Milligan College Magazine, Summer 2012

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:16 PM Page 1

Milligan SUMMER 2012

Magazine

Patience is a (Biological) Vir tue n A Persistent Spirit n Putting it in Writing

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:16 PM Page 2

Summer 2012 | Volume 14, Number 2

Milligan PRESidEnt Bill Greer (’85) bgreer@milligan.edu

VicE PRESidEnt foR inStitUtional adVancEMEnt Jack Simpson (’92) jasimpson@milligan.edu

VicE PRESidEnt foR EnRollMEnt ManaGEMEnt and MaRkEtinG A. Lee Fierbaugh (’94) lfierbaugh@milligan.edu

Letter from theEditor

diREctoR of alUMni RElationS EDITOR Theresa Garbe (’91) tmgarbe@milligan.edu

diREctoR of PUBlic RElationS ASSISTANT EDITOR Chandrea Shell (’00) chshell@milligan.edu

cREatiVE SERVicES cooRdinatoR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Art Brown atbrown@milligan.edu

PUBlic RElationS aSSiStant FEATuRE WRITER Stories on 14, 20 Melissa Nipper (’96) mhnipper@milligan.edu

SPoRtS infoRMation diREctoR FEATuRE WRITER Stories on 16, 18 Matt Laws sportsinfo@milligan.edu

coVER PHoto by Peter Nelson (’13) contRiBUtoRS of PHotoS: Photo on 2, © Mark Peacock Photos on 4-6, © Peter Nelson Photos on 8-9, © Peter Nelson, PR staff Photo on 10, contributed Photos on 12, contributed, archives Photos on 14-15, © Mark Jones, © Daniel Jones (’12), © Andrew Frost (’08) Photos on 16-17, contributed Photos on 18, © Mark Peacock, © Brandon Hicks Photos on 20-22, contributed, archives Photos on 26-27, © Mark Peacock, PR staff, © Andrew Hopper (’04), © Peter Nelson Photo on 28, archives

oUR MiSSion As a Christian liberal arts college, Milligan College seeks to honor God by educating men and women to be servant-leaders.

oUR ViSion As a premier Christian liberal arts college where Jesus Christ is exalted and excellence is the standard, Milligan will change lives and shape culture through a commitment to Christian leadership.

GEnERal infoRMation The Milligan Magazine is published regularly by the Milligan College Office of Institutional Advancement for alumni and friends of the college and is distributed free of charge. The Magazine highlights the college’s vision to change lives and shape culture through a commitment to servant-leadership.

Copyright © 2012 Milligan College.

800.447.5922 | www.milligan.edu AlumniOffice@milligan.edu POSTMASTeR: Send address corrections to Advancement, P.O. Box 9, Milligan College, Tennessee 37682.

2 | SUMMER 2012

I wish there were one word that encompassed the bittersweet anticipation of both beginning and end. Each spring, I watch and listen as our seniors move closer to their diplomas. The selfassured swagger that carries many of them into their final year is often replaced by a lingering gait as they approach the closing weeks of their last semester. Their steps are tempered by nostalgia and that same mix of excitement and anxiety we saw in them as freshmen at matriculation.

What comes next for these seniors is a bit of a mystery: more school, a new job, a wedding, or maybe just time to “figure it all out.” Those of us a few years this side of graduation know that regardless of the destination, what lies ahead is a journey.

Our collective journeys add depth and character to this community. While I consider it a privilege to come alongside our students as they move from wide-eyed novices to educated, sophisticated alumni, what really makes my job invigorating is seeing what happens after people leave Milligan. Every day, I get to hear stories that have been informed by the rich history, deep faith, and academic excellence that make Milligan unique.

In this issue of Milligan Magazine, we feature some of the adventures and experiences that have formed people who make up part of the Milligan community. From our new president to a retired professor to a recent graduate to one of our oldest living alumni, the following pages offer a glimpse into significant moments that have impacted these individuals’ lives, and we hope their stories will resonate with you.

Education in this place is about taking courses and setting courses, courses that shape us individually and corporately. Milligan College is what it is because of the people who, for nearly 150 years, have stopped here “along the way.”

Thanks to all of you who have trod and will trod these hallowed halls.

Sincerely,

Theresa (Brown ’91) Garbe Director of Alumni Relations

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:16 PM Page 3

Table of Contents

4

12

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

journeys 4

14

26

16

Patience is a (Biological) Virtue

12 A Persistent Spirit 14 Capturing the Moment

2

Editor’s letter

7

campus close-up

10 faculty news 19 athletic news 23 class notes 26 letter from the President

16 Moving Up the Court

18

18 Serving Up Success 20 Putting it in Writing

SUMMER 2012 | 3

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:23 PM Page 4

Patience is a [ ] virtue B I O LO G I C A L biolog the Milligan College n the fifth night of get a little nervous.

g to

y trip, I was beginnin

O

monton, Alberta. on the outskirts of Ed rk pa RV an green tint in ed We were camp e it was the flickering yb ma or l, ve tra of ariness nature of our Maybe it was the we room, but the grim th ba n’s me wo e th fact hts in k and pondered the of the fluorescent lig ed my hair in the sin sh wa essed I tn . ht wi d lig ha to I me ly mountains situation ca on e th , ng ivi dr of ing 00 miles gan. I lay in my sleep that in more than 2,0 mirror as we left Milli w vie r ly rea e on e th in Th es ay. were the on the nearby highw elf ing to the sounds of tick that burrowed its bag that night, listen far was an ambitious us g. th lin ed gg nc wi rie s pe wa ex d ast wildlife I ha . The little be ng ali ue sq s wa I . ing e even Milligan student whos into my backside that eous, tweezer-toting ag ur co a r by he ed ot y cu an res And I was if we didn’t have Was it Lauren? Well, r friends. I name I hardly knew. laugh about with he to ing th me so r he given y we were headed to adventures, at least I’d ured myself that surel ass d an ht lig rd to contain sh fla e th turned out ng day. But it was ha wi llo fo e th ns tai un ed mo I expected. beautiful snow-capp really was not what p tri is Th . nt me int my disappo

Participating in Milligan’s annual biology trip, an alumna recounts a lesson learned in her recent trek across some of North America’s most spectacular national parks.

By Chelsea Farnam (’10) Photography by Peter Nelson (’13)

ack in Mar

ch, I was making plans to spend my vacation exploring Yosemite BNational Park . After graduating from Milligan in 2010, I moved to

live and work in Oakland, California. I wan ted to have some adventures in this new place with my favorite wilderness explore rs: my former classmates and frien ds from Milligan. It would be a sort of reun ion for us on the west coast. However , when I presented this scheme to my friends, they informed me they already had plans.

They were attending the annual Mill igan biology trip.

But isn’t that just for students? No, they assured me, the two-week trip was open to alumni. It was very flexible and the itinerary looked incredible: Ban ff National Park in Alberta, Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming. I envisioned myself ridin g wild horses through the plains of Montana , having a Jack London moment with a wolf in a Canadian ice field, singing like Pocahontas from a peak in Grand Tetons.

Naturally, with those expectations, I found myself two months later amo ng 21 other adventure-seeking alumni, biol ogy students, and professors travelin g across North America in three 15-passenge r vans. Adventure, here I come!

Our amazing photographer,

Peter

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:23 PM Page 5

can

ieve I used up my two weeks of vacation for this! I needed Itime’t tobelven some t, so I went for a walk with a friend. We wal

ked not through an aromatic forest of towering pines, but rather down a dus ty highway in a town called Slave Lake. Things had not improved since the RV park. What use is it to memorize all the lyrics to “Colors of the Wind” if the only creatures who can hear you are possums and truck drivers? I turned back towards camp and resigned myself to boredom for the remainder of the trip .

But when I returned to our campsite, something was diff erent. A number of my fellow travelers were gat hered on one side of the gro unds, laughing and cheering. One of the camper s, Rachel Martin, had used stic ks, empty tuna cans, duct tape, and plastic sandw ich bags full of pebbles to cre ate a game of corn hole. She was in a heated com petition with Dr. Gary Wallac e, who was using his best trash talk to bring dow n his able opponent. Before I knew it, I was in the heat of the game, tossin g bags of pebbles into tuna cans like a pro and commentating on my own pla ys as if I were a reporter for ESPN Primitive.

