King's Herald Winter 2014

the

KING’S Herald Winter 2014

ALUMNI MAGAZINE | VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 1

president’s address

Historic Transformation On the 23rd of January 2013, I had the pleasure of announcing to our student body, faculty, and staff that, after 146 years, King College would officially become King University. The change to university reflects the doctoral-level, comprehensive benchmark that King has reached in recent years. It is because of the vision of the King College Board of Trustees of 1998 who initiated the development of a strategic planning process that we are here today celebrating these accomplishments. Without their vision, it would not have been possible for the administrative leadership to implement this plan, which has culminated in the change to university. The current complexity of our academic programs enhances the value of a King degree for past, present and future graduates, and follows the Vision Statement of the 1998 Strategic Plan to grow continually as a Christian comprehensive university, with pre-professional and professional schools, that builds lives for achievement and cultural transformation in Christ.

King University has seen significant growth in the student population during the past decade. The number of students has doubled since 2005, and in fall 2013 the University added more than 950 new students to its enrollment. King has expanded its geographical footprint, meeting the needs of our region with specific degree programs designed to address educational gaps in our wider community. The appeal of a King education can be directly attributed to our institution’s Presbyterian roots and long history of educational excellence.

Convocations and cultural gatherings continue to be supplemented with the offerings of the Peeke School of Christian Mission and the Buechner Institute. Both endeavors seek to address matters of faith and culture through an inclusive, international lens.

The mission trips that have always been an integral part of our history continue to take place, domestically and internationally.

King was honored to be named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The University’s performance and visual arts community has seen substantial success this year as well. King University entered into a contract with the Paramount Center for the Arts, enabling a number of King’s arts programs to use the venue for theatre, band, and chorus events, as well as for instructional purposes. Through additional collaborations, students have had the opportunity to gain experience with businesses and organizations.

An integral part of King University’s culture is the cultivation of conversation. Through the development of institutes, King is able to bring together students and faculty through undergraduate research that is not only significant, but is recognized on the international stage. The institutes provide programming and conferences featuring renowned artists, writers, and scientists, among others.

The University also introduced The Learning Commons, an educational advancement that will serve as a center for academic resources and training for University faculty, enabling them to incorporate emerging technologies into online and traditional instruction processes.

King University, with its sound strategic plan, has been at the forefront of the transformation of higher education, while retaining its mission of building meaningful lives for achievement and cultural transformation in Christ. Our academic programming will continue to evolve and expand in response to the demands of an increasingly global economy. As we look forward to the many great things coming our way in 2014, King University remains steadfastly committed to preparing our students for the 21st century workplace.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory D. Jordan President

Table of Contents

12

Winter 2014 | Volume 10 | Number 1

ON THE COVER

The King’s Herald is published by the King University Offices of Marketing & Development

Read about King’s recent transformation.

1350 King College Rd., Bristol, TN 37620 800.621.5464 | www.king.edu

FEATURES

Letters & comments can be sent to: Denise Asbury, dasbury@king.edu

12 It’s Official! King College Makes Transition to King University Dr. Gregory D. Jordan President

23

leann hughes Vice President of Marketing and Marketing Research Special Assistant to the President John W. King — jwking@king.edu Vice President of Development and Enrollment Management

King takes its most transformational

step in the history of the School

16 King Joins Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition in Israel

King was granted membership to an

Denise Asbury — dasbury@king.edu Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Services

exclusive consortium for an Israeli-

Andrea C. Hurst Director of Career Success Center

German led archaeological dig of a

Biblical site in Israel.

18 Wherever you are, we will meet you there!

The King’s Herald Staff editor

Laura Boggan, Associate Director of Communications LeAnn Hughes Sarah Clevinger, Director of Marketing and Communications design

photographers

Andy Olson, Director of Online Media and Marketing Laura Boggan Earl Carter Digital Imaging and Design

our mission

To build meaningful lives of achievement & cultural transformation in Christ. our vision

To grow continually as a Christian comprehensive university, with pre-professional and professional schools, that builds lives for achievement & cultural transformation in Christ.

throughout Tennessee and Virginia.

28 King Alumni Recognized During 87th Annual Dogwood Weekend

Courtney Plaisted, Graphic Designer

Laura Boggan Travis Chell, Sports Information Director

King continues to expand its borders

contributing editors

contributing writers

D ePARTMENTS 19 22 23 24 30 32 36 37 39

Campus News Buechner Institute Performing & Visual Arts Athletic News Alumni Community Where Are They Now? Faculty & Staff Notes Class Notes In Memorium

Reminiscing and celebration sets the

stage for alumni awards during

annual Dogwood festivities

16

K I NG Then

In 1998, initiated by the

& Now

Board of Trustees under the leadership of

6. Have a comprehensive campus-wide Human Resources Plan

Hugh O. Maclellan Jr., the College set forth on a comprehensive

that identifies how we will meet our salary commitments and

planning process. The process culminated in a strategic plan

involve our staff in the rollout of the King Vision.

that built upon King’s Christ-centered values and put forth a

7. Leverage our relationships with other organizations with

bold new vision for our future. The vision for the plan was

which we have common goals to provide additional resources

“To grow continually as a comprehensive college

for the implementation of the King Vision.

with pre-professional and professional schools

8. Have a comprehensive Marketing Plan to market King College

that builds lives for achievement and cultural transformation.”

and the King Vision for the institution to all constituents and publics.

9. Establish and grow a dynamic social/recreational climate at

Referred to in the plan as the “King Vision” the final plan

King College.

As we commemorate King’s first year as a “University,” it

included these goals: 1. Maintain and grow our Christian community at King College.

2. Provide an inspiring and practical bridge for our students into graduate school and the working world.

seems fitting to celebrate the accomplishments of King since 1998 as we reflect upon how the administrative leadership has implemented a plan approved by the Trustees which has brought to life the “King Vision” over the past 16 years.

3. Have a leadership team comprised of faculty, administration,

Locations

and board leaders who drive progress toward fulfillment of King Vision.

4. Operate within the context of a balanced budget, with repeatable annual revenues exceeding operating expenses.

5. Implement a Land Use Plan that defines the character of the campus, providing a comprehensive approach to functional facilities, aesthetics, and the efficient use of college property.

then Bristol, Tenn. now Campuses: Bristol, Tenn.; Kingsport, Tenn. (downtown); Knoxville, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.

Satellite Locations: Abingdon, Va.; Big Stone Gap, Va.; Blountville, Tenn.; Kingsport, Tenn. (Kingsport Center for Higher Education); Strawberry Plains, Tenn.; Knoxville,

Financial Performance

Tenn.; Harriman, Tenn.; Blount County, Tenn.; Morristown, Tenn.; Richlands, Va.; Sevierville, Tenn.

Then Now total assets Endowment

revenues

$12,183,792 $32,777,173

Net Tuition Revenue

Academic Support

now In Tennessee: Cleveland State Community College, Northeast State Community College, Nashville State Community College, Pellissippi State Community College,

expenditures

Community College Partnerships

$2,755,242

$22,852,185

Roane State Community College, Volunteer State Community College, and Walters State Community College.

In Virginia: Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest

$242,825

$418,012

Virginia Community College, Virginia Highlands Community College, and Wytheville Community College.

alumni community

Dr. Jordan Letter

546 students

total head count

2,600+ students

Enrollment

Then

147 213 Then

Now

Now

Academics

Academic Schools then Arts & Sciences now College of Arts and Sciences

School of Business

School of Nursing

School of Education

Peeke School of Christian Mission School of Behavioral and Health Sciences

new freshmen

School of Applied Science and Technology

Carnegie Classification then Small, private Liberal Arts

2001 1999

now Doctoral-level Comprehensive University

Began Graduate and Professional Studies

42 67 Now

3.2 3.44 Then

freshmen to 79% sophomore retention rate Then

Then

average high school gpa

Began Nursing program

75%

Headcount

Now

international students

athletics sports

Now

75 241 Then

Now

number of facult y

9 25 Then

Now

WINTER 2014 | 5

building meaningful lives of cultural achievement in christ

completed campaign

2004 total raised

The Comprehensive Campaign, Building Meaningful Lives, exceeded its overall goal of $50,000,000.

$51,572,153 outcomes -Increased endowment -Built west campus

Funds strengthened endowments, were applied directly to campus improvement such as a new student center and campus entryway, and supported students through direct funding for scholarships and programs.

Clubs/Activities then : • New Student Orientation Committee (NSOC) • Student Government Association

now :

• SLACK

• The King College Republicans

• The Corps for Christ

• The History and Political Science Club

• The Dawn Treaders

• Descant

• The Refreshment Company

• IS! International Student Organization

• The Chapel Band

• Team Europe

ATHLETIC

STUDENT COMMITTEES

ACADEMIC CLUBS

• Badminton

• AMSA (American Medical Student Assoc.)

• Student-Athletic Advisory Committee

• Communication Assoc. – Lambda Pi Eta (KUCA-LPH) • ENACTUS (Formerly SIFE) • Forensic Science Club • History Political Science Society • King Security and Intelligence Studies Group (KSI) • King University Hobbyist of Alternate Tongues

• Intramurals

(SAAC)

• Dogwood Committee • Fall Ball Committee • King Sustainability Taskforce

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Launch Orientation Committee

PERFORMING ARTS

STUDENT MINISTRIES

• Jazz/Gospel Choir

• Chapel Worship Team

• KCTTG (King University Trousdale

• Corps for Christ (Dance Ministry)

Theatre Guild) • King University Student Chapter of the American Choir Directors Association

• Dawn Treaders (Drama Ministry) • FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) • International Justice Mission

• Men’s Ensemble • Women’s Ensemble

• Refreshment Company (Music Ministry)

• Pep Band • Symphonic Band

• Young Life

• Philosophy Club – Phi Sigma Tau

PUBLICATIONS

SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS

• Psi Chi (Psychology Honors Society)

• Kayseean (Student Newspaper)

• APO (Alpha Phi Omega)

• SFAK (Society of Future Accountants

• Tornado (Yearbook)

• International Student Organization (ISO)

• King University NeuroScience • King University Photo Club

at King) • Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society)

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Society for Human Resource Management

• College Democrats

• Society of Physics Students –

• College Republicans

Sigma Pi Sigma • STEA:KE (Education) • Student Nurses Association

Then & Now (continued)

• TISL (Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature)

• King’s Miracle for Kids • King University Gamers Association • Newman Club • The Ministry of the Secret Society for Hacky Sack (MSS-HS) • To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) • Unplugged

1. No. 1 recipient of transfer students from Tennessee Public Institutions among TICUA Schools and No. 1 of largest population of transfer students among TICUA Schools.

