TMU_the BELL, VOL.5 ‘18-’19

President's

Annual

Giving

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a publication of

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VOL.5

NAIA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS

Softball

Men's Golf

Women's Soccer

Jacob Matheson Wrestling

Men's Track & Field: Jose Santana, Donald Bonner, Sharod Cobb, Donald Swinson, Hoy Thurman IV, Keishon Franklin, Keontrae Clayton, Amir Hightower

Ivie Nobles Women's Cross Country

NAIA ALL-AMERICANS

Keishon Franklin Men's Track & Field 400 Meters

Matt Smith Golf 3rd Team

Karley Hobbs Softball 2nd Team

Joao Costa Soccer Honorable Mention

Josh Johnston Baseball Honorable Mention

Pressing Towards the Mark A Biblical Foundation for Athletics All of us have seen the all-too-familiar headline of the highly acclaimed sports figure whose mastery of his sport is obscured by atrocious behavior and selfish ambition. It is common and, sadly, expected by most of us. That is the reason why believers celebrate so vociferously when we see humble athletes, the ones who place the Lord before their own accolades and talents, excel in their respective sports. We cheer them because they glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

At Truett McConnell University, our desire is to raise up a generation of believers — athletes — whose talents on the field glorify the Lord off the field. It is the reason we ask each athlete to share his/her testimony before signing day. It is the reason we ask each athlete to receive a pastoral recommendation before they receive any scholarship monies. It is the reason why every student athlete, like every student, must complete a Great Commission Minor before he or she graduates.

When such a philosophy was implemented 10 years ago, I was told by a myriad of people, including Christians, that this new paradigm could not work.

That we would not win. What the skeptic did not realize is that we would rather lose glorifying Jesus than win forgetting His providence.

And so He has. In the past 10 years, TMU has moved from a junior college association to the NAIA, an association of more than 250 schools, and the Appalachian Athletic Conference. And what have been the results? Four of our athlete teams — baseball, softball, men’s soccer, and men’s golf — have been nationally ranked over the past few years.

Both soccer teams and softball have won conference championships. The majority of our teams are NAIA Scholar Teams. Even a handful of players have gone on to play professionally.

Thankfully, our student athletes use these same talents to fulfill the Great Commission as well. From men’s basketball players in Poland to women’s soccer players in Thailand, from Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine to filling backpacks with food in White County, our athletes share the love of Christ around the world and at home.

So, remember, the next time you see an athlete whose words and behaviors represent the world far more than the Word, there is a campus in the mountains of North Georgia that strives to share Christ and serve others in every arena — including athletics. We hope you will cheer them on as they live for Christ. Truth is Immortal.

Yet, I am more than a bit surprised that believers would think so lowly of our Lord. I am quite positive that the Lord will honor those who honor him.

Dr. Emir Caner, President

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FROM THE PRESIDENT A biblical foundation for athletes at Truett McConnell University, whose talents glorify the Lord on and off the field.

JENNI SHEPHARD: ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AD Philosophy and Goals for TMU Athletics: Honoring God in all we do and creating a great experience for our student-athletic program.

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TMU MOUNTAIN BIKING As coach of Truett McConnell's newest sport, Joshua Muzyka heads up the program bringing great excitement and promise as he hopes to not only grow the sport but also the character of his racers.

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EXPEDITION ISRAEL Nine students and three professors embark on an archaeological odyssey in the land of the Bible with excavation work involving legendary caves, harrowing cliffs, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and yes, even a military firing zone.

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TMU WORLD MISSIONS CENTER The WMC encourages, equips, and enables students, faculty, and staff to fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of Jesus Christ and to make ‘fulfilling the Great Commission’ a reality in our student's lives.

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TMU PROFESSOR’S JOURNEY OF GRIEF “There are stretches in life where you feel like all of your dreams are coming true…then there are times life throws you a vicious curveball."

HONOURING ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE The TMU Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees: One Team, One Athlete.

COACH MCDOWELL “Mediocrity is the antithesis of excellence and we want the girls that play for us to know that when they come here, there is a biblical focus on playing every minute with the desire to want to win.”

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F

PUBLISHER Dr. Gary Jarnagin SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Andee McCall GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ PROJECT MANAGER Libby LeBlanc

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Joan Suggs

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bailey Humphrey Darlene Jarnagin

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

CONTRIBUTORS Cassie Abernathy Dr. Emir Caner Rachel Durham Dr. Natalie Ford Dr. Rick Fowler Jenny Gregory Corley Humphrey Bailey Humphrey Dr. Gary Jarnagin Dr. Jeremy Lyon Rosser Roberts Jenni Shepard Joan Suggs Jordan West

COVER: Baseball Asst. Coaches, Rosser Roberts and Hunter Suggs, look over the TMU facility before a game.

ABOVE: Gov. Mike Huckabee as keynote speaker for 2nd Annual Todd Starnes Faith & Freedom Celebration. Full story on page 34.

BACK: Two of the most recognizable landmarks on campus: In the foreground, the Bell; a gift from World War II Marine, George Taliferra, used in a small Christian mission in Saipan before given to Truett McConnell. The Sewell-Plunkett Chapel in the background; it’s steeple serves as a constant reminder to keep our focus pointed toward God.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data presented. Thank you for your understanding. Email advancement@truett.edu for corrections.

Jenni Shepard Athletic Director

AD Philosophy AND GOALS FOR TMU Athletics

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n April 2nd, 2018, Truett McConnell University named Jenni Shepard as Athletic Director. When asked about her philosophy as AD, Shepard stated, “As Athletic Director at Truett McConnell University, my philosophy has consisted of two things: Honoring

Jenni Shepard, in her 14th season as the Truett McConnell University head softball coach, is fresh off a third consecutive Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament appearance. She was named the 2016 Softball AAC Co-Coach of the Year and finished that season with

God in all we do and creating a great experience for our student-athletes. We strive to accomplish these things while standing upon the four pillars of the athletic program: winning in the areas of discipleship, academics, servant leadership, and athletic performance, in that order. I believe in winning the right way and believe that if we win on the court/field/mat/track/course but are not truly investing in the lives of our student-athletes, and, most importantly, in their walk with Christ, then in reality we are not winning at all. I believe the success in athletic performance these past few years has been a direct result of this focus and the overflowing effect of doing everything for His glory.”

the most overall wins in school history. In 2017, Shepard was named AAC Coach of Character. The 2016 softball team finished in 4th place during the regular season with a conference record of 12-8 and an overall record of 29-22. The 2015 team finished 23-25 overall, 10-10 in AAC Conference Play, 4-2 in post-season play, and became the first team for all sports in NAIA history at Truett McConnell University to progress to a Conference Championship Game, finishing 2nd. Under Shepard’s tutelage, the Bears have garnered six first team all-conference, six second team all-conference, five freshman team, three defensive team, and three conference tournament team recipients. In the four years, the Bears have been members of the AAC, twenty-one players were awarded AAC All-Academic

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Team recognition, and ten were named NAIA Scholar Athletes. During her tenure, Shepard has seen the program grow from an inaugural team, which competed as a junior college, to a NAIA program, which competes as a member of the AAC. Shepherd makes it a priority to be a Godly example to her players and coaches in a way that fosters spiritual growth among each individual player.

The 2015 year was also a memorable one for Shepard as she was inducted into the athletic hall of fame at her alma mater, Piedmont College, known as the “P Club” Hall of Fame. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Shepard graduated Cum Laude in 2003 from Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She continued her education and received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education in 2005. A standout collegiate athlete, Shepherd was a first team All-Conference outfielder, first team All-Conference catcher, and a two-year letter winner in Cross County. Some of her athletic and academic accolades include: GSAC Player of

the Week, NCCAA Player of the Week in the Nation, NCCAA Academic All-American, and two-time member of the NCCAA South Region Team. She was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, a three-time member of the GSAC All-Academic Team, a two-year captain, a two-time member of NFCA All-Academic Team, and a member of Chi Alpha Sigma Georgia Gamma Chapter, a national college athlete honor society.

After graduating in 2003, Shepard acted as an assistant to Piedmont’s current head softball coach, Terry Martin.

During this stint, she helped coach Piedmont to its first GSAC Championship in 2005, and twice to the NCCAA national tournament where they finished 8th and 4th respectively. She was also a member of the 2005 GSAC coaching staff of the year.

Shepard married her husband, Josh, in 2009, and they became parents to twins, Jack and Zoe, on February 7, 2012.

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JOAN SUGGS

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ollowing three successful The team opened up the 2018 pre-season scrimmages, campaign with a dominating 7-0 the TMU Women’s Soccer win over Ohio Christian University, Team set their sights on who will be the newest member of one goal and they achieved every the AAC in 2019, but fell in a nonbit of it. The Lady Bears wanted conference matchup 2-1 against to win the Appalachian Athletic Middle Georgia State soon after.

Conference (AAC) regular season, However, it was only up from there which clinches an automatic bid to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships, and they worked tirelessly to do exactly that.

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2018 HISTORIC SEASON

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for TMU. That would be the last time the Lady Bears experienced defeat for another 69 days (August 29 – November 6). TMU went on to win 15 straight games and conceded just one goal through all 1,098 minutes of would be strong and could challenge soccer. For the first time in program for the conference title, but if you history, the women’s soccer team would have told me, we would clinched the conference title and a go undefeated and concede only berth to the national tournament. one goal in the conference regular “Looking back, I don’t think season, I don’t think I would have anyone could have envisioned believed you. What these girls did what was going to happen,” Head was remarkable and went beyond Coach David McDowell said. “We what any of us could have imagined. knew with our returning class, as And while it is a group of very well as freshmen coming in, that we talented and skilled players, I truly believe it was their non-tangibles that allowed them to succeed as 6

The Lady Bears posted a 12-0 they did; their belief, determination, AAC regular season record (16-3 sacrifice, selflessness, humility and overall), which is the best any TMU perseverance. Those things you can’t women’s soccer program has ever coach but that are within. When you done. Most notable, TMU was the have a group of girls that play as a only AAC team to receive votes in family and play with these qualities the NAIA national top 25 postseason then you can achieve great things.” after their competitive opening round matchup with the No. 1 ranked team in the nation at the time, Southeastern University (20-2-2 overall record). Southeastern’s head coach commented, “They created

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“As the coach of this team, I was inspired daily by these girls and it was amazing to be a part of this journey,” McDowell said. “Speaking of the coaching staff, I can’t thank some problems for us but we like my crew enough. We are grateful that because it makes us better. It for the work our graduate assistant, was a good representation of two Carsen Taylor, put in this past year. top teams in the NAIA and a good The continued work that associate representation of college soccer.” head coach, Jonathan Britt, and The team finished its historic assistant coach, Meagan Taylor, bring season ranked first in the nation in each day is phenomenal. Coach Britt shutouts per game (.790), ranked is the brains of the operation. He is fourth in shots per game (23.89), a great coach, a very hard worker ranked fifth in total shutouts (15) and he has lifted our program to the and ranked 14th in shots on goal per game (11.47). continued on next page

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continued from previous page next level. Coach Megs is the soul of the team; her commitment and love to the girls is unbelievable. She daily puts the needs of the girls before her own. I have been truly blessed to be

AAC Freshman of the Year while coach McDowell was named AAC Coach of the Year.

McCall completed her senior campaign ranked 19th in the country in shots per game (5.26).

The stellar forward recorded nine

CONGRATULATIONS 2018 TMU WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM! surrounded by an amazing group of goals and 83 shots while averaging coaches. Any success we have had 2.06 shots on goal per game. must be credited to them.”

Teammate Williams also recorded The Lady Bears, in fact, dominated nine goals with 33 shots, 20 on the AAC postseason awards. Overall, target, and averaged a total of 2.2 the team possessed six All-AAC first shots a game off the bench. team members and three All-AAC “One of my favorite things about second team members. Most this team is that they don’t just play notable, senior Megan McCall was as a team, but they embody being named AAC Co-Offensive Player of a team,” McDowell said, “They put the Year, Lydia Williams, was named each other and their interests before themselves and commit to serving one another on and off the field.”

The Lady Bears were given the Chick-Fil-A Community Service Award at the end of the year for their 951.5 amount of service hours. Additionally, the women’s soccer team had the highest team cumulative GPA of all TMU athletic programs.

TMU NATIONALLY RANKING

1st in shutouts per game (.790) 4th in shots per game (23.89) 5th in total shutouts (15) 14th in shots on goal per game (11.47)

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U R I N G AT H L E T I C E XC E L L E N C E

In November 2018, for the first time in history, the Truett McConnell University athletic program inducted their inaugural Hall of Fame class. A team and an athlete were all featured in the first ever class and all were a part of the Truett-McConnell College women’s basketball program.

“I believe that the bar has been set very high for inductees,” Athletic Director Jenni Shepard said. “It is fitting that the most prestigious program in TMU athletic history is being recognized for this inaugural class. For over 60 years Truett McConnell University has been excelling in athletics and I think it will be great to honor the outstanding student-athletes and coaches who laid the foundation for what we have become today.”

“The addition of the Athletic Hall of Fame affords Truett McConnell University the opportunity to honor former student athletes who excelled in their sports and who are representatives of the true Truett spirit,” Dr. John Yarbrough said. “It also offers the University the opportunity to recognize the TMU athletic program, its history, its growth and its continued impact on the total TMU experience.”

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The class includes the head women’s basketball coach at TMC from 1976-1985, Colby Tilley, the 1980 women’s basketball national championship team, and Robin Hendrix, who was an individual standout on the team.

Coach Tilley led the Truett-McConnell College women’s basketball team to the national tournament in 1980, where they were crowned champions posting an overall record of 36-2. Robin Hendrix was named NJCAA Player of the Year and claimed a spot on the first team All-America.

“It is student-athletes and coaches like these that not only laid the foundation for TMU athletics but left a legacy that our student-athletes and coaches strive to reach on a daily basis,” Shepard continued. “It was refreshing to gather everybody and hear them share their memories of their times here at Truett, hear what they have been doing since, and share with them what has been happening here since they have been gone.” Shepard continued, “Whether representing TMU as a Mountaineer, a Dane, or a Bear, as a member of the NJCAA, or NAIA, these individuals have contributed greatly to who we are today and therefore are all TMU Bears.” continued on next page

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COACH COLBY TILLEY Coach Tilley posted an overall record of 234-46 (.836) in his time at Truett-McConnell College. Tilley was named Region XVII Coach of the Year four years straight (1978-1981) and six years total (1984, 1985). Tilley led the 1979-1980 women’s basketball team to the program’s most successful campaign, being named Georgia State Champions, Region XVII Champions, and National Champions.

In fact, Tilley’s teams claimed the Georgia State Title five years straight (1978-1982) and made the national tournament in 1978 (seventh place finish), 1980, 1981, and 1985 (fourth place finish).

In Tilley’s final season coaching at TMC, he was named Atlanta Tip-Off Club Junior College Coach of the Year.

Coach Tilley left TMC to start the women’s basketball program at Auburn University at Montgomery, an NAIA institution in 1985, posting a 218-74 record in nine years. Tilley then accepted a position with Kennesaw State University’s women’s basketball and coached 17 years for them until retiring in 2012. He became the all-time winningest basketball coach in KSU history, winning 290 games while guiding them in the transition from NCAA DII to NCAA DI. Since then, Tilley has also been inducted into Auburn University at Montgomery’s Hall of Fame as well as Kennesaw State University’s Hall of Fame.

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1980 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM The 1980 Danettes were coached by Coach Tilley and defeated Cloud County Community College of Concordia, Kansas, to win the NJCAA national championship by two points (63-61).The Danettes became the first school outside of Texas and Oklahoma to win the national title from Georgia since the national tournament began in 1976, posting an overall record of 36-2, which is still the best record in the history of Truett women’s basketball. The team also set a school record, winning 20 consecutive games in a season.

The 1980 Danettes entered into the tournament No. 11 and was a young team, featuring nine freshmen and one sophomore.

The Danettes led their opponent in the first seven minutes of the second half by 15 points, and Cloud County was never capable of fully recovering.

Martha Moss and Robin Hendrix led the way for the Danettes as they earned spots on the all-tournament team.

ROBIN HENDRIX Hendrix was named the NJCAA Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, scoring 28 points in the national championship game and 43 points throughout the course of the tournament games prior. Following her stellar campaign, she earned All-American honors and transferred to NCAA DI Middle Tennessee State University to continue her collegiate career. Hendrix then became a member of the first team All-Ohio Valley Conference in 1981 after averaging 19.7 points and 15.4 rebounds. In fact, she holds a handful of records at MTSU such as most rebounds per game (13.8) and a single game record of 27 rebounds. Her average of 17.7 points throughout her career still ranks fifth-best ever at MTSU.