That evening, things change d. I joined a large group of students who ran down to frozen Slave Lake, where we built a bridge of driftwood onto the ice, played with a stray dog, and roaste d marshmallows on the sho re. We compared notes on how to jazz up our tin can dinners with various combin ations of sauces and spices, and we looked forwar d to the adventures ahead of us.

set its course for nd those adventures did come. Our road weary caravan the inexhaustible by Jasper National Park, and we were soon surrounded entering the park, after wonders of the Canadian Rockies. About five minutes horn sheep tested big l we encountered herds of mountain goats and elk. Severa where we from away their strength, knocking their horns together just yards its fur time, first the stood watching. I witnessed a black bear in nature for eating road, the by e dripping from a recent swim. It meandered along a hillsid the air. sniff to head its the yellow heads off dandelions and occasionally lifting the about y anxiet any The bright sunlight and beautiful landscape melted away . stream tain moun blue trip, and a few students even went for a swim in a cool

A

That’s me.

— Chelsea

Park just before That night, we arrived at our campsite in Banff National gh the gaps throu ed sunset. As we set up our tents, golden sunlight stream to wake early agreed ts between the red-tinted trunks of evergreens. The studen Falls. We River Bow y the following morning in order to go on a hike to nearb with the only trail the g arrived early enough that we had the privilege of sharin .. meals elk, osprey and chipmunks out hunting for their first SUMMER 2012 | 5

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:24 PM Page 6

rk ace Park, a small pa ier International Pe lac G ght I nni rto at ate Th W a. s and Montan rta ur next stop wa be Al n ee tw be er ge dian bord Bear’s Hump—a rid just before the Cana rs on a night hike to ke lt ee fe it e-s t ur bu nt , ve ep ad ke was ste joined a group of er the town. The hi ov t ld ou to s e jut W at n. th va ll e th on Mount Crande much time spent in me exercise after so so as we climbed. t e ge er to th l d fu an er re nd wo s swinging he ht lig e sh fla r ou y, wa the dim lights of th stories along the we looked down on ff, stars cli y of nd ay wi pl e dis th a d and gazed at s ck When we reache ba r ou on lay 0 lakes, then was encompassed 36 town surrounded by whole celestial view e r he Th . ot en an se on er ev ed riv ve e we had ar lik lt greater than I ha fe It . ies ck Ro s snow-capped eniences we human degrees around by the destr uctive conv by lt ed nt tai un e, on mountain, I really fe planet—a simpler me down from the ca I n he W t. en em are so apt to impl from the mountain. like I had come down ier National urneyed on to Glac jo d an er rd bo e th was we crossed en plains, I knew I The next morning s running across op rse ho casion, ld oc e wi on w sa an I th ck on more tru Park. As soon as es aw all us t lef a. Glacier Falls and tested our going to like Montan autiful Saint Mary’s be ng alo d be m cli alanche Lake. as we hiked and ue snow melt of Av bl ar cle e th to in nerves by leaping

O

Yellowstone brought its own surprises, as we encountered the bubbling clay hot

springs and sulphuric pools that emit pillars of steam all throughout the park.

We watched Old Faithful erupt and even saw a grizzl y bear on its morning hunt by a creek. When a herd of buffalo decided to take an evening stroll in the middle of the road, we followed behind them in the van, close enough to reach out the window and touch them. I even got to sing “Colo rs of the Wind” while leaning over 1,000-foot-deep Yellowstone Grand Canyon.

Even though I am an alumna and didn’t go on this trip to earn class credit, I am pleased to say I learned a valuable truth about bird watching and biology: you have to be patient. Nature is largely unpredictable, and sometimes the best thing is to hold loosely to your expectations and hope for the best. As Dr. Wallace once told me, “the best way to stay on schedule is to not have a schedule.” n

6 | SUMMER 2012

Milligan’s annual biology trips date back to 1979. Led every year by professor emeritus of biology Dr. Gary Wallace, nearly 400 participants have visited 48 states, nine Canadian provinces, and the Bahamas. In addition to logging many hours in college vans, these adventurers have enjoyed travel by seaplane and zodiac, horseback riding, pelagic day trips, and river float trips.

Plans for next year’s trip include Florida, the Atlantic Coast, and the Outer Banks, along with a high-speed catamaran ride to the Dry Tortugas and a day trip off Cape Hatteras. For more information, contact Dr. Dick Lura at rdlura@milligan.edu.

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:26 PM Page 7

Student housing village announced thanks to largest single gift President Bill Greer announced in April that the college will begin construction this summer on the $12.5 million first phase of a student housing village. It was made possible by the largest single gift ever made to the college.

“I’m happy to announce that Richard and Leslie Gilliam of Charlottesville, Virginia, are making the largest single gift ever received by Milligan,” Greer said. “They have committed over $4.7 million toward the site preparation and construction of the housing village. This is a project that I believe will transform the campus and, in turn, will have a tremendous impact on the student experience at Milligan.”

The housing village will consist of 12 residence halls, each containing space for 20 students. In addition, the village will include an intramural field and common spaces for fellowship and study. The first phase of the plan is to construct up to six of the residence halls over the next year and a half, with the first units being available in time for the fall of 2013.

The new housing will allow Milligan to keep up with its significant growth while maintaining its close-knit campus community. Since 2002, enrollment has grown from 843 to 1,208. As a result, the college has reached

campus close-up

the point of maximum capacity in its residence halls. This new housing village will be the first new student housing on campus in nearly 25 years.

The Gilliams also donated the funds for the construction of Milligan’s Gilliam Wellness Center, and they support an endowed scholarship in memory of Richard’s father, Marvin, who was a 1938 graduate of Milligan.

“We are deeply grateful for the Gilliam family’s continued investment in Milligan College and Christian higher education,” Greer said. n

New political science major offers two tracks

Library’s MCSearch tool in the national spotlight

This fall, Milligan will begin offering a political science major designed for those who wish to understand politics and effectively engage the world around them.

The political science major prepares students to study law, work in government service, do research, or teach in a school setting. There are two emphases available—the general track and the international politics track. The general track is designed for students who desire a broad foundation in all areas of politics within the United States, while the international politics track prepares students to engage political realities within the context of global studies.

The curriculum in the political science major provides a broad foundation in the study of American political history, the institutions of government and governmental agencies, and the relationships among levels of governments as well as the people served by those governments and their agencies. To learn more, visit www.milligan.edu. n

EBSCO, a leading producer of research databases, recently featured Milligan’s P. H. Welshimer Memorial Library in its promotional materials for the integration of the library’s new “MCSearch” tool using EBSCO Discovery Services (EDS).

The “MCSearch” tool on the library website (www.milligan.edu/library) allows students and faculty to apply a single query simultaneously to both the library’s print collection and the majority of its electronic resources— maximizing the search results.

EBSCO’s recognition of MCSearch comes on the heels of another honor for the Milligan library. The library’s website earned the library the title of “College Library Website of the Month” for March 2012 from the Communications Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) for its College Libraries Section. Criteria for selection included overall appearance, navigation, user-friendly explanations, and simple database searching through the “MCSearch” tool. n SUMMER 2012 | 7

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:26 PM Page 8

Milligan to host Tennessee football training camp The University of Tennessee football team will spend a week of fall training camp away from campus, as the Vols will train at Milligan from August 9-15.

The team will be housed on the Milligan campus, which frequently rents its facilities to various summer groups, and will use the college’s athletic facilities, including the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse and Anglin soccer fields.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with the University of Tennessee in this way,” said Milligan President Bill Greer. “I appreciate our athletic and student development staff for accommodating this opportunity. We will use the revenue from this project to continue additional athletic facility improvements at Milligan, so it’s a win-win for everyone.” n

University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, and VP/Dean Mark Fox, who was instrumental in bringing the training camp to Milligan

10 honored as Leaders in Christian Service Milligan recognized 10 local leaders who have demonstrated servant leadership in their careers and community at the college’s annual Leaders in Christian Service program on April 17 in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Memorial Chapel.

Greg Marksberry, senior pastor at First Church of Christ in Burlington, Kentucky, served as this year’s keynote speaker.

