the
KING’SHerald Summer 2015
A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E | V O L U M E 11 | N U M B E R 2
alumni community president’s address
God’s Work As the King community heads into summer, I have been reflecting on my first year as interim president. I am very thankful to be a part of this journey, King’s journey. Lila and I have met so many interesting individuals, from the Doi twins who have joined us from California to Trevor Wendt who is now pursuing his Master of Divinity. I’ve been fortunate to meet new students and watch others graduate, seeing how King has enriched their lives. We are earnestly attempting to do the work that builds a strong foundation with students here at King. This never seemed to be more evident than it was on the Oval on May 2 as I shook hands with more than 440 graduating students. The sun fell through the leaves onto a crowd of more than 4,000 who were all in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of loved ones, what each person has achieved while at King, how we have helped to prepare them for the career path that beckons to them from their hearts. They will represent King well in their next community of choice. As we move toward the next stage of King’s journey, we are taking slow, well thought out steps. This part of the journey is not an easy one but it is a very important one for us all. The next President will usher King into a new era. The search consultants, CarterBaldwin of Atlanta, have been engaged to assist King with this journey. They are well prepared to understand the special nature of King University and have completed executive searches with institutions that range from Wheaton College to Duke University. We want to keep you abreast of the steps along the way as we take them. The President Search Committee is focused on finding and selecting a candidate who possesses important personal strengths as well as the academic and leadership skills. These characteristics will be essential as the next President leads King University in fulfilling our mission of building meaningful lives of achievement and cultural transformation in Christ. Ultimately, this search process, although lengthy, will guide us in selecting the most qualified individual to serve as the next President of King University. With all of the wonderful families, friends, and the enthusiastic new members of this community, we are very confident in King’s splendid days that lie ahead. Lila and I are very grateful to you all and thankful to be here at this time. With appreciation and best wishes,
Dr. Richard A. Ray Interim President
2
Table of Contents Summer 2015 | Volume 11 | Number 2
ON THE COVER
The King’s Herald is published by the King University Offices of Development & Marketing
Audrey Arndt (’11) with the Ntetia Masiyoi family in Kenya, East Africa.
1350 King College Rd., Bristol, TN 37620 800.621.5464 | www.king.edu
FEATURES
Letters & comments can be sent to: Michael Webb, mcwebb@king.edu
2 Mission to the Maasai
DR. RICHARD A. RAY Interim President JOHN W. KING — jwking@king.edu Vice President of Development DENISE ASBURY — dasbury@king.edu Director of Development MICHAEL WEBB — mcwebb@king.edu Director of Alumni Relations
11
ANDREA C. HURST — andreachurst@king.edu Director of Career Success Center
4 Where Are They Now
The King’s Herald Staff editor
contributing editors
DENISE ASBURY SARAH CLEVINGER, Director of Marketing and Communications design
photographers
D EPARTMENTS
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.
From Bristol to Knoxville to Nashville, three more individuals’ lives are changing because they took a chance on their dream and won a full scholarship to King University.
??????????
14 Alumni Community 15 Faculty & Staff Notes 16 Class Notes 17 In Memoriam
5
Randy Cook (’68) at Navy Ice Station “Crystal” (50 miles south of the geographic North Pole) spring 1991
10 Athletic News 12 Campus News
To build meaningful lives of achievement & cultural transformation in Christ.
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered together to celebrate King University’s 89th annual Dogwood celebration.
contributing writers
our mission
9 Dreams Do Come True
COURTNEY PLAISTED, Graphic Designer
LAURA BOGGAN TRAVIS CHELL, Sports Information Director CORTNEE YOUNG (’15)
Brianna Burkins (’08) recently returned from service as a volunteer in the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, Africa; and Randy (’68) and Nancy (’68) Cook make the call for volunteers at King University.
6 2015 Dogwood Weekend
LAURA BOGGAN, Associate Director of Communications
LAURA BOGGAN EARL CARTER DIGITAL IMAGING AND DESIGN ANDY OLSON, Director of Online Media and Marketing SAMANTHA TAYLOR (’17)
The Rev. Dr. Fred Foy and Cecily Strang and Chase (’08) and Audrey (’11) Arndt recently began a threeyear mission to the Maasai people of Kenya, East Africa.