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ared Oliver grew up in Lula, Georgia, located in the North sent area scouts to see Oliver throw both in game and in Georgia mountains. He played high school baseball at practice. One particular story that stood out to Jared was North Hall High school in nearby Hall County. His high the day a Miami Marlins scout watched him throw a bullpen. school years of baseball were less than glamorous. Oliver was The scout was using his radar gun from behind a screen to cut from the team in 8th grade and 9th grade, and he battled capture each velocity for his records. Oliver admits that the for playing time as a position player for the majority of his 10 or so pitches he threw that day for the scout were his best career. It wasn’t until his senior year that the righty stepped on consecutive 10 pitches of his life. When the scout stepped the pitcher’s mound, where he hurled some 30 innings. out from behind the screen to get a closer reading, Oliver His high school days came to a not so climactic ending, reached back and fired his best fastball, hitting the scout in with Oliver heading to the University of North Georgia the forearm. The Marlins scout simply reached down, picked for school, not baseball. In fact, there were no colleges up the ball, and tossed it back to the righty. The radar gun interested in the right-handed pitcher who struggled to was still intact, registering Oliver’s fastball at 96 mph, the find meaningful reps on the high school diamond. With his hardest he had ever thrown. baseball fate seemingly determined, he set out for NGU with Oliver finished up his college career soon thereafter, and no expectation of ever playing baseball again. knew that there was a possibility of playing professionally, Oliver, itching to get back into some form of organized but still there were many questions. After walking off the sports, joined the school’s intramural softball team. During field for the last time in a Bear’s uniform, Oliver felt as if a his days at NGU, he stayed in touch with childhood friend piece of him was taken, realizing he would never play with and former teammate, Chris Stevens. Stevens was playing at his Truett McConnell teammates again. After many days and Truett McConnell University and had just received news that a nights of hard work, his college baseball days were over. His new coach was headed to Cleveland. Stevens reached out to sights were now set on the draft.

Oliver and encouraged him to reconsider his baseball career.

Oliver was then invited to several pre-draft workouts within It didn’t take much to persuade Oliver to get back on the a two-week span. There were many major league baseball diamond, and within a few weeks he was organizations talking with him about his tossing a baseball on the campus of what future in baseball, but Oliver had no idea was then Truett McConnell College. how it would all play out. His faith played Jared didn't do much throwing before he a vital role in this stressful time of his came to work out for the new Head Baseball journey. Oliver’s understanding of God’s Coach, Mike Croley, but that didn't stop him. providence gave him the confidence that Oliver showed up with no expectations of the same God who brought him to this making the team, which worked in his favor. point would see him through it. With his The right hander toed the rubber for the workouts behind him and the draft before new coach, and resolved to simply give his him, Oliver could only wait. best. It was his first bullpen in over a year.

On the day of the draft, Oliver was ER L I 1V0 O Oliver’s short tryout was enough for the at a cookout with his future wife. On his ED | # J APRI T C H E R head coach to offer him a spot on the team, way home, he stopped at a red light and but neither of the two would guess where turned on the draft tracker. As soon as he this journey would end up. Four years turned it on, he saw his name come across later, Oliver would be graduating from the screen. Soon after, a representative Truett with a degree in Business and a future in professional from the Boston Red Sox called him to inform him that their baseball. Over the course of Oliver’s career, he set the school organization had taken him in the 26th round of the 2016 record for strikeouts (233), and earned the reputation of a major league baseball draft. Oliver would go down in history flame throwing right handed pitcher. Oliver began his career as the first Truett McConnell player drafted since the school throwing in the mid 80’s, and finished his career topping out moved to the NAIA. Croley commented, “Obviously, with at 96 mph. Oliver credits God given ability, coupled with Jared being drafted in 2016, and then Chris Carden drafted intense work ethic, to his jump in velocity. in 2017 with the Tampa Rays, both of these accomplishments In his sophomore season, Oliver reached the milestone of 90 are major recruiting points for the program. It really does help mph, which only ignited a greater desire to achieve more. Over when potential recruits see our guys getting opportunities that summer, he spent hours lifting weights and throwing, to continue their playing career at the highest level. It is and came back to school with a new found goal of playing also encouraging to the players currently on your team that professional baseball. The first intra-squad of his Junior year, maybe they will be the next player to get draftee or signed.”

Oliver’s first pitch registered on the radar gun at 94, which was When asked if he would recommend Truett McConnell, the hardest he had ever thrown. The pitching coach assumed Oliver gave an emphatic “Yes!” With his local involvement, the radar gun was broken, but soon after recognized that what Oliver sees many high school baseball athletes who are they were dealing with was no fluke. Coach Mike Croley stated, looking for an opportunity just like he was. Oliver went on “Jared impacted the team not only on the mound but more so to say about his time at Truett: “It gave me a chance to off of it. He was an extremely hard worker on the field, in the grow as a player, person, and Christian. There isn’t a better weight room, with his conditioning, and in the off season which atmosphere to be in than where you can work towards a other team members took note of. It’s always very impactful common goal on the field, while also growing in your walk when your best players are your hardest workers. It’s just rare with Jesus. If you’re serious about those things, I don’t know to see, but special when you do.” of a better place you could be.”

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David McDowell, affectionately known around campus as Coach Mac, has been a part of the Truett McConnell University family since 2004. Growing up in Northern Ireland, McDowell always had a soccer ball at his feet. Little did he know that God would use his passion for soccer to impact college students with the same passion in the North Georgia mountains.

Like many children in European countries, McDowell began playing soccer at an early age and continued playing throughout his academic career. A love for soccer was not the only thing his parents instilled in him, however. They also instilled in him a love for Christ.

“I grew up in a strong Christian home where both my parents loved Jesus, shared who He is, and demonstrated how He loved on a daily basis. It was at five that I knew I needed a Savior for my sins, and I knew that Jesus loved me.

I remember one night my mum walking me through the Gospel and afterwards making the decision to become a Christian,” McDowell recalled. “Since then, it has been moment after moment of God’s grace in my life as He continually draws me closer to knowing more of who He is and more of His love.”

After graduating high school in Northern Ireland, McDowell moved to Greenville, South Carolina to pursue a Bachelor of Art’s in Psychology from Bob Jones University. Once he earned his degree, he traveled to Germany where he worked with the mission organization

With his new calling in mind, McDowell returned to America in 1998, but this time to Cleveland, Georgia where he worked as a counselor at Woodlands Camp. There McDowell met his future wife, Traci, who was also a staff member at the camp.

In addition to working various construction jobs and acting as the part-time youth pastor for Cleveland Community Church (CCC), McDowell remained at Woodlands Camp until 2003 when he left to finish his Master of Art’s in Theological Studies from Columbia International University.

In 2004 God led McDowell to Truett McConnell University through a man named Scott Borchers: “It was during a morning church service at CCC that I met Scott, then head soccer coach at Truett, who asked me to interview for the open assistant coaching position. I then accepted the position in July 2004 to become assistant coach for both men and women’s soccer teams.” McDowell has continued to be a part of Truett McConnell and is currently the Women’s Head Soccer Coach as well as an Associate Professor of Theology and Missions.

“Embrace the experience and embrace what God is wanting to do in your life, even if it wasn't what you were expecting.”

Athletes in Action. This organization allowed him to grow as an athlete and as a follower of Christ. “I also got to see how sports can be used as a platform to share Jesus with others,” McDowell added.

McDowell enjoyed being a member of a semi-professional team through Athletes in Action, but he began to sense God calling him to coaching instead of playing. McDowell shared, “I believe it was during that time that God began formulating within me a vision of what it could look like to develop a soccer program that was built on community. A community of people who loved Jesus and loved soccer and wanted to glorify God by pursuing excellence in all that they did, including how they played soccer. I sensed my mindset shift from playing to coaching, from focusing on myself to focusing on the bigger picture of community that is established within the team dynamic.”

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McDowell claims that what makes Truett McConnell’s soccer program different from those at other universities is the people and their desire to win to glorify God: “In our society, we are told that being mediocre is fine, that just showing up and participating in something is enough. Our students are often encouraged to give up on something when it gets too difficult or when the commitment is not bringing the desired outcome.

Because this is often the message they are receiving, this is what we have to fight to remove.” McDowell continued, “Mediocrity is the antithesis of excellence and we want the girls that play for us to know that when they come here, there is a biblical focus on playing every minute with the desire to want to win.”

There is more to glorifying Christ through soccer than just playing well and striving to win. McDowell believes the team must also demonstrate servant leadership and good sportsmanship on and off the field.

“We have found that when prospective students come to visit that they are blown away by our team. They see a family

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that loves one another and loves soccer and they want to be a part of it. It is amazing how much people want to be a part of something where love and excellence co-exist at the center of its purpose,” McDowell stated. When it comes to prospective students, McDowell is not concerned with finding

Truett McConnell benefits from Coach McDowell because of his skill on the soccer field, but also because of how seriously he considers his responsibility as a coach. “If our focus is simply to see our athletes as a means to an end where we only need them to bring us results then we have

a certain number of players to join the team. Instead, he is concerned with finding the right players to join the team.

He offers the following advice to anyone trying to decide where to play in college: “Find the place that best fits you.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in believing you have to play at a certain level or pursue what looks good on the outside, but take your time to figure out which school best fits who you are and what you are about.” McDowell added, “Embrace the experience and embrace what God is wanting to do in your life even if it wasn’t what you were expecting.”

ultimately failed. But if we can see our position as an amazing platform where we can influence our athletes in such a way where they experience a fuller understanding of Christ’s love while dealing with adversity, sacrifice, and passion, then I see this as a success.”

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WOMEN'S SPORTS

Channing Hoyt

Women’s Lacrosse Hometown: Davenport, Iowa

College Attended: Reinhardt University | BS Sports Administration Favorite Movie:

Black Hawk Down

Why TMU? I chose TMU to enjoy coaching at a higher level with Christian athletes and to grow the sport of lacrosse.

Tiek Fields

Women’s Basketball

Hometown: Acworth, Georgia College Attended: Emanuel College | BS Computer Information Systems Favorite Movie:

The Five Heartbeats

Why TMU? God has placed me here and I have never questioned His reasons. I just want to make sure I am adding value to TMU. The people here are nice and I like the change of seasons.

Mark Corbin

Women’s Volleyball

Hometown: Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania College Attended: Northland International University | BS Physical Education Favorite Movie:

The Invincible

Why TMU? To teach students to fulfill the Great Commission and to help them in their walk with God. 16

Jenni Shepard

Women’s Softball

TMU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Hometown: Toccoa, Georgia College Attended: Piedmont College | BA Business | BA Spanish Piedmont College | MA Teaching Favorite Movie:

The Goonies

Why TMU? I chose TMU because I believe in the mission of the institution, I love the family atmosphere, and I love being able to share my faith with my student-athletes. I love the college atmosphere and love being involved every day with a sport I love.

Steve Patton

Men & Women’s Golf

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia College Attended: High Point University | BA Human Relations Favorite Movie:

Field of Dreams

Why TMU? I am at TMU because this is where the Lord has called me to be to fulfill His calling on my life – pouring into the lives of young people through the sport I am gifted and trained to do.

David McDowell

Women’s Soccer

Hometown: Belfast, North Ireland College Attended: Bob Jones University | BS Psychology Columbia International University | MA Theology Favorite Movie:

Lord of the Rings

Why TMU? TMU allows me to use soccer as a platform to share the love of Christ with people and to help the students know God more and make Him known.

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MEN'S SPORTS

Joe Imhoff

Men & Women’s Track & Field Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

College Attended: Palm Beach Atlantic University | BS Exercise Science Liberty University | MA Sports Management Favorite Movie:

Saving Private Ryan

Why TMU? The Lord guided me here through a sports website where I viewed the Track & Field position. I know I was led here not only to coach the Track & Field teams, but also to be a mentor and leader to these young men and women in their journey of living and becoming stronger followers of Jesus Christ.

Jarett Holland

Men & Women’s Cross Country

Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia College Attended: T ruett McConnell College | AA Public Relations University of Georgia | BA Public Relations Piedmont College | MA & Specialist in Education Favorite Movie:

The Goonies

Why TMU? I love the positive atmosphere and spiritual environment that Truett provides to its students and employees on a daily basis.

It’s a special place and I enjoy being a part of it.

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Mike Croley

Men’s Baseball

Hometown: Pompano Beach, Florida College Attended: E mory Riddle University | BS Business Management Eastern Kentucky University | MA Exercise Science Favorite Movie:

Facing the Giants

Why TMU? The ministry God has allowed me to partake in is on the baseball field at TMU – using the game of baseball as a means to disciple young men.

Jon Yeh

Men’s Basketball

Hometown: Twin Lakes, Wisconsin College Attended: Taylor University | BA Public Relations Ball State University | MA Physical Education Favorite Movie:

Hoosiers

Why TMU? My mission is to use basketball as a tool to disciple young men, mold them into responsible adults, and enrich their academic and career pursuits.

TMU allows me to strive for these actions and more.

Rob Miller

Men’s Soccer

Hometown: Hilliard, Ohio College Attended: O livet Nazarene University | BS Psychology | BS Social Work N ational Soccer Coaches Association of America | National Diploma | Advanced-National Diploma | Premiere Diploma Favorite Movie:

Back to the Future

Why TMU? TMU provides me with the opportunity to influence young athlete's lives.

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M

ountain biking is one of the newest sports at Truett McConnell University. Coach Joshua Muzyka heads the program, bringing great excitement and promise as he hopes to not only grow the sport but also the character of his racers. This life sport, along with TMU’s development of cycling paths on campus, will hopefully build community around Truett and impact the biking world.

THE LIFE OF JOSHUA MUZYKA Biking has been a part of Joshua Muzyka’s life since he was a child, though he would not turn to mountain biking until several more years down the road. During those years, Muzyka went through major difficulties. He attended college but was unable to finish his degree due to finances, leading him to eventually live in Los Angeles, California.

This time became particularly dark for Muzyka: “I was living a lot differently back then and I had gotten close to committing suicide, and instead of committing suicide, I gave my life to Jesus.” Leaning on the Lord, Muzyka became involved in a local church and participated in street ministry and other outreach programs. “I liked it because it was gritty,” he stated, “and my personality is kind of gritty.”

Muzyka later moved to Miami. As he continued to serve through an evangelical outreach program, Muzyka met his future wife, Monika. “Her church came to assist us for two weeks in a row,” he recalled, “and on the third week they left, but she just kept coming back.” It was also in Miami that Muzyka became more involved in biking, specifically mountain biking. “After work, if I wasn’t serving in ministry, I was hitting the trails,” he stated.

Unfortunately, his bike was stolen, putting a pause on his outlet.

TMU MOUNTAIN BIKING

After marrying Monika, the couple searched for a new place to live, but not in Miami. “For me,” Muzyka said, “home was North Georgia, and I had a strong desire to live between Dahlonega and Helen, before I knew anything about Truett.” They found a small farm in Cleveland and purchased the land;

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they currently reside here, along with their four children.

Muzyka’s love for mountain biking has finally found consistency in North Georgia. One of his friends gifted him a mountain bike, and though it was an older model, he was appreciative: “I took that not-really-great bike, and I drove it all over the place.” He now has a newer bike, which he uses when he competes in endurance mountain biking with Rescue Racing, a club team and nonprofit organization based in Cleveland, Georgia. Muzyka volunteers as well as a biker leader and maintaining trails at local courses.

Recently, Muzyka has been able to finally finish his education. Through Concord Baptist Church, he met Dr. Jason Graffagnino who encouraged Muzyka to finish his degree at Truett McConnell by means of the online program. This more affordable and flexible option was perfect for Muzyka: “Even being someone who’s local,

if it weren’t for online classes, I wouldn’t be able to go to college at Truett.” He graduated with a degree in Christian Studies in May 2019, and hopes to begin the Master’s program in Theology the Fall of 2019.

MOUNTAIN BIKING BASICS While not as well-known as football or basketball, cycling as a whole is surely on the rise of notoriety. Muzyka credits part of this leap on the life sport’s popularity in the professional world. This connection seems to have developed due to cycling’s surface-level simplicity. “It’s not a load bearing sport, like running,” Muzyka emphasized. “I can ride with somebody who’s seventy years old and both of us can have a good time.”