The 2012 Leaders in Christian Service honorees included: Dr. Curt E. Barnes, of Johnson City, an orthopaedic surgeon with Appalachian Orthopaedic Associates; June M. Barrett, of Gray, the founder of the Crumley House; Dr. Patricia J. Bonner, of Johnson City, a former Milligan professor; Jackie Charles, of Rogersville, the vice president of First Community Bank; Robert H. Feagins, of Kingsport, the executive director of communications and development at the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce; Elizabeth Hughes, of Unicoi, retired executive assistant to the president at Mountain States Health Alliance; Jim Moore, of Kingsport, the vice president of facilities at Wellmont Health Systems; Fred Simerly, of Johnson City, retired regional operations manager at Coca Cola USA; Bonnie White, of Elizabethton, the homeless program educator and coordinator with Johnson City Schools; and Robert Lynn White, of Johnson City, the chief public relations officer with Johnson City Power Board. n

The Rock & The Rabbi returns to Milligan

Webb Symposium addresses Stone-Campbell Perspectives

The Off-Broadway musical The Rock & The Rabbi returned to Milligan May 23-27 for performances in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre of the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. More than 1,000 people attended the five performances of the musical, which returned for its third run at Milligan.

The show, co-written by Milligan alumnus Gary Richardson (’78) who also performs the role of “The Storyteller” onstage, tells the story of the friendship between Peter and Jesus in a contemporary, engaging manner. The Rock & The Rabbi premiered at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida, in 1998. It has toured consistently throughout the country including The Lamb’s Theatre in New York City and The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. The musical features talented musicians and singers from New York, Nashville and Orlando, along with original music by Danny Hamilton. n

Milligan hosted a panel discussion on the relevance of the StoneCampbell movement at the March 27 convocation service in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Memorial Chapel. The Webb Symposium, titled “Stone-Campbell Perspectives,” honored Dr. Henry Webb, a retired professor who taught Bible at Milligan for more than 40 years.

The symposium was moderated by Dr. Robert Wetzel, professor-at-large at Milligan and former president of Emmanuel Christian Seminary and the World Convention. As moderator, Wetzel provided a brief history of the Stone-Campbell movement and its importance to Milligan. He also posed questions to the panelists, including Dr. Tim Wallingford, senior minister at First Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, and Stephen Feryus, a senior Bible major from Fallston, Maryland. Wallingford addressed the relevance of the Stone-Campbell movement to the church today. Feryus continued the discussion with a look at the importance of the movement to the future of the church. n

8 | SUMMER 2012

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:26 PM Page 9

Degree at last: Milligan student gets diploma after 70 years

By Rex Barber, Johnson City Press excerpts reprinted with permission

Eileen Purcell Williams began her studies at Milligan College in 1938 as a pre-medicine major. She lacked only one requirement to graduate—taking medical technology training at Knoxville General Hospital.

While in Knoxville, though, she got double pneumonia and had a lengthy recovery that prevented her from completing her final requirement.

That was 1941, the year America entered World War II. She got married in 1943 to Nathaniel Taylor Williams, Jr. (’42) who was preparing to leave for military service in the war. Williams worked as a chemist for 3½ years while her husband served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. After the war, she traveled the world with her husband, who was in the Navy.

“I was moving around from Turkey to Taiwan to Guam, a lot of places all over the world,” she said.

None of those places she went had the continuing education classes she would need to complete her degree, so she never finished.

At this year’s Milligan commencement exercises in May, President Bill Greer announced Williams would indeed receive an honorary Bachelor of Science degree from Milligan. She was presented with it on June 5, which was also her 91st birthday.

Williams said she was extremely honored for the degree and jokingly asked if this meant she had to go to work now. n

Commencement 2012

To accommodate a significant growth in the size of the graduating class, Milligan held two commencement ceremonies this spring to award a total of 208 degrees. Milligan alumnus Robert L. White, chief public relations officer with the Johnson City Power Board and chairman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, served as the keynote speaker.

SUMMER 2012 | 9

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:26 PM Page 10

Faculty News ADMINISTRATION & STAFF Beth Anderson, director of the Institute for Servant Leadership, gave a guest lecture titled “Volunteer Leadership: The Care and Keeping of Volunteers” for East Tennessee State University’s non-profit management class in March.

Gary F. Daught, director of library services, participated in the Bowen Central Library of Appalachia’s shared catalog strategic planning committee and the Appalachian College Association (ACA) library directors meetings (Beckley, WV) in April. At the ACA’s Library Professional Development Day (University of Charleston, WV) in May, he participated in panel discussions on library space re-design and Milligan’s implementation of MCSearch (EBSCO Discovery Service). In June, he attended the American Theological Library Association Conference (Scottsdale, AZ). Additionally, Gary writes a blog advocating for open access academic publishing in religion and theology: oaopenaccess.wordpress.com.

Lee Fierbaugh, vice president for marketing and enrollment, completed her Ed.D. in higher education leadership and management at Regent University in May. Mary Jackson, research and instruction librarian; Jeff Harbin, user services librarian; and Meredith Sommers, information resources librarian and archivist, attended the ACA’s Professional Development Day (Charleston, WV) in May. Mary participated in a panel discussion on eReaders, eBooks and Mobile apps in libraries, and she presented in a session on the EBSCO Discovery Service.

Don Jeanes, chancellor, participated in an accreditation visit, was elected chair of the board of stewards for the North American Christian Convention, and was elected chair of the board of Directors for the Johnson City Symphony.

Chandrea Shell, director of public relations; Art Brown, creative services coordinator; and Melissa Nipper, public relations assistant/writer, attended the Tennessee College Public Relations Association spring conference held at Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro,

TN) in May, where they accepted several publication/PR awards on behalf of the college. The awards included gold recognition for inauguration materials/publicity and silver for both the admissions viewbook and advancement calendar.

Ernesto Villarreal, director of diversity services, attended the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Changing Faces conference in September 2011 and completed Multi-Ethnic Strategic Alliance (M.E.S.A.) training with Salter-McNeil and Associates in October. In March 2012 he served as a technical consultant for Abilene Christian University’s 2012 Black History Production, and in April he attended the 2012 Avancemos Juntos Conference (Nashville, TN) and graduated from the 2015 Johnson City/Washington County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.

BIBLICAL LEARNING Phil Kenneson, professor of theology and philosophy, lectured at Myers Park United Methodist Church (Charlotte, NC) in March, where he offered an overview of his book, Life on the Vine, which was used by several hundred members in small groups during the Lenten season. His essay, “Beauty and Friendship in the Midst of the Mundane: Reflections on Crossing to Safety,” was recently published in Faith in Writing: Essays in Honor of Jack L. Knowles (edited by J. E. Knowles).

Jeff Miller, associate professor of Bible, attended the StoneCampbell Journal Conference (Lincoln, IL) in April. He published the hymn “We Come in Adoration” in the fall 2011 issue of Mutuality magazine and also a sermon titled “Women Count” in the fall 2011 issue of Leaven. The Evangelical Press Association awarded Miller a 2012 first place award in the Biblical Exposition category for his article “What Can We Say About Phoebe?” which appeared in the Spring 2011 (Vol. 25, No. 2) edition of Priscilla Papers.

BUSINESS Carolyn Carter, professor of CIS and business, attended ASCUE: Academic and Administrative Technology Issues & Innovation in Higher Education (Myrtle Beach, SC) in June.

EDUCATION Janet Faulk, assistant professor of education, gave a lecture titled “Using the TEAM Framework for Designing Effective Classrooms” for Bluff City Elementary (Bluff City, TN) faculty in April. In May, she gave a lecture titled “Rethinking Classroom Environments” for the faculty of South Central Elementary (Chuckey, TN).

Lyn Howell, associate professor of education, presented a paper at the International Reading Association annual conference (Chicago, IL) in April.

HUMANE LEARNING Craig Farmer, professor of history and humanities, taught a series, “Reading the Signs of John’s Gospel,” at Cherokee United Methodist Church (Johnson City, TN) in the spring of 2012.

Heather Hoover, assistant professor of English and composition, presented “‘The Kingdom of the Past’: Marking Memory in Charles Wright’s Negative Blue” at the Society for the Study of Southern Literature Conference (Nashville, TN) in March.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Jennifer Susong Crowder, adjunct instructor of occupational therapy, co-presented a poster session, “Television in the Child’s Bedroom: How Did It Get There?

Analysis of Family Interviews,” at the 2012 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference (Indianapolis, IN) in April.

Student research projects earn accolades During the spring semester, several Milligan students earned national and regional honors for their research.