alumni community feature story
Mission to the Maasai Many people in the King community know of the Maasai people in East Africa from King’s former Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Fred Foy Strang, and his wife, Dr. Cecily Strang, both of whom continue to serve King as adjunct professors. The Strang’s love for Africa and the Maasai people has been embraced by two more King alumni – Chase (’08) and Audrey Moore Arndt (’11). Chase and Audrey have been to Africa previously and had participated in the Strang’s mission trips. Both Chase and Audrey felt a tug at their heart strings for Kenya and its people. They did not know it at the time, but God would lead them back to Africa in Oct. 2014 to start a three-year mission journey with Fred Foy and Cecily, whom themselves set out for Kenya the day after Christmas in 2014. When the Arndt’s first arrived in East Africa, they spent some time with friends they’d met through previous trips, then went to Olepishet for a month to begin learning the Maa language. Once the Strang’s arrived, they all began searching for a home-base. Prior to locating a home-base, the four spent much of their time living out of their Land Rover and Land Cruiser Prado off-road
Maasa
i pas
ductin tor con
g a bap
tism
2 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
vehicles they had procured. “Our off-road vehicles are also, at times, our homes. With a roof-top tent, pull-out awning, cooking gas, water supply, and lighting, we can engage people in whatever setting they live. In the bush, this is five-star accommodations, and quite comfortable.” Their search for a home-base led them to Oloitokitok at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is located in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, East Africa. “Oloitokitok is the last major town before you enter into Tanzania,” said Audrey. When asked what their plans were for the next few years, Chase answered, “We have learned to not make plans. We are here to serve, however God opens the doors. We will be working with the Maasai, but if [God] led us to a
alumni feature community story
different group in another area, that would be fine too. We just want to use the skill set that God has given us in the way He opens up the door for us to use them.” Chase added that they would be assisting with Bible training, youth Bible studies, and helping the community in whatever way is needed. “Initially, we will all be involved in language and culture acquisition,” Fred Foy said. “One of my missiology professors once said ‘Language learning is communication is ministry. If you do nothing else in your term of service than learn to communicate with people in their heart language, then you have done good ministry.’ That is the initial goal – to be as communicative as we can with the people we serve.” The Arndt’s and Strang’s have all brought unique skill sets to the mission field. Fred Foy is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister with a Ph.D. in African Christianity. Cecily, an RN who received her master’s in Nursing from King in 2009, and received her Ph.D. from UT in Nursing focused on global malaria
concerns and health education. Chase has a master’s in missions and intercultural studies, and, Audrey has a master’s in counseling and human development. Fred Foy said, “Echoing [King’s] mission, we are all supposed to be transformative agents of culture in Christ. We should all use the gifts and skills God has given us, not just for ourselves, but to serve the underserved.” To sum up their experience thus far, Fred Foy said, “We are stepping in faith day-by-day as God opens doors and closes doors and changes plans.”
Subscribe to the Strang’s newsletter: http://goo.gl/mYbvBF Subscribe to the Arndt’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/9Ovj5
Fred F
R Land
oy and
over
do
Cecily
sa uble
with th
s ho
e K aku
res f am
ily
me
For the complete story, visit
news.king.edu
SUMMER 2015 | 3
feature story
Brianna Burkins (’08) at Ebola Treatment Center
Here am I. send me. A native of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Brianna Burkins never dreamed she would one day be a nurse. In fact, after growing up with several family members working as nurses, early on she knew she did not want to take that route for a career. Little did she know she would one day not only become an RN, but she would volunteer to travel to an Ebola ravaged country in West Africa to help provide treatment and care to those in need. In 2003, Burkins went on a mission trip with her sister to the Dominican Republic. “While there, God showed me what I could do as a nurse. I knew then, He had called me into nursing.” After high school, Burkins went on to graduate from King in 2008 with her BSN. Currently, she works in cardiovascular surgery recovery at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
4 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
WherE After having a conversation with Rev. Dr. Fred Foy Strang, and his wife, Dr. Cecily Strang about the Ebola epidemic, Burkins began researching the crisis and organizations, like International Medical Corps, who were sending nurses. “I felt like I didn’t have a reason not to go, honestly,” said Burkins. “My mother and I began praying that if this was what I was supposed to do, my job would give me a leave of absence. My manager was overwhelmingly supportive of my decision to volunteer.” On Jan. 10, 2015, Burkins flew from the U.S. to Sierra Leone with stops in Senegal and Guinea. “I remember thinking when the plane touched down in Guinea; I’m in the world of Ebola now.” As part of her duties at the Ebola Treatment Centers (ETC), Burkins would suit up in head-to-toe protective gear to work in the high-risk portion of the ETC. “Many of the patients were kids. We had a lot of kids. It was just heartbreaking – all the children. If you are under five [years of age], [contracting Ebola] was essentially a death sentence.” In the midst of an epidemic of Ebola, it is challenging to find rays of hope, but the volunteers and workers would celebrate their victories. At one point, Burkins and the other medical staff worked mainly in a pediatric ETC that had been set up, because more than half their patients were 15-years old and younger. “You knew it would be a hard week because you would lose a lot of them. But, this particular week we were able to discharge an 8, a 10,
are
and a 13-year-old. A few days later, we were able to send home a five-year-old as well. It was so great to see a few of the kids had survived.” Close to the end of her time in Sierra Leone, Burkins became sick and was herself placed in an Ebola Treatment Center. She was diagnosed as having a respiratory cold. Upon returning to the U.S. on Feb. 26, as a precaution, Burkins was quarantined for 11 days, and then monitored for 10 additional days. She was then released with a clean bill of health. When asked if given the opportunity to volunteer again in the Ebola crisis or another like it, would she? Burkins replied with an emphatic yes. “It is something I am already exploring. I would love to do it again.” To her fellow alumni and the King community, Burkins’ concluded by saying “if a crisis like the Ebola epidemic has pulled at your heartstrings, and you feel you need to help in some way, just do it. It might be terrifying. People might say ‘you are crazy,’ but there is a reason [God] wants you to do it. If you don’t, you may never know what that reason is. Just do it. For me, I know now God has been preparing me my whole life for this. I am thankful for heeding His call.”