Mountain biking has unique advantages compared to other forms of cycling: “Most people perceive mountain biking as safer than road riding because you don’t have the danger of passing cars.

You can do it more at your own pace, and it’s more interesting. Even if you’re going slow, you’re thinking through and enjoying the ride more than grunting through a road.”

This particular form does have underlying complexity in competition.

Although it can be picked up with relative ease, mountain biking requires one’s entire body — arms, legs, core, lungs, heart, etc. — and an ability to expect the unexpected on the course.

As Muzyka stated, “You can be racing against the top racer and if that person screws up — he slips or hits a patch of mud or forgot one of his tools — and he’s stuck on the trail, you can pass right by him and you end up taking the lead.”

However, mountain biking also needs a specific feeling from a racer: excitement.

“If you don’t enjoy yourself when you get out there,” he commented, “you’re not going to catch that flow on a mountain bike that you need in order to be successful in a race.”

MOUNTAIN BIKING AT TRUETT Unlike other sports within Truett’s athletic program, mountain biking is governed by USA Cycling in partnership with the Olympic committee. This association for collegiate cycling has five sub-sections, including mountain biking — the area in which Truett’s racers will compete. continued on next page 21 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

continued from previous page Furthermore, mountain biking has four events that take place over the course of two days: downhill, dual slalom, cross country, and short track. Downhill is challenging, comprised of jumps and more skills-needed aspects. Dual slalom is more flowing as two racers go down head-to-head simultaneously.

Cross country and short track are simple races, the former taking about an hour and a half and the latter closer to a half-hour.

With a strong background in mountain biking and a newly formed relationship with Truett, Muzyka has become heavily involved in Truett’s mountain biking program as head coach. The project has had outside help from Chad Hayes, Controller of Hayes Automotive of Baldwin, “He got Truett more into riding and to having a trail,” Muzyka said. Additionally, Hayes assisted Muzyka in connecting with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), the high school biking league in Georgia. NICA shares similarities with Muzyka’s coaching style, focusing more on a racer’s reputation than his or her performance. “Many of our students will come from this program,” he pointed out. “They’re at various levels of their ability, but they all are great students, strong hearts, good commitment, good kids, and that’s what I care about the most.”

“The thing about racing is that it comes and goes. If you don’t ride for three weeks, you’re gone,” he continued. “If the kids aren’t super strong right now, it doesn’t bother me if they’re willing to put in the work. If they put in the work, they’re going to get better.”

This emphasis on personal character directly flows into Muzyka’s plans for his team, as he expressed, “It’s not going to be just another sports team.” Indeed, he plans to integrate bible studies and scholastic studies into his racers’ daily lives, helping them be prepared for the real world. Whether by assisting with preparation for capstone or using the team as research for a project, Muzyka said, “There’s a lot of ways to make ourselves available to help our racers to not only be accomplished as a team on the race course but also for their careers in life.”

Muzyka has high hopes for the program. “I know this first year is going to be slow because everything’s new,” he admitted. “For this first year and as we execute things, we have to do the best because a lot of people are watching us.” For example, one of his primary goals for the coming season is to send students to nationals, putting 22

Truett’s name out there and giving his racers crucial experience.

Another major objective is to have a collegiate event on campus. This desire will hopefully be fulfilled soon since Truett and other supporters have been working on carefully and thoughtfully constructing trails for mountain biking.

Built with mountain biking in mind, these trails will be for Truett’s previously mentioned four events and will incorporate natural features — such as rock gardens, drops, and steep climbs.

This innovation will accommodate Truett’s team and allow outside riders to use the course. While other trails do exist in the North Georgia area, Truett’s location puts these new ones in the middle of it all. These trails are important to Muzyka, as he stated, “It’s going to be a great benefit to bring more attention to Truett.”

On Truett’s end, Muzyka praised the school’s willingness to go along with the program’s needs saying, “From the very get go, I’ve had the feeling that Truett McConnell University as a whole has been entirely receptive of the team.

Truett, every single step of the way, has

been saying, ‘We will support you as best as we can, to not only make you the best rider that we can but also the best person that we can.’ And that’s the biggest key.”

Overall, Muzyka would like to thank Maxxis Tires, Infinit Nutrition, and Habersham Bikes for their generosity and support of Truett’s program, and Chad Hayes and Hayes Automotive of Baldwin for the scholarship for the cycling team, which will enable more students to attend TMU through the Mountain Biking Team.

We sincerely thank our valued

T M U SPON SO R S

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24

SEVEN TMU TEAMS NAMED

2018-2019 NAIA SCHOLAR-TEAMS The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2018-19 NAIA Scholar-Teams and of the 1,939 teams, seven were Truett McConnell University teams.

GPA of 3.36. The Men’s Track & Field Team had a 3.18, the Women’s Lacrosse Team had a 3.16, the Softball Team had a 3.15 and the Women’s Cross Country Team posted a 3.12.

The Women’s Soccer Team took the lead with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.65 while the Women’s Volleyball Team followed with a 3.51. The Lady Bears of the Women’s Golf Team recorded the third best overall

In order for a team to be considered for the NAIA ScholarTeam, it must have a minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. The team grade point average includes all eligible varsity student-athletes.

29 BEARS HONORED AS

DAKTRONICS-NAIA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2019 SPRING Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 14 Truett McConnell University individuals were recognized. Altogether, 29 TMU athletes received this award for the 2018-19 academic year.

FALL Ivie Nobles (Women’s Cross Country) Zach Syler (Men’s Cross Country) Harris Anne Walker (Women’s Volleyball) Anna Mumpower (Women’s Volleyball)

SPRING

Abby Mumpower (Women’s Volleyball)

The Women’s Golf Team had the most represented:

Jordan Henshaw (Women’s Volleyball)

Teagan Hendrix (Women’s Golf)

Megan McCall (Women’s Soccer)

Hannah Jordan (Women’s Golf)

Susanna Peppers (Women’s Soccer)

Teagan Lovingood (Women’s Golf)

Jordan Cornwell (Women’s Soccer)

Alexandria Green (Women’s Golf)

Giovanni Giraudo (Men’s Soccer)

David Ford (Men’s Golf)

WINTER

Luke Peavy (Men’s Golf) Micah Childs (Men’s Golf)

Christian Davis (Men’s Basketball)

Evan Bensch (Baseball)

Filipe Goncalves (Men’s Basketball)

Josh Johnston (Baseball)

Sarah Hartshorn (Women’s Basketball)

Shane Smith (Baseball)

Dalton Hardeman (Wrestling) Will Davidson (Wrestling)

Brie Levy (Softball) Sara Sullivan (Softball) Ivie Nobles (Women’s Track & Field) Margaret Wiedeman (Women’s Track & Field) The Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete program recognizes excellence in the classroom for those NAIA studentathletes who are juniors or seniors with an academic standing of a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Students must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended two full years as a non-transfer or one full year as a transfer. The awards are given annually to outstanding student-athletes in the various sports in which the program is active and their respective teams are eligible for NAIA postseason competition.

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SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY When I was growing up, I never heard from any coach statements like: “From a mental perspective, here are some tips that will help your free throw percentage;” or “I know you are in a batting slump, so I’d like to give you some mental tricks that you can implement when you are two batters out,” or, “Here are some mental exercises you can employ prior to the game that will lower your anxiety.”

Back in the day, most coaches taught and treated every athlete the same way. Coaching was a “left-brain” cognitive exercise, and if athletes experienced a major stressor in their lives, they were merely told to “suck-it-up” and forget about it.

Then it happened. Looking for an edge over competitors, a coach here and a coach there began to implement mental solutions to the roadblocks athletes were facing. What they found was that their “C” player began to play at a “B” level, and the “B” player increased his/her productivity to an “A” level.

So, what part does sports psychology play in the betterment of today’s athletic teams? It has been demonstrated that whether on the field or on the floor, there are three components that come together to bring success. First, is the innate ability of the individual. No amount of sports psychology can turn a non-player into a superstar. Second, is to consider the technical skills learned and implemented by the athlete from his/ her coach, and third is the contribution of one trained in the psychology of sport performance who imparts to athletes’ techniques that will assist in motivating them to a higher level of play.

Before we go into some specifics of how a sports psychologist or mental coach can help a team, I’d like to define how we at Truett McConnell define success. To us, “success” is more than wins and losses. In his book, More Than Winning, the former head football coach at Nebraska (and a devout Christian), Tom Osborn said, “I measure success more in terms of how closely a team has come to realizing its potential.”

The athletic arena is the mere training 26

ground for life, for from sports a player learns how to face adversity and pain, to develop tenacity, and to set goals.

So how can one trained in sports psychology assist a coach? I already mentioned that in the past, coaches mainly focused on left-brain cognitive training when developing their athletes.

A trained mental coach, however, is not concerned about the logistics of the sport as it pertains to “x’s and o’s”, but rather, his/her focus zeros in on what’s going on in the right-side of the athletes’ brain which houses the emotions. Sports psychology seeks to understand why two teams of equal ability have very different win/ loss records. Of course, the answer to questions like that are multifaceted.

The sports psychologist may first begin by looking at peripheral issues such as, “What is the level of school spirit like on campus?” and “Are the students mostly commuters and gone on game days?”

Then the researcher may move on to questions regarding team composition to determine how that dimension affects their performance. Third, he/she probably would investigate the degree to which players operate from intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivation.

And fourth, he/she would consider what fears and anxiety plagues team members which would lower their confidence level. The factor analysis can go on and on until clear reasons are realized, and strategies are set in place to change the trend.

In part, the focus areas of a mental coach at a university include:

So then, how is TMU implementing this third dimension of emotional awareness into its athletic program?

Beginning in 2018, The Professional Counseling master’s program at Truett began a joint project with the athletic department to begin the integration process. In the last twelve months, our graduate faculty and graduate students have evaluated ninety-two athletes through the administering and scoring of five different assessments.

The results were then tabulated and a written report for each of the ninety-two athletes was provided to the respective coaches. Since each player is unique, these reports were aimed to help coaches to better address the specific needs of the athlete. In addition to these individual reports an overall team profile for the coach to observe was developed.

Finally, our department combined all the research data to reveal an overall profile of the TMU athlete.

A further step to implementing the third dimension for the athletic department is the development of a soon to be counseling center, where our licensed faculty plus graduate students completing their practicum and internship training will be available to counsel the myriad of student athletes that attend TMU. In John 17, in His prayer to His father, Jesus states “that they (referring to all believers) may all be one, even as Thou, Father are in Me, and I in Thee.” At TMU, those of us who teach

in the Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology and Biblical Counseling wish to be “one” in this instance with the athletic department, striving toward our goal to train the body, mind, and soul of our student athletes.

Thus, in a small way our department can become the “hidden boost” to the success of our athletic programs.

Dr. Richard Fowler came to Truett McConnell University in the fall of 2017 to help launch a new program, which trains graduate students to become professional counselors with a biblical world view. Prior to his joining the graduate faculty at TMU, Dr. Fowler taught psychology and counseling at Toccoa Falls College, LeTourneau University, and Dallas Baptist University. In his 30 years in Dallas, Texas, he designed and directed a counseling center for the largest Southern Baptist Church in Dallas, authored or coauthored eleven books, and was a guest on Dr. Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio broadcast and the 700 Club. In addition, he is a national and international speaker and has accumulated over 25,000 hours in direct counseling experience. Dr. Fowler is married to Jerilyn, and they have two grown children and eight grandchildren.

By Dr. Rick Fowler Professor, The Leonhard Schlemer School of Psychology & Biblical Counseling and Athletics Clinical Coordinator

1. Administer psychological assessments to determine specific temperament traits along with strengths and weaknesses that a coach needs to know in order to effectively train that individual.

2. Offer individual counseling to student athletes. Getting to the root of their day-to-day problems will keep minor issues from escalating into major hurdles.

3. Through biblical devotions, helping athletes learn how to transfer athletic skills into life principles.

4. Assist a coach with game specific issues such as: mental pregame readiness; focus skills; team unity concepts and exercises; conflict resolution; “bounce back” techniques after a loss, etc.

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Coach Jon Yeh, Darius Thrower, Dr. Rick Fowler

by Corley Humphrey

Ebony Battle, Assistant Coach for Truett McConnell’s Women’s Basketball team, has developed a particular life mantra over the past few years.

Shortened to the acronym BLEST, Battle encourages not only herself but also her players to believe, lead, establish, serve, and teach everyday — no matter the circumstances.

Battle grew up in the small town of Wadley, Alabama, and started playing basketball at an early age. After high school, she played at Southern Union State Community College, only minutes away from her home. She soon was known for her athletic ability. “In Wadley, that’s what everyone knows me as,” she stated, “Ebony, who plays basketball.”

She went on to play at Middle Georgia State University and then Montreat College, where she would graduate.

Although basketball has always been a part of Battle’s life, the sport was not her ultimate goal. At Montreat, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and had an entirely different career in mind. “I always wanted to be a middle school counselor,” she recalled. “I always thought that was the time where kids had the most questions, and they’re exposed to so much, going from elementary to middle school.”

However, God had other plans for Battle as she began a coaching career.

Her first job was at Southern Union — her alma mater — and her second at the University of Northwestern Ohio. She eventually heard about an opportunity at Truett McConnell for the women’s basketball team. She discussed her tour of campus: “I walked into the old gym and I’m looking around the place and something just hit me, like, ‘This is where you’re going to be.’” Battle was soon hired, and she has just finished her second season at Truett.

While coaching in Ohio, Battle and her best friend, Laken Johnson, dabbled in photography and decided to create a mindset through their hobby. Johnson soon told Battle about “blest” — an archaic form of blessed — and how each letter represented another word: Believe, Lead, Establish, Serve, and Teach. A couple years later, God gave Battle a vision for BLEST; the acronym became a lifestyle for Battle. “We’re all ‘BLEST’,” she explained, “so what are we doing to use those gifts God has given us to be a blessing to others?”

Following Battle’s realization, Johnson created a logo with a thumbprint. Battle described why the image aligned perfectly with BLEST: “No one else has your thumbprint, and that makes you unique. And God created you uniquely, beautifully, and wonderfully, and He gives us all these unique gifts, so what are you doing to impact the people you encounter every day, or your friends, or your family?”

“So that’s pretty much what BLEST is,” she continued. “I always say we were born to influence, we were put here to make a difference in the community, the world, and the people we meet and are around.”

BLEST has come to mean much more to Battle than five interconnected words. “It is about having a sense of purpose,” she said, “and understanding that, yes, I coach basketball, but basketball is just a platform to add value to someone or something.”

28

While coaching at Truett, BLEST has become a central part of Battle’s everyday approach with her players.

For the first word, Believe, she shows her girls she believes in them. When things go wrong, Battle said she simply tells them, “You make mistakes — just learn from them.”

Lead involves accountability. “Not only holding them accountable,” she noted, “but holding myself accountable, and how I carry myself — just being consistent with who I am, helping them know that in order to be a leader, you have to be consistent.”

Establish is found in Battle’s personal relationships with her players — each one being unique and hopefully continuing beyond her time at Truett.

Serve, is Battle’s favorite. She commented, “I think [serving] is so important, and I don’t think it’s talked about enough. There are so many ways you can serve, in any way that you’re adding value or you’re being a blessing to somebody.”

The fifth and final word, Teach, is displayed through Battle’s emphasis on the real life skills taught in basketball, including discipline, organization, promptness, and communication. “Yes, we’re yelling and playing basketball games, but this is to put you in a position for the rest of your life.”

Overall, Battle hopes BLEST demonstrates the importance of being a better person, student, and athlete — in that order.

In 2019, Truett McConnell University’s Department of Athletics introduced the TMU Bear Club, a giving initiative that offers incentives to the biggest TMU Bears fans.

“The purpose of this club is to help raise funds for our athletic programs while helping to create a wider fan base with fun incentives for our loyal supporters,” said Jenni Shepard, TMU athletic director.

“The funds from this club will be used for a variety of things,” said Shepard, “From providing scholarships for student-athletes to helping fund facility improvements such as our new cycling program’s mountain biking course, to eventually lighting our outdoor athletic facilities, and for special events such as our annual TMU Athletic Awards night, Back to School Bash, and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, among other exciting special projects.”

Since Truett McConnell University’s founding in 1946, the school’s department of athletics has grown to include 16 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) athletic programs. Shepard, among other coaches and department of athletics staff members,

is excited to offer fans an opportunity to support TMU’s athletic programs in a new and interactive way.