Senior Mandy Oaks of Elizabethton, Tennessee, presented her research on the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Washington, D.C., at the Council On Undergraduate Research’s April 24 “Posters on the Hill” event. Oaks represented Tennessee at the forum, as she was the only participant from the state chosen to display her work at the Capitol. The purpose of the research forum in Washington, D.C., is to provide undergraduate researchers with the opportunity to present their work to members of Congress.

Oaks’ project is titled “Does ‘Warmer and Dryer’ = ‘Happier and Healthier’?: Effects Of A Home Repair Ministry On Appalachian 10 | SUMMER 2012

Mandy Oaks, Senator Lamar Alexander, Dr. Joy Drinnon, Senator Bob Corker

Residents.” Her study was intended to determine whether the ASP home repair ministry improves quality of life for residents.

ASP is a nonprofit, ministry-based organization that provides home repairs to low income families living in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. She was mentored by Dr. Joy Drinnon, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Bert

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:26 PM Page 11

faculty news Christy Isbell, professor of occupational therapy, was awarded a grant from HEAL Appalachia to support the use of gardening with children who participate in a Positive Eating Program (PEP). This program was designed for children who are resistive eaters and is especially useful for children with autism.

Jeff Snodgrass, program director and associate professor of occupational therapy, co-presented a workshop at the AOTA’s annual conference (Indianapolis, IN) titled “Promoting Ethics in the Ever-Changing Environments of Practice, Science, and Innovation.”

PERFORMING, VISUAL & COMMUNICATIVE ARTS Noah DeLong, assistant professor of music, attended the Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (Winston-Salem, NC) and was the accompanist for the all-conference sings. He performed at the Milligan music faculty recital; collaborated with his brother, Taylor University professor of mathematics Dr. Matt DeLong, on an on-campus talk titled “Beauty in Mathematics and Music”; and presented a session titled “Recreating a Vivaldi Gloria: Performance Practice Options for Women's Choirs” at the Tennessee Music Educators Association conference (Chattanooga, TN). He performed the role of narrator in the Bach Coffee Cantata with the Milligan Orchestra.

Bruce Montgomery, professor of communications, served as interim minister at Colonial Heights Christian Church (Kingsport, TN) from August 1, 2011, to June 10, 2012. In April, he conducted a Higher Ministries workshop for church leaders titled “Leadership Styles and Teamwork.”

David Runner, professor of music, provided organ accompaniment to two church choir cantatas in April: Anderson Street United Methodist (Bristol, TN) and Mafair United Methodist Church (Kingsport, TN), and he serves as organ accompanist to the Johnson City Civic Chorale. In June he played a duet organ recital at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival (Charleston, SC).

Rick Simerly, associate professor of music, recently acquired a new instrument endorsement from Michael Rath Trombones, England, serving as an endorsing artist/ clinician for the London-based company. He performed as guest artist with the Western Illinois University Jazz Studio Orchestra with performances at The Jazz Showcase (Chicago, IL) and The River Music Experience (Davenport, IA), and he was guest artist/clinician for the Cave Spring High School Band (Roanoke, VA). He also performed at the Bechtler Museum (Charlotte, NC); for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society (Blowing Rock, NC); the North Carolina Music Educators Conference (Winston-Salem, NC); with saxophonist Jamey Aebersold at Appalachian State University; and with singer Michael Feinstein in Brevard, NC.

SCIENTIFIC LEARNING Karen L. Kelly, professor of biology and occupational therapy, attended the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) 26th Annual Conference (Tulsa, OK) in May. She is a member of the HAPS Cadaver Use Committee.

SOCIAL LEARNING John Paul Abner, associate professor of occupational therapy and psychology, gave two presentations on Parent Child Interaction Therapy at the 28th Annual National Symposium on Child Abuse (Huntsville, AL). He also gave the invited keynote address and five workshops at the 2nd Regional Washington State PCIT Conference (Seattle) and conducted a two-day workshop, “Revise, Refresh, Renewal: Using the New PCIT Protocol to Revitalize your PCIT Practice” (Riverside, CA). He conducted foster parent training (Abingdon, VA) and gave a guest presentation titled “Raising a Counter Cultural Child” at Jameston Christian Church (Jameston, KY).

as part of Milligan’s faculty lecture series, Drinnon and Allen co-presented on Milligan’s work with the non-profit organization Appalachia Service Project (ASP). Drinnon accompanied four of her students to the Appalachian Regional Undergraduate Research Forum (Johnson City, TN) in April, where two students won awards for their research projects.

Higgins, Skidmore earn Fide et Amore award Milligan presented Fide et Amore awards to Susan Higgins and Sue Skidmore for their loving and faithful service to the college. The Fide et Amore awards, Milligan’s highest acknowledgement of service, were presented at spring commencement ceremonies, May 4 and 5.

Higgins, who has taught at Milligan since 1977, is a professor of sociology and the area chair of social learning. Skidmore currently serves as registrar, associate dean, and director of institutional research and effectiveness. They both were lauded for their leadership and service, including their work with Milligan’s recent reaccreditation process. n

Joy Drinnon, associate professor of psychology, and Bert Allen, professor of psychology, attended the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference (New Orleans) with six students in February. Four students presented their research, and one student received an award. Additionally,

Allen, professor of psychology. This student research continues the work Drinnon, Allen and their students have been doing with ASP over the past several years.

In addition, Milligan students Jessie Davis and Natalia Rivas received awards at the Appalachian Student Research Forum held at East Tennessee State University in April. These students also were mentored by Drinnon.

Davis, a senior psychology major from Frederick, Maryland, earned a second place award for her project titled “A Comparative Study for Motivation for Volunteering Between Two Home Repair Ministry Organizations: Habitat for Humanity and Appalachia Service Project.” Rivas, a junior from Jonesborough, Tennessee, also received a second place award in the category of Society, Learning, and Behavior for her research titled “‘Just Say No!’: A Three Part Study of Sex Education and Reported Reasons to Abstain from Sexual Behaviors by Late Adolescents.”

In March, Megg Jones of Mason, Ohio, and Emma Rees of Redford, Michigan, made presentations at the super-regional convention of Alpha Chi, a national college honor society. Jones, a senior English and humanities major, presented “Poetry of Finding.” Rees, a senior fine arts major, presented her work, titled “Eclectic Emma: Selections from a Photographic Exhibition.”

Also attending the convention were Gretchen Allie of Charlotte, North Carolina, the chapter’s student voting delegate to the convention; Dr. Bob Mahan, professor of accounting and the chapter’s voting faculty delegate; and Dr. Lori Mills, professor of psychology. Mahan was elected secretary of Region III of Alpha Chi. Mills serves as secretary for the National Council of Alpha Chi. n

SUMMER 2012 | 11

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:28 PM Page 12

a persistent spirit Centenarian recognizes unfolding of Divine plan in her life

By Tiffany Weinbender (’13)

F

ew individuals know how it feels to live an entire century. At 101 years of age, Leona Auer is one of the two oldest living Milligan College alumni, graduating from the college in 1934, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has seen the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic, lived through multiple wars, read the newspaper highlighting Babe Ruth’s famous home-run record, and experienced the awe of the first talking movie, The Jazz Singer.

Born November 4, 1910, in Rhea County, Tennessee, Auer grew up on a farm along Yellow Creek. The farm belonged to her grandparents who took Auer and her baby brother, Homer, into their home after the death of their mother, Thirza Stout.

From the very beginning, Auer’s main goal in life was to help others—a task which she has succeeded in time and time again. Her grandfather was a teacher and taught her to read before she ever entered a classroom. This instruction gave Auer a head start in the world of academia and served as inspiration for choosing a career in teaching.

12 | SUMMER 2012

Auer’s journey to Milligan began when she discovered that the college offered a scholarship to all valedictorians, turning the expenses of attending college into a feasible reality.

The summer prior to her freshman year, Auer was visited by President Henry Derthick. He had heard about Auer’s excellent language skills, especially French, and was eager to have her attend Milligan. Auer, however, had one condition for attending: she wanted to enroll in six courses— French, English, education, philosophy, Bible and college algebra. With much persistence, she convinced Derthick she could handle the schedule despite the heavy load. As the summer came to a close, Auer rode the train into Johnson City for her freshman year at Milligan. When she went to register for classes, however, she ran into some difficulty getting her heavy course load approved. When Auer was told the schedule would be too

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:32 PM Page 13

difficult and the registrar could not in good conscience approve it, her At its inception, the farmer’s market was located at a hospital but persistence kicked in, and she once more persuaded Derthick to approve subsequently moved to five separate locations, finally landing in Hoquiam. the schedule.