they
NOW?
Call For Volunteers By: Cortnee Young ‘15 Randy and Nancy Cook are shining examples of dedicated King alumni. The Cooks have spearheaded many volunteer projects to help better the lives of current King students. Leading by example, they hope to encourage other alumni to give back to King, be it in big or small ways. “This is fun; there is so much to be done, and so much that the students need,” said Nancy. “There are things that Randy and I are willing to do and organize that don’t take much time and are very rewarding. Our philosophy for volunteering is outcome-based, volunteering improves the quality of life for students and faculty, so we just do whatever it is that needs to be done.” Randy and Nancy met three days into their freshman year in 1964, graduating in 1968 with degrees in Physics. Nancy was the first female to graduate from King with a degree in Physics. “When you hear us say that
King has made us, it is not an understatement,” said Randy. After graduating, both went on to work as scientists for the United States Department of Defense as civilians for more than 25 years. Randy managed classified programs in naval intelligence and undersea warfare and made six expeditions to the North Pole during the period 1987-1992. While at the North Pole, he continued to represent King by letting the King College flag wave in the artic wind. Nancy served as program manager and representative for a variety of DOD programs, including the Submarine Combat Systems Program (SCSP), for which she oversaw a budget of more than $3 billion. At the time of her retirement, she was the senior civilian in the Navy’s SCSP. Shortly after retirement, the Cooks moved back to Bristol to devote themselves to the King community full-time. Their efforts include the Exam Care Package project, hosting receptions for student recitals, and serving continental breakfast for most
feature story
admissions events. They also host a cookout for the soccer teams yearly. “It wasn’t a matter of easing in at all. We jumped right into our activities with King as soon as we moved back,” said Nancy. Nancy maintains the bulletin board in the administration building, organizes receptions, and volunteers in the Admissions Office. Randy works on small construction projects, including lockers, shelving, and even custom handrails for the Chapel. The Cooks are both eager to see more alumni participating in volunteer efforts at King. “Folks need to establish, or re-establish, a relationship with King,” said Randy. Nancy added, “Moving forward, we need for other alumni to pitch in for a few hours. There are multiple things that can be done in a short amount of time. The young students on campus need to be nurtured, as we were nurtured when we were here. We are here as Christians, and this giving comes from the Christian ethos of the way we treat people.”
For the complete story, visit
news.king.edu
Randy Cook (’68) at the North Pole April 12, 1991
SUMMER 2015 | 5
feature story
2015
Samantha Taylor
6 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor
feature story
Samantha Taylor
For the past 89 years, students and alumni of King University have gathered together to celebrate their love of their school. Since 1926, current students have held a coronation ceremony, crowning the King and Queen of Dogwood, as well as naming their royal court. Additionally, Dogwood Weekend has long been a time for alumni to reconnect and reminisce with friends, faculty, and staff whom all share two common interests – their love of King and one another. Throughout the course of the April 10th through the 12th weekend, more than 350 alumni and friends visited King’s main campus in Bristol for a variety of events. “It was exciting to see so many people coming together to celebrate not only King, but also one another,” said Director of Alumni Relations Michael Webb, who himself is an alumnus of King, having graduated in 2008 with his degree in Political Science and History. “The Saturday luncheon was so well attended we had to add tables at the last minute to accommodate everyone. We hope next year, for the 90th annual celebration of Dogwood, to see the number of alumni coming back to campus increase.”
One big hit of the weekend was the open house for the Sign of the George Press & Gallery. According to David Winship, the son of the late Dr. George “Pat” Winship, his father first began operating the press in 1974 at King “as a way to share the process and challenges early playwrights and writers
“It was exciting to see so many people coming together to celebrate not only King, but also one another,” said Director of Alumni Relations Michael Webb. had with publishing their works. David said his father “used hands-on history to bring a reality to the printed word that resonated with students.” Winship added, “The historical interconnections are obvious, but so [to] are the elements of communication, the contrast and combination of the visual and written word, and the attention to detail that is necessary in a fine handcraft that is often not noticed or not attended to in the modern world.”