“With the addition of the TMU Bear Club, we will be able to continue to grow our fan base while improving all facets of our athletic experience. We truly have some amazing fans and we are very grateful for our supporters, so this club was the next step for us in continuing to take our athletic programs to the next level.”

TMU Bear Club incentives are based on levels of giving and include TMU athletic memorabilia, gear, sport season passes, access to the Basketball Hospitality Room, invitations to special events, and more.

The levels, measured based on donation amount, each offer unique incentives and are respectively named Bronze Bear, Silver Bear, Golden Bear, Platinum Bear, Diamond Bear, and Presidential Bear.

As TMU’s Department of Athletics continues to grow with the addition of the Bear Club, the mission of the department finds footing from Christ’s own principles, referenced in 1 Corinthians 9:24, which says, “Do you not 29 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

From the administration and staff to the student athletes, TMU values four pillars in their commitment to winning: discipleship, academics, service to others, and athletic performance. This year’s introduction of the Bear Club will allow fans to have an insider look at the values that lead TMU athletes to success on and off the athletic field.

For more information on the TMU Bear Club, please visit https://tmbears.com and choose the Fan Zone link or contact Jenni Shepard at jshepard@truett.edu.

If you would like to become a member of the TMU Bear Club, please visit https://truett-mcconnell-university.snwbll. com/athletics-2, text ATHLETICS to (706) 222-1961, or mail a check to: Truett McConnell University Athletics 100 Alumni Drive Cleveland, Ga 30528 J O R D A N W E S T JW

THE BEAR CLUB

BRONZE BEAR (UP TO $99)

Dan Rosser Kevin Head Agency, LLC Northeast Georgia Exterminating Bryan Smith Jeff Sullivan Concrete Jimmy Pruett, Jr. Denise Thrower Steven Patton

Christopher Lammers Jason Dyer Julie Cottingham Boyd Hendrix Donna Snaders Mackenzie Whitaker Andrew Bahl Charles Ryan Eddie Smith Eric Hopp Etta Madden Kristy Goodman Lance Pittman Richard McCathren Thomas Mathis Sr. Shane Hopper Ronnie Simpson CJ Martin Inc Stephanie Clancy Brian Jeffrey Connie Worrell

PLATINUM BEAR ($500-$999) Amy Cornelius Cheryl Duke Gun Commanders Ltd Jeff Roland McAfee Dental Patterson Prime Properties Russell Bowman Tony Thompson VJM Seafood H. E. Hodge Co., Inc North American Mission Board Cleveland IGA

Donnie Culpepper Gerald Brown Randall Dixon Robert McDonel Chris Eppling

OWA Management Services C&K Wright Enterprises JSB, Inc/McDonald’s of Cleveland

DIAMOND BEAR ($1000-$2499)

S I LV E R B E A R ( $ 1 0 0 - $ 249 )

ATHLETIC DONORS

Cafe Cancun David Clevenger Gainesville Mechanical Hampton Inn Innovative Roofing Group Inc SRI Management LLC Deb’s Dollar & Discount Jessie Pruett Tim Hunt Insurance Agency Brian Roberts Dekalb Office Ralph Grizzle Trucking South State Bank Daniel Kerrigan Zaxby’s of Cleveland Hemani Group Development LLC Marjorie Turnbull Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Abram Weimer Anne Hopp Billy Davis Dahlonega Country Day Academy Donna Kinsey Elizabeth Bowers June Dupree Kennon Smith Michael Lance Nancy Bray Pride & Joy Child Development Robert & Doris Hammond Robert McCathren Larry Grant Fred’s Famous Peanuts Keith Parker Lynn Mosely Linda Curtin Papa’s Pizza to Go Jon Yeh

PRESIDENTIAL BEAR ($2500+) Delicious Pizza/Papa John’s Timothy Imhoff United Community Bank Hayes of Baldwin, Inc. Cauthan Construction Company Chick-Fil-A of Cleveland Shorter Foods/Cleveland DQ Michael McCathren

G O L D E N B E A R ( $ 2 5 0 - $ 4 9 9 ) B. Miles Hannan Bruce Construction Company Cleveland Winnelson Company Micah Hamrick Nathan Swenson Shelly Johnston Sports Fields Unlimited, Inc Charle Matheson 30

Foundation Food Group Employees

Prime-Pak Foods, Inc., Gainesville, Georgia, and Victory Processing, Inc., a poultry processor in Gainesville, Georgia, announced a joint venture on November 27, 2018,

Based in Gainesville, Georgia, Foundation Food Group will provide a variety of distinct, value-added poultry products with the highest quality standards produced from state-ofthe-industry processing facilities and production capabilities. While the Gainesville community as a whole has been greatly influenced by the chicken industry for years, the employees of this new joint venture did not take long to begin to make their own mark within the community. On December 5, 2018, the employees of Foundation

Food Group raised over $10,000 to establish the Foundation Food Group Breast Cancer Endowed Scholarship with Truett McConnell University located in Cleveland, Georgia.

Through the sale of t-shirts and baked goods, as well as employee donations, the 2018 year-long fundraiser brought in just over $10,000. “With the ongoing success our employee teams had over the last two years”, stated Kandy Shook, Coordinator of the fundraising efforts continued on next page

which will be marketed under the name Foundation Food Group.

31 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

Kandy Shook, Cora Latimer, Lexy Foster, Alicia Zuniga, Lupita Perez, Alicia Zuniga

continued from previous page for 2018, “this year’s team looked for ways to grow our program and make a larger impact.” Shook went on to say, “The passion the team at Foundation Foods has for our community is like no other. I see our employees working so hard to provide for their families on a daily basis, but they are just as quick to step up and help someone in need.

It is our responsibility to serve the community in which our families live, work, and worship. The Foundation team embraces the opportunity to give back to the same community of families who have contributed to their company’s success.”

Phillip Jones, one of the company owners, recommended an endowment so that students who had breast cancer or had been affected by breast cancer could receive scholarships to help with the financial burden of college. Shook stated, “Our team was thrilled with this idea of being able to support a student, who might one day be part of finding a cure for cancer.”

Truett McConnell University worked with the fundraising team and crafted the guidelines for the scholarship: each candidate must be enrolled in a degree program within the Martha Rielin and Elizabeth Salmen School of Nursing or the Pilgram Marpeck School of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). All scholarships will be awarded to those individual students who have had breast cancer, or whose mother, sister, or grandmother has had breast cancer.

“Foundation Foods employees,” stated Dr. Gary Jarnagin, TMU’s Director of Financial Development, “are fantastic. This endowment effort, which will assist students in perpetuity, was totally an employee driven fundraiser to help future medical professionals receive the training they need to impact the world in their chosen medical field. The Foundation Food Group has a great future ahead of them with employees who care about community as much as their employees have shown through this endowment.”

Truett-McConnell College became Truett McConnell University (TMU) in May 2016. Established in 1946 as a two-year institution, Southern

Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) granted approval for baccalaureate degrees in 2006 and graduate programs in 2014. TMU’s mission statement is: to equip students to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering a Christian worldview through a biblically centered education in a family friendly environment. Currently, TMU offers 30 programs of study, thus equipping graduates for religious and marketplace career paths that include: Missions, Christian Studies, Music, Nursing, Education, Exercise Science, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, History, Humanities, Psychology, Biology, Education, English, World Missions and more, as well as master’s programs in Theology, Education, Biology, Professional Counseling, and Business Administration. TMU has experienced explosive growth from 461 students in 2008 to 3,004 students in the fall of 2018. Whether on-line or on-campus, TMU students are given a personalized education where they are equipped with the tools needed for success in the classroom and in life. To learn more about Truett McConnell University visit truett.edu.

L-R: Todd Robson (Partner), Lexy Foster, Kandy Shook, Phillip Jones (Partner), Todd Reese (Partner)

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CLEVELAND, GEORGIA (June 29, 2018) — Rhande H a s ke t t , a C h i c ka m a u g a , Georgia native, played for Truett McConnell University’s women’s basketball team for four years and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in biology — but she had dreams of becoming a professional in the game she loved most.

“I wanted to play overseas for a long time but once it came down to actually looking into it, nobody really knew what direction to point me in,” Haskett said.

“People that I would be put in contact with told me that because I didn’t play at a big school or for some NCAA DI program there was a very slim chance of that dream becoming reality.”

The 6’2 forward played in 106 games as a Bear having a career average of 12.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 41 percent from the field.

Haskett put her hopes of playing professional basketball to rest and studied for the GRE in order to pursue a degree in physical therapy Haskett, however, came up one point shy of passing the GRE exam.

It didn’t take long for Tron Griffin, Truett’s women’s basketball coach, hired i n t h e s u m m e r o f 2016, to get ahold of some of the film from Haskett’s time playing for TMU. Griffin then reached out, asking Haskett if she had ever considered playing overseas.

“Coach Griffin made me believe in myself,” Haskett said. “He told me that I have the potential to compete at the professional level with international women and that was the exact motivation I needed in order to push myself.”

Griffin got Haskett in touch with multiple agents which resulted in a phone call that changed her life forever. In March 2017, Haskett became the first ever TMU women’s basketball player to sign a contract to play professionally. Haskett’s first contract was to play in Guadalajara Mexico for Tapatias.

“It was surreal,” Haskett said. “I was so stoked to finally get this opportunity and I remember not even fully believing it was happening until I got on the plane.”

Having to leave your home and family for nine months at a time is already challenging in and of itself, but having to adapt to living in an entirely different country is another obstacle to face. Playing in Mexico and then in Romania in 2017 were adjustments, but they did not challenge Haskett in the way that Morocco did.

“Living in Morocco made me more thankful for my relationship with God and the freedom I have to claim that right back at home,” Haskett said. “Morocco was a Muslim country and it felt as if they didn’t have religious freedom and that

it was forced upon them.” Haskett grew to appreciate her years at TMU that laid a solid foundation.

“Truett challenged me to think more deeply about my faith which ultimately helped me to become more disciplined in my walk with Christ,” Haskett said. “If I could do it again I would have worked even harder and just paid more attention in my Bible classes.

Being able to express the intimacy of my relationship with Jesus with other people freely is something I’m especially appreciative of now.”

Haskett and her team only lost one regular season game (14-1) and won the 2018 Morocco Championship. Haskett has played in three continents so far, but her ultimate goal is to play in all six that have professional leagues (Australia, Asia, South America).

When asked if there was any advice she would give to current studentathletes at TMU Haskett said, “If you have a dream and want to further your athletic career then really work for it and don't let other people bring you down despite the odds that may be stacked against you.”

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THERE IS NO FREEDOM WITHOUT FAITH Governor Huckabee Speaks at Truett McConnell's Second Annual Faith & Freedom Celebration On April 6, Fox News commentator Todd Starnes hosted the second annual Faith and Freedom Celebration with guest speaker and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee at Truett McConnell University (TMU).

Huckabee is the author of several best-selling books, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, public speaker, and a political commentator on “The Huckabee Report.” Huckabee ran for the Republican nomination in the 2008 and 2016 presidential elections and eventually became a supporter of President Donald Trump. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as White House Press Secretary.

The evening began with special music by the TMU chorale and wind ensemble, followed by gospel artist Jacob “Jake” Cowley, who began the evening with a selection of patriotic songs during the presentation of the colors by the White County High School JROTC Honor Guard.

“It is a blessing to be on the Truett McConnell University campus,” said Starnes, who was the master of ceremonies throughout the evening.

“I’m just so excited for you to hear from Governor Huckabee, who is a dear friend of mine and a great man of God.” Huckabee received a warm welcome as Starnes introduced the keynote speaker.

The former governor, relating to the celebration’s title, spoke of our country’s freedom and the right we have as Americans to serve the one true God. “We are free because we have faith in God!” Throughout the evening, Huckabee delivered a stout message that focused

on family, God, faith, and religious liberty to a crowd of over 1,200.

“Do you know what I love about Truett McConnell?” said Huckabee.

“Your campus has said, ‘We stick with the Bible, we stick with God’s truth, we do not simply go to every trend, and we are not tuning the curriculum and the programming of this university to what people think by some contemporary standard. We are tuning ourselves to the Word of God.’”

ER to MPOW ntinue Text E 1 to co 22-196 2 6 0 7 d help um an oment m e h call on t er the mpow ents.

TMU e ur stud es of o the liv

Empower the Call The university opened the doors to state representatives, law enforcement officials, military and ROTC members, local businessmen and women, members of the community, faculty, staff, and students for the event. The Empower the Call campaign is an effort to continue our mission of equipping Truett McConnell students and alumni.

One hundred percent of all proceeds from the Faith and Freedom Celebration went directly to the Empower the Call campaign in order to: reduce student debt for TMU alumni who are active missionaries; provide financial assistance so that more current students can participate in mission trips; and retain more students by providing scholarship assistance to students with financial needs, who may not otherwise return to TMU. The last two years of Faith & Freedom, TMU has raised nearly $300,000.00 to support student scholarships and student missions.

“I hope your generosity overcomes you tonight because you’ll want to be a part of helping this wonderful Christian university as they continue to stand 35 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

for the Lord, teach the word of God to these students, and send them out to change the world as people who are unapologetically committed to stand up for the Word of God,” said Huckabee.

Huckabee ended with a challenge to the audience to continue to stand up for religious freedom. “Would you be the someone? Would you do the something to save this great country?”

TMU President, Dr. Emir Caner, concluded the evening by saying, “We need to raise a generation that loves Jesus, thanks God for our country, and takes a stand for the freedoms we have. That’s the heartbeat of Truett McConnell University.”

The Empower the Call fund remains OPEN TODAY for those who would like to make a donation. Text EMPOWER to 706-222-1961 or donate online JG at truett.edu/empowerthecall.

List of people in order(ish) left to right: Dr. Michael Whitlock Zakk Buchanan Mason Bartlett Drew Davis Jerry Hughes Bree Samples Grace Aste Dr. Jeremy Lyon John Newell Jeb Schaffer Dr. Sam Pelletier Matt Carpenter

In true Indiana Jones fashion, nine students and three professors from Truett McConnell University (TMU) embarked on an archaeological odyssey in the land of the Bible.

The excavation work involved legendary caves, harrowing cliffs, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and yes, even a military firing zone.

Over a two-week period, our intrepid TMU team worked at two different sites, unearthing ancient artifacts and structures.

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WEEK ONE Wadi Murabba'at Cave 4 During the first week, the team began digging at Wadi Murabba'at Cave 4, which lies in a deep ravine descending from the Judean desert to the Dead Sea. The remote location of the caves in Wadi Murabba'at (11 miles south of Qumran) made for an ideal place of refuge during different periods of history. What was unearthed in these caves during the 1950s is nothing short of spectacular. Artifacts, including numerous written documents, come from different periods including the Iron Age (seventh century BC), the late Second Temple Period (second century BC to first century AD), the First Jewish Revolt (AD 66–73), and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (AD 132–135).

Recently, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) decided to renew excavation work at Wadi Murabba'at. Our team jumped at the opportunity to participate in this IAA project, led by Chaim Cohen.

Each day began with an early breakfast at the kibbutz, followed by a scenic drive along the Dead Sea toward Wadi Murabba'at. Once we reached the trailhead, we began our hike down the steep, sometimes treacherous, trails

of the canyon, all the while, taking in awe-inspiring views. Upon safely making it to the cave, which is located along a rather small ledge with a steep drop, we would prep for the day. Our excavation focused on two specific areas of the cave. One group worked in the small entrance area of the cave. The other group crawled through the cave opening and descended six to eight feet to the first larger opening of the cave, where they too worked in cramped space.

With great excitement and anticipation, team members used small pickaxes and trowels, among other tools, to excavate their areas. A chain of people then handed up the excavated material in buckets, which were specifically marked to indicate the location the material came from. Another group, working on the ledge, would dump the material into sifters, removing the dirt and looking for artifacts. The workday usually ended around 2:30 as we cleaned up for the day and hiked out of the canyon.

During the afternoons, we embarked on excursions of the Dead Sea region, which included Masada, En Gedi, and, of course, floating in the Dead Sea!

and lots of organic material (e.g. various types of seeds). Each of our professors and students experienced the thrill of finding an ancient artifact. Jerry Hughes, a Christian Studies major, recalled, “The feeling of being a part of something that could make actual archaeological contributions to the world made even the smallest finds in the sifting boxes seem extremely significant.” Indeed, many of the smaller finds may seem insignificant, but when combined with the numerous other finds at the site, they contribute significantly to building a big-picture understanding of a tumultuous period when a number of Jews, fleeing the Roman army, sought refuge in this remote cave.