2. Expand CETL (Committee for Excellence in Teaching & Learning) programming to improve faculty and student learning experience.

College of Arts & Sciences • Associate of Arts (specializations in General Education, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Psychology) • Biochemistry • Biology • Chemistry • English

including :

• History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Mathematics • Modern Languages • Music • Philosophy • Political Science/History • Religious Studies • Theatre

Highlights • The state of Tennessee along with a consortium of public and private colleges and universities, including King University, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) received $20 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to boost the state’s energy-related research and education efforts.

The $20 million grant was awarded through the NSF’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Infrastructure Improvement Program. A coalition of scientists, faculty, and students from the consortium were grouped together into network nodes for conducting research, mentorship, and outreach. When the research is

Humanities Natural Sciences and Mathematics Social Sciences number of majors & minors

17 49 Then

current number of facult y

50

Now

current number of students

222 79

majors complete, the minors data that results from the TN-SCORE (Tennessee Solar Conversion and Storage using Outreach, Research, and Education) research projects across the 11 participating schools will be published. This will lead to organizations in the public sector utilizing the information to produce better solar cells.

• Biology was awarded a $300,000 grant renewal from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

• The Buechner Institute, the King Institute for Regional Economic Studies, and the King Institute for Security and Intelligence Studies all represent a depth of programming and research normally accredited to much larger universities.

WINTER 2014 | 7

“When we began the strategic planning process in 1998, we knew that the future of King College had to include a more robust vision, one that incorporated financial stability while meeting the educational needs of our region by providing career-oriented programs and maintaining King’s core historical values. Through the successful completion of the “Building Meaningful Lives Campaign,” King implemented a comprehensive land use plan, strategic marketing plan and a financial sustainability plan, establishing a strong foundation for our future. The administrative team has successfully administered these plans over the past 16 years. As Trustees, we are now focusing on the next steps for King’s future, including strategic planning discussions and initiatives regarding 21st century instructional technology, academic delivery systems, expansion of instructional locations and The Learning Commons.”

— Jeff Gregory

School of Education • Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies (minors in Elementary Education, K-12 Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, Coaching, and Health Education) • K-12 Licensure in Music Education and Physical Education

2001

• English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement

current number of majors & minors

• Master of Education

Highlights • Honors class of 2013, the first to be eligible for the Honors Scholar Award subsidy, which assists students in attending the Salzburg Global Seminar’s International Study Program (ISP). Each day during the week-long trip, faculty experts from the ISP Seminar addressed topics ranging from ethnocentrism to race, tech trends, economic sustainability, and the role of faith in social activism.

• Members of King University’s Teacher Education Program returned from the Chicago, Ill., Oak Park School District with a new found appreciation for their chosen career field. Ten teacher education students and three faculty representatives spent time this summer working in Chicago in the school district that bills itself as the “capital of diversity”. Students also participated in panel discussions dealing with the topic of diversity with experienced educators from Chicago.

8 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

developed in

• Secondary Education Licensure in Biology, Chemistry, English, French, History, History with Government, Mathematics, Spanish

20

current number of facult y

20

current number of students

• Dr. Ilene Janson, associate professor majors of Education, minors Ms. Gloria Oster, director of Teacher Education, Dr. Donna Raines, associate professor of Education, and Dr. Sandra Sanders, assistant professor of Education, were recertified as state “Observers” using the Tennessee (TEAM) Teacher Educator Assessment Model. Dr. Raines attended three days of training on the State Standards for the Common Core in Mathematics. Dr. Anderson and Professor Oster both attended the fall Tennessee Association of College Teachers of Education (TACTE) meeting in Nashville to review new state and federal legislation.

78 104

School of Business • Bachelor of Arts (specializations in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Sport Management) • Bachelor of Business Administration (specializations in Management, Marketing, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, and IT (forthcoming))

• Master of Business Administration (specializations in Healthcare Management, Marketing, Management, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting, and IT (forthcoming))

developed in

2001 current number of majors & programs

24

• Doctor of Business Administration* (fall 2015) * pending SACS approval

current number of facult y

Highlights • The King College Regional Economic Studies (KCRES) team was formed in 2010. The KCRES team was formed within King’s School of Business to provide analysis of economic problems and opportunities confronting the region served by King College.

21

current number of students

701 21

majors • After significant growth of the

minors KCRES team, King developed the King Institute for Regional Economic Studies (KIRES). The new Institute has a threefold mission: to build a knowledge base of the regional economy, to inform public and private decisionmaking and to provide King students an opportunity to participate in research projects. KIRES has released a total of ten reports to date.

School of Behavioral and Health Sciences • Athletic Training

• Psychology

• Community Health (spring 2014)

• Security and Intelligence

• Counseling* (fall 2014)

• Youth Ministry

• Criminal Justice

* pending SACS approval

• Health Informatics • Healthcare Administration • Physical Education (non-licensure)

217

majors

60

new program

2013

minors

Then & Now (continued) WINTER 2013 | 3

School of NursingDr. Jordan Letter • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

developed in

1999

Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and also MSN/MBA)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-BSN)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

accredited by

• Master of Science in Nursing (concentrations in Nursing Education,

commission on collegiate nursing education current number of majors & programs

Highlights • Compassion Conference - King University along with the Bristol Regional Medical Center and Abuse Alternatives, Inc. hosted the third annual Compassion 2012: A Conference on Domestic Violence for Health Care Professionals on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012.

• Nursing Grant - The School of Nursing, in partnership with Bristol Regional Medical Center, will hold four “Transition to Practice” Workshops to provide King University nursing students with an opportunity to bridge the skill development gaps from graduation to employment. The Transition to Practice workshops will provide four hours of intense, hands-on training on the following topics:

• IV Therapy • Assessment • Professional Communication and Team Building.

• Nursing Accreditation Reaffirmed - The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has reaffirmed accreditation for the King University School of Nursing.

This announcement follows an on-site, regularly scheduled, evaluation process that took place in March 2012.

6

current number of facult y

22

current number of students

735

• Nursing Research majors - Dr. Amy Knowles and Dr. Alyssa Millner, assistant professor and program coordinator of Communication, began a long-term collaborative research project that will last two to three years, during the fall 2012 semester, utilizing MSN students by training them in research design and data collection.

Knowles, Millner, and the MSN research team are striving to uncover the ways cancer patients make sense of their diagnosis experience. The research focuses on coping mechanisms (like humor or spirituality) and nurse-patient communication.

School of Applied Science and Technology • Bio-Informatics

• Genomics (fall 2014)

• Communication

• Information Technology/

• Digital Media Art and Design • Environmental Science* (fall 2014) • Forensic Science

Then & Now (continued)

Cybersecurity • Neuroscience * pending SACS approval

136 6

majors

minors

new program

2013

As a core member of the 1998 Strategic Planning Committee, I am exceptionally pleased to see the current outcomes of our vision from 1998. King’s development of professional programs and offerings, its expansion to other locations, its enrollment growth and financial stability were all a part of the Trustees’ planning 16 years ago. It is exciting to see the fulfillment of our ideas and even more thrilling to envision future possibilities for King University.

Peeke School of Christian Mission The Peeke School for Christian Mission strives to grow the global dimension of the University in health education, mission studies, mission outreach, and intercultural/ international relationships.

since 1998 , mission trips have been taken to :

• Philadelphia, Penn.

• Norfolk, W.V. • Puerto Rico • India • Washington, D.C. • Honduras • St. Petersburg, Fla. • New York • China • Brazil • Baltimore, Md. • Cancun, Mexico • Albuquerque, N.M.

Highlights • King University provides its full university community with a full-time Chaplain.

• Assistant Dean for Student Engagement provides community service and outreach activities for student participation.

— Bill Adams

• The entire community has access to a full-time counselor through the counseling center.

• King students are required to participate in chapel/ convocation activities in order to acquire CCS credit, which encourages their participation in spiritual formation activities. Chapel events continue to increase in attendance.

• • • • • • •

Kenya Belize El Salvador Gulf Coast, Mississippi Nicaragua Kenya

• • • • • •

Camden, N.J. Brooklyn, N.Y. Bahamas Bunnel, Fla. Papua, New Guinea Jamaica

Dominican Republic

developed in

2001 current number of students

5

minors

then • Chapel & Convocation required of students • Mission Trips: 3 • Participation in Mission Trips: 18% now • Chapel & Convocation required of students • Mission Teams: 3 • Participation in Mission Trips: 4%

• The Buechner Institute continues to “engage faith and culture” issues in the region and nation and offers significant supplements to the curricula for King University students. The programming exposes King’s students to vocational possibilities as well as providing insight into spiritual formation.

WINTER 2014 | 11

alumni community feature story

Dr. Jordan Letter

2 | |KING’S 12 KING’SHERALD HERALDALUMNI ALUMNIMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

ti ’s Offi

King College Makes Transition to King University

cial

alumni feature community story

On a cool wintery day, in January of

to King University,” Jordan said.

2013, members of the King community

“This change reflects the master’s-level,

and friends packed into the Student

comprehensive benchmark that our

Center Complex to witness one of the

school has reached in recent years.

most historic occasions in the history

We believe the word ‘university’ more

of this Institution.

accurately reflects the current complexity

Founded in 1867, the school known as

of our academic programs and ultimately

King College for the past 146 years would

enhances the value of a King degree for

hereafter be known as King University.

past, present, and future graduates.”

From its earliest incarnation as a handful of students in a

“Our efforts to remove barriers to

single building to

“King College’s transition to university status

its modern presence

further recognizes the achievements of our

as one of the top private universities

alums, and the creditability of our professors.”

in the Southeast,

André Latimore (’14), SGA President 2012-2014

King has steadily

built on a mission of cultural

education for working adults through our

transformation in Christ. Today, King

Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS),

has a student body of more than 2,600

launched in 2001, and more recently, the

who hail from 32 states, 29 countries,

development of online programs helped

and six continents. The decision to

pave the way to our broadening

change the institution’s name to

academics and accelerated growth,” Jordan

University was a culmination of the

noted. “Of course, none of it could be

1998 strategic plan, which goals included:

possible were it not for the decades of

• Maintain and grow our Christian community at King College.

• Provide an inspiring and practical bridge for our students into graduate

academic excellence that led up to this juncture. It is an amazing evolution by which we should all be encouraged.”

Becoming a university is the natural

school and the working world.

unfolding of King’s strategic plan, unveiled

• Leverage our relationships with

in 1998, to create an even broader mix of

other organizations with which we

programs based on a university model.

have common goals to provide

Using this approach, King University now

additional resources for the

has seven academic schools of learning:

implementation of the King Vision.