The Sign of the George Press & Gallery was dormant from 1994 until recently when Winship began bringing the press back to life. In an article in the April edition of King’s student newspaper, the Kay-See-An, King Professor Ellen Myatt explained how since Jan. 2014, Digital Media Art & Design majors Tessa Klingensmith, Rachel Burrus, Taylor Lee, Abby Horne, Quenton Lyons, and Jonathan Dunn worked with Winship, now an adjunct faculty member, to design a sustainable enterprise that would appeal to a target audience and provide desired products including invitations, bookmarkers, and business cards. This year’s Dogwood Play, “The Twelve Pound Look,” was a studentled production by the campus theatre club, the King University Players (KUP). Directed by senior Photography and Theatre major Trung Phan, the play’s cast included: sophomore James Laxton, senior Natasha Trombly, and ETSU senior Rebecca Ann Seaman. “Through this play, we examined what is success – what is the most important thing to a person,” said Phan. “The play brought up questions of whether a particular path is correct for someone’s life, and demonstrated SUMMER 2015 | 7
feature story
a movement into self-independence. By the end of the play, you could see an effect taking place that begs the question, what is right?” A reception was held at the conclusion of the play in honor of Elizabeth Lee Dollar, King associate professor and chair of the Theatre Department. Dollar relocated to Texas at the end of the spring 2015 semester. The Theatre faculty and students presented Dollar
8 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
with an award to honor her years of service to King and its Theatre family. In turn, Dollar presented the first E.L. Dollar Award to Trung Phan for his dedication to the craft and for going above and beyond to ensure successful outcomes on all projects. Other events included a concert at the Paramount Center for the Arts by King’s Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Bands, an undergraduate research poster session in the E.W. King Library, a picnic on the Oval, a viewing of the Caldwell art collection and the Digital Media Art & Design Gallery, the dedication of the dogwood statue at Nicewonder Hall in memory of Dr. Max Weaver (’58), and a catch and release fishing tournament. Athletic activities included baseball, softball, soccer, and volleyball games, as well as the 50th anniversary celebration of Kline Gym with a retirement reception for Coach Susie Toomey, and the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet. During Dogwood, several members of the King family were recognized for exceptional achievement in their career field, remarkable service to King, and commitment to serving as leaders in their communities. This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award went to Barbara Cross. The Young
Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to King alumni, Eric (’02) and Anita (Whitaker) Fields (’99). King’s Legacy Award recognized the Burns Family, in which multiple family members have attended King. They included: Tim (’95) and his wife Jane (Scanlan) (’96), Peter (’96), Daniel (’99), and Deborah (Burns) Pasko (’00). The Graduate and Professional Studies Award was presented to Tommy Sparks (’08). This year’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Castlewood, Va., native, Brigadier General Rodney Fogg (’87). The highlight for students was the announcement of the Dogwood Court and the Dogwood Ball. This year’s royal court included King and Queen seniors Mark Hode and Carly Griffith, senior representatives Jonathan Dunn and Ashley Iliff, junior representatives Jonathan Carrier and Amy Kiningham, sophomore representatives Seth Carelli and Truman Hawks, and freshman representatives Madi Carmody and Morgan Greene. TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Barbara Cross Eric (’02) and Anita (Whitaker) Fields (’99) Tommy Sparks (’08) The Burns family Brigadier General Rodney Fogg (’87) with class of 1985 members including his wife, Janie Kelly Fogg
feature story
Dreams DO COME
True
TOP TO BOTTOM: Jennifer Stanton, Nashville Steven O’Neil, Jr., Knoxville Erica Harrison, Tri-Cities
By: Cortnee Young ‘15 King University announced Erica Harrison, Steven O’Neil, Jr., and Jennifer Stanton as the winners of the University’s annual scholarship promotions. The contests were open to anyone who sought the chance to realize their dream of completing their undergraduate degree at no cost through King’s Graduate, Professional, and Online Studies (GPS) in the Tri-Cities, Knoxville, and Nashville areas. Erica Harrison of Kingsport, Tenn., is the winner of the 10th annual College Dream scholarship contest, sponsored by 88.3 FM WCQR and Eastman Credit Union. Harrison will pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-BSN). “I’m so thankful to King University, WCQR, and Eastman Credit Union. This has been a huge opportunity, and I look forward to where it takes me!” said Harrison. In Nov. 2014, Steven O’Neil, Jr., of Knoxville, Tenn., was named the winner of the fifth annual Degree of Success scholarship contest. Knoxville’s DOS program was sponsored by WIVK FM 107.7. After graduating high school in Knoxville in 2005, O’Neil attended Southeastern Louisiana University. He had not been there long when Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. He and his family were temporarily relocated by F.E.M.A. to a motel in Knoxville, Tenn. In 2011, he moved back to Knoxville to be close to his mother and sisters. O’Neil plans to pursue his Bachelor of Business Administration degree through King University. When asked how it felt to win the scholarship contest, O’Neil exclaimed, “I’m so
excited. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me!” Jennifer Stanton of Gallatin, Tenn., was named Nashville’s second annual Degree of Success scholarship contest winner. The contest was sponsored by Nashville’s 92.9 WJXA. In 1991, she received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Bluefield State College. In 1995, after her third son was born with special needs, Stanton became the primary caregiver for her child. Following the addition of a full-time caregiver in her home, Stanton returned to nursing five years ago. “I will use this gift to touch as many lives as possible while expanding my knowledge and career opportunities,” says Stanton. “Thank you for the generosity of enabling people to reach educational and career goals otherwise not possible for them to achieve.”