By the end of the first week, our team had unearthed various artifacts from the Roman period, more specifically, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (AD 132–135). Our discoveries included numerous pieces of pottery, large pieces of ropes (from baskets), a piece of leather (possibly from a sandal), glass, a fire pit, bones,

“The most unforgettable moment of the trip was our visit to the Garden Tomb; the other being located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” said John Newell, recent Master of Theology graduate. “Things such as this – visiting locations from the Bible – help paint a vivid picture of the stories in your mind, and seeing the places where Jesus actually walked, are what really stood out to me as memorable.”

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After an adventurous week in the Judean Wilderness, we journeyed to Jerusalem for several days, visiting sites such as the Western Wall, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden Tomb, the Israel Museum, and a side-trip to nearby Herodium. The weekend culminated with a memorable Easter sunrise service on the Mt. of Olives!

WEEK TWO Beit Loya

The second week, the team began digging at Beit Loya (Beit Lehi), a beautiful and expansive site located southwest of Jerusalem in the Judean lowlands. The site was occupied by various people from the First Temple period (eighth or seventh century BC) to the end of the Second Temple period (AD 70), when it was abandoned after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Later settled by Christians during the Byzantine period (fourth

or fifth century AD), the site was ultimately abandoned in the thirteenth or fourteenth century AD. Discoveries from previous excavation seasons at Beit Loya include burial caves, ancient inscriptions, olive presses, Jewish ritual baths, numerous columbaria (dovecotes), and a Byzantine church with stunningly preserved mosaic floors. Seeking to uncover more from this storied site, our team joined the Beit Loya Regional Project, led by Oren Gutfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

BEIT LOYA

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The specific location for this dig season was relatively flat and open, with partially exposed ancient structures dotting the landscape. Due to its location in an active military firing zone, we had to dig during Passover!

Each day, in the early morning light, groups of three or four people began systematically digging in 5 x 5 meter squares, removing material and discovering artifacts along the way.

After a few hours of work, we enjoyed a large, hot breakfast. Full of energy, we resumed digging. The workdays usually ended around 3:00, after cleaning up

the squares. During the afternoons, we explored other areas of the Beit Loya site and other sites such as Beit Guvrin, Lachish, and Ashkelon. Each evening concluded with a hot meal at camp and fellowship by the fire.

From Beit Loya, we journeyed to the Galilee region, enjoying sunrise at the Sea of Galilee and visiting Hazor and Capernaum. Our trip concluded along the Mediterranean coast at Caesarea Maritima.

Over the course of the week, we exposed walls of what is perhaps a large pagan Idumean temple complex, dating from the Hellenistic period (third or second century BC). In addition, we uncovered walls from other structures, a large set of steps, and a large amount of pottery from the same period.

“The Israel trip was challenging in aspects, both physically and spiritually, but was worth every second. I am so thankful for such an incredible opportunity and I hope that others can partake in it too one day,” shared Mason Bartlett, a Christian Studies major.

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This was truly a trip of a lifetime as we explored the land of the Bible, unearthed ancient artifacts and structures, expanded our knowledge of the past, and forged new relationships with people from all over the world.

Thankful to God for this opportunity, we look forward to developing our newfound partnerships and to continuing archaeological work next year in the Holy Land.

As you walk into the lower level of Miller Hall, you enter into the lobby where you will read the Truett McConnell University (TMU) Mission Statement, strategically placed adjacent to the entrance to the World Mission Center (WMC): Truett McConnell University equips students to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering a Christian worldview through a biblically centered education in a family friendly environment.

Simply put, the World Missions Center encourages, equips, and enables students, faculty, and staff to fulfill the Great Commission for the glory of Jesus Christ and to make “fulfilling the Great Commission” a reality in the lives of TMU students.

Indeed, the Great Commission is at the heart of a biblical worldview and at the

W heart of Truett McConnell University.

After the resurrection and before the ascension of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Matthew recorded the last commandment of Jesus to His disciples, known today as “The Great Commission,” when he wrote: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Throughout the ages, the Great Commission has been considered by many to be the core mission of the Christian Church. Today, the Great Commission is the core mission and the identity of Truett McConnell University. The Great Commission is not a suggestion, but a command to intentionally go and tell others the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ.

While far too many in the church today believe that sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ is only for trained clergy

and evangelists, TMU believes the Bible teaches differently. TMU agrees with the mandate that, “Christians certainly are not simply to sit and wait for people to come to them…Today, there can be no doubt that Christians are to take the initiative and cross boundaries of all types: geographic, political, ethnic, and linguistic, to make disciples.” 1 This priority of the Great Commission is why Richard Land’s statement is so profound: “The Lord’s Great Commission to the church and to all His disciples down through the ages is an all-embracing mandate. Jesus commands all Christians to go into the world and to proclaim the Gospel with the goal of conversion of the listeners to saving faith in Jesus Christ.” 2 TMU’s motto: “From the very first verse…to the very last tribe,” further solidifies TMU’s Great Commission priority and emphasizes the herculean task which lies ahead. Dr. Van Sanders,

R L D Interim Director of the World Mission Center explains, “‘From the very first verse’ emphasizes that our mission is rooted in the Bible. God’s word is the foundation of the World Missions Center’s strategy for equipping students to fulfill the Great Commission. We know from Scripture that God is forming one people, His bride, the Church, from all the people groups of the world. One day, when we stand before the Lamb of God in eternity, we will see that people from every tribe and tongue will be represented in heaven (Revelation 5:9). The phrase ‘to the very last tribe’ reminds us that our work as a university which is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission, is not complete until every last tribe/people group on the earth has had an opportunity to hear, understand and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ and become a member of a biblical church.”

Sanders further explains the academic purpose and how the World Mission Center fulfills the Great Commission: “The World Missions Center strives to prepare students with understanding (head), love (heart), and skills (hands), to live out five missional 40

The Sanders family. practices: prayer-saturated study of the Bible, sharing the gospel with the lost, disciple believers, strengthening churches to start churches, and relating well to people of other cultures and ethnicity.” Sanders continued to explain the importance of the World Mission Center, “The concern I have is whether or not our students will seize these opportunities that God has given them to fulfill the Great Commission.

Although many of them know the basic teachings of the Bible about the Great Commission, they often do not understand what it means to live daily with a Great Commission focused lifestyle for the glory of Jesus Christ.

M I S S Their tendency is to limit the Great Commission mandate to vocational missionaries, church staff or to a short term missions experience rather than a daily missional lifestyle.”

Dr. Sanders is not a novice when it comes to missions. Having been raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he received a BA in English with a teaching certificate in secondary schools from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1980. Beginning his mission’s career serving as a journeyman with the Foreign Mission Board (now the International Mission Board), he was married and moved to Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he received a Masters of Divinity in Theology. From 1987-1997, Sanders continued his education toward a Ph.D. at Southwestern Seminary while working in Kenya, starting churches among unreached people groups.

He also taught at the Theological Education by Extension (TEE), for church members in villages to receive graduate level training for pastoral leaders in Seminary. From 1997-2000, Sanders worked as a Minister to Missions at Little Flock Baptist Church

in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Sanders completed his Ph.D in 2000. Between 2000 and 2011, Sanders worked at the North American Mission Board as a church planter, assisting state conventions, associations, and worked with churches who were ministering to cross-cultures with immigrants from around the world.

Dr. Sanders not only serves as Interim Director of the World Mission Center, but also serves as an Associate Professor of Mission and Evangelism.

Sanders arrived at TMU in 2011 and began offering classes for TMU’s Mission majors such as: Bible Survey, Luke/Acts, Christian Worldview, History of Missions, Cultural Anthropology, Introduction to Missiology, Theology and Culture, Theology of Missions, Intercultural Communication, Acts and the Writings of Paul, World Religions, Intro to the Great Commission, Missional Leadership, Research and

I O N S

national church in its efforts to grow the Kingdom of God.” The World Mission Center is a comprehensive and portable missions training and discipleship program that seeks to train indigenous believers in remote and unreached areas of the developing world to plant sustainable churches and be missionaries to their own and neighboring people groups.

The need is great since we know every day, 66,000 people from unreached people groups die having never heard the Word of God. Today, 40% of all the people groups or nations in the world remain unreached.

Sander’s heartbeat is clear and concise: “The World Missions Center exists to enhance westerners’ understanding of the biblical basis for missions, increase their awareness of God’s work among all peoples, and assist them in identifying and embracing their role in God’s mission.

major part of the growth I have experienced during my time at TMU. Also, on a side note, the World Missions Center is always a fun and bustling place because of Dr. Sanders. I’m just hoping that by the time I graduate, I will be able to interpret some of his Swahili.”

Finally, when asked how this next generation will respond to the Great Commission, Dr. Sanders said, “I doubt that there has ever been a time in history where a generation of students has had such access to so many of the unreached people groups of the world! Therefore, this generation of students is well positioned to have tremendous Gospel impact among unreached peoples of the world. Their technological savvy and their global connectivity provide many open doors through which they may live out the Great Commission whether they be vocational missionaries or simply live

C E N T E R

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Writing, History of Missions, Intro to Church Planting, Discipleship, Practicum in Cross Cultural Ministry, International Evangelism, Missiology of the Old Testament, and Evangelism, Discipleship and Church Planting.

Throughout his eight years at TMU, Sanders has been on or led many short-term mission trips to: China, Thailand, Morocco, Rwanda, Argentina, England, Scotland, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Haiti, Kenya, Tanzania, India, United Arab Emirates, France, Greece, and Canada. He has even taken mission trips to several of these countries multiple times. When asked the purpose of short-term mission trips, Sanders answered, “The focus of each trip is twofold – discipleship of the participating students and evangelism that supports the missionary and

The Great Commission – Matthew 28:18-20

We believe the Gospel is God’s good news for the whole world, and we are determined by his grace to obey Christ’s commission to proclaim it to all mankind and to make disciples of every nation. We desire, therefore, to affirm our faith and our resolve, and to make public our covenant.”

Rachel Durham, Administrative Assistant/Student Intern at the World Missions Center and rising Senior in Global Studies, tells us how she enjoys working with Dr. Sanders in the WMC when she stated: “It is an absolute joy, and I’m forever indebted to him and his wife for seeing something in me, investing in me, and helping me to grasp all the more where and how the Lord is leading me. I honestly feel honored and humbled to serve under Dr. Sander’s leadership, and he is a 41 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

missionally in the arena of their chosen career path. Because of globalization, our students can make disciples of unreached peoples from around the world, whether they live in Atlanta, Georgia or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.”

The World Missions Center at TMU is eager to explore how we can expand Great Commission partnerships for the glory of Jesus Christ! If you would like to join us in prayer, please contact Dr. Van Sanders at vsanders@truett.edu.

If you would like to partner with us financially, you can donate to future mission trips at truett.edu/giving.

Scott A. Moreau, Gary R. Corwin, and Gary B. McGee, Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academics, 2004), 25.

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Richard D. Land, “The Great Commission Imperative: Proclaiming God’s Truth in Word and Deed,” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 01:4 2

AN INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL DURHAM, RISING SENIOR IN GLOBAL STUDIES, FROM MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA. Interview conducted by Dr. Gary Jarnagin.

GJ:

WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR?

WHY IS TMU THE BEST PLACE FOR YOU AT THIS TIME IN YOUR LIFE? GJ:

RD: I am a Global Studies Major.

GJ:

RD: I believe that TMU is the best place for me at this time in my life because it is where God has me. Some may see this time of undergraduate studies as simply a transition, but I’ve seen this place become another home for me.

Right now, this is the place God has planted me to make disciples of all nations, so it is not a transitional location.

Rather, it is a transformational training ground for my generation, that we may be a people who seek God’s face and are sent from here to continue laboring in the harvest fields of God’s Kingdom.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO TMU?

RD: I believe that the Lord brought me to TMU. I never planned to be here, and to be honest, I did not even plan to attend university. When I arrived at TMU, I had just returned home from living in South Asia for six months on mission. I knew I wanted to continue to serve overseas for the rest of my life, but I had no immediate plans. In a season where I thought my life and my dreams were tearing at the seams, Christ, all along, had a higher and much better plan for me. So, I followed Him to TMU, and during my first tour of the campus I saw the World Missions Center with the words above it “from the very first verse to the very last tribe", and I felt His peace – I felt at home. Looking back, I can only say that I’m grateful for the leadership of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

GJ:

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT THE WMC? GJ:

RD: I enjoy working at the World Missions Center for three main reasons. First, I feel led by the Lord to work here, and there is truly no better place to be than in the will of God. Three years ago, if you would have told me I would be working in an office most days, I would have laughed at you, but I can honestly say that I love what I get to do here!

Secondly, it has been such a wonderful experience getting to learn as I work. Not many people my age get blessed to have supervisors that genuinely value the growth of their employees! Dr. Sanders is always looking for ways to help me and others grow in their relationship with the Lord as well in how they relate with others for His name’s sake. Thirdly, I love that I get to interact and engage with students for the sake of God’s mission in the world. One of my favorite things about my job is seeing a student really grasp what the Lord is teaching them about how they can fulfill the Great Commission and then watching them rally their friends, families, and churches around what God is doing through them, in them, and around them. It’s beautiful to watch God’s hand move in the lives of people on campus, and to have a small part in that is humbling.

HAS TMU MET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

RD: TMU has exceeded my expectations! I can say this especially for the degree program I am in. I can look back on my life three years ago and see how God has grown me through the investment of my professors, my personal study and reflection, as well as the opportunities God has given me through Truett to serve on campus, in the community, and around the world. I can say confidently, although I have not arrived and do not believe I ever will, that I have a much clearer sense of what it means for God to use me to grow His kingdom among the nations because of my time at Truett McConnell University.

GJ:

HOW HAS TMU IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?

RD: TMU has impacted my life in so many ways, but if I had to narrow it down to just one, I would say that here, I have learned more specifically what the Lord is leading me to do with my life. I have learned what it looks like to do that with complete dependence on Christ alongside excellence in my efforts for His glory and not my own.

GJ: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS GOD’S WILL

FOR YOU AT THIS TIME IN YOUR LIFE? RD: I believe God’s will for me, in this season of my life, is to make disciples of all nations, generally speaking. But to be more specific, I feel God leading me to be a catalyst among the unreached peoples of South Asia for Christ.

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Jesus Christ. I hope that I can do this, more specifically, among the lost people groups of the South Asian Indian community both locally and globally with a vision to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ, see churches planted in His name, and as a result of those endeavors, be a small part of God’s work to redeem and restore for Himself those who are “hopeless without Him in the world” (Ephesians 2:12) Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India, is one of my spiritual heroes, and in her words, so much of cross-cultural ministry is simply pointing others to the One who is doing all of the work while being “a string to the beads”. Following her example and many others, as they have followed Christ, I hope I can be a willing vessel for God to use among the lost until He returns or calls me home.

As for the World Missions Center, I will be forever grateful for the time that God has given me to learn, work, grow, and lead here. As long as the Lord allows me to serve in the World Missions Center before calling me elsewhere, it is my desire to do everything I can to help students and faculty members, including myself, to be further mobilized as effective and passionate witnesses for Christ both locally and globally. My desire is to see people move from a place of apathy to a place of action. God has done this for me in many ways through the ministry of the World Missions Center. I certainly have not arrived, but if there is one thing I have learned over the past three years, it is that the best missionaries are also mobilizers. Therefore, my hope for the World Missions Center is that it will, for many years to come, be a place where students can look back and say- “this is where it all started” in regards to their involvement in growing God’s kingdom among all nations.

My prayer for them, and for myself, is that our kingdom involvement will be one that is focused on genuine discipleship which will inevitably impact the next generation of Christians to be missional leaders wherever and however God chooses to use them.

GJ:

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ON MISSION?

RD: Directly after high school, I lived in South Asia for a semester, and the following year, I spent a semester in London with the International Mission Board working among South Asian peoples. Prior to those long stents, I was able to go with Salem Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia to Trinidad, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nashville, New Orleans, Tampa, and more. During my time at Truett, I’ve been able to go back to London and Mumbai as well as go for the first time to Boston, Kenya, and the Middle East. I’m currently serving through a Truett missions and ministry team in Clarkston, Georgia among refugees from around the world. Needless to say, I have been blessed!