King College of Arts and Sciences, King

Nearly a century and a half after King

School of Business and Economics, King

College first opened its doors, King

School of Education, King School of

President Dr. Greg D. Jordan announced

Nursing, Peeke School of Christian

to students, faculty, and staff the transition

Mission, and King’s newest additions,

to King University would become effective

the King School of Behavioral and Health

June 1, 2013.

Sciences and the King School of Applied

“It is with pride and great excitement that we announce the decision by

Science and Technology.

Significantly, King has more than

King’s Board of Trustees to approve

doubled its student body since 2005.

changing our institution’s name

Just prior to the announcement, King’s WINTER WINTER2014 2013| |13 3

feature story

student body totaled 2,342, at that time the highest in the history of King. For fall 2013, King surpassed expectations by increasing enrollment by 10 percent with a head count of 2,587. For the 14th consecutive year, King’s enrollment has broken all previous records across every platform, including traditional on-campus studies, graduate professional studies, and online programs.

Notably, three of King’s GPS offerings are advanced degrees – a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Education.

King was recently approved to offer a Doctoral of Nursing Practice program.

André F. Latimore is a senior Business major and the last Student Government Association (SGA) president of King College and first SGA President of King University. When asked about King’s transition to university status, Latimore

and at distances that reach all across

in Bristol and offering online programs,

commented, “Founded on biblical

the world. Through our innovative

King has established four campuses in

principles with a foundation in the liberal

programs via our new Learning Commons

Tennessee and has an additional 10

arts, we will continue to achieve—with

at Nicewonder Hall, on the Bristol campus,

instructional sites across Tennessee and

excellence, our dreams and aspirations.

our professors develop their skills and

Southwest Virginia.

It is my firm belief that with this [name]

bring new tools to the classroom. This

change [King] can now affirm [its] place

maintains our core mission as a university,

University Board of Trustees, noted the

nationally. We have expanded to Knoxville,

and as Christians. To summarize this

name change is crucial in positioning

Kingsport, and now Nashville. We host

change, King College’s transition to

King within the larger academic community.

‘satellite classes,’ via our partnerships

university status further recognizes the

throughout Southwest Virginia and

achievements of our alums, and the

of King’s accomplishments on a national

Tennessee. We are investing in new

creditability of our professors.”

level,” he says. “Becoming a university

innovative technology to educate online,

14 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

In addition to growing its main campus

Bill Adams, chairman of the King

“This represents a clear demonstration

will benefit the school on a number of

“I’m excited about the name change. I believe it represents

feature story

the great strides King is making as well as the enriched atmosphere of the institution.” Steve Kilgore (’81), president and CEO of Blue Ridge Medical Management Group and vice president of Mountain States Health Alliance. levels, particularly in terms of facilitating

aligns King with current assessments

fundraising and foundation opportunities

performed by entities interested in

and the future acquisition of grant awards.”

higher education. The U.S. News &

Known for its consistently high

World Report has been reviewing King

academic standards and for producing

using a university standard for the past

quality graduates, King has been listed

several years.

among America’s Best Colleges in U.S.

Additional benefits of the transition

News & World Report for the past 24

to university include improved job and

years, The Princeton Review’s best

graduate school opportunities for graduates and enhanced ability of King University to recruit faculty and students from across the globe. The new designation also helps boost marketing and branding for the School, clarifying its higher education status for foreign audiences, for which the word “college” often refers to pre-university programs and not higher education and advanced degrees.

Steve Kilgore graduated from King College in 1981. He is now the president and CEO of Blue Ridge Medical Management Group and vice president of Mountain States Health Alliance. He commented, “I’m excited about the name change.

schools for the past 10 years, and G.I.

I believe it represents the great strides

Jobs’s Military Friendly School for the

King is making as well as the enriched

past five years. U.S. News also ranked

atmosphere of the institution. It

King as having the lightest student debt

establishes a new chapter in the rich

load among Southern universities. Being

history of King and I look forward to its

renamed a university also more accurately

continued growth and success.”

Highlights Through the Years • August 1867: King College opens its doors on College Avenue as an all-male school.

• 1915: King College set to move to its current location; construction begins.

• 1917: Bristol Hall, serving as a dormitory, office building, educational center, dining hall, and auditorium, is completed.

• 1922: King dubbed Tornado after football team’s legendary 206-0 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne.

• 1931: King becomes coeducational, accepting female students for the first time.

• 1948: King gains accreditation from SACS. • 1950s: The campus sees a transformation change with the emergence of the Oval.

• 1967: King celebrates its 100th birthday.

• 2001: King’s center for Graduate and Professional Studies is established.

• 2002: Student Center Complex opens.

• 2010: King opens the Knoxville campus at Hardin Valley.

• June 1, 2013: King College becomes King University.

• Oct. 24, 2013: King University establishes The Learning Commons at Nicewonder Hall.

• Nov. 8, 2013: King University opens new Nashville campus.

• Nov. 15, 2013: King establishes School for Behavioral and Health Sciences and School of Applied Science and Technology.

WINTER 2014 | 15

feature story

Photos courtesy of Don Hudson, associate professor of Religious Studies and chair of Philosophy and Religion

participate in the dig. “I was feeling adventurous, and an

King Joins Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition in Israel This past spring, King University was granted acceptance into the Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition, an Israeli-German led archaeological expedition of the biblical site of Tel Azekah in Israel. King joined with 15 other universities from across the globe to participate in the Tel Azekah project.

archaeological dig isn’t something you can do every day. The dig is similar to what you would see in the movies, but there is such a science to it. I’m not sure I was prepared for exactly how awesome it would be. When you realize the timeline you are dealing with, it sets in how amazing it is.”

Miller added, “To be able to learn about something in class, then go to that place and see it first hand – it was perfect!

I highly recommend going on the dig. I definitely plan to go back. What you find and the experiences you have are truly life-changing.”

The Azekah excavation is a joint Israeli-German project that brings together the Department of Archaeology and Ancient

“A benefit of being a member of the consortium is that students have access to Tel Azekah,” said Dr. Don Michael Hudson, associate professor of Religious Studies and chair of Philosophy

“To be able to learn about something in

and Religion at King. “Tel Aviv University offers the opportunity

class, then go to that place and see it first

for our students to train to be biblical archeologists. The students

hand – it was perfect! I highly recommend

can then return for their season to be area supervisors at Tel Azekah excavation. With access to digs being extremely limited,

going on the dig. I definitely plan to go

now, becoming an archaeologist can prove challenging. For our

back. What you find and the experiences

students who have an interest in becoming an archaeologist, the hands-on dig experience with the Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition, with the superior training available, would allow them to become qualified archaeologists.

you have are truly life-changing,” — Lauren Miller, junior

“For King, this means students, faculty, graduates, or anyone who would like to come to King to do a Fellowship will have

Near Eastern Cultures of Tel Aviv University and the Wissen-

access to this site to perform research,” commented Hudson.

schaftlich-Theologisches Seminar of Heidelberg Universität.

Lauren Miller, a junior Biology and Chemistry major minoring in Security and Intelligence Studies, was King’s first student to 16 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The project integrates archaeological fieldwork and theory with contemporary biblical and historical knowledge of the Judahite

feature story

Lowland Region (Shephelah) to shed light on some of the most

The two lead universities, Tel Aviv and Heidelberg, have

intriguing riddles in its history throughout the second and first

formed a consortium with the intent of bringing together a

millennia BCE.

world class team of international scholars, students, and

Geographically, Azekah was located on the border between

adventurers from around the globe. The consortium consists of

ancient Philistia and Judah and looked over the Valley of

16 universities, only four of which are from the U.S.: King University,

Elah. The Valley of Elah was one of the major approaches to

Duke University, The University of Iowa, and Moravian College.

Jerusalem; it is also where David fought the Philistine Goliath.

At one point, the valley comes to a very narrow gap; Azekah was strategically positioned at this point. In many ways, Azekah was a gateway to Jerusalem. Azekah was destroyed in 701 BCE by the Assyrians. It is one of the last major biblical sites that has not been fully excavated. In the late 1800’s, two English archaeologists, Frederick J. Bliss and R. A. Stewart Macalister, spent two years digging at the site. At the end of the two years, they back filled the area and ceased the dig. Part of the current Tel Azekah dig will look at the areas Bliss and Macalister previously began exploring.

Stewardship and Spring Break go Hand in Hand

Other Tra ve l/M i s s i o n s fo r 2 0 12 - 2 0 13

For most students, Spring Break is always a time for adventure.

all aspects of the educational experience at King. Students are

For many King students, this is a time to give back, a time of

taught to recognize themselves as a part of a larger community

stewardship. During Spring Break 2013, 34 students took part

so they may have an awareness of how their choices impact others

in mission trips to Brooklyn, N.Y., Camden, N.J., Bunnell, Fla.,

not only locally, but regionally, nationally, and internationally.

and Copán Ruinas, Honduras, volunteering for agencies such as CAMBA, Habitat for Humanity, and UrbanPromise.

Reid Yoder, a junior Business major who participated in the

“One of the things we hope our students grasp on our mission experiences is that no matter what their particular skills and abilities may be, God has gifted them in order to serve others,”

UrbanPromise trip to Camden, N.J., solidified the experience

said the Rev. Dr. Fred Foy Strang, Chaplain and dean of the

he had by saying, “I wasn’t sure about going on my first mission

Peeke School of Christian Mission. “They have been blessed

trip, but I kept an open mind. In doing so, I changed my

in order to be a blessing to others. Connecting the heads and

outlook regarding poverty, missions, and helping others less

hearts of our students with their hands and feet in Christian

fortunate than myself. I definitely will be going back again!”

service is a life changing experience for many participants.”

The concept of global citizenship is interwoven throughout

WINTER 2014 | 17

feature story

Wherever you are,

we’ll meet you there! recruitment for Nashville. “This campus will provide increased

Newest location in nashville!

educational opportunities for residents here, giving them another choice when seeking a quality, accredited program for their return to school.”

Nashville-area students will initially have the opportunity to choose from four degree programs beginning this January — Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics, and

After beginning the year with the monumental transition from King College to King University, King has continued the successful transformation by expanding its borders.

In 1867, King began with one campus location in the heart of Bristol, Tenn.

Today, King has not one campus, but four: Bristol,

Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses.

In addition to King’s four campuses, the University also offers degree programs at 10 additional instructional locations across Tennessee and Southwest Virginia including: Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Blountville, Kingsport Center for Higher Education, Morristown, Richlands, and Sevierville. The newest instructional

Kingsport, Knoxville, and Nashville. The University’s Graduate

sites include Friendsville in Blount County, Harriman and

& Professional Studies and Online Programs (GPS) served as

Strawberry Plains.

the catalyst for the continued expansion.