“I have purposed, in my studies, to glorify God and to honor the great trust that King University and WCQR placed in me.”
Ted Blumberg
BBA, May 2015 2013 College Dream Winner Read the stories at news.king.edu of some of King’s previous winners such as 2013 winner Ted Blumberg.
SUMMER 2015 | 9
athletic news
Coach Pitts Hits 1,000 The 2014-15 season was one full of milestones for the King University men’s basketball team, earning head coach George Pitts his 1,000th career win, and following that up with the University’s first ever athletic event televised live on national television. On December 18th, the Tornado took a road victory at UVa-Wise, earning their legendary head coach his 1,000th career win, a total that now stands at 1,017 after the completion of the season. Coach Pitts has spent nine seasons at King compiling a record of 197-83 and guiding the team in their transition from NAIA membership to NCAA Division II members. In the five years as NCAA Division II members, Coach Pitts has earned 100 wins against 50 losses, leading King to its first Conference Carolinas regular season title in their first year in the league, including the program’s first NCAA Division II Tournament berth. Prior to King, Coach Pitts racked up 820 wins at the high school ranks, winning seven Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association state championships. Prior to coming to
King, he posted 480 wins at Science Hill High School in 15 seasons before winning four state titles and 130 games in five seasons at Brentwood Academy. Coach Pitts’ 1000th win came just before the Christmas break. Upon returning from break, Coach Pitts and the Tornado had another milestone contest, facing the 18th-ranked team in the country, the University of Mount Olive on national television. The two schools squared off on CBS SportsNetwork’s “NCAA Division II National Game of the Week,” which aired on Jan. 3 in a contest that had everything. Both teams had doubledigit leads in the contest only to see the other come back. The home crowd got behind the
Get Your
TORNADO
Tornado in the middle of the second half, sparking a 12-0 run that brought the Tornado even. The teams then went backand-forth, but King ultimately took the contest 91-73 behind a 53-23 run over the game’s final 16 minutes.
Gear!
King Athletics has launched its own online store, ShopKingTornado.com. You 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!
For more info, visit
www.kingtornado.com 10 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
FALL 2014 | 23
athletic news
Tornado Host King Pride Awards Banquet The King University Athletic Department has held a banquet honoring their student-athletes for the last four years. However, this year they put a different spin on the evening. The inaugural King Pride Awards were held on April 13 and featured a red carpet and new awards created to recognize more of our student-athletes, coaches, and team accomplishments throughout the year. King Professor Wendy Traynor served as the emcee for the night, while the student-athletes took turns announcing the honors awarded. The night began with the Rookie of the Year awards and concluded with the Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards. Both awards were renamed in honor of two of King’s legendary coaches: the Al Nida Male Athlete of the Year in honor of the former men’s basketball coach, and the Susie Toomey Female Athlete of the Year in honor of the recently retired women’s volleyball coach who built King’s program. Award Winners for the Evening: Al Nida Male Athlete of the Year – Sr. Logan Lyle; Susie Toomey Female Athlete of the Year – Sr. Summer Kremer; Male Rookie of the Year – Fr. Nick Drooker; Female Rookie of the Year – Fr. Hulda Sigurdardottir; Team of the Year – Women’s Wrestling;
Coach of the Year – George Pitts; Supporting Student Staff of the Year – Sr. Alek Nochowicz; Spirit Award – Sr. Nicole Neilson; SAAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year – Jr. Drew Standifer; SAAC Female Scholar Athlete of the Year – Jr. Grace Underwood; Play of the Year – Sr. Amanda Hendey, Women’s Wrestling; and Game of the YearWomen’s Wrestling.