AS YOU ENTER YOUR SENIOR YEAR, WHAT IS YOUR HEART’S DESIRE FOR YOUR VOCATIONAL MINISTRY AND FOR THE WMC? GJ:

RD: As I enter my senior year at Truett, I pray that my heart’s desire would line up with God’s heart, both now and in the future. I simply want to do anything that He asks of me. My dream is to spend my life serving, empowering, and learning from peoples of different faiths and cultures, specifically those who are unreached with the gospel of

Joe Durham, Rachel’s Father, has been in numerous vocational ministry and pastoral positions throughout his adult life. Joe has been a pastoral trainer; Fundraiser, coordinated Feed the Hunger campaigns, and is now the Sr. Pastor at Fairview Church in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Rachel’s Mother, Diane Durham, moved to Georgia, met Joe Durham where Joe was serving, and they were married. Diane has been a stay at home mother taking care of their children Rachel, Nathan, Kayla and Torey.

Diane has also served many others as a personal trainer.

Nathan, Rachel’s brother, graduated from Kenyon University in 2016, and is now working in Seattle at a Law Firm. Nathan will be starting a Master’s in Law degree in Vancouver, Canada this fall.

Rachel also has two sisters: Kayla, 29, who is married, has 3 children, and is a real estate agent in Dallas, Georgia.

Torey lives in Jonesboro, Georgia. Torey is now 27, and the Doctors informed Joe and Diane that she would not live past 4-5 years old due to a brain tumor. Torey is the family’s miracle and proof of God’s abundant mercy and grace.

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THE GREAT COMMISSION But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8

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GARY JARNAGIN 45 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

GJ

JERUSALEM/WHITE COUNTY •M any of our athletes work with AREA SCHOOLS through their mentorship programs to support, tutor and encourage local students.

• The 2019 WHITE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE

was hosted on the campus of TMU. This event is near and dear to our hearts as many on our campus have been impacted by this organization. Our own Cindy Erbele, survivor, cut the ribbon in the opening ceremony.

TMU ON MISSION •T REATS AT TRUETT is a much anticipated annual campus event open to the White County Community. Each year, 2000+ members of the community visit the campus on the evening of October 31st for trick-or-treating, fellowship and ministry.

JUDEA/GEORGIA Each weekend you'll find a group of TMU students loading up to go to Clarkston, Georgia, where they are seeking to make disciples among the refugee and immigrant communities living there.

• “God has blessed me immensely

with so many beautiful friendships in CLARKSTON these past few years.

When I reflect, it's evident to me how God has used these relationships to make me more like Him and deepen my love for missions.” - Rachel Gossett, Junior Education Major and leader for Clarkston Missions & Ministry Team.

• TIM TEBOW’S

NIGHT TO SHINE EVENTS at Hopewell Baptist Church and within White County at Union Grove Congregational Holiness Church is a favorite outreach for our students.

Student Development and Athletics organize volunteers to spend the evening as hosts and hostesses to developmentally disabled individuals in our community at their prom.

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SAMARIA/USA •T he Student Life staff and students served Eagles Wings

Christian Youth Ranch in ARIZONA/NEW MEXICO in May 2019. We helped them prepare for summer camps where students referred by Albuquerque schools come for free.

The camp is special in that it has a 1:1 camper to staff ratio.

We’re pictured here with the camp director, Todd, his wife, Jennifer, and their family.

•G rant Allen (senior Global Studies Major)- “BOSTON was

an incredible experience for me to experience the need to reach those where we are. I was able to see the Lord use a faithful family of servants to make an impact in their dark community. It is a privilege to be a part of their ministry and assist them in reaching homeless Americans.”

•T he Student Life Staff and several students also regularly

travel to Wasilla, ALASKA, to serve at the Laverne Griffin Recreational Youth Camp where they lead a youth camp and a kids camp for elementary school aged girls.

UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE WORLD Each year, TMU sends students around the world to LONDON, DUBAI, KENYA, THAILAND, ISRAEL, MUMBAI HAITI, and other countries to share the gospel with the nations. Through these trips, we now have missionary representatives in several countries around the world.

• J osh Hamilton (Junior Biology Major) “Being able to go to

MUMBAI opened my eyes to the beauty of India, especially the people. While I found so much joy and genuineness in the locals I met, I realized the magnitude of lostness that was present in the city. I’m so grateful for the support that has allowed me to have these experiences that God uses to continually grow me.”

•O ur TMU Men’s basketball program

works each summer with a group in POLAND organizing a community sports camp. While they are not allowed to directly present the gospel during their trip, the relationships they build are invaluable.

" They will know we are Christians by our love”

47 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

BY JENNY GREGORY

48

As Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science, with a doctorate in Professional Counseling, Ford’s education and profession have provided the tools for her to focus on the mental wellness of others. However, her journey was filled with difficulty and tragedy related to the death of her late husband, Michael.

She and Michael were missionaries. “He loved Jesus with all of his heart,” said Ford. “He had such a humorous personality, and people loved to be around him.” The two worked for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) for nine years where they focused on backyard Bible clubs at a local mountain resort.

“We both loved this ministry, and being able to do it together was so rewarding.”

A FAMILY CRUMBLES Later on, things began to change in the man who seemed always so happy and outgoing. “He was no longer the enthusiastic, carefree man everyone had come to know and love,” she explained.

“Michael would cry and not want to get out of bed.

He became very manic. I felt like a yo-yo, being bounced up and down with his ever-changing moods. The worst part was Michael didn’t see it.”

After suffering for a time, Michael eventually sought the help of a medical professional and was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs or mania/ hypomania and lows or depression (Mayo Clinic).

During treatments, Michael underwent counseling and was prescribed medication to help with the bi-polar disorder.

For a while, things seemed to be better. The two had a daughter in 2001 whom they named Jorjanne.

The new parents seemed to be in a state of awe with the blessing God gave them. “Yet again,” Ford explained, “this was just the calm before another storm.”

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH Taking the medication became a constant battle.

Michael would explain to his wife how he didn’t need the medications for many different reasons. “Every time he came off the medicines he would put us back on a roller coaster.” In desperation, Ford would pray for God to heal her marriage and allow her husband to recognize his illness.

Once again, doors opened for Michael to be evaluated by a hospital psychiatrist. Ford remembered every agonizing moment of leaving him there. “Michael began crying, begging me not to leave him. Walking away from him in that moment was one of the hardest things I have ever done.”

The change was hard. Ford eventually began taking classes and learned some valuable information on

how she had become co-dependent on her husband.

“Instead of helping him, I was actually enabling him to continue down a dark, destructive path.” She found herself journaling as a stress relief and a way to cope with the pain and frustration. In an entry soon after Michael went to treatment, she wrote: “God, I’m praying with all my might for Michael to please see that he is sick. Please make the mania be clear in his eyes so that he can get the help he needs.

Lord, I love him with all of my heart, and I want him to understand that I just want Him to be better.”

After a few months, he returned home. Things began to look better for the family. Hope seemed a possibility in their lives.

In 2005, the couple had planned on hosting a Resort Ministry Conference. Michael had been anxious, and wanted to rest before the event but couldn’t.

To help with the insomnia, his doctor prescribed a medication to help him sleep better. The day before the conference, Ford felt something wasn’t right.

As if God was urging her to go back to her house.

When she did, she found that Michael had attempted suicide by taking all of the sleeping pills. Once again, Michael went to the emergency room for care and transferred to a psychiatric facility where he stayed for the next five months.

THE VOICEMAIL When Michael came home, he had learned how to recognize “triggers” that would set him off. “He had seemed more “himself” than he had in years,” explained Ford. “I felt as though I finally had my husband back.” Christmas came and went, and the house finally had joy within. continued on next page

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continued from previous page Shortly after the holiday festivities, she went to the Passion Conference. It was something she had been looking forward to. Her life seemed to be back on track and this was a time to praise God and refresh herself for this new year. During the conference, one of the speakers began his session by asking the crowd a question that will forever remain with her.

“What if the only way for you to become more like Jesus is through suffering?”

After trying to dodge the question, Ford immediately heard the Holy Spirit tell her, “But don’t you want to be more like Jesus? Do you trust me?”

“I remember saying to God, ‘But how could I go through any more suffering?’” After all, Michael had started looking better, acting better. After trying to talk herself into ignoring the question, Ford decided to call him from the conference and tell him about what she was hearing. “Hello,” Michael answered.

She immediately heard that same dismal tone to his voice. He was depressed again.

When she returned home, Michael explained that he came off the medications to surprise her, telling her, “I feel like God had healed me.” Once again, they were back to square one.

After meeting with the psychiatrist, and getting back on his medications, Ford could see a difference in him. She specifically remembered a week where he spent so much time with Jorjanne. “He was laughing with her, playing with her, it was like “the old Michael was back,” she said.

A few days later, Ford came home to see a message on the answering machine. Pressing play, she heard, “Natalie, I just want to tell you how much I love you. No matter what happens, I love you.” As his words continued, her heart sunk. She knew he had gone hiking that day, as he did often, to spend time with God and clear his head. Throughout the day, she continued to call him, the police, and family members. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, he finally answered.

“Michael, where are you?” Although he wasn’t quite sure where he was, Ford finally felt comfort hearing his voice and knowing he would be okay.

She continued to coax him to come down from the mountain as search and rescue attempted to look for him in the area he had gone. By now, she had friends and family in her home praying for him as they waited for Michael’s safe return.

Around 2:00 a.m., a police car pulled into her driveway. “Had they found Michael?” she thought to herself. Out from the dark colored car stepped a police officer and a man wearing a clergy collar.

As she opened the door, the priest looked into her eyes and said, “I am so sorry.”

The news of Michael’s death sent her to her knees.

She sobbed uncontrollably until tears could not come

50

anymore. She could only think of the horror it would be to share the news with the young four-year-old that lay asleep in the room down the hall.

A NEW MINISTRY The next few months were a blur. The funeral came and went, and the house was much quieter without Michael. Ford explained how the church became the “hands and feet of Jesus to me and Jorjanne during that overwhelming time.” The church allowed her to be real with the pain.

“I started to deal with anger. I was mad at God, I was mad at Michael, and I was mad at myself for not being able to do something to prevent this.” Ford eventually started counseling to heal her wounds and to deal with the guilt that she faced.

“Looking back, there were a lot of warning signs,” she said. “I would not have let him go hiking. I would have made sure we had better communication with others. We felt we had to keep it a secret, yet we could have been better if we had a support group.

I remember there was a day when I went in and he was on the computer researching suicide. I was in denial.”

Ford said that she struggled with the “why” question. But God never left her side during this tragic event. “Why did God allow Michael to die? I don’t know. But I do know that God is still in control, and He wants me to be honest with Him.” A few months after his death, Ford went to Mexico on a mission trip. There, she spent some alone time with God. “At that moment, God spoke to my heart. God wanted to give me a new life and a new ministry.” She said, “That was a turning point in my life. He still had a plan for me.”

With the encouragement from friends, Ford began writing her book Tears of Joy which reflects practical tools of what you do when someone is dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts. “After Michael died. I wanted to share his story – our story,” she said.

Continuing her newfound ministry, Ford started college to pursue a degree in counseling.

“I wanted to bring mental illness and suicide out of the shadows,” she shared. “We need to talk about these things. There is still a stigma about personality disorders. Those who knew Michael were shocked to find out he struggled with bi-polar disorder because he was such an amazing man.”

60% 20% of people will be touched by suicide

PROFESSOR FORD Over the next few years, God did open her world up to helping others. She received her master’s degree, doctorate, and now teaches at Truett McConnell University while also a source of comfort for so many students on the TMU campus who have needed to share their story.

“I have always loved teaching,” Ford said. “For years I taught high school students at Catalyst Christian Learning Center. Once I obtained my PhD, I knew that I not only wanted to counsel others, but I wanted to pour into students so that my impact would be greater-reaching. Teaching at TMU is so special to me, because, not only am I free to share about my faith in Christ, I am encouraged to do so.

My faith defines me and my worldview, so discussing it in the classroom is the natural overflow.”

With a biblical worldview taught in all her undergrad and graduate classes, Ford explained the passion these students have is not just about the learning, but about the way they learn. “We require an interview with our graduate students prior to admission and ask them, “Why TMU?” Almost without fail they mention their desire to study psychology through a biblical lens.

within our immediate family

MOVING ON Seven years after the loss of Michael, Ford found love again with her husband Jeff. Jeff was a resort missionary and friend of Michael’s and is currently the Director of the Catalyst Learning Center.

Jorjanne, who was four at the time of Michael’s death, is a student at Truett McConnell.

Ford explains that even now, she will sometimes feel shame when she tells others about how Michael died. “I know these thoughts are unmerited, but I have them nonetheless,” she said.

She quotes Isaiah, in her book, whom she says gave her strength to soar again: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

We know that there will be suffering in this world.

For Ford, it brought pain and heartache. However, she is closer to Jesus because of it all. “We may not understand why life is the way it is, but we can trust God to empower us in and through our sorrows.

For Ford, her mission is to spread advocacy and education on suicide. “What would I want others to know?” she said. “60% of people will be touched by suicide, 20% within our immediate family. Don’t be afraid to ask them hard questions. Be there when they need you and reassure them that somebody cares.” Every third Thursday of each month, she leads a suicide survivor group at The Bridge Church opened to anyone struggling with grief.

For those who are struggling, Ford says, “Don’t let shame or embarrassment keep you from seeking help. The key is to refuse to give up!”

To her students, she says, “I hope the next generation will not only have a thorough understanding of psychological principles, but also a solid foundation in theology. I hope that they will participate in research to shape and mold the future of the helping profession. It is my desire that the students who graduate from TMU will be the hands and feet of Jesus in all that they do.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, reach out to your local church or call:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Please, don’t do this alone.

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Standard Memberships • Individual........$35 per month • Family*............$60 per month

Alumni, Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors Memberships • Individual........$20 per month • Family*............$40 per month

Senior Citizen Memberships (62 and older) • Individual........$25 per month • Family*............$45 per month

Community Memberships Available at TMU’s Student Wellness Center The George Blaurock Student Wellness Center (SWC), located on the campus of Truett McConnell University (TMU), provides a plethora of activities for students, faculty, and staff, and offers membership opportunities to the community.

When the SWC opened its doors on August 19, 2017, TMU began offering year-round leisure and physical fitness facilities to its constituents. The facility features a walking track, a fitness center, a leisure pool, two racquetball courts, three full basketball courts, and an aerobics classroom. Guests also have access to The Georgia Public House Restaurant, which serves a local and organic menu in keeping with the wellness and nutrition goals of the SWC.

“White County community members will benefit and enjoy God’s blessing in the amenities of the Student Wellness Center through community memberships,” said Dr. Gary Jarnagin, TMU’s Director of Financial Development.

“Perhaps most importantly,” Jarnagin added, “the community will be able to interact and build relationships with our fantastic students, faculty, and staff.”

Membership prices range according to constituent type and level of access. Current membership rates for community members, seniors, alumni, and veterans may be found at truett.edu/swcmemberships.

To learn more, visit truett.edu/ swcmemberships or contact the Campus Recreation Coordinator at tmuwellness@truett.edu or 706-865-2134,ext. 4105.

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Veteran** Memberships • Individual........$25 per month • Family*............$45 per month

* Family rates include spouse + children under 18 living at home. ** Veteran rates apply to veterans who provide a verified DD-214.

JENNY GREGORY 53 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

JG

SON R A E S L L A B E S MEN’S BA

EVIEW

Mike Croley, the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Professor of Health and Fitness at Truett McConnell University, reflects on his involvement with baseball, the 2018-2019 season, and his hopes for next season.

Croley began playing baseball at a young age and continued to play through high school and college.

“I was extremely blessed to have been coached as a player by some of the best coaches in high school and college baseball, who were also Christians, though I did not recognize that at the time because I was not a Christian,” Croley shared. “But God used my college coaches, Todd and Greg Guilliams, to expose me to Faith in Christ, and baseball was the platform.”

After graduating college, Croley was offered a coaching position. Since then, Croley has held coaching positions at Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Valdosta State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and in the Professional Frontier League for the Rockford Riverhawks.

Two years into coaching at Savannah

BY BAILEY HUMPHREY

College of Art and Design, Croley and several others in the athletic department were laid off. While being laid off was not Croley’s plan, God’s plans are bigger and better, and God ultimately led Croley to Truett McConnell.

“After 11 months I was told about a job opening at Truett McConnell by a former colleague, and after a few days I decided to reach out to the Athletic Director, Chris Eppling” Croley recalled.

“We exchanged some emails, had a phone conversation, and then had an on-campus interview. It was an awesome experience to see a place of higher education committed to honoring Christ and wanting and desiring their baseball program to do the same! My wife and I both had no doubt this was the place God wanted us to serve.”