From the market’s very beginnings, Auer sold beans and greens and became This persistent spirit has continued to be a driving factor throughout a bit of a legend among the vendors and local buyers, earning herself the Auer’s life. From an early age, she was taught that adversity should never honorary “Queen of the Beans and Greens,” title in 1995 at an event meant control your life. In her book, A Whistling Girl and a Crowing Hen, Auer to honor the market’s longest-standing participants. Along with produce, describes a day in the backyard with her Grandpa Ingle. He told her to Auer sells jams and jellies to local buyers and prides herself on remembering watch how the ants behaved when they ran against a stick or a rock. The customers and knowing their shopping habits. ants did not appear upset or confused, instead choosing to turn in another She finds her honorary market title fitting, not only because of her direction. Her grandfather said this was an important lesson to be applied to diligent contribution of greens and beans to the market throughout the her own life. Throughout the past 101 years, Auer has experienced her fair years, but also because these vegetables speak volumes to her upbringing. share of strife—the death of her mother and brother, her firstborn, Growing up during the Great Depression has engrained in Auer’s mind the husbands and friends. Despite all the adversity, importance of eating simply and being she has never forgotten her grandfather’s thankful for the food placed in front of you. words. Every time life has thrown up a road “I was always trained to eat what is fixed block she has chosen another route and and placed on the table,” said Auer. “It may continued moving forward. not seem like much, but one of the most “There are two guidelines to living a rich, valuable pieces of advice I ever received was, joy-filled life,” said Auer. “First, it is essential ‘do not waste your food.’” to choose an occupation you enjoy. Any Writing is just one of the many skills pursuit is worthwhile if you are able to enjoy Auer has tried her hand at throughout the what you are doing. Second, you must be able years. She is the author of multiple books to accept what comes and be willing to move including Miracles and Philosophy, A Whistling on—change, unknowns, hardships—these are Girl and a Crowing Hen, A Time for Reflection, and certain to upset your rhythm, but you have the the children’s book, Rescued in a Hat. power to keep moving forward.”

As witness to over 100 years of changes, After graduating from Milligan, Auer writing was a fitting way for Auer to reflect taught business education for eight years in upon and share her accounts of society’s several southern states. She completed a progression throughout the years.

Master of Education degree in 1956 from the It would be easy to sum up Auer’s life University of Georgia and set to work finding with a few short words—devoted teacher, a job that utilized both her education and her gifted author and poet, gardener, loving wife, desire to help as many people as possible. She mother and grandmother—but while all of eventually landed a job in Aberdeen, these traits are accurate they only begin to — LEONA AUER Washington, where she served as the describe the depths of her character and the sophomore girls counselor for 10 years. life she has lived.

In 1966, Auer took a job on the Navajo When asked what she most admires about reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico, working as a junior high counselor to her mother and the legacy she will leave behind, Ruth replied, “I most Navajo children and their families. In her book, Whistling Girl, Auer admire my mother’s ambition and motivation in getting her education, describes long shifts and a less-than-ideal dormitory atmosphere, but when finding a good job, and excelling in whatever she did. She was the first in summer arrived and she was asked to work with homeless Navajo children, her family to complete a college education, and lifelong learning was always all her frustrations disappeared as she realized the impact of her work. Her important to her.” most cherished position, however, began the next year in Farmington, New Thirza most admires her mother’s ability to accept whatever happens Mexico, where she served as a counselor for several schools. This position and remain optimistic no matter the situation, as well as her subtle sense was her most meaningful because of the relationships she was able to of humor. develop with the children and their families.

“Our time with mom now is very special because we are so aware of it “I enjoyed my relationships with the students more than anything else. I running out,” said Thirza. “Ruth and I both appreciate how we were liked knowing that I was helping children, not only with their careers but raised—to have good moral character, work hard, and do the best we can also by finding them better homes to live in and teaching the children how in whatever endeavor we undertake.” to best prepare for their futures,” Auer said.

In her book, A Time for Reflection, Auer writes that “life has been and Auer retired in 1973 and moved back to Hoquiam, Washington, to be continues to be a wonderful experience because there was a Divine plan closer to her daughters, Thirza and Ruth, and their families. It was in from the beginning.” At 101 years of age, she still believes this is true.

Washington in 1974 that she first began selling vegetables at the local “For me, it has included many things—marriages, adventures, traveling, farmer’s market, an institution that has since become like family to her— teaching, children,” Auer said. “God wanted me to be as healthy a person as literally. Her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter work at the possible so I could help as many people as possible in as many different Hoquiam Farmer’s Market. Even her great-great granddaughter can often be ways and places as possible. And as long as I am able and have the privilege found at the market. of living, I want to continue helping people.” n “During my years of retirement, I have enjoyed the garden and farmer’s market more than any other endeavor,” said Auer.

“As I look backward over a long and checkered life, it seems to me that the hand of God has been weaving a beautiful pattern of many colors and shapes for me and for the people who have been and who will be associated with me.”

SUMMER 2012 | 13

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:32 PM Page 14

Capturing Moment the

ommencement is the most photographed event on Milligan’s campus each year, but for Daniel Jones (’12), the real photo opportunity came about a month before his May 5 graduation ceremony.

Jones, a fine arts major, capped off his senior year with a rare honor for a Milligan student—an invitation to display his photography exhibit at East Tennessee State University’s Slocumb Galleries.

The exhibit, titled “Close to Home,” was a photographic study of family and childhood in East Tennessee. Using 22 images shot in large format film photography, Jones specifically focused on two families from the area. In addition to the showing at ETSU on April 2-6, “Close to Home” also was exhibited at the Milligan Art Gallery earlier this year.

“It was quite an honor for Daniel to be invited to present his own exhibit at ETSU,” said Alice Anthony, associate professor of art at Milligan.

“Since I have been at Milligan, I don’t know of another time when such an invitation was extended to one of our students. I am proud of Daniel. He started as a student with a slight interest in photography and developed into a fine photographer with a promising future.”

C

14 | SUMMER 2012

Recent grad focuses on career in photography

After graduation, Jones and his wife, Megg (Rapp ’12) moved to Durham, North Carolina, where Daniel plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was encouraged to apply for the MFA program by UNC Professor Jeff Whetstone, a photographer whose work has been exhibited internationally and received reviews in The Village Voice, New York Times, New Yorker Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times.

“Professor Whetstone lectured at ETSU, and I had an opportunity for him to critique my work,” Jones said. “He suggested I look at UNC’s program, so I will apply for entry into the program in the fall of 2013.”

Since he is so sharply focused on a future in photography, it’s hard to believe that when Jones came to Milligan in 2009, he didn’t even own a camera.

“I came to Milligan as an art and humanities major, and I was required to take classes in all areas of the fine arts,” he said. “I took Professor Alice Anthony’s basic photography class and really enjoyed it. My dad bought me a 35 mm camera as a Christmas present, and I started shooting.”

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:32 PM Page 15

A slight interest in photography developed into a desire to learn more and to work in a different format.

Anthony introduced Jones to the art of view camera photography, and he was hooked. He learned on a 4x5 view camera but decided he wanted a larger format. He quickly learned that large format photography is easier said than done.

In the age of digital photography, a 1933 Eastman Kodak 8x10 view camera is a rare find. Jones discovered one in a barn in Indiana. The camera, which was owned by a collector Jones’ dad found through his photography club, was in good condition.

“When I first saw the camera, my eyes just lit up,” said Jones, a native of Columbus, Indiana. “I was afraid to ask the price. When he told me how much he wanted for it, it was very reasonable, and I got to take the camera home.”

Less than two years after he found his camera, the photographs Jones took with it were on display at ETSU. Internationally-known photographer and ETSU Professor Mike Smith invited Jones to display his work at Slocumb Galleries. As part of Milligan’s co-op program with ETSU, Jones took Smith’s view camera class in the ETSU Department of Art & Design.

“Professor Anthony paved the way for me to take the class at ETSU,” Jones said. “That set me up to be able to get my work in front of Professor Smith, who also has helped me develop ideas into photographs and challenged me to explore different vantage points and composition of photos.”

Jones’ photographs reflect his passion for large format photography, a craft that requires much study to master.