“Our GPS program is tailored to reduce the challenges facing the adult learner. Time and access is often a barrier for

For more information about King’s GPS degree options, visit gps.king.edu.

students to finish their degree,” said John King, vice president of Development and Enrollment Management. “By offering classes in both convenient locations, one night per week, and in an online format, the working adult may obtain their degree in as little as 16 months and open the door for professional advancement.”

In 2010, King opened its doors at The Village at Hardin Valley in Knoxville, Tenn. Since that time, the Knoxville campus has Hardin Valley (Knoxville)

produced 345 graduates. Hardin Valley currently hosts more than 300 students, a 25 percent increase over last year.

“Our Knoxville campus at Hardin Valley has seen such growth

Strawberry Plains

that we are renovating and expanding the campus for a second time,” said Jon Harr, associate dean of academic affairs and the newly appointed Knoxville Campus Dean. “We are also working to reinforce collaborative agreements with area community

Harriman Sevierville

college partners through articulation agreements, and reverse transfer agreements.”

Blount County

On Nov. 8, King hosted an open house in Nashville to introduce the community to the University’s newest campus.

Strawberry Plains

Harriman

Serving the greater Nashville-area, the Nashville campus is located in Franklin, Tenn.

“We are pleased to be able to offer degree programs in the Nashville area,” says Josie Russell, regional director of 18 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Blount County

campus news

King University Increases Online Options in Response to Student Demand

Honors & Accolades For the 14th consecutive year, King’s enrollment has broken the University’s previous records across every platform, which includes traditional on-campus studies, graduate and professional studies, and online programs. King’s total student body

King University has responded to

the traditional classroom instruction

now stands at 2,587, a 10 percent

increased student demand for online

method,” says Dr. Matt Roberts, dean

increase over last year’s count. The

education options by bolstering its

of Academic Affairs and chief academic

University added more than 950 new

commitment to developing an even

officer at460 King University. “Since fall

more robust online course catalog and

2012, King University has increased its

expanding its online-only degrees.

online programs by 99 percent.”

Richlands

King currently offers more than 100

students to its enrollment.

In addition to increasing its individual

Other recent accolades include:

•

24th consecutive year as “Best

online classes each semester and an

online course offerings, King16 University

Regional University” in the South and

additional 80 online courses are in

is incrementally expanding its online-

Lightest Student Debt Load among

development. King has offered online

only degree programs. Currently, King

Southern universities - U.S. News

offers a dozen bachelor’s and master’s

and World Report’s America’s Best

Big courses since 2009.

Stone Gap

Abingdon degree programs in various fields

In fall 2012, the University saw a

Marion

Colleges 2014

significant spike in the number of

of study, including English, History,

online students as 239 graduate and

Business Administration, Information

professional studies students registered

Technology, Communication, Criminal

for online-only programs — a fourfold

Justice, Interdisciplinary Studies,

•

increase over the previous year. This year,

Nursing, Healthcare Administration and

straight year

online enrollment jumped to 334 — a

Psychology. Additional degree programs

figure that does not include students who

in Health Informatics and Environmental

supplement their on-campus experience

Science, as well as Secondary Education

with online classes.

Licensure, are slated to be available in

“As student demand for online courses

spring 2014. New specialization options

has increased, King University has worked

for Business Administration and Nursing

to expand its online offerings, meeting

degrees will also be available next spring.

the same rigorous academic standards students have come to expect from

it

•

10th consecutive year - “Best in the

Southeast” by The Princeton Review

•

Military Friendly Schools® - fifth

2013 President’s Higher Education

Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, servicelearning, and civic engagement

For more information, visit online.king.edu.

be gins at

Earn your associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree on site or online in as little as 16 months.

Katie Witcher BSN, 2006 | MSN, 2014

gps.king.edu

WINTER 2014 | 19

campus news

Reverse Transfer

Prior Learning Assessment Policy Adopted The faculty at King gave their approval on July 22, 2013 to incorporate prior learning assessment (PLA) into the University’s

Agreements

policy. Tennessee’s PLA Task Force defines PLA as the assessment of college level learning for college credit that is gained outside a traditional academic environment.

“Prior learning assessment allows students to receive credit for educational training they have received outside the traditional

Drive to 55 Propels Reverse Transfer Agreements

academic courses,” Dr. Matt Roberts, dean of Academic Affairs

Tennessee’s Governor Haslam has challenged the state of

and chief academic officer. “A student’s preparation may take

Tennessee with a critical new mission: the Drive to 55. The

the form of military training or other instructional experience

governor’s goal is to bring the percentage of Tennesseans with

received on the job. The new PLA program will serve to enhance

college degrees or certifications to 55 percent by the year

students’ King experience.”

2025. Currently, Tennessee is at 32 percent.

Through faculty evaluation and the Council on Adult and

In response to Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative, and

Experiential Learning, King will work to assess that a students’

in collaboration with the Schools community college partners,

learning is at a collegiate level so the student may be awarded

King has developed the reverse transfer program. The program

equivalent college credit toward their degree program.

will be available to students who have transferred to King from partnering institutions prior to the completion of their associate

To learn more about the prior learning assessment at King, visit PLA.king.edu.

degree program.

“The reverse transfer creates a mechanism to send back information to the community college from King so those

King Unveils The Learning Commons at Nicewonder Hall

students who first attended the community college can be awarded their associate degree through remaining course requirements completed at King,” stated Dr. Matt Roberts, chief academic officer and dean of academic affairs for King.

King University is growing to meet the changing needs of

“The reverse transfer agreement is a win-win for both institutions

21st century higher education. On Oct. 24, King introduced

and a win for our students as well.”

The Learning Commons at Nicewonder Hall, the latest

King currently has reverse transfer agreements with community

educational advancement that will serve as a center for

colleges Cleveland State, Columbia State, Nashville State,

academic resources and training for University faculty,

Northeast State, Pellissippi State, Volunteer State, and

enabling them to incorporate emerging technologies into

Walters State.

their online and traditional instruction processes.

According to King President Dr. Greg Jordan, The Learning Commons promotes a dynamic structure that supports centralized

The Learning Commons will be housed in the newly named

collaboration and training related to online learning and

Nicewonder Hall, in honor of Kevin Nicewonder and his family,

campus instruction. Designed to prepare students for 21st century

a building located on the western end of King’s main campus

careers, The Learning Commons will promote innovations in

in Bristol, Tenn.

teaching and learning environments through the effective use of instructional technology and course development.

“The Learning Commons provides an academic technology resource for faculty to not only develop effective online courses, but to cultivate technologies for use in traditional face-to-face and graduate and professional studies classes, too,” Jordan said.

The new center will also serve as a resource for regional educational systems, facilitating dual enrollment programs and in STEM-related 2 program | KING’S development HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE disciplines.

Read the full story!

campus news

King Unveils New Tool Designed to Further Students’ Degree Choices King University has unveiled a new

would qualify the student to do that job

understanding what a potential career

web-based resource designed to assist

in the future.

path might be, students tend to become

students in determining the best

“This is a project that closes the loop,

more involved in the college experience

academic path for the career they plan

demonstrating unequivocally that King’s

and go on to graduate,” said Dr. Mark

to pursue.

programs not only prepare students for

Overbay, program coordinator for

meaningful lives for achievement, but

Healthcare Administration at King.

Career Matrix produces a range of career opportunities for the student

also provide an immediate bridge to a

based on his or her responses to four sets

career or calling,” stated King President

of interest related questions. The profile

Dr. Greg Jordan.

matches the student to possible career

Read the full story!

The user friendly tool located at

paths, producing a list of potential jobs.

careermatrix.king.edu will aid both

After the student selects a particular

the student and their parents.

occupation, Career Matrix generates

Many students have an idea of the

specific jobs. The Matrix then provides

career they hope to pursue, but

a list of majors at King University which

may not be certain which degree path would best lead them to their end goal.

© Sam Kittner/Kittner.com

“By choosing a major and

National Security Council Representative’s Visit Focuses on Federal Career Opportunities Call to Serve Speakers Bureau. As a

security and nuclear trade. Previously,

member of the Call to Serve network,

Connery served as senior policy advisor

King University regularly works with the

to the deputy secretary of energy.

Federal career opportunities and public

Partnership for Public Service, the Office

Prior to that post, she was director for

service were the hot topic on campus

of Personnel Management and other

threat reduction and nuclear energy

at King University on Sept. 30. Students

federal agencies to inform students about

cooperation in the Office of Weapons

were treated to a visit by Joyce Connery,

internship and job opportunities within

of Mass Destruction Coordinator at

director of nuclear energy policy within

the federal government.

the National Security Council. She

the Office of International Economics on

“The experiences she has had in her

served under both the Bush and Obama

the National Security Council. Over the

career with the government were inspiring

administrations and was responsible for

course of her visit, Connery gave several

to our students,” said Donna Felty,

Nuclear Cooperative Threat Reduction

lectures on the importance of public

director of career development for King

programs; the Nuclear Security Summit,

service and career possibilities with the

University. “I hope she has motivated

President Obama’s four-year effort to

federal government to Science Seminar

some of our students to look more

secure vulnerable nuclear materials;

and Security and Intelligence Studies

closely into careers in public service.

international nuclear energy policy

students and spent quality time one-

This is truly government at its best.”

and bilateral nuclear security and

on-one with students, faculty, and staff during several small gatherings.

Connery was appointed director of

trade agreements.

nuclear energy policy in early 2012.

King University was selected to host

In this position, she works to develop

Connery after submitting an application

policy among agencies, and align and

to the Partnership for Public Service’s

coordinate programs covering safety,

Read the full story!

WINTER 2014 | 21

buechner institute

Contemplating Vocare As challenging economic conditions

this: the kind of work God usually calls

glad to take part in. I’m very excited

persist both regionally and nationally,

you to is the kind of work (a) that you

to hear these speakers and learn how

more and more people are beginning

most need to do, and (b) that the world

they felt called to do what they do. It’s

to reflect on their careers. This year,

most needs to have done. . . Neither the

important for us as college students to

the 2013-2014 Buechner (Beek-ner)

hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The

Institute Lecture Series, co-sponsored

place God calls you to is the place where

by the Bristol Herald Courier, is pushing

your deep gladness and the world’s deep

beyond the idea of a job or career to

hunger meet.”

contemplate “Vocare.”