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Croley added. “We also witnessed a number of players growing in their walk with Christ.”

Croley defines the team’s success in two ways: “Did we challenge and encourage our young men in their faith, and did our team maximize their God given talents and abilities on the field? Based on those two things, I believe we had a great year overall.”

Five seniors, including Greg Elder Jr., Austin Bishop, Patrick Overstreet,

Croley has continually been committed to honoring Christ through the

Cole Parker, and Ryan Reagan, grad-

baseball program, and the 2018-2019

uated from Truett McConnell in May.

season is no exception. “On the field

“They are probably the most decorated

we finished in third place, which is our

senior class to graduate in my seven

highest finish in school history,” Croley

seasons at TMU,” Croley described.

The team will miss these five players

stated. “We were also ranked as high as 18th in the country at one point. We

next season, but there is no shortage

had three all conference performers,

of talent or potential. Four starters are

the AAC freshman of the year, and a

returning for the 2019-2020 season,

number of NAIA scholar athletes.”

as well as four players with mound experience. And, of course, the team will

Several exciting games throughout the season led to this impressive

welcome new recruits: “We are excited

finish: “We beat Tennessee Wesylan

about our incoming class and I am

for the first time in school history, who

hopefully they will have a coachable/

eventually went on to win the National

teachable spirit. We have been blessed

Championship. We had multiple come

over the time I have been here with

back wins, such as being down by five

outstanding leadership within the

runs with only four outs left against

team that has been an extension of the

Bluefield College on the road and

coaching staff who come alongside the

coming back to win in eleven innings.

freshmen and helped them along.”

Overall, Croley hopes his players

We also had another comeback win against Reinhardt University, in which

strive for excellence in whatever they

we were down by three in the 9th in-

do, whether on or off the field, all for

ning and hit back to back homeruns, a

the glory of God. The team is encour-

three run homer, and a solo homer on

aged to pursue what has eternal value

two pitches by two different pitchers!”

and to make a difference in the world.

“We do that through small group

Croley also highlighted some exciting moments for individual players

discipleship, monthly speakers in the

on the team: “Sophomore Craig

fall, outreach, and by encouraging our

Barton pitched a complete game in the

team to compete and live in a manner

conference tournament to beat Bryan,

worthy of the Gospel,” Croley listed.

“Christ is my life, and everything

ranked 14th in the country, to eliminate them and keep us in the tournament.

else should be just an overflow of

Austin Bishop hit for the cycle against

what he has done for me, whether

Bryan College, Greg Elder broke school

coaching or in any other area of my

record for career strikeouts, and Craig

life,” Croley concluded. “Our team

Barton was the NAIA National Pitcher

knows where all the coaches stand

of the week.”

and our hopes for them in regards to their Christian walk and faith in Christ.”

More importantly than how the team ranked nationally, however, is where theyended their season spiritually.

“We witnessed three guys make professions of faith through baptism,”

5 5 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

FT WO M E N ’ S SO

REVIEW BALL SEASON

activities at Woodlands and this was the game changer. The key was that the girls truly cared about everybody and they wanted to win for each other.”

The team had a total of 1400 at-bats and, out of those at-bats, 773 of them were ‘quality’

For the second straight season, the Truett McConnell University softball team clinched the

at-bats, which is a .552 average. Senior Sara

Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season

Sullivan had the most quality at-bats for the

title, an automatic berth to the NAIA national

year (113-134, .834 average). Additionally, as a

tournament, and recorded a 40-win season.

whole, the team placed eighth in the nation in earned run average (1.76), 10th in opponent

“We honestly thought that this season was going to be a re-building year,” Head Coach

batting average (.202), 12th in putouts per game

Jenni Shepard said. In fact, the team was only

(20.302), and 13th in innings pitched per game

handed seven losses throughout the regular

(6.767). Overall, the Lady Bears had a .961

season and ended the year 41-7. The nationally

fielding percentage and only had 60 errors

pre-season ranked Lady Bears started out the

while their opponents had 102.

“Individually, while we thought this was going

season with a 10-hour road trip to Louisiana State University at Alexandria for a four game

to be a re-building year, our freshman catcher,

tournament against LSU-Alexandria and Central

Briley Lawson, really stepped it up,” Shepard said.

Baptist College. However, the season opener

“She led the team in lots of offensive categories

ultimately set the tone for the remainder of the

and really boosted our run production.”

Lawson, who was named the AAC co-freshman

season. TMU was shutout and run-ruled for the

of the year and earned a spot on the All-AAC

first time since 2017.

I purposely planned the long trip because I

first team and National Fast-pitch Coaches

knew it would be much longer than all the other

Association (NFCA) All-Region first team,

road trips we had the rest of the year,” Shepard

recorded 10 homeruns and 49 RBI’s. The

said. “We struggled. It was surprisingly a high-

standout freshman recorded an AAC batting

light of the season because after that game we

average of .381 and a slugging percentage of .679

went on a tear. After that loss we went 41-6 the

with 32 hits, four doubles, and 13 runs scored.

Coach Shepard stated, “It’s kind of funny

rest of the way. Anytime you play 40+ games and not lose 10 games, it is huge. Nonetheless,

when people ask me who is our #1 in regards

our team vibe was not where it should have

to our pitching staff, I always say we have two

been back in the fall. The returners had the

#1’s.” Bethany Hyde, a junior, led throughout the

mentality of “we’ve already done this without

regular season with 105 strikeouts through 114

you,” and our incomers were having the mindset

innings pitched. Hyde recorded a 2.52 earned

of “don’t you guys think you need us this year?”

run average and went 13-4 from the mound.

After the fall season, we did some team building

The back-to-back AAC pitcher of the year, Karley Hobbs, a sophomore, recorded a 1.21

56

earned run average and went 29-4. Hobbs was named to the All-AAC first team, NFCA AllRegion first team, and became the first ever TMU female athlete to earn NAIA All-America honors as she claimed a spot on the second team.

“Hobbs is truly deserving of all the recognition she receives as she had another stellar campaign for us this season, highlighted by setting a new TMU single season record for lowest ERA at 1.21, and not losing a single game during the regular season,” Shepard said.

“That stat speaks for itself.”

Hobbs had a perfect record from the mound through the regular season (28-0), including two saves, and she finished the year ranked fifth in the country in wins (29), sixth in total innings pitched (231), and 10th in ERA (1.21). The All-American went 29-4 overall and recorded an incredible AAC ERA of .80 while holding her opponents to an overall batting average of .194.

Hobbs also only allowed one homerun throughout all 231.1 innings pitched.

“What impresses me most,” said Shepard, “is that while she is happy for this recognition, I know that she plays for the love of the game, not the accolades. She is a fierce competitor who knows what it takes to win and is willing to put the work in on a daily basis to make it happen.

I can’t wait to see what she and the Lady Bears are able to achieve in the years to come.”

Coach Shepard continued, “A lot of people gauge on winning and losing but, to me, it’s more than that. The program earned its 300th win this season. But people who are graduating out of our program and who they are as a person leaving TMU are much more important.

BY JOAN SUGGS

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PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL GIVING 2018–2019 FISCAL YEAR

REPORT

TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY OFFICERS & DEANS Dr. Emir F. Caner, President, Professor of History & Christian Studies Mr. Chris Eppling, VP for Student Services, Assoc. Professor of Christian Studies Dr. Brad Reynolds, VP for Academic Services, Professor of Christian Studies Dr. Jason Graffagnino, VP for Finance and Operations, CFO, Assoc. Professor of History & Theology Dr. Holly Haynes, Dean of Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology & Biblical Counseling Dr. Kenneth Gabrielse, Dean of Felix Manz School of Music Dr. Michael T. Justus, Dean of Conrad Grebel School of Humanities Dr. Katherine Hyatt, Dean of Hans Hut School of Business Dr. Robert S. Bowen, Dean of The Pilgram Marpeck School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Dr. Julie Lutz, Dean of Peter & Gredel Walpot School of Education Dr. Toni Barnett, Dean of Martha Rielin & Elizabeth Salmen School of Nursing Dr. Mael Disseau, Dean of Balthasar Hubmaier School of Theology & Missions Mrs. J. Marie Griffin-Taylor, Dean of Michael Sattler School of Public Service

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Robby Foster, Chairman

Mr. Keith Kelly, Vice-Chair

Rev. Jerry Adair Mr. Adam Baker Dr. Matt Brady Mr. Jay Burkett Rev. Marty Carnes Mr. Miguel Caro Dr. Frank Cox

Dr. Anthony George Rev. Jeff Glenn Rev. Tony Hamilton Rev. Micah Hamrick Mr. Miles Hannan Mr. Marty Harbin Rev. Russ Harbin

Col. Hopp Hopkins Rev. Jim Holmes Mr. Jason Jones Mr. Bucky Kennedy Rev. Carl Marshall Mr. Weyman Perry Dr. Geoff Prows

Rev. Allen Rea Rev. J. T. Taylor Mr. Bruce Thompson Mr. Calvin Thompson Mr. Todd West Mr. Darrell Westmoreland Dr. Chris Winford

Mr. Tom Folmar Mr. Merrill Folsom Mr. Jeffery Fuller Rev. Paul Fulton Mr. Al Gainey Dr. Damon Gibbs Rev. Ken Hall Mr. David Henson Mr. John Howard Mr. Donald Howell Mr. Mike Howell Mr. Dick Huff Mr. Hank Humphrey Mr. Charles Johnson Mr. Phillip Jones Mr. Glenn Jones Mrs. Susan Jones Dr. Randy Kennedy Mr. Sid King

Mr. Chad Knott Mr. Jeff Langley Mrs. Della Lago Rev. Mark Lhowe Mr. Harris Malcom Mrs. Phyllis Malcom Mr. Josh McClendon Mr. Bill McIver Mr. David McLendon Mr. Chad Merrill Mrs. Linda Mosely Mr. Mike Nichols Mr. Dennis Paschedag Mr. John Pearson Mr. Chris Pittman Mr. Jamie Powell Rev. Terry Quick Mr. Mitch Ralston Rev. Dan Rosser

Mrs. Shay Runion Dr. Chris Sanchez Mrs. Melisa Sanchez Dr. F. Stuart Sanders Mr. Richard Sissom Rev. Greg Smith Mrs. Kim Smith Mr. Mike Smith Rev. Rick Statham Rev. Timothy Stevens Dr. Charles Thomas Mrs. Kay Thompson Mr. Travis Turner Mr. Dane Wallis Mr. Mark Watson Rev. Chris Webb Mr. Donald Yarbrough

BOARD OF VISITORS Rev. Barry Thompson, Chairman Mr. Thomas Abernathy Rev. Chris Anderson Mr. Jim Beddingfield Mr. Ralph Benton Mr. Bill Bonner Dr. Glenn Canup Mr. Matthew Carter Mr. Lee Chomskis Dr. Jesse Colbert Hon. Al Collier Mr. Curt Collier Mr. David Collins Mr. Randy Crenshaw Rev. Frank Daws Mr. Bob Dixon Rev. Mike Dorough Mr. Dean Dyer Mr. Wayne Farr Mrs. Lisa Folmar

58

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Endowed Scholarships and funds require a minimum contribution of $10,000.

Monies added to the corpus for scholarships, funds and endowments are listed below.

Eberli Bolt Missions Scholarship (Psalm 20:5) Foundation Foods Employee Scholarship Rev. Tommy Jones Scholarship John N. White Endowed Scholarship

Rev. & Mrs. EB Collins Endowed Scholarship Robert & Betty Thompson General Fund Endowment

ENDOWED LECTURESHIPS Endowed lectureships require a minimum contribution of $10,000.

Monies added to the corpus for the lectureship are listed below.

Ray Newman Ethics & Religious Liberty Lecture Series Dr. Paige & Dorothy Patterson Endowed Lecture Series

FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS Funded scholarships & grants are typically awarded in the same fiscal year in which they are received.

They are not invested with the University’s pooled endowments. The scholarships & grants listed below are $1000 or more.

Alumni Scholarship Jackson Bryant Funded Scholarship Empower the Call Scholarship

Billy Kim Funded Scholarship Carolyn W. Kelly Funded Nursing Scholarship Chris Andrews Funded Scholarship

MISSION STATEMENT OF TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY Truett McConnell University (TMU) is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences university that equips students to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering a Christian worldview through a Biblically-centered education in a family friendly environment.

THE FOUR FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS OF TMU Love the Lord

Love His Word

Love the Church

Love the Lost

SCHOOL MOTTO

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the data presented. If we have omitted, misspelled, or misplaced your name, please accept our apologies and notify our office by calling 706-865-2134 x3801.

59 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

THE BLUE AND GOLD CLUB — UP TO $99 Jerry Adair Joseph Adams Linda Adams Joseph Allen ‘58 Felicia Alston ’81 Jeff Appling Bobbie Atkins ‘95 Andrew Bahl Susan Baker Aaron Baty Gavin Baum Victory Bedzyk Rene Bidez Heath Biggers ’01 Joshua Bingham Conchita Black Vickie Black ‘90 Trista Blankenship ’16 Annie Bolick Michelle Boyce Linda Branan Daniel Bright ‘73 Donna Brooks Betty Brown Gerald Brown H. Thomas Brown Tina Brown Pamala Bryant Terry Burge Terri Byers Samantha Camp Marty Carnes Tim Castlellaw Harry Champy Kaye Church Robin Churchwell ’90 Stephanie Clancy Tanner Clark Bennett Clough Lucas Cole Clara Coleman Joann Colwell Tim Conley Jerry Corley

Amber Cory Julie Cottingham Mike Croley Donnie Culpepper Evelyn Davis Bill Dean Steven & Tracy Diaz Betty DiMarco K. T. Dingler Randall Dixon James Dollar Steven Doss John Drewes James Durden Jason Dyer Calvin Easter Andrew Eger David Eppling Kim Fletter Joseph Flow Truitt Franklin Randall Frantz Laurrie Freeman Steven Fricks Savanna Fruhwirth ‘16 Jessie Frye ’12 Mildred Garrett Deborah Garrett Patsy Gentry Robby Gilbert ‘16 Tom Goldston ’71 Kristy Goodman Scott Grant Nancy Grist James Grogan Bettina Gunn ‘81 Terrie Hairston Tony Hamilton ’76 Lloyd Hamilton Gary Hawkinson Kristi Helton ‘81 Vonda Henderson Boyd Hendrix Pam Hengstler

J. Trent Hicks ’75 Frances Hobgood ‘54 Louise Holcomb ’49 Juanita Holloway Eric Hopp Jeffery Hopper David Howell Michael Hudmon ‘70 Margurite Huff ’76 Corey Hyde William Ivey Ian James Cara Jameson Brian Jeffrey David Johnson Ethelene Jones ‘49 Elaine Kenyon ’78 Donna Kirby ‘59 Krista Kugariaj ’90 Della Lago Christopher Lammers Douglas Lawson ‘75 Chris Lee ’16 Hannah Lee Chris Liberatore ‘19 Etta Madden Claude Majester Robert Marascalco Shelley Martin Thomas Mathis Richard McCathren Robert McDonel Elizabeth McDonel Randy McGhee ’80 Laura Miller Hunter Miller Alexa Miller Martha Montgomery Kristin Murner Bonnie Murphy Janet Nash ‘55 Constance Nunley William Oberholtzer Donald Odell

Don Parrish Dana Patterson Blair Peeples Suzanne Peterson Joy Phillips ’92 Maddie Phillips Lance Pittman Daniel Poole ‘80 Jane Prince Connie Propes Geoff Prows H. Edward Pruitt Otis Rakestraw Tammy Raymo Brooke Reed ’16 Maggie Reeves ‘19 Curt Richard Theresa Rigsby Rebecca Robertson Sarah Robles ’16 Charles Ryan Donna Sanders Stephen Sanvi Jordan Schaeffer Peggy Schenck Rachel Schnelbach Dana Sellars ‘78 Jenni Shepard Kenneth Shinlever ’68 Kandy Shook Anthony Shubert W. Alan Simmons Ronnie Simpson Heather Sinyard Carleen Smith Eddie Smith Jason Smith Lon Smith Myrtle T. Smith Nicholas Spann Sharon Spence Carol Spires Chanda Stafford ‘16 Gregory Stanford