“My camera case is about 30 pounds, and the tripod is seven pounds,” Jones said. “But I’m OK with the inconvenience of it because of the results it gives. The look of a photograph from an 8x10 is quite distinct.”

After the careful process of setting up and shooting the photo, Jones also develops and hand prints all of his work.

“I love that I am able to master the camera and the art from start to finish,” Jones said. “To me, that’s the beauty of my craft.” n

Tortoise Shell

View from Vermont (excerpts used with permission, Design Arts Daily)

Another Milligan alumnus is also gaining attention for his 8x10 large format photography.

Andrew Frost (’08) was the recipient of a Conveyor Arts Photo Grant. As part of the grant, Frost was awarded a solo show printed and curated by Conveyor Arts. His exhibit, titled “The Northeast Kingdom: Photographs by Andrew Frost,” was on display April 28-May 21 at United Photo Industries in Brooklyn, New York.

Frost, an MFA candidate at Syracuse University, has been making large format photographs for the past two years in and around the small town of Groton, Vermont―the town where his relatives have lived for more than 200 years. His father left to join the Navy in the 1970s, and, growing up in a military family, Frost moved frequently and never established a place he considered home. Partly

because of this nomadic upbringing, The Northeast Kingdom, the northern-most counties in Vermont, held a mythical sense of history for Frost, having been romanced by the stories of his father’s youth.

“I always imagined that it would be this beautiful place, where kids ride their bikes to the town store and everyone knows each other, like something out of a Hardy Boys book,” Frost said.

Two years ago, after moving to upstate New York, he finally made it to Vermont. It was the first time he felt a deep connection, a sense of real belonging, to a place. Since then, Frost has traveled back frequently, 8x10 view camera in tow, looking for his roots. Making photographs with a view camera is slow and gradual, much like farming or writing, so the process seemed to complement the way of life in small-town Vermont.

The 11 large-scale black and white photographs in the exhibit focused on the collision of myth, place and the notion of perceived reality.

Jeremy before he left for the Army

SUMMER 2012 | 15

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:34 PM Page 16

athletic feature

M

ichael Morrell (’05) lived within walking distance of Milligan as a kid, but he never imagined he would walk across the campus as a student athlete. He says enrolling at Milligan is one of the best decisions that he has ever made.

“I grew up five minutes down the road, but it was a place I never really dreamed I would go,” Morrell said. “Coming to Milligan is definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”

Morrell had a stellar basketball career at the college under Head Coach Tony Wallingford. His career total of 1,400 points is still inside the top 10 in the school’s history. When he started at Milligan, he planned on becoming a history teacher and high school coach. However, that all changed during his sophomore year.

“I decided I didn’t really want to be a high school coach anymore,” Morrell said. “I decided college was more of the route that I wanted to go.”

16 | SUMMER 2012

While it wasn’t any one thing that made Morrell decide to try his hand at the college ranks, he acknowledges that part of the decision came from simply dreaming of competing on a higher level.

That dream quickly became a reality after his playing days were over.

Following graduation from Milligan, Morrell accepted an assistant coaching position with the men’s basketball program at King College (TN). After two seasons, he left King to take a graduate assistant position at Clemson prior to the 2007-08 season with the staff of Oliver Purnell. After a season of graduate assistant work, Morrell moved to a full-time position for two seasons, before going to Charleston Southern for a season. However, it was a member of Purnell’s staff that gave Morrell the chance to coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with Rams’ Head Coach Shaka Smart.

“I met Smart while I was at Clemson, and he was a great guy,” Morrell said. “I am fortunate to work for the best coach in the country, and I love

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:34 PM Page 17

“Mike worked hard knowing he had to pay his dues and work his way up. I am excited for him and what the future holds.”

Coach Tony Wallingford

it. VCU is great. It is a basketball school, and we get tons of support. It is a great place to be at a great time.”

This past season was Morrell’s first season at VCU as director of basketball operations. The Rams finished the season 29-7 and secured a spot in the NCAA tournament with a 59-56 victory over Drexel in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament Championship game for the second straight season. They made the most of their trip to the NCAA Tournament as they upset fifth seeded Wichita State 62-59, but they were unable to complete an upset of Indiana, despite leading the majority of the game, as they fell 63-61.

However, the experience for Morrell was priceless as he got his first NCAA tournament win. Prior to this season, the teams Morrell had been on had a 0-3 record in the NCAA tournament with all three appearances coming at Clemson.

“Finally getting the first win was a great experience, but I just wish it would have lasted a little bit longer,” Morrell said. “We had chances to win at Clemson with some good seeds, but we couldn’t get the job done. It is a hard thing to get wins there, but when you do it is a gratifying experience to be a part of and share with the players and staff.”

Morrell credits Milligan with helping him reach the level of success he has attained today.

“One of the things that my time at Milligan taught me is that things aren’t going to be easy,” Morrell said. “You have to set your mind and decide you are doing it. As an athlete you have to do the job in the classroom, too, or you won’t make it. That gives you a level of toughness.”

Morrell enjoyed his time at Milligan and continues to feel welcomed home when he visits campus. Among many of the people from Milligan he stays in touch with are current Milligan basketball Head Coach Bill Robinson and Vice President of Student Development Mark Fox.

“Milligan always has given me a support system,” Morrell said. “Every time I come home, I visit with Coach Robinson, who is one of my closest friends in the coaching business. Dean Fox also has been great to me and someone I’ve stayed in touch with.”

In addition to Robinson and Fox, Morrell remains close with Wallingford, who is now the head coach for the Milligan golf program.

Morrell credits Wallingford with making a lasting impression that helped lead him to the coaching profession.

“Truthfully, he had a part in me wanting to be a head coach,” Morrell said. “He was just a good guy to play for. No matter how tough things were on the court, Coach always had a positive attitude off the court.”

Wallingford also helped instill toughness in Morrell that has served him well.

“Coach Wallingford has been an unbelievable mentor for me,” Morrell said. “He taught me a lot of lessons both on and off the court. He expected a lot from his players.”

Wallingford was quick to point out that he isn’t surprised Morrell has risen through the ranks so quickly.

“When he was playing for me, I noticed that Mike had a real passion for coaching,” Wallingford said. “He is not one of those guys that stumbled into it. Mike worked hard knowing he had to pay his dues and work his way up. I am excited for him and what the future holds. He has done a great job with every position he has held, and I expect nothing but the best from him.” n

SUMMER 2012 | 17

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/27/2012 8:24 AM Page 18

serving up

success Albany Kelly (’12)

Kelly trio helps propel team to top of AAC standings

D

Ahmee Kelly

Kayla Kelly

18 | SUMMER 2012

uring his playing days at Milligan, Ryan Reynolds (’07) had his share of success on the tennis court. However, he could not have imagined the success he has had in the first two years of coaching his alma mater, where the women’s tennis program has been on top of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings for three consecutive years. Reynolds knew the team would have success, but it has happened faster than anticipated.

“I didn’t expect to immediately start off unbeaten in the conference,” Reynolds said. “I always thought that my third year as coach would be our year.”

However, his team didn’t wait until then to start on such an impressive run.

Reynolds, who was a four-time All-AAC conference selection during his stellar playing career at Milligan, took over for Ron Worrell, who retired after four seasons at the helm of the program, prior to the 2011 season.

The Buffaloes have recorded an impressive 15-1 record against AAC foes over the past three years with their lone loss coming to Tennessee Wesleyan in the 2009-10 AAC Tournament final. Milligan had two perfect 4-0 campaigns during the regular season the past two years under Reynolds.

A large part of their success the past two seasons can be credited to the Kelly sisters, Ahmee, Albany and Kayla. Albany graduated this past May, while Ahmee and Kayla will enter their junior seasons. Reynolds never imagined he would have a pair of sisters, much less three, on his team during his coaching career.

“We may be one of the only schools in the country that has three sisters on the roster,” Reynolds said. “They definitely push each other a lot. It has been a good experience.”

Not only has it been a unique experience, it has been a major boost to the Buffaloes as all three sisters have contributed to the team’s success this season.

“They have become the heart and soul of the team,” Reynolds said. “They have played in the line up every match in singles, and then they have played together a lot in doubles. It has been amazing to see how close they are and how well they play together.”

Ahmee wrapped up her senior season with a perfect 8-0 conference record in singles and doubles, while Albany finished 7-1, and Kayla finished the conference season with 6-2 marks.