Dale Brown, director of the Buechner

Frederick Buechner, for whom the

Institute, said of this year’s series lineup,

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Institute is named, speaks eloquently in

“Our guests at the Buechner Institute

his book “Wishful Thinking,” about the

are people who have found fulfillment

notion of people responding to a call –

in their callings and who talk about their

having a vocation rather than a job. A

vocations with passion. Audiences get

quote from that text, the one for which

the rare opportunity to witness the

he is most famous, says, “It comes from

potent occasion of the meeting of joy

think not just about what we

the Latin vocare, to call, and means the

and need.”

want to do after graduation,

work a person is called to do by God.

Elizabeth Owens, a King junior majoring

— Frederick Buechner

but who we want to be.

There are all kinds of different voices calling

in Biology with minors in Psychology

Our guests this year

you to do all different kinds of work, and

and English, and chair of the Buechner

will make us think

the problem is to find out which is the

Institute student board said, “This year’s

about just that.”

voice of God, rather than that of Society,

series at the Institute is sure to catch

say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest. By

our students’ attention and provide

and large a good rule for finding out is

conversation that our community will be

Faith Engaging Culture Eugene Sutton | January 20

Liz Lerman | March 3

9:15 a.m., King University Memorial Chapel 7:00 p.m., Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, Abingdon, Va.

9:15 a.m., King University Memorial Chapel 7:00 p.m., Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, Va.

Frank Deford | January 28

Jane Dawson | March 5

6:30 p.m., Dinner and discussion in King University Dining Hall For ticket information call 423.652.4864

7:00 p.m., King University Student Center Board Room

Patricia Hampl | Buechner Lectureship | February 1

9:15 a.m., King University Memorial Chapel 7:00 p.m., King University Hardin Valley Campus, Knoxville, Tenn.

4:00 p.m., Interview by Jennifer Holberg 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, Tenn.

Rachel Held Evans | February 24 9:15 a.m., King University Memorial Chapel 7:00 p.m., Kingsport Center for Higher Education

Alfred Munzer | March 31

Christian Wiman | Season Finale | April 24 4:00 p.m., Interview by Jane Zwart 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, Tenn.

* Most of the Buechner Institute events are free, and all are open to the public.

22 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

www.buechnerinstitute.org

performing & visual arts

Terrifying Tales Kick off 2013-14 Theatre Season Chilling tales, full of mystery and intrigue,

This year’s 2014 Dogwood Playhouse

kick off King’s Theatre program’s 2013-14

production takes place during King’s

season. The season highlights student-led

annual Dogwood Weekend. The

productions along with a spring family-

Theatre Department will present

friendly play written by a King alumna.

Katherine Paterson’s “The Tale of the

“The Theatre’s focus for fall was

Mandarin Ducks.” Paterson is herself

plays by women. Our two main stage

a King alumna having graduated from

productions along with our Twin City

then King College in 1954 summa cum

Radio Theatre Troupe’s productions

laude with a degree in English.

were mysteries written by women,” said

Associate Professor of Theatre

Schedule of Events FEBRUARY/MARCH Spirituals Concert with THS Choir

Chris Slaughter, professor of Theatre for

Elizabeth Dollar said, “We are thrilled

February 8 | 7:30 p.m.

King University.

to feature a play by one of King’s own.

Paramount Center for the Arts

Katherine Paterson spent much of her

Mass Gospel Choir with ETSU, Milligan, &

October 18-20 at Theatre Bristol Artspace

childhood in China and several years

Northeast State Choirs

in downtown Bristol with the Twin City

as a missionary in Japan after college.

February 22 | 7:30 p.m.

Radio Theatre’s production of “The

Her time in Asia is the influence behind

Hitch-Hiker and Other Chilling Tales.”

this wonderful folk tale. During the

Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer

shows, we will utilize a variety of

Directed by senior Trung Phan

The theatrical productions kicked off

In November, two one-act plays were performed together for a full evening of

traditional Asian theatre performance

spine tingling suspense. The plays were

techniques including puppetry and

directed by King senior Theatre major

kabuki style makeup.”

Jesse Thomas as his senior capstone

“The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks” will

project. The productions included

take place April 11-13 at the Paramount

“Sorry, Wrong Number” by Lucille Fletcher

Center for the Arts and will include

and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.

special performances for area elementary

In February 2014, for his senior

and middle school children.

capstone project, Theatre major Trung

Northeast State Community College

February 27-March 1 | 7:30 p.m.

King’s Fine Arts Theatre Music Dept. Convocation: “South of the Border” March 25 | 8:00 p.m. | King’s Memorial Chapel Carmina Burana KU Choirs with Symphony of the Mountains March 29 | 7:30 p.m.

Toy Reid Center, Kingsport, Tenn.

Phan will direct British playwright Peter

For more information about

APRIL

Shaffer’s one-act farce “Black Comedy.”

King’s Theatre Department,

King Symphonic Band: Spring Concert

The production will take place in the Fine

visit arts.king.edu.

April 4 | 8:00 p.m.

Arts Building on King’s Bristol campus Feb. 27 - March 1.

Paramount Center for the Arts King Theatre’s: The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks by Katherine Paterson and Stephanie Tolan, and music and lyrics by Steve Liebman April 10-11 | 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

April 12 | 2:30 p.m.

Paramount Center for the Arts Music Department’s “The True Story of Cinderella” April 12 | 2:30 p.m.

King’s Memorial Chapel King Jazz/Gospel Choir, Women’s Ensemble and All the King’s Men: Spring Concert April 26 | 8:00 p.m. | King’s Memorial Chapel

“How I Became a Pirate” Dogwood Playhouse 2013

WINTER 2014 | 23

athletic news

Tornado Athletics Year in Review King finished third in the standings,

championship with a regular season

one game out of first place with a 14-6

crown in 2013, finishing 17-3 in league

conference mark. The Tornado finished

play. King placed four players on the all-

19-8 overall and had three players

conference team, including junior pitcher

earn all-conference honors. Senior

Hannah Light who was also named the

Eddie Piccinini was named Conference

league’s Pitcher of the Year. Light also

Carolinas Scholar Athlete of the Year and

earned second team Daktronics All-

King Male Athlete of the Year.

Southeast Region honors.

Second year head coach Josh Thompson,

The King cycling team won their first

led the women’s basketball team to

conference title in school history, taking

a 14-13 overall record and 10-12 in

the SECCC crown. The Tornado held

league play. King qualified for their first

a steady lead in points throughout

Conference Carolinas Tournament where

the 2013 campaign en route to the

they narrowly fell 67-61 to top seed

championship. King then traveled to

Limestone. The squad finished sixth in

the Collegiate Cycling Road Nationals

the WBCA Academic Honor Roll with a

in Ogden, Utah, turning in an eighth

team GPA of 3.572.

place finish.

The preseason #1 ranked women’s

The Tornado baseball team achieved

wrestling team hosted WCWA Nationals

their second consecutive 30-win season,

for the second consecutive season at

at 31-20, and finished third in the league

In their second year as Conference

the Student Center where they finished

standings with a 13-10 mark. King got

Carolinas members, King continues

third. Both junior Alli Ragan and junior

rolling in the conference tournament,

to have success. King had 12 teams

Katarina Perez took home national

winning their first three games and

qualify for their respective conference

titles while three other wrestlers took

advancing to the championship game.

tournaments, and six teams won

runner-up finishes. A school record 15

However, the Tornado fell to Coker in

conference championships.

wrestlers earned WCWA All-American

championship series. Five players earned

honors.

all-conference honors.

Following a conference title in their first year in the league, the men’s basketball team nearly repeated in 2012-13.

The King softball team followed their 2012 Conference Carolinas Tournament

Get Your Tornado Gear King Athletics has launched its own online store,

ShopKingTornado.com. This is a store where fans can order any type of King Tornado gear, from tents to t-shirts and polos. Fans can even select a sport specific logo they want on their shirt. What are you waiting for? Visit

ShopKingTornado.com; order your Tornado gear today!

24 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

For more info, visit

www.kingtornado.com

athletic news

King Student-athletes Achieve Academic Success King had an abundance of success on the fields and courts during the 2012-13 season, but the success did not stop there.

The Tornado were also successful in the classroom, leading Conference Carolinas with 414 student-athletes being named to the league’s Presidential Honor Roll.

This distinguished award is given twice during the academic year and with 414 student athletes named to the Honor Roll, King ranked atop the league. For the fall 2012 season, King came

in a narrow second

with 205 student athletes being recognized. However, in spring 2013, o

New Basketball Court for Student Center Complex The Student Center Complex received a makeover this summer

the Tornado came

when a new basketball court was installed. The floor was

out on top with

sanded, repainted and refinished for the first time since the

209 members on

Student Center Complex opened in 2003. The new floor features

the Presidential

the King “K” logo at center court, Conference Carolinas logos at

Honor Roll.

each free throw line, and NCAA logos on each side of the floor.

The Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll requires student-athletes to maintain at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Along with the Presidential Honor Roll, 55 student-athletes

NCAA Division II Athletic Directors’ Association Academic

garnered Academic All-Conference honors, and three student-

Achievement Award. Witt became the second King student-

athletes were named Conference Carolinas Scholar Athletes of

athlete in as many years to earn Capital One/CoSIDA Academic

the Year for their respective sports. This group included junior

All-American honors, being named to the third team in June

Spencer Frantom (Men’s Cross Country), senior Eddie Piccinini

2013 for Cross Country and Track & Field.

(Men’s Basketball) and junior Hannah Witt (Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field).

At a national level, 74 Tornado student-athletes received the

As a whole, 16 of King’s then 24 teams had a GPA of at least 3.0, including 242 student-athletes. 159 student-athletes achieved a GPA of 3.5 or better; 29 achieved a 4.0 GPA.

WINTER 2014 | 25

athletic news

King Cross Country/Track and Field Programs Take Home Conference Titles

The 2012-13 season was a breakout season for the King Cross

Frantom and Noe again led the Tornado at the regional meet,

Country and Track & Field programs as they took home four

finishing second and third, respectively. At the NCAA Division II

out of a possible six Conference Carolinas championships. The

Championships, the Tornado finished with a 27th place finish.

women brought home the “triple crown,” winning the Cross

King’s Track & Field saw success as they brought home three

Country championship and both the Indoor and Outdoor Track

Conference Carolinas championships. During the Indoor

& Field championships. The men won the league’s Indoor Track

Track & Field season, both the men’s and women’s teams won

& Field championship.

King’s first Conference Carolinas title. At the event, the King

“The women completing the ‘triple crown’ of Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor championships in the same year is the holy

women won five races, with three individuals winning one championship and junior Hannah Witt taking home two titles.

On the men’s side, sophomore Forrest Stuart was the only individual to win an event at the conference championships, but the Tornado placed in the top three in 10 more events en route to the title. Along with their conference championships, both teams won the Conference Carolinas Messick Sportsmanship Award. Witt was named Conference Carolinas Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, and Dalton earned Coach of the Year honors for both the men’s and women’s Track & Field teams.