Bea Stevens Calvin Stewart Richard Strickland Steve Sumber Terry Thomas Johnny Thomas Paul Thompson Lindsey Townsend Phyllis Trivett Alyssa Turner John Turner Estine Uys Bryant Wallace Samuel Ward ’04 Robert Watson Zachery Watson Fiorella Weaver Richard Webster Anita Welborn Mackenzie Whitaker Jennifer White Parker White Jeanette Whitlock Elizabeth Wiley Barbara Wilkinson Duane Williford Paul Winder Craig Winfrey Cierra Winkler Amos Wipf Hannah Wisdom ‘11 Connie Worrel Lorraine Wrage James Yopp Walton Young Sidney Ziglar ORGANIZATIONS Best Buy Emp. Giving CJ Martin, Inc. DEC Training, D. Clark Helen First Baptist Jones Poultry Farm, Inc. Yankee Candle Wells Fargo Clearing

Kelli Duck Elizabeth Dunagan Janie Dunn James Dunnington June Dupree Stacy Dyer John Earley Ronald Edwards Jennifer Efferson Cindy Erbele Laura Faught Don Ferguson ’81 Milan Fischer Robert Foster T. A. Fowler Tommy Franklin

Carl Free James Gant ‘87 Patrice Garner Judy Gillentine ’98 Wade Godfrey Larry Grant J. Fred Gunter ‘57 Don Hamby Ona Hamilt Liz Hamilton Doris Hammond Russell Harbin Charles Harris ’64 Teresa Haymore Daniel Hendrix ‘94 David Henson

THE FOUNTAIN CLUB — $99 TO $249 Cassie Abernathy Dennis Allen Mike L. Anchors ‘60 Marilyn Ashley Cindy Baker Robert Banks Marcia Batson Gary Bennett Emily Blair Edana Bondoc Elizabeth Bowers Ryan Bowman ’94 Nancy Bray Wilbur Brooks Myra Brown Henry Brown ‘64

Keith Brown William W. Bryan Megan Burke Courtney Butler Christopher Carlton ’13 Miguel Caro Phillip Carpenter ‘64 Billy & Sara Carter Tom Carter Mike Cash Gilbert Chung ’68 Gene Cobb John Cobb Aubrey Cochran C. Harris Collier Steven Collins ‘70

James Copeland Nancy Copeland Paul Cox Brenda Cramer Randy Crenshaw Lindsey Curtin Billy Davis Britt Davis Emmagene Davis Freddy Davis Rebecca Davis Margaret Deaver Linda Deyton Cynthia Diekmann Maël Disseau Michael Drennan 58

THE FOUNTAIN CLUB — $99 TO $249 – CONTINUED Barbara Hodgkins ’54 Anne Hopp Sherman Howard Vicki Howington ‘91 James Irvin Robert Johnson Barbara Johnson Ruth Johnson-Wells Michael Justus Henry Kines Lane King Donna Kinsey John Knoll Chad Knott Eleanor Koon ‘59 Michael Lance Janice Ledford ‘67 Helen Lester Alice Loggins ‘55 Eileen Lugo Lillian Mainer Harris Malcom ‘73 Sandra Mansfield ‘64 Carl Marshall Andrea McCall Robert McCathren

Paul McCormack Scott McDade Emma McGee Ty Mitchell Tammy Mize ‘79 Daniel Moosbrugger Nell Morgan Linda Mosely ‘80 Dennis Moss Joshua Muzyka Edward Nix ‘77 Eddie O’Brien Jean Owens Keith Parker Travis Parks Diby Paul Sam Pelletier Glenda Pierce J. Larry Putnam Damian Quattlebaum Kayla Quigley ‘18 Allen Rea Phillip Roberts Dusty Rogers Shirley Schecter Daniel Schnelbach

H. Scott-Encalade Pat Segers ’77 Larry Scheffield Wesley Sherrell David Simmons James Simpson David Sinyard Margaret Sloan Mildred A. Smith ‘55 Max Smith ‘55 Kennon Smith Tim Smith ’82 Sarah Sosebee Blaine Sosebee Paul Sparks ‘96 Jill Stallings Donald Stanley Lauren Stanley Betty Still James Tarleton Louise Terrell Roger Thomas Danny Thomas Barry Thompson ’73 Kevin Thompson Richard Tinius ‘53

James Todd Tim Travis Marshall Varnum ’76 Edward Wall Joyce Walton Margie Webb ‘61 Abram Weimer Frances West Darrell Westmoreland Jimmy Whitaker Rex White Jerry Williams Marilyn Williamson Larry A. Wilson ‘63 Chris Winford Ashleigh Wojslawowicz Jon Yeh Shirley Young Veronica Young ORGANIZATIONS The Carpet Store Absolue Climate Control Airline Baptist ARI Blocker Insurance Center Baptist, Helen

Chattahoochee Baptist Association Coastal State Bank Corner Grill Dahlonega Country Day First Baptist Sandersville Fred’s Famous Peanuts Georgia Poultry Federation Habersham Baptist Church Jacobs Media Corporation Kelly Products Kristacy, LLC North Georgia Bldg Supply North Georgia Diamond Northside Baptist, Valdosta Papa’s Pizza To Go Parks Lumber & Building Supply Valhalla Resort

Mike Stewart Gloria Sutton ‘02 Nathan Swenson Denise Thrower Steven Tyndall Arthur Vadner Rebecca Watters Joseph Welborn Robby West Debra Whitaker Carolyn Whitmire ’60 Mitzi Williams Kurt Wise Carol Wood ‘56

ORGANIZATIONS Amazon Smile Bruce Construction Cleveland Winnelson FineGiftSoaps.com First Baptist, Perry Gainesville Freezer Gilco Chaplain Services Jeff Sullivan Concrete.

Kevin Head Agency, LLC Northeast Georgia Exterminating Quality Welding & Fabricating Sports Fields Unlimited

ORGANIZATIONS America’s Best Mini Storage Andrews Business Svcs Bartlett Family, Winder C&K Wright Enterprises Cleveland Drug Company Cleveland IGA Earle’s Grove Baptist Edmondson-Telford Fnd. Fairview Baptist Church First Baptist, Newnan FUMC Oakwood Gun Commanders, Ltd. H. E. Hodge Company

JSB Inc/McDonalds Lanier Outdoor Equipment McAffee Dental OWA Management Svcs Patterson Prime Properties Paul Family Charitable Foundation Pine Level Baptist Property Claims Service Southstar Energy Svcs VJM Seafood Whitehall Venture

THE MOUNTAINEER CLUB — $250 TO $499 James Bryant ‘64 Brandon Butler Carol Campbell Allen Carroll Curtis Collins Celeste Dunnington Chris Eppling Margaret Eppling John R. Ford Mark Funk ’78 Kenneth Gabrielse Kim Gonzalez Rachel Gossett Jason Graffagnino Elizabeth Hamilt

Aleise Hamilton Michah Hamrick B. Miles Hannan Holly Haynes Nell Hoyle Carolyn Hutcheson Jaron Jewell Shelly Johnston Janis Justus Randy Kennedy Jeff Langley Backy Lombard Jeremiah Lukers Peter Lumpkins Melvin Masters

Charles Matheson Donny McIver Susan McKeithan Rachael Meggitt John Minor Jonathan Morris ‘99 Jimmy Pruett Paul Quigley Valarie Reeves Breenana Samples Christopher Sanchez Frances Skelton ’55 Bryan Smith Richard Statham Vicki Steele

THE DANE'S CLUB — $500 TO $999 Clinton Adams David Aderhold VC Barrett Paul Bennington Russell Bowman Rob Britton Shannon Brooks Fred Bucher Rachel Buie Travis A Cheek ‘63 Amy Cornelius Michael Dorough Cheryl Duke Malcom Dye Travis Dyer ‘66

Garry English Al Gainey Barbara Grauso Michelle Green Marie Griffin-Taylor Lydia Hambrick Meredith Hawks ‘17 David L. Irvin Glenn T. Jones ‘73 Charles Kilby Richard Krise Terry Lingerfelt A. Glen McCall Dale Morris Ernest Noe

Dennis Obert Sylvia Palmer ‘55 Gerald Patcholke Stephen Patton Weyman Perry Bruce Phillips ‘56 Dennis Reeves Jeff Roland Dan Rosser Shay Runion Knox Tabb Meagan Taylor ‘18 Tony Thompson Robert Williamson Jerry Yandell

T H E F E R N A N D O C . M CCO N N E L L S O C I E T Y – $ 1 , 0 0 0 TO $ 7, 9 9 9 Hripsime Ammari ‘67 Grace Aste Hirsch Banks ’54 Ann Bartlett Mason Bartlett Bill Bonner Zachary Buchanan ‘17 Emir Caner Glenn Canup ’96 Patricia Canup Christopher Carpenter James Castleberry Donna Caudell David Clevenger Christen Collier Jeanetta Daniel Rebecca Davie Jerry Davis ‘63 Jacqueline Dickens David Drake Rachel Durham Bob & Linda Fenner Merrill Folsom ‘80 Natalie Ford Doris Fosnocht

Dana Goff Amy Goins ’88 Edward Gregory Joshua Hamilton James H. Harris ‘62 Jerry Hughes Katherine Hyatt Timothy Imhoff Gary Jarnagin Ronald Johnson Charlie Jones Daniel Kerrigan Bonnie Loffredo M. L. Martin ‘62 Rebecca McCandless Robert McCollum ‘55 Bill McIver Lamar Merritt Barbara Morgan Evans Newell Paige Patterson John Pearson ‘14 Hubert Pethel ‘64 Jessie Pruett Anthony Reabold ‘81

Brad Reynolds Brian Roberts F. S. Sanders Van Sanders Mary Kay Schaffer Granville Shubert ‘56 Richard Sissom Richard Terry Kevin Tharpe Ken Thigpen Alae Risse Thomas ‘56 Bruce Thompson Calvin Thompson Kurt Topp Marjorie Turnbull Dal Turner ‘55 Stephanie Wallis Walter West Myer Westmoreland Paul Willard Carol Yandell John Yarbrough ‘69 Rebecca Young

ORGANIZATIONS Atlanta Street Baptist Cafe Cancun Cauthan Construction Charles Black Construction Clipper Petroleum Cofer Brothers, Inc. Concord Baptist Creation Research Society Deb’s Dollar & Discount Dekalb Office Delicious Pizza LLC Far East Broadcasting First Baptist Whitsett GICA Hayes of Baldwin Hemani Group Dev. Innovative Roofing Jeff Forrestall CPA Jimmy’s Mobile Court John & Sarah Nix Fnd. Mamari Corporation

Mulberry Baptist Assn.

Northeast GA Medical Center Northside Baptist, Tifton Our Daily Bread Pickett’s Mill Baptist Ralph Grizzle Trucking Rock Springs Baptist Ron Cantrell Construction Salem Baptist McDonough Shorter Foods/ Cleveland DQ South State Bank SRI Management, LLC The Thomas & Bernice Irvin Foundation Tim Hunt insurance Tipton Construction United Community Bank White Co. Baptist Assn.

Zaxby’s

THE GEORGE W. TRUETT SOCIETY – $8,000 TO $14,999 Donald Cathy Michael McCathren

ORGANIZATIONS Chick-Fil-A of Cleveland GA Baptist Healthcare Ministry Foundation

THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE – $15,000 TO $49,999 Thomas Abernathy E. Wayne Farr Harvard Hopkins John J. Howard Keith Kelly Robert Thompson ‘50 Joe T. Wood, Jr.

ORGANIZATIONS Gainesville Mechanical John N. White Charitable Remainder Trust Carolyn King Ragan Charitable Foundation George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation

THE FOUNDER'S CIRCLE – $50,000 AND ABOVE Todd Starnes

This is YOUR BELL

ORGANIZATIONS First Baptist Church, Atlanta Georgia Baptist Mission Board Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Foundation Food Group Wood Holdings, LLP

Are we hitting the mark?

Let us know what kind of stories around TMU interest you.

Have an idea for a story? Share it with us at alumni@truett.edu or call 706-865-2134 x3701

62

I N M U AL snippits 1990

Robin Crawford Churchwell

Robin began with a business degree in mind but found God had a much different plan for her life with a teaching career. She has taught in the public school system as well as become a published author. She has fond memories of her time at Truett and has enjoyed the friendships established here for the past 30 years. As a senior she was elected to the Student Government and enjoyed being a part of the class that reinstated school dances at Truett. She lives near the campus today with her husband, Lee, and their three sons.

1988

Andrea Folsom Gray

Andrea graduated from Truett McConnell with an Associates Degree and went on to Mercer University to complete her BA and from there she attended the University of Georgia to earn her Master Degree.

Andrea has been a middle grades teacher in Georgia and Texas.

Through the years she has been involved in the ministry of her local church serving in children’s choir, VBS, Bible drill, Girls In Action, sanctuary choir and hand bell choir. She and her husband, Johnathan ('94), have four children with the oldest being the third generation of Folsoms now attending TMU.

Ben Garrison Ben gives God all the glory for his time at TMU. He knows the Lord directed his path early on through earning his 1st degree in 2012 and again for the completion of his Master Degree in 2016.

As a very special bonus the Lord also directed a best friend to be attending TMU during that same time and she would become his wife the very next day after receiving his Master Degree.

Ben and Mallory ('17) welcomed their 1st child, Judah earlier this year. Ben works as a student pastor at Christ Place Church in Oakwood, Georgia. He claims to have won the most flag football championships (5) while at Truett and he was also the 1st MAT graduate and first Master Degree graduate at TMU. 63 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

. . .

M U L A 2014

Kristen Pruitt Brannon

Kristen with husband, Tyler, travel this great country with Chick-Fil-A. She is in the Leadership Development Program where she is preparing to transition into the franchise as an Owner/Operator in the future.

Kristen and Tyler met at Truett and married a few years later.

2019

Angela Bringmann Martin

Angela with husband, Austin fulfilled a dream when becoming a firefighter with the City of Cornelia Fire Department. She enjoys the challenges of her work and knows the Lord has brought her on this journey to be able to meet the needs of people on a physical, mental and spiritual level. She and Austin know the rewards of their work and see these in all the lives they touch.

Angela developed strong ties and a firm foundation while attending Truett and feels confident that God will continue to lead her where He desires for her to serve.

2015

Bethani Banks Cramer

Bethani is joyful over their son, Richard Benjamin. She ministers alongside her husband, Rik ('13). They serve wherever the Lord calls them and go where He sends them. They have served in churches all over the south east. Both are published authors and attribute their beginnings to the strong foundations that were established through their Christian Studies major and the professors that helped shape their lives while at Truett McConnell. Bethani and Rik are excited to announce that their second child is due in February.

CASSIE ABERNATHY 64

CA

TMU

ONLINE

#1 Private University • #4 School Overall IN ONLINE EDUCATION IN GEORGIA EDsmart is recognized as the most comprehensive and well-rounded, national publisher of college resources and rankings. Within Georgia, EDsmart considered over 70 public colleges, universities, and technical colleges and more than 45 private universities. Rankings are based primarily on three areas: Affordability (financial aid, net price), Student Satisfaction (retention rate), and Student Outcome (4-year graduation rate). Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.

In 2019: Best Online Colleges in Georgia, TMU was ranked #4 by EDsmart.

TMU's total score of 99.4 is made up of the following:

•

Financial Aid: 99%

•

Average Net Price: $17,257

•

Retention Rate: 84%

•

Graduation Rate: 66%

“We are grateful to receive statewide recognition as the #1 private university and the #4 school overall in online education in Georgia,” said TMU President Dr. Emir Caner.

“We are thrilled that 66% of online students graduate, a feat that is very rare in the online community.

That is in no small part due to our faculty and staff and how they serve our student body.”

“TMU Online offers the benefits of flexibility combined with small class sizes,” said Amy Hayes, TMU’s Director of TMU Online Learning.

“Because assignments are usually

due at the end of each week, students with families and/or full-time jobs can schedule their work around times that works best for them. Small class sizes mean that online students can easily build connections with both their professors and the other students in their programs, which can help them feel less isolated and more supported in their learning.”

TMU RANKED #6 IN U.S.

Most Affordable Online Theology Program

Caner added, “Besides watching our students fulfill the Great Commission, nothing thrills my soul more than knowing they can receive a world class education without the cumbersome debt that usually accompanies such a degree.

Here at Truett McConnell, it is our desire to raise up a generation who will fulfill God’s call without carrying the usual weight of student loans and debt.”

You can be part of the TMU family wherever you live. Wherever you are in life, Truett McConnell University Online provides flexibility in your educational goals with a foundation in a Christian worldview. For information on TMU Online, visit truett.edu/online.

A complete list of best college rankings is available at www.edsmart.org/accreditedonline-colleges/georgia.

6 5 | THE B ELL tr uet t. edu

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