In addition to the Kelly sisters, Milligan has seen the entire team step up and contribute. Sophomore Sarah Rainwater has played at No. 2 singles in both of her seasons at Milligan.

“As a freshman, Sarah came in and proved herself early on,” Reynolds said. “She has had great results for us, and she has teamed up with Kayla (Kelly) to form a really good doubles team. However, I really think that the best is yet to come for her.”

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/27/2012 8:24 AM Page 19

athletic news Baseball The Buffaloes battled back from a slow start as they ended the regular season with a 26-27 overall record and went 13-11 in AAC action. Milligan was led by senior Wes Jones (Kingsport, TN), who was named to the AAC Gold Glove Team and the AllConference team. Jake Howell (Elizabethton, TN) was also selected to the AllConference team as he finished the season ranked seventh nationally in saves with 13. In addition to Jones, the Buffaloes lost Tyler Walker (Anaheim Hills, CA), Cory Hilton (Elizabethton, TN), Ryan White (Knoxville, TN), Josh Hullet (Knoxville, TN), and Kyle Kolat (South Bend, IN) to graduation.

Men’s Golf

In addition to Ahmee’s perfect record of play in conference, the Buffaloes saw Celeste Carpenter and Hallie Winfrey also go 8-0 in singles and double action.

“Both Celeste and Hallie really stepped up for us this season,” Reynolds said. “I was proud of the way they contributed to the season.”

Despite the success in conference, the Buffaloes are still trying to return to the national stage as they have seen their season end in the NAIA Qualifier the past two seasons at the hand of the top-seeded teams on the final day.

Milligan has been forced to play in the Direct Qualifier as the AAC does not have a direct bid to the national tournament. Teams from the AAC compete against teams from the Gulf Coast, Transouth and unaffiliated conferences.

However, the Buffaloes continue to push toward returning to the National Tournament.

“To reach the national tournament continues to be our ultimate goal,” Reynolds said. “This year, I think we are primed to make a run to the national tournament.”

For the Buffaloes, the future continues to look bright.

“We are really excited for next season,” Reynolds said. “We have our No. 1 and No. 2 girls back, and I look forward to seeing what our new players will bring to the table for us.”

Reynolds added one of the top recruiting classes in the NAIA with the addition of Rachel Hodas and Victoria Grace Sarver.

“We are excited about the two girls that we have already added for next year,” Reynolds said. “It has the potential to be an excellent season, and I am really looking forward to it already.”

Hodas is ranked 59th in the southern rankings and fourth in the state of Tennessee, and she was ranked as a three-star recruit on tennisrecruiting.net.

Sarver is a Virginia standout who was a perfect 59-0 and won state in singles and doubles in 2009 and 2010.

In addition to the signees, the Buffaloes will see rising sophomore Caroline Morelli return to action after seeing her freshman season end early due to injury.

“Caroline is a strong player, and I think she can come back 100 percent and compete right away,” Reynolds said.

With a strong roster returning, the future for Reynolds and the Buffaloes looks bright.

“The success we have already had is great,” Reynolds said. “However, I think we are capable of achieving more with the foundation that we are laying. It is an exciting time for me and our program.” n

The Milligan men’s golf team was unable to hold off a late Tennessee Wesleyan rally on the second day of the regular season title and then came up short in the NAIA Direct Qualifier. Whit Brown (Murfreesboro, TN) earned a spot on the All-Conference team, while Daniel Foster (Johnson City, TN) finished on the All-Conference second team. Hunter O’Neal (Bluefield, VA) and Kody Fawcett (Manitoba, Canada) both earned spots on the All-Tournament team at the NAIA Direct Qualifier. The Buffaloes graduated Logan Anderson (Inglewood, TN), Zac Breedlove (Gray, TN), and Daniel Foster (Johnson City, TN).

Women’s Golf The second year women’s golf program claimed its first AAC Regular Season title and its first national tournament bid. The Buffaloes, who entered the spring tournament trailing by two strokes, dispatched Tennessee Wesleyan by 14 strokes to win the regular season crown. They repeated that performance two weeks later as they captured the NAIA Direct Qualifier by 19 strokes over Reinhardt. Milligan had a strong showing at the 2012 NAIA Women’s Golf National Championships as the team of Brittany Branker (Trabuco Canyon, CA), Kaitlyn Harville (Morristown, TN), Madison Smith (Draper, VA), Kayla Kmetz (Murfreesboro, TN), and Sabrina Smithson (Columbia, TN) finished in 27th.

Softball Milligan finished the season strong as they clinched a share of their eighth AAC regular season title. The Buffaloes finished the season 27-19 overall and 14-4 in conference action but were unable to eliminate Virginia Intermont to advance to the AAC Championship series in the AAC tournament.

Sarah Arrowood (Asheville, NC), Emily Biggs (Kingsport, TN), Chancli Connatser (Maryville, TN), and Krista Lambdin (Knoxville, TN) were selected to the All-Conference team. The Buffaloes lost three seniors in Brooke Ingle (Waynesville, NC), Brittany DiRobbio (Oviedo, FL), and Rachel Ingleby (Knoxville, TN) to graduation.

Tennis The Milligan women’s tennis team captured their third straight AAC title as they went undefeated through the conference schedule on their way to an 11-5 overall record.

On the men’s side, the Buffaloes finished 1-12. The women advanced to the final day of the NAIA Direct Qualifier in Norcross, GA, but they were unable to get past top-seeded Xavier (LA).

Track and Field The Milligan College track and field program captured its second straight AAC Outdoor Track and Field titles and sent six athletes to compete in the 2012 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Marion, IN. The Buffaloes saw Fitzroy Harris (Mandeville, Jamaica), Tanner Payne (Georgetown, TN), Austin Ellis (Charlottesville, VA), Gillian Giffen (Knoxville, TN), Danielle Mitchell (Johnson City, TN), and Janey Robinson (Elizabethton, TN) compete at nationals.

For more athletic news, visit www.milliganbuffs.com

SUMMER 2012 | 19

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 7/6/2012 3:00 PM Page 20

Putting it in writing New book honors beloved English professor

or the last 42 years, Dr. Jack Knowles has taught Milligan students about the F intricacies of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, peeled back the layers of C. S. Lewis’ fiction, and shared his passion for good books and thoughtful writing.

Although Jack officially retired from his full-time faculty position in June 2010, he continues to serve as professor emeritus of English, teaching a couple of classes each semester through the fall 2012 term.

Now, there is a book titled Faith in Writing (Xlibris, 2012) to honor the beloved English professor. The book includes eight essays written by Jack’s Milligan colleagues, former professors, a former student and family members. The book’s editor is Jack’s oldest daughter, J. E. (Jacqui) Knowles.

During her postgraduate work, Jacqui came across the tradition of a Festschrift, or a collection of essays celebrating a retiring academic.

“I got the idea about six years ago, before my dad was making any plans for retirement,” Jacqui said. “A year or so ago, I started getting in touch with as many potential contributors as possible. My call for submissions was for ‘essays on the broad topic of faith and literature.’”

Jacqui kept the endeavor a secret from her father. On May 9, 2012, she surprised him with a copy of the published book. The back cover includes a photo of Jack and Jacqui, which was taken on Milligan’s Anglin Field when Jacqui was 8 years old.

The list of contributing writers is as familiar to Jack as the treasured family photograph. All of the writers are connected to the Milligan family in some way:

20 | SUMMER 2012

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 7/6/2012 3:00 PM Page 21

Jack and his daughter Jacqui

“I had always the same certainty of finding a book that was new to me as a man who walks into a field has of finding a new blade of grass.”

C. S. Lewis •

Dr. Nathan Gilmour (’99) was an English major at Milligan and one of Jack’s best students. He currently serves as assistant professor of English at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia.

•

Dr. Lee Magness (’69) has been Jack’s classmate, friend, colleague, fellow congregant, near neighbor, and hiking companion since matriculating at Milligan in 1965. He currently serves as professor of Bible at Milligan.

•

Dr. Philip Kenneson, professor of theology and philosophy at Milligan, is Jack’s friend and colleague. He shares Jack’s interest in literature and continues to find ways of working novels into his courses whenever possible.

•

Dr. Patricia (Phillips ’69) Magness also was one of Jack’s Milligan classmates. She recently retired as professor of humanities and English and the George and Janet Arnold Chair of Humanities at Milligan.

