Nancyjane Brown McClure, a retired juvenile probation officer supervisor of the 28th District Court Service Unit and the first female juvenile probation officer in Washington County, Va., died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007. She was 66. Her peaceful death followed a yearlong battle with lung cancer. Nancyjane was born and raised in New England. She graduated from Springfield College with a degree in recreation and youth leadership and a masters degree in guidance and personal services. Nancyjane joined the 28th District Court Service Unit in 1972 as a juvenile probation officer. In 1979, she became a probation supervisor serving Washington County, Smyth County and the city of Bristol. She served with numerous planning, advocacy and policy organizations, and was very active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Nancyjane is survived by her husband, Edwin Grady; son, Patrick Robert; daughter, Morgan Lynn; mother, Rose Brown; brother, Bob Brown; daughterin-law, Karen McClure; son-in-law, Michael Rooney; and grandchildren, Olivia Whitaker and Cooper Grady Rooney.Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 124 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210.

Taylor has been called one of the 12 most effective pastors in the Englishspeaking world by Baylor University and was named Writer of the Year in 2006 by the Georgia Writers Association.

PAID

Monday, January 24, 2009 T heSecond Buechner Institute Annual L ectureship Barbara Brown Taylor, Episcopal priest, author, and scholar. Visit www.buechnerinstitute.org or www.king.edu/convo for more information

Permit No. 16 Bristol, TN

JANUARY 2009

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 2009 Saturday, February 7, 2009 Solid Blue King College vs. Montreat College Women’s game at 5:30 p.m. and Men’s game at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 17, 2009 Jay Baum gardner M em orial G olf Classic The Club, Bristol, Tennessee

SAV E T H E DAT E

April 17 – 19, 2009 D ogwood Weekend Includes reunions for Classes of 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 1999 Alumni in Asheville, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Washington DC, Raleigh/ Durham/Chapel Hill, and Roanoke look for information on Alumni Gatherings in your area soon! Or, you can contact the Alumni Office at 800-621-5464, or via e-mail at alumni@king.edu for more details.

* R.S.V.P. for alumni gatherings by contacting Patty Houston at 800.621.5464, or via e-mail at pmhousto@king.edu. HG9M1008

Office of Marketing & Development 1350 King College Road Bristol, TN 37620

APRIL 2009