Members of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams
2015 Hall of Fame Recipients Honored The King Athletics Department inducted two individuals and one team into the King Athletics Hall of Fame. Declan Jogi (’03), Rebekah Wilson Hull (’05), and the 1988 baseball team were inducted in April. Jogi became an immediate leader on the team when he arrived from
1988 Baseball Team
Zimbabwe and led the men’s soccer team to 38 wins in his time at King.
She was named Appalachian Athletic
He was a four-time All-Conference and
Conference Freshman of the Year while
All-Region honoree and was an Academic
earning numerous All-Conference
All-American in 2002. Wilson Hull is
honors. The 1988 baseball team went
one of the most decorated players to
43-9, setting a school record for wins en
have played women’s basketball at King,
route to their second straight NCCAA
becoming the all-time career leader in
national championship.
points (1,938) and rebounds (1,121).
TOP TO BOTTOM: Rebekah Wilson Hull (’05), Declan Jogi (’03)
SUMMER 2015 | 11
campus news
Library Renovations IN PROGRESS When students and faculty return to King this fall, they will notice substantial changes to the E.W. King Library on the University’s main campus in Bristol, Tenn. In spring 2014, King administrators designated $200,000 in internal capital improvement funds for a project on the
Bristol campus. The faculty chose the E.W. King Library’s proposal as the one that would have the biggest impact on the most people—students, faculty, and staff. “The goal of the renovation is to create a modern and welcoming environment through conceptual change, interior design, layout, and furniture,” said Erika Brammer, dean of Library Services at King. “The current space, unchanged from the 1960s when the library was built, has an institutional feel with very little noise control. We want the reimagined library to look like the cultural, social, and intellectual center that it is for all at King. 12 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
“Plans for the first floor of the library include an open design, which will eliminate a substantial number of shelves. Currently on the first floor, there are eighteen book stacks total, nine of which contain reference items and periodicals,” commented Brammer. “The goal for the new open floor plan is to eliminate close to half of the stacks to give the main floor an open feel. The print reference and periodical collection is shrinking due to information being accessible online. It is becoming more cost-effective to buy online database systems with five times the resources the library could hold.” Much of the periodical collection is now shelved in the attic (4th floor of the King building) so students and faculty can still access any materials they may need. Another important aspect of the renovation is a 24-work station computer lab with glass walls in the southeast corner of the main floor; this space will replace the current 12-work station lab on the second floor.
Carpeting the first floor with carpet tiles will reduce the noise level throughout the building and allow for easy repairs. An additional priority is an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible restroom on the main level. The proposed changes will provide students, faculty, and visitors with views of the magnificent two-story curved windows, more computers, study space for individuals and groups, as well as comfortable chairs and couches. “In the past,” noted Brammer, “libraries were collection-centered. Now, we design libraries for users, with their needs and wired life style taken into consideration.”
campus news
Bagpipes & Blue Skies For the 148th Commencement at King University, clouds were scarce against the bright blue skies and the sounds of bagpipes rang out as more than 430 graduates walked the Oval for the last time. This year’s Commencement speaker was Dr. Jill Peláez Baumgaertner, who currently serves as poetry editor of The Christian Century and is a professor of English and dean of Humanities and Theological Studies at Wheaton College. Several awards were presented including the Jeffrey Byrd Distinguished Service Award, which was given to Bonnie Jo Durrett (’15). The Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to Professor Susie Kelly Toomey. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award went to Payton Tipton (’15), Donna Felty, regional director of career development for the Tri-Cities region, and Kathy Waugh, executive director of the YWCA. The final award, the R. T. L. Liston Award for Academic Excellence, was presented to Bradley Alan Baker (’15).
SUMMER 2015 | 13
alumni community
The Call of the Mountains John Muir, America’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” During the spring 2015 semester, alumni took to the hills of Appalachia for several hiking events, cheered on the Tornado in Charlotte, and painted with a twist in Knoxville.
Hardin Valley campus in Knoxville. Alumni showed off their painting skills as they learned to paint dogwoods in advance of King’s Dogwood Weekend. Three hikes during the spring semester took alumni on several treks, including a five-mile hike at the House Mountain State Natural Area in Knoxville, Tenn. The hike was complete
upcoming alumni gatherings September 5, 2015 ............. Elizabethton Area Hike – Appalachian Trail September 19, 2015 ........... BRISTOL RHY THM & ROOTS REUNION September 25, 2015 ........... Washington, D.C. October 17, 2015 .............. Roanoke Area Hike – Appalachian Trail October 10, 2015 .............. Homestead Creamery, Julian, N.C.