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field won their third Conference Carolinas championship of the year. Along with the 4x100 meter relay, three individuals won titles with sophomore

grail in college athletics,” said Peter Dalton, Men’s and

Meagan Henry taking home a pair of titles at the outdoor

Women’s Cross Country head coach. “The Men’s Cross

conference championships. Henry was also named Conference

Country team having been the only King team to represent the Institution on a national level is an indicator of where our focus will be in the future.”

The fall season started great for the Tornado as the Women’s Cross Country team placed all five of their runners in the top-15, and three in the top-10 of the Conference Carolinas Championships en route to their first Conference Carolinas title. The squad was led by sophomore Kendra Sokol who finished second at the championship. The Tornado followed with a fourth place effort at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship where Sokol finished sixth. Following the season, King Head Coach Peter Dalton was named Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year.

The success continued to pour in on the men’s side as they

Carolinas Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.

In the men’s Outdoor Track & Field season, three individuals

finished second at the Conference Carolinas Championship.

and the 4x100 meter relay team brought home Conference

Sophomore Jordan Noe won the conference title and was the

Carolinas titles while freshman Jeremy Stamper was named

Conference Carolinas Runner of the Year, while junior Spencer

Conference Carolinas Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.

Frantom came in with a second place finish. This spring-

Frantom made King history during the outdoor season,

boarded King to a third place finish at the NCAA Southeast

becoming the first Tornado Track & Field athlete to qualify for

Regional Championship, which qualified the Tornado for their

the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 10,000

first NCAA Division II Championship Meet in school history.

meter run.

26 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The Tornado Athletic Club allows you to be more fully

engaged in the excitement of collegiate athletics at King.

Your support is an investment in King

Make your gift today and become a member

University Athletics and allows coaches and

of the Tornado Athletic Club! Thank you

athletes to focus on their next competition

for your support!

secure with the knowledge their school and

kingtornado.com

community are behind them.

King Captures Inaugural Blue Ridge Cup The 2012-13 season served as the inaugural year in the battle for the Blue Ridge Cup, a competition that pits King University against Conference Carolinas rival Lees-McRae College. The Tornado and Bobcats share 17 varsity athletic teams, which determine the annual winner.

In addition, the competition

2013 Hall of Fame Recipients Honored During Dogwood Weekend

includes each school’s NCAA

The King Athletics

graduation rate, higher percentage

Department inducted

of student-athletes named to the

two individuals and

academic all-conference team, and

a team into the King

overall student-athlete GPA.

Athletics Hall of

When everything was tallied at

Fame. The 2013

the end of the summer, King took

class included

a commanding 21-4 victory

Women’s Volleyball

over the Bobcats to take

player Erin (Reed)

the first title in the battle for

Reaves (1998-2001),

the Blue Ridge Cup. With the

Baseball player

win, King will display the

Bobby James (1985-

Blue Ridge Cup for the next

88), and the 1984

year until the conclusion of the 2013-14 season.

Men’s Soccer team.

Tornado Gets Social!

You can now follow the Tornado on your

but would like score updates on the

phone. King will also provide

favorite social media platform. Be sure

go. Signing up for Tornado texts is

live stats and live video for

to follow @KingAthletics on Twitter and

free of charge and customizable. You

all home events (weather

like our Facebook page, King University

can select, by sport, the updates you

permitting). All the

Athletics. The Tornado are also on

want to receive. This is a great way for

information can be found

Instagram at KingAthletics; look for new

you to receive final scores, as well as

at www.KingTornado.com.

videos on our KingUAthletics YouTube

postponements sent right to your mobile

*Standard text messaging

channel.

rates may apply.

Tornado texts are now available for fans that can’t make it to every game,

WINTER 2014 | 27

feature story

2013

King Alumni Recognized During 87th Dogwood Weekend Celebration who have made outstanding contributions to their career field, shown a commitment to King, and have continually endeavored

For 87 years, King College alumni have gathered to reminisce

to serve as leaders and mentors to their home community. This

and reconnect during the annual Dogwood Weekend. This year,

year the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award was presented

more than 350 alumni and friends joined together in April to

to the Class of 1963. The class members have made their world

celebrate King College’s transition to King University.

Events for the weekend included such favorites as the King University Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, alumni luncheon, picnic on the Oval, cornhole tournament, alumni soccer games, alumni volleyball game, production of “How I Became a Pirate” by King’s Theatre Department performed at the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown Bristol, Dogwood Ball, Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet, reunion gatherings, and much more.

During the annual celebration, several alumni were recognized for exceptional achievement in their career field, remarkable service to King, and commitment to serving as

a better place, not only with their contributions to King, but to

leaders in their communities.

their churches and communities as well.

Distinguished Alu mni of the Year Award

Many class members have earned advanced degrees in a variety of fields, including: English, education, Christian

The King’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award honors

education, physics, chemistry, biology, business, and divinity.

those who exemplify the University’s goals of excellence,

The unofficial count includes 33 master’s degrees and seven

achievement, and stewardship. The award recognizes those

doctorates.

28 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

feature story

Graduat e and Professional Stud ies Award Each year, King recognizes alumni from Graduate and Professional Studies

Nursing. Her current research is on

graduating from King. She has served

incivility in Nursing. She is currently

as a pediatric hematology/oncology

working to complete her Ph.D.

registered nurse at Duke Children’s

Young Alu mni Achievement Award

Hospital in Durham, N.C., since 2006. Currently, Tsepas is the on-site co-director for Camp Kaleidoscope,

In 2004, the King Alumni Office

Duke’s summer camp for children with

introduced an award to recognize

chronic illnesses.

those young alumni who have made outstanding professional contributions

Legacy Award

to their field since graduating, and who

King is blessed to have numerous families

have shown a strong commitment to the

who have made attending King “a family

service of others. The 2013 Young

affair.” The award recognizes their commitment to King as well as their lifetime of service and achievement. This year the Legacy Award recognized the Wingard family. Many members of the family, including extended family, have

who exemplify the University’s goals

chosen King over the years.

of excellence, achievement, and stewardship. The Graduate and Professional Studies Award for 2013 was presented to Robin Foreman for achievement and stewardship of the nursing profession.

Foreman began her journey to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse after being a stay at home mom of four for many years. She chose King to pursue her dream, and, in 2004, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing from King in 2007. She currently serves King as assistant professor of

Alumni Achievement Award recipient was 2006 King graduate, Bridgett Campbell Tsepas.

Tsepas has exhibited a very unselfish way of life, continuously being of service

Wingard family members who are

to others. She has made significant

alumni: Sarah Wingard (’97), Kevin

professional achievements since

Wingard (’08), Maggie (Wingard) Hall (’09), Chris Hall (’09) (’11), Rachel Wingard (’13), Karie Barron (’13) and

For more information on King’s annual Dogwood Weekend or to donate to the Annual Fund for Scholarships and Programs, contact Denise Asbury, director of annual giving and alumni services, at 423.652.4895 or visit give.king.edu.

James Stergios (’11).

alumni community

Development’s Focus on Success When you think of a collegiate development office, you might think of monetary donations that help keep the school and its scholarship programs successful. While this is one aspect of King’s Office of Development, it is not the only one.

The Office of Development is also the center of alumni services at King.

Left to right: Denise Asbury, Donna Felty, Andrea Hurst, and Finley Green.

Recently, Denise Asbury was named

of Career Development for the Tri-Cities;

the director of annual giving and

Finley Green, director of Career Services;

alumni services.

and the newest member, Andrea Hurst,

internship and employment opportunities

director of King’s Career Success Center.

for current and graduating students, and

“King is focused on helping our

Student and alumni success has

students and alumni succeed no matter

provides internship placement assistance

where they are in life’s journey. Whether

long been a part of the fabric of King.

you are a freshman in your first semester

Development’s Career Success Center is

on campus, a GPS or online student who

served by career development and career

for Student Success in Nov. 2012

completes schoolwork while working

services staff who work with students

has provided a broader avenue in

full time, or an alumnus who is looking

throughout their time at King, providing

which to help students. From hosting

to make a career change, our staff is

services such as resume assistance,

webinar sessions to providing a place

prepared to help meet your needs,” said

career assessment, career planning

for potential employers to conduct

John King, vice president of Development

and guidance, job search preparation,

interviews remotely through Skype, the

and Enrollment Management.

and internship placement. The staff

center allows students to see what career

serves as a liaison with local businesses

opportunities are available to them.

King’s Career Success Center staff

for King’s traditional MBA students.

The addition of the Wager Center

and organizations to identify regional

includes Donna Felty, regional director

Connected King University alumni now have the opportunity to stay connected through the University’s

online alumni community. With a wide range of opportunities for socializing and networking, alumni can visit with old friends, check out the latest news, and plan for upcoming events. Alumni can even set up their own blog and create or join groups.

Check out this exciting community by visiting alumni.king.edu.

20 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2 To | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE find out more, contact Denise

Asbury, director of annual giving and alumni services, at 800.621.5464.

alumni community

Alumni & Friends Changes Lives Originally from Dalton, Ga., Kaitlynn

“King is preparing me well for my life as

who give to the Alumni & Friends

Clark now calls Meadowview, Va.,

an educator. I have learned so much.

Scholarship program because you have

home. Clark is a senior at King with

Balancing everything is challenging, but

made a big difference in my life. Your gift

plans to graduate in spring 2015, at which time she plans to begin her career as a teacher. She is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary and Middle Grades with a certification in English as a Second Language.

“When I moved to this region, I talked with several area teachers. They all recommended King’s education program as the best.

“I’m a single mother to my precious son, Enoch Elijah. On my income, even with student loans, it was just not enough to make the tuition. Without the Alumni & Friends Scholarship, I wouldn’t

is very beneficial; it changes lives! It has

“I want to say thank you to all those who give to the Alumni & Friends Scholarship program because you have made a big difference in my life. Your gift is very beneficial; it changes lives! It has definitely

definitely changed mine.”

changed mine.”

— Kaitlynn Clark, 2015

even have a chance to be here.”

For Clark, organization is her key to success in balancing home and class.

with organization it is achievable.

“I want to say thank you to all those

Reconnecting Across the Southeast

What do ballgames, art, and spaghetti

“Imaginary Worlds” exhibit, joined

have in common? If you answered King

throngs of bluegrass and country

University alumni events, you are correct!

music fans at the Bristol Rhythm &

In addition to King’s annual Dogwood

Roots Reunion, visited one of the tallest

Weekend in April every year, alumni

skyscrapers in Charlotte, rooted on the

gather throughout the year at a variety

Tennessee Smokies as they took on the

of locations to

Montgomery Biscuits, and spent time at

muse over old

one of Nashville’s best restaurants, The

times and make

Old Spaghetti Factory, before cheering

new memories.

on Tornado Basketball as they hit the

This year, alumni

court against the Trevecca Trojans.