The gatherings kicked off with alumni cheering on the Tornado men’s and women’s basketball teams as they took on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in Charlotte, N.C. The men’s and women’s teams went onefor-one as the women fell to Belmont 69-59, while the men soared past the Crusaders 104-64. They also showed their artistic side with Painting with a Twist at King’s
with patches of snow still on the ground. In March, a bit of wet weather did not deter the four-mile loop hike at the Appalachian and Iron Mountain trails in Damascus, Va. A seven-mile trek on the Appalachian Train in April in Bristol, Tenn., rounded out the spring hiking season.
For more information, visit:
alumni.king.edu
GREAsT! price Visit us on campus or online at
tornadoalleyshoppe.com
14 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Stay connected with other Alumni and get current news from King University! Become a Facebook fan of King University and follow @KingUnivBristol on Twitter.
“Co l item lege” avai s still labl e!
alumni community
Faculty & Staff | N o t e s Becky Thomas, associate dean of Academic Affairs for Accreditation and Compliance and assistant professor of Business, has been invited to serve as a member of the 2015 Board of Examiners for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE), the state’s counterpart of the national Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The Board of Examiners is a group of leading professionals from across the state of Tennessee who evaluate organizations applying for TNCPE awards recognizing organizational excellence.
Blaine Brown, head baseball coach, was recently named to the NCAA Division II Baseball Regional Advisory Committee – Southeast Region. Jeennyfer Castellanos, enrollment counselor, and husband, John, welcomed their son Aaron Tomas on January 14, 2015. Aaron weighed in at 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 21 inches long.
in spring 2014. Dotterweich both arranged speakers and presented a paper entitled “Prophecy, Preaching, and Print: The Voices of John Knox.” In December 2014, a booklet Dotterweich edited, “George Wishart Quincentennial Conference Proceedings” (ISBN 978-1326039325) was published, including his chapter, “George Wishart in England.” In association with the Wishart anniversary, he wrote the forward to a reprint classic study of Wishart by D.P. Thomson, and a short memorial in Life and Work, the magazine of the Church of Scotland (http://www.lifeandwork.org/ features/features/view/19-a-mentor-to-knox).
Crystal Davidson, acquisitions manager for the E.W. King Library and international student advisor, received her Master of Business Administration from King University May 2, 2015.
Simon Duffy, head women’s soccer coach, was recently named the NCAA Women’s Soccer Coaches Connection Representative.
Martin Dotterweich, associate professor of History, assisted in the John Knox 500 Conference hosted by the Presbyterian Heritage Foundation in Montreat, N.C.
Ashley Hartless, territory manager/ enrollment counselor team leader, has been appointed to the Mountain States Healthcare Alliance Foundation Board for Russell County Medical Center.
David Hicks, athletic director, was recently named to the NCAA Softball Rules Committee, the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors’ Association Board of Directors, and the NCAA Division II Softball Regional Advisory Committee for the Southeast Region. Mariia Ilina, head men’s and women’s tennis coach, was recently named to the NCAA Division II Tennis Coaches Council. Jason Moorman, head men’s and women’s wrestling coach, was selected the WCWA National Coach of the Year in Jan. 2015. George Pitts, head men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director, was recently named to the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Regional Advisory Committee – Southeast Region. Nancye Rahn, assistant athletic director external affairs, was recently named to the NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Swimming Committee, the NACWAA Advancement Committee, and the Bristol YWCA Junior Board. She was the National Association of Athletic Development Directors 2015 Diversity Initiative Recipient. Andrew Simoson, professor of Mathematics, had his article, “Life Lessons from Leibniz,” to appear in the April 2015 issue of Math Horizons, pp. 5–7, in conjunction with the tri-centennial of Gottfried Leibniz’s death. Leibniz was the co-discoverer of calculus.
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 receive some type of financial assistance.
Make your gift online at give.king.edu ! SUMMER 2015 | 15
alumni community
Class | N o t e s
1960s Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius (’65), professor emeritus of Choral Music and former dean of Temple University’s Boyer College, was presented the Elaine Brown Award for lifetime commitment to excellence in choral music by the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Choral Directors Association at its recent state-wide meeting.
“Dreams do come true to life at King
University. My dream was to complete
my Bachelor in Business Administration degree. In 2005, I was given that opportunity through the King University
& WCQR College Mom contest. The program allowed me to complete my degree
while I continued to work full-time for Smyth County School Board. The entire college experience, the classes I took, the
#
AC K T H ROW B Send pics to Laura Boggan at lkboggan@king.edu
1980s Liesa Jenkins (’80), is restoring a family farm in Glade Spring, Va., which includes historic homes built in 1855 that were damaged by the tornado of 2011. William Stuart Burns (’88), was named in Jan. 2015 as Chief of Staff for Texas Republican Congressman Dr. Brian Babin (TX–36). Stuart oversees the D.C. and Texas staff for Rep. Babin. Stuart, Pamela, and their children live in Fairfax, Va.