“Alumni gatherings enable King alumni

gathered

a unique opportunity to reconnect with

at the

their alma mater, and to reunite old

Atlanta Botanical

friendships, while also making new ones,”

the year; they are always great fun and

said Denise Asbury, director of annual

you never know who you will reacquaint

Gardens

giving & alumni services. “Look for an

yourself with, or what new business

to witness the

alumni event coming to your area during

connection you might make!”

For upcoming events, check King’s

WINTER 2014 | 31

alumni website at alumni.king.edu.

alumni spotlight

Alexia Melo Discovers Love for Research

Where Are

In 2008, Glade Springs, Va., native Alexia

research, so much so that I decided to

Melo graduated from then King College

pursue my PhD.”

with her Bachelor of Science in Cellular

Research programs are competitive,

and Molecular Biology. After graduation,

so when Melo was accepted to her

she headed straight to Vanderbilt

first choice program at Vanderbilt, she

University Medical Center in Nashville,

was thrilled.

Tenn., to study for her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology.

During her junior year at King, Melo’s

Melo currently works in the research lab of Dr. Christine Eischen, associate professor of Pathology, Microbiology and

advisor was Dr. Vanessa Fitsanakis,

Immunology, and associate professor of

associate professor of Biology. Dr.

Cancer Biology for Vanderbilt. Eischen’s

Health-Related Research, through the

Fitsanakis suggested Melo entertain

research lab specializes in oncogenic and

National Institutes of Health.

the prospect of research as a career

tumor suppressor pathways in tumor

option. “Until then, I didn’t realize that

development. Melo’s work is focused

2014, she plans to seek a post-doctoral

people did research for a living, as a

specifically on the areas of DNA damage

research fellowship. “My ultimate goal

career. My original plan was to study

and how alterations in the DNA damage

is to have my own research lab and

pre-med at King and become a doctor;

affect tumor progression.

incorporate research with teaching. I’m

I thought if you liked science, then you

In 2009, during her first year in the

Once Melo completes her PhD in

interested in research of autoimmune

had to become a doctor. After discussing

research lab at Vanderbilt, Melo applied

diseases. I am eager to share this amazing

options with Dr. Fitsanakis, she brought

for and received a highly competitive

career option with others like me.

me to Vanderbilt to an open house event,

individual research fellowship, the Ruth

“I’m so thankful to Dr. Fitsanakis for

then suggested that I apply for a summer

L. Kirschstein National Research Service

her guidance. Until now, I have never let

program at the Mayo Clinic during

Awards for Individual Predoctoral

her know how much of an impact she

the summer of 2007. I fell in love with

Fellowships to Promote Diversity in

truly had on my life.”

Actor, Author, Activist For Jeremiah Caleb, life is extraordinarily busy. In addition to his bi-coastal acting

Caleb studied both English and Fine

career in New York and L.A., he is the

Arts at King. After graduating in 2002,

author of a newly published novel, a

Caleb moved to New York City to train

pastor of a church near UCLA, and an

at the American Musical & Dramatic

activist for the impoverished living in the

Academy. Since that time, Caleb moved

slums of India.

to Los Angeles, Calif., and contracted

Of Indian descent, Caleb was born in

bi-coastally with Colbat Sky Entertainment.

Singapore to missionaries. Much of his

His acting credits include the television

childhood was spent in South Wales in

show “Outsourced” and most recently

the United Kingdom. “East Tennessee

commercials for cars.com and Buick.

was always close to my father’s heart.

He can also be seen in the 2012 film “A

He moved us here in 1995 to provide

Dangerous Place” alongside Kristen Dalton.

me with a steady education while he continued to serve in the ministry across

32 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Southeast Asia.”

Caleb’s most recent venture is the release of his first book, “He Walks With Me,”

they Now???

Osterhaus appointed to First District Court of Appeal King alumnus Tim Osterhaus received an

counsel in the Florida Department of

of Appeal on May 20, 2013, by Florida

Education; worked in private practice

Governor Rick Scott.

in Washington, D.C.; and served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge

Psychology from King College in 1993.

Kenneth Ryskamp in West Palm Beach

After graduating with honors, he went

(with a co-clerk who later became

to the University of Virginia where he

his wife).

received his Juris Doctor in 1997.

“During my time at King, initially I

Just prior to his recent appointment, Osterhaus served as the Solicitor General

planned to go the route of a clinical

of Florida under Attorney General Pam

psychologist. I’d taken an American law

Bondi, and Deputy Solicitor General

class with Dr. Schroeder I really enjoyed.

before that, representing the state of

I also took a number of history classes.

Florida and other state agencies in all of

By my senior year, I decided that I would

Florida’s district courts of appeal, the

pursue law school.

Florida Supreme Court, federal district

“King prepared me well for law school and a career in law. A liberal arts education by design teaches you

After law school, Osterhaus served as

appointment to the First District Court

Osterhaus received his degree in

alumni spotlight

and circuit courts, and the United States

Supreme Court.

When asked about his appointment

how to think. Having to take classes in

to the First District Court of Appeal and

English, math, science, and classes from

his future plans, Osterhaus commented,

various disciplines tends to produce well-

“This is just a fabulous job! It is a job

For the complete stories, visit

rounded students who learn how to think

that I anticipate having for a long time.

issues through.”

That is my hope and expectation.”

news.king.edu

a biographical novel based on the life

the reader on a journey set at the brink

the chance to do something about it.

and journeys of his father. “My father

of World War II through six decades.

I brought together artist friends who

has always been an inspiration to me.”

He writes of his father’s journey from

would put on cabaret shows. The ticket

Caleb’s father was Hindu, born into the

the slums of India, East Asia, to

sales would then go to support children

Brahmin caste in South India. His father

England, and on to a small town in

in the slums to provide them with hope.

was disowned by his family at the age of

East Tennessee. It is a story of miracles,

As the project grew we developed the

15 when he became a Christian.

relationships, romance, and ultimate

non-profit organization to continue

“I went to India for the first time in my

tests of courage. “Now that this project

helping those in need, in the slums of

life. For 40 days, I traipsed through the

is complete, I hope to produce a new

India. We now have two main projects –

slums with clothes like my father would

novel every summer moving forward.”

one in Delhi and one in South India.”

have worn and just a backpack. I wanted

Caleb’s time visiting the slums was

In addition to his acting and

to get into his skin, to experience the

life-changing. He has since founded

foundation ministries, Caleb is also a

same smells and sounds. Out of that

the Caleb Hope Foundation. “When I

minister, serving as a pastor of the Kairos

came a lot of interviews and information.

returned from India, I had this nagging

Westwood Church near UCLA campus.

Then I began to write.”

thought of ‘why me’. Why did I get to

Caleb’s book “He Walks With Me,” was 10 years in the making. It takes

live in the land of freedom? The answer I came away with was that I was given

To learn more about Caleb’s work, visit www.jeremiahcaleb.com.

WINTER 2014 | 33

alumni community

And The Winner Is...

Since 2006, King has been making dreams come true by giving away full scholarships to adult learners eager to finish their degree through King’s Graduate & Professional Studies and Online Programs.

In March 2013, King University and 88.3 FM WCQR announced Ted Blumberg of Gray, Tenn., as the winner of the eighth annual College Dream scholarship promotion.

The Degree of Success Scholarship contest held in partnership with Knoxville’s WIVK FM 107.7 and Nashville’s 103.3 WKDF

King Celebrates Historical Commencement; Last as King College

announced Jessica Lynn Bolin of

Crossville, Tenn., as the winner

The sound of bagpipes rang out across King’s campus on

of the Knoxville-based promotion,

May 11, as the spring Class of 2013 walked for one final time

while Diana Reuter of Old Hickory,

around the Oval. Their class was the last awarded degrees

Tenn., was declared winner in the

from King College. Diplomas were awarded to more than 369

Nashville-area contest.

“We are honored to offer this opportunity to make a

students. The commencement speaker was Dr. Belle Wheelan, current president of the Southern Association of Colleges

remarkable difference in someone’s life,” said John King,

and Schools Commission on Colleges. She is the first African

vice president of Development and Enrollment Management.

American and the first woman to serve in this capacity.

M U S E U M

O F

F I N E A RT S King University Unveils Online Museum of Fine Arts This past spring, King University launched the King University

providing our students and the regional community access to

Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Fine Arts is a web-based

original artistic works of this significance. The addition of our

art gallery at museum.king.edu comprised of the Neal and Alice

online museum now offers the global community the opportunity

Caldwell Art Collection.

to enjoy the original artistic works of skilled masters.

“We are delighted to share the Neal and Alice Caldwell Art

The museum features more than 360 original pieces of art

Collection in a format where all may enjoy the extraordinary

and 65 artifacts spanning centuries, genres and media. These

array of art,” said Dr. Greg Jordan, president of King University.

original works include such masters as Rembrandt, Corot,

“For many years, the Neal and Alice Caldwell Art Collection has

Turner, Picasso, Dalí, Toulouse-Lautrec, Whistler, Marsh,

added to the aesthetic and cultural vibrancy of our campus by

Chagall, and Matisse, among others.

34 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

alumni community

New Web Tool for Students and Faculty Launched As students and faculty returned to campus for the fall 2013 semester, they discovered a new time-saving web tool designed to combine access to many of King’s services into one portal – my.king.edu.

Through the new portal, access is individualized to the student or faculty member’s needs. Some of the features

officer. “My.king.edu is the electronic

include email access, Blackboard,

gateway to King University’s online

Byrd had the opportunity to utilize the

registration, class schedules, online

resources. In the coming year, we hope

new portal, she commented, “It is

bookstore access, and financial aid.

to add all the online services students

extremely easy to get on [to my.king.edu]

With these features combined into one

need into this portal.”

and register for classes. For instance,

portal, only one password is needed to access all the information.

“This new online platform is continuing

After sophomore Physics major Elizabeth

One additional feature of the new

yesterday, I registered for a class on my

portal is the announcement tool, which

phone in two minutes. I think it’s very

gives faculty and staff the ability to

efficient and will make things a lot easier.”

to grow and become feature rich,” said

communicate with students in a person-

Phil Bailey, deputy chief information

alized way based upon their groupings.

Community College Partnerships Provide Opportunities King’s partnerships with regional community colleges serve to

strengthen the high caliber of nurses with which the University’s School of Nursing is renowned.

The U.S. healthcare system and practice environment, including educational institutions, are making profound changes to

Boatright and Roberts among 40 Under Forty

increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 percent to 80 percent by 2020.

King has taken a lead in this effort to promote seamless access for nurses to earn a higher level of education by

Kathi Boatright, grants coordinator, and Dr. Matt Roberts, dean

collaborating with several community colleges throughout

of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer for King, were

Tennessee and Virginia. King’s Graduate & Professional Studies

honored by the Business Journal of Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia

and Online Programs provide an additional pathway to success

during their annual 40 Under Forty award gala held Oct. 4, 2013.

for nurses seeking to further their education. King’s enrollment

“I’m grateful to have been nominated by my colleagues for this

has doubled in the past few years through its many campuses

award. I’m humbled by their belief in me and the work that I do,”

and locations. This will not only address the nursing shortage

commented Boatright.

but will also provide a workforce prepared to meet the demands

Roberts added, “As a native of the Tri-Cities, I am thrilled to be part of a group that is identified as having a positive impact on the economic well-being of our region.”

The award recipients are 39 years of age or younger, live and

of diverse populations.

“King, along with its community college partners, will continue to meet students across Tennessee and Virginia at four campuses, 10 additional instructional locations, and

work in East Tennessee or Southwest Virginia, are involved in their

online; and provide educational opportunities that are responsive

communities and show the potential to be a leader in the business

to the needs of the 21st Century,” said Dr. Matt Roberts, dean

community during the next decade.

of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer.

WINTER 2013 | 3

alumni community

FACULTY/STAFF NOTES Dale Brown, chair of the English Department and director of

external consultant to the European Parliament’s Subcommittee

the Buechner Institute, wrote the first chapter, “Fatherhood,”

on Security and Defense. His paper entitled “Restoring Public

in the recently published book “Fathers in Faith” by Allan

Faith in European Intelligence Agencies in an Age of Austerity,”

Hugh Cole, Jr. Brown also wrote the foreword for “Nathaniel

co-authored with Security and Intelligence Studies Journal

Hawthorne’s Preoccupation with Unpardonable Sin: The

managing editor Katelyn Hodges (’14), was published in July

Dramatization of Ethical Action in His Short Stories,” winner

in The Journal of Balkan and Mediterranean Intelligence. He

of the Adele Mellen Prize, Edwin Mellon Press, 2013.

was interviewed by NPR, The Houston Chronicle and The Voice of Russia, among other media outlets. He is currently under

Mary , professor of Management and Accounting,

contract to author a book on the impact of financial austerity

and John Connor, men’s

on the Greek intelligence services, to be published in both

and women’s swimming

Greek and English, as well as a book chapter on the organized

and diving coach,

crime in North Korea, to be published in the spring of 2014.

w elcomed their

Vanessa A. Fitsanakis, associate professor of Biology,

two new

presented an abstract, entitled “Both Pre-Fertilization and Ex

grandsons,

Utero Exposure to Glyphosate-Containing Herbicide Leads to

Reid Connor

Neurodegeneration in C elegans” for the New Technologies

Burns and

Special Interest Group at the 44th annual meeting of the

Andrew “Drew”

Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society meeting in

Ralph Burns,

Monterey, Calif., on September 23, 2013. A second abstract,

born May 21.

entitled “Exposure to Glyphosate-Containing Herbicide Leads

Martin Dotter weich, associate professor of History, participated in an August 2013 conference marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of Scottish reformer George Wishart. In addition to presenting a paper entitled “Wishart in England,” he wrote the foreword to a reprint of Wishart’s biography, and a commemoration in Life and Work, the magazine of the Church of Scotland.

Joseph Fitsanakis, assistant professor of Political Science, coordinator of the Security and Intelligence Studies program, and director of the King Security and Intelligence Studies Institute, provided his expertise during the summer of 2013 as

Annual Report

2012-2013

thanks to our supporters

alumni.king.edu

to Mitochondrial Inhibition in C elegans” was also accepted for an oral presentation at a second special interest group session at the same meeting. This one was presented by Denise Bailey, Fitsanakis’ current lab manager, who graduated from King in December 2012. Both of the abstracts were originally submitted for a poster presentation, and both were independently chosen for an oral presentation.

Tao (Eric) Hu, assistant professor of Management Information Systems, presented at The IEEE International Symposium on IT in Medicine and Education (IEEE_ITME 2013) at Xining, China on July 9, 2013. His paper and presentation were titled: “Specifying Usage of Social Media as a Formative Construct: Theory and Implications for Higher Education.”

His co-Presenters were Ping Zhang, Gongbu Gao, Shengli Jiao, Jun Ke, and Yuanqiang Lian.

Scott Robinson, assistant professor of Political Science, authored a peer reviewed entry on “Algernon Sidney” in the Encyclopedia on Political Thought.

Don’t forget to make your gift to the

Alumni & Friends Scholarship before May 31, 2014!

give.king.edu

alumni community

CLASS NOTES

’58

’95

Ron Pierce, published his first novel June 6, 2013.

David Ethell, and his wife Heather, welcomed their ninth

“Finding Adulthood,” is a coming of age

child, Nehemiah Andrew, on Dec. 28, 2012.

story, which takes place in rural Kansas

’01

in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It is a story about a boy who becomes lost from those who he loves and how he

Caleb Fitzgerald, is working with the Air Force as an engineer

finds his way back to them. Pierce

on special communications projects.

likens the story concept to the

’02

classic David Copperfield. His book is available on Amazon at http://amzn.to/11qaAP0.

Sarah (Carter) Broomfield, and husband Edward

Ron dedicated his book to King University

Broomfield, welcomed the birth of daughter Allison Callahan

in appreciation of Inez Morton and George (Pat) Winship.

Broomfield, born March 4, 2012.

’04

’71 Jack Hyder, who serves as legal counsel for the city of Bristol, Tenn., has been named president of the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association after their summer seminar event in Memphis, Tenn. The association is a professional organization

Joshua Whitney and Heather Barker Whitney (’03) are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Maxwell Pierce Whitney. He was born May 23, 2013, in Winfield, Ill., weighing 9 lb. 4 oz.

whose membership consists of attorneys who represent 347 Jaylyne “Jay” Sauls Aguirre,

cities and towns across the state.

and husband Alex, along with their children Elsie and Liam,

’94

welcomed a new addition to

Janet Holler Bentley, a special education teacher in Monroe Louisiana Public Schools, was recently inducted into the Honor

the family, Lucy Lyn, on Aug. 8, 2013.

Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Y O Umake it possible

Did you know your gifts to the Annual

Fund for Scholarships & Programs help make it possible for current King students to pursue a private, Christian education?

• King University receives no state funding to help pay for scholarship assistance, operational expenses, or building projects.

• 98 percent of King’s undergraduate students are in need of some type of financial assistance.

Make your gift online!

give.king.edu

WINTER 2014 | 37

alumni community

CLASS NOTES (cont.)

Bridgett (Campbell) Tsepas,

in Harrogate, Tenn., on Sept. 21, 2013. Weaver is a first-year

and Evan Tsepas were married

osteopathic medical student at LMU-DCOM. Prior to enrolling

October 8, 2011 in Waynesboro,

at LMU-DCOM, Weaver attended Virginia Tech and King

Va. They reside in Mebane, N.C.

University. The White Coat Ceremony is a special ceremony

Bridgett works at Duke University

designed to mark a student’s entrance into medical school.

Children’s Hospital as a pediatric oncology nurse. Bridgett was the recipient of the Young Alumni

’13

Achievement Award during the

Issac Allman was accepted to Wake Forest University School

2013 Dogwood Alumni luncheon.

of Law.

’07

Zach Irby was recently promoted to weekend morning producer at the CBS

Natasha “Tasha”

affiliate, WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Va. He

(McDaniel) Sauceman,

started work at WDBJ7 in February

married Justin Sauceman on

while finishing up his senior year at King.

June 23, 2012. They now live in Kingsport with their two dogs, Samson and Moses.

’08 Dustin Pierce is a professor of math at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. He also serving as an assistant cross country coach for the school.

Shane Morrison completed his PhD in Civil Engineering Structural from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in Aug. 2013.

PHON-A-THON Listen for your phone call...

It could be your chance to help a student at King.

Students will begin making phone calls on Feb. 3-6 and Feb. 10-13.

Michelle (Lassiter) Penczak recently married Captain Sean Penczak, a 2008 Virginia Tech graduate and Marine Corps MV-22 pilot. The couple lives in Jacksonville, N.C.

’11 Paul Weaver of Bristol, Va., received his white coat at the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2017 at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

38 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE

alumni community

the

KING’S

InMemoriam

Remembering Our Classmates

Allow your legacy to live forever at King!

Make a planned gift to benefit the endowment or the Annual Fund for Scholarships & Programs using these vehicles: • Bequest in last will

and testament

• Life insurance policy • Remainder gift from retirement plan

• Charitable remainder

trust / Charitable gift • Other planned gifts

annuity for lifetime income

We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your financial advisor on making a planned gift that could help King University students for years to come.

For more information, please contact John King at 423.652.4832, or via e-mail at jwking@king.edu.

Virginia Wright Buchanan (’42) Oct. 24, 2013 Clifford Douglas Caldwell (’51) May 27, 2013 Douglas Page Brady (’53) Aug. 7, 2013 Rev. G. Barrett Gilmer (’54) Sept. 21, 2013 Charles Robert Toler (’55) Aug. 1, 2013 Luther Gillis MacKinnon (’61) June 16, 2013 Freda Mae Bost Lowe (’71) Nov. 13, 2013 Lisa Sexton Burson (’08) Aug. 17, 2013 Former Board of Trustees member, Judith Finley Stone, of Chattanooga, Tenn. passed away on Dec. 2, 2013, after a brief illness.

Stay connected with other Alumni and get current news from King University! Become a Facebook fan of King University and follow kingcollegetn on Twitter.

Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Students join us at

Rhythm & Roots Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m. & Saturday, Sept. 20, 4-9 p.m.

H.P. King Room and Mezzanine at The Foundation Event Facility State Street in Bristol, Tenn.

In addition to food and entertainment on the Mezzanine, we will be giving away door prizes. Rhythm & Roots weekend passes are available at a discounted rate of $35 each.

For more information or to reserve passes contact WINTER 2013 | 29 WINTER 2013 | 3 Rebekah Bishop at 423.652.4712 or ribishop@king.edu.

1350 King College Road Bristol, Tennessee 37620 www.king.edu/alumni

Save the Date!

2014

April 11-13

2013

1977

Register early by visiting us online at dogwood.king.edu.