1990s David Ethell (’95), and wife, Heather, rejoice in the birth of their tenth child, Faith Anne, on May 7, 2014. Michele (Ross) Harbaugh (’95), and husband, J.D. Harbaugh (’95), celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in May 2015. Erin (White) Fairbanks (’96), lives in downtown Washington D.C., with her husband Greg and their three kids. Erin dabbles in local political causes such as
16 | KING’S HERALD ALUMNI MAGAZINE
exploration of knowledge and new ideas, plus the friendships I made, have all enriched my life in priceless ways. I will never be able to thank King University and WCQR enough for all they continue to do to help those like me complete their degree and make dreams come true.”
— Lora Surber, BBA, ’07
Friends of McMillan Park, writing press releases, and organizing the occasional demonstration. She is also working to increase her visibility as a portrait painter of dogs and people. You can view some of her work and her thoughts on the creative process at The Most Beautiful Dog in The World (https://erinpaintsportraits.wordpress. com/2014/09/25/the-most-beautiful-dog-inthe-world/).
2000s Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” (Hopper) Herman (’03), published a book in Jan. 2015 titled “When Infertility Books Are Not Enough: Embracing Hope During Infertility.” It is available for order on Amazon. Dr. Heather Barker Whitney (’03), was recently awarded the Faculty Achievement Award at Wheaton College. The recognition reflects outstanding teaching, scholarship, and the integration of faith and learning. Dr. Whitney was the first female Physics professor at Wheaton. Dr. Whitney is serving as a member of King’s President Search Committee.
Jessica Stollings (’04), published her book, “ReGenerations: Why Connecting Generations Matters (And How To Do It), in April 2015. Her book takes a high-level view of the four generations that make up the current American workforce, and puts it together with the best information available on what makes each generation tick and how that information can be used to build greater understanding and stronger organizations. Jenna Stuart (’06), received her law degree from Liberty University School of Law in May 2014 and was admitted to the Virginia Bar in Oct. 2014.
We would love to
hear from you!
Send your updates to Michael Webb, director of alumni relations, at mcwebb@king.edu
alumni community
Class | N o t e s Dr. Alexia Melo Carrillo (’08), received her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from Vanderbilt University in Aug. 2014 and has now started a postdoctoral research position at the University of Alabama Birmingham in the field of Immunology. Brittany Hall (’10), received her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in January 2015. She has accepted a position as a behavioral health clinician at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she will work with pediatric patients. Brittany will also be assisting in the building of their integrated care program at the Downtown Health Plaza. She has relocated from the New River Valley in Virginia to Mount Airy, N.C.
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You are valued! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ RECONNECTWITHKING
Rhythm & Roots Sat., Sept. 19, 4 – 7 p.m. H.P. King Room & Mezzanine State Street in Bristol, Tenn.
InMemoriam
KING ALUMNI
Louise C. Brown (’44) Nov. 10, 2014 Rev. Ace L. Tubbs (’44) Feb. 8, 2015 Dr. Juanita Offield Goforth (’51) April 12, 2015
Rev. Dr. H. Ray Woody (’51) Jan. 1, 2015 Clifton E. Dixon, Jr. (’54) Dec. 6, 2014 Paul Fletcher (’54) March 15, 2015 Walter Warren Vance, Jr. (’55) Jan. 9, 2015 Samuel B. Schulken, Jr. (’56) Oct. 12, 2014 James G. Edwards (’57) July 6, 2014 Lucy Ann (Dunlap) Saltzman (’57) April 17, 2015
Jack A. Gaines (’60) Jan. 13, 2015 Peggy Lawson (’61) May 21, 2014
Robert G. Jerry Lawson (’61) April 8, 2015 Margaret Campbell Davis (’64) Feb. 12, 2014 Mack H. Scruggs (’65) May 19, 2014 Opal Burton Johnson (’66) Jan. 5, 2015 Gladys Preston Cornelius (’69) Nov. 1, 2014
Tedora Gene “Teddy” Stevens (’71) Oct. 14, 2014
Kay D. Daugherty (’80) April 10, 2014 Carolyn Ruth Musser (’06) Feb. 12, 2015 Larry Edward Church (’09) Feb. 9, 2015 John Lawson Shull (’10) Jan. 30, 2015
KING PROFESSOR James H. Wilson, Dec. 4, 2014
SUMMER 2015 | 17
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MWI 1 3 5 0 K i ng C ol l ege R oad B r is t ol, Te nne ss ee 3 7620 w w w.k i ng .edu/al um n i
WOMEN’S WRESTLING REPEATS WCWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR
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