•

J. E. Knowles is the author of two novels and editor for the Royal College of Physicians in London. Although she never formally took one of her father’s classes, she is Jack’s lifelong student and remembers fondly childhood visits to his office, “with its smell of freshly opened tennis-ball cans and a big poster of Picasso’s Guernica on the wall.”

•

Dr. C. Robert Wetzel, chancellor of Emmanuel Christian Seminary, served as much loved professor of philosophy at Milligan while Jack was a student. He has held various teaching and administrative roles at Milligan, Springdale College (Birmingham, England), and Emmanuel.

•

Jeffrey J. Knowles (’70) is Jack’s cousin whom Jack considers “more like a brother.” He is the author of several books and articles and the retired director of the Statistical Analysis Center in the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

•

Dr. E. LeRoy Lawson, one of Jack’s favorite professors while he was a student at Milligan, now serves as professor of Christian ministries at Emmanuel Christian Seminary and consultant for Christian Missionary Fellowship International (CMFI).

Their essays cover a broad spectrum of topics and reflect the writers’ individual interests—from Anglo-Saxon poetry to contemporary novelists.

“The ideas the writers came up with really shaped the book,” Jacqui said. “Only when I had the final collection together did I see how clearly the essays came together around a common theme.”

The book conveys in different voices “that we are souls in bodies” and the faith that the written word, together with religious faith, can make a difference in our lives, Jacqui explained.

Jack has embraced this theme throughout his entire career, as a professor who longs to show his students how writing can share an understanding of what it is to be alive, to be human, and to be Christian.

SUMMER 2012 | 21

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 7/6/2012 3:00 PM Page 22

“One of the challenges and joys I have in teaching is to convince students that great literature can bring us to a sense of life experience that we might not reach otherwise,” Jack said. “Writing is a great enterprise, but it’s not an easy enterprise.”

This realization makes Faith in Writing even more special for Jack, who has spent several weeks pouring over the essays, underlining passages and making notes in the margins of his personal copy, just as he does when studying his favorite works of literature.

“Faith in Writing was a total surprise and a wonderful surprise,” Jack said. “I am deeply honored by this effort and the love that motivated the effort. Each of the contributors is dear to me—from professors who inspired me to my firstborn daughter, who from a young age loved stories. She loved to hear them and to tell them.

I am proud to be part of her story.”

Faith in Writing is available at the Milligan College Bookstore, www.xlibris.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com. n

In his words Dr. Jack Knowles estimates that he’s graded 23,000 papers, taught 4,300 students and written more than 340 syllabi during his 42-year teaching career.

1998: Looking out our hotel window in Florence, Italy, and realizing we were 20 feet from Giotto’s Tower and had a clear view of the nearby duomo (cathedral).

However, Knowles’ stories are more interesting than the numbers—after all, he is an English professor. So we asked him to share some of his favorite memories, as well as his plans for the future.

2001: Standing atop Mt. Pilatus (Switzerland) in a June snowstorm, and also marveling as 43 Milligan students show the patience of Job in Florence, Italy, while our guide and bus driver (on opposite ends of the city) spend three hours trying to find each other.

From a troublesome tent on a 1975 Milligan humanities tour (yes, they used to camp) to a bucket list that includes Hogwarts, you might learn something new about this familiar professor.

Q: As a Milligan student, what was your most difficult class?

A: Calculus. I came to Milligan planning to major in math, and Professor Mauldin was a wonderful math teacher. But the course helped me to realize I wasn’t cut out for theoretical mathematics.

Q: What was your favorite course to teach?

A: I’ve been blessed to teach so many courses that I’ve loved, but I guess “The Fiction of C. S. Lewis” stands above them all as a personal favorite.

Q: Speaking of C. S. Lewis, which of The Chronicles of Narnia characters do you most identify with and why?

A: Trumpkin the dwarf in Prince Caspian. Though he has many failings, he has a good heart—and when faced with the Truth (in the person of Aslan), he recognizes, honors, and serves that Truth.

Q: What would your former students be surprised to learn about you?

A: I love Cocoa Krispies.

Q: You’ve led several Milligan humanities tours throughout the years.

What are some of your most memorable moments on those trips?

A: 1975 (the first one I led): We began a six-week camping tour of Europe, and no one could figure out (the first night; and again, the second) how to set up the biggest tent. Also, I remember walking into St. Peter’s Square in Rome and (entirely by accident) meeting Dean E. Walker, past president of Milligan, right off the bat!

22 | SUMMER 2012

Q: What are your top five favorite books?

A: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Huckleberry Finn; The Poems of Emily Dickinson; Much Ado about Nothing; Shakespeare’s Sonnets; and (a bonus #6) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Q: What are you reading this summer?

A: Steven James, Quest for Celestia; Bailey White, Mama Makes up Her Mind; Alexander McCall Smith, The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection; and several books discussed in Faith in Writing are now on my “short list” for the weeks ahead.

Q: Now that you’re retired, have you come up with a bucket list of fun adventures to pursue?

A: Yes! My wife Gracie and I want to spend more time in Great Britain (Wales, Lake District, Scottish Highlands, etc.), Ireland, Arizona, Yellowstone, Yosemite, other national parks, and Hogwarts. In the process, we hope to be with our three children (who live in England and Arizona) more.

Q: What is the biggest change you’ve seen at Milligan since you arrived on campus in 1965 as a freshman?

A: The college has made great strides toward gender equality, cultural diversity, campus beauty, financial health—and we now have air conditioning in Derthick and the Faculty Office Building!

Q: Some things never change. What has remained the same at Milligan?

A: The commitment to the integration of Christian faith, life-long learning, and sacrificial service. n

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:36 PM Page 25

BegINNINg FAll 2012

New opportunities to

Class Challenge ad will go here Planned giving ad will go on back cover

Congratulations to the CLASS OF

1969!

With the largest number of alums to support the school during our recently completed fiscal year, you are the winners of Milligan’s 2012 Help the HERD Class Challenge!

COuNSelINg master of science

•

2 year program

•

evening classes

•

60 credit hours

•

Academic prep for TN licensure exam

•

Qualified faculty

•

Christian environment

POlITICAl SCIeNCe undergraduate major

Thanks for your financial support of Milligan College.

With your partnership, you are helping current students enjoy the same great Milligan experience that shaped you—the exceptional education, the lifelong friendships, the professors, and even the pranks.

•

2 emphases available, American and International Politics

•

Preparation for studying law, working in government service, research or teaching

Help the HERD. Support Milligan’s Annual Scholarship Fund. Your annual gift makes a Milligan education possible for our students and could even propel your class to be the next HERD Class Challenge Champion!

•

Opportunities to participate in the American Studies program in Washington, D.C.

Visit www.milligan.edu/advancement to make your gift today.

For information visit www.milligan.edu or call 423.461.8730.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOu! Visit www.milligan.edu/alumni/alum_news.html to submit your update electronically, or mail your news to Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 101, Milligan College, TN 37682. Milligan reserves the right to edit submissions for space and content.

SPRING 2012 | 25

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:37 PM Page 26

Reflections on my first year as president…

I have known for years that Milligan was a special place, and the privilege of serving as Milligan’s president over the past year has further convinced me of this. My belief in the work that takes place at Milligan and my appreciation for the impact the faculty and staff have on the lives of our students and, in turn, the impact the students have upon their world has become deeper with each passing day.

Thoughts of Milligan invariably take one’s mind to our beautiful and peaceful campus nestled in the hills of Tennessee—hills that have been my lifelong home. We are truly blessed to be able to live, study, work, play and worship together in a place where God’s power is so visible.

As Edwina and I reflect on the past year, we do so with much gratitude for the people who make the Milligan community so special. The past year has been an exciting one for us and for Milligan, as we have been able to celebrate our shared heritage and continue to look to a future of increasing impact.

“What has surprised you the most?” is perhaps the most frequently asked question I have heard over the past year. Each answer I have given has sounded slightly different, because each day of the past year has presented me with new opportunities, challenges and surprises—and Edwina and I have found each one to be a blessing.

We were blessed as a result of participating in last summer’s Council for Christian Colleges and Universities’ New President’s Institute. Through this institute, Edwina and I met other new presidents and spouses who have become our close friends and confidants; we support, encourage and learn from one another.

26 | SUMMER 2012

We were blessed to see the energy, enthusiasm, passion and talent our new and returning students brought with them at the start of the school year last fall. Welcoming new students for the first time as president, seeing the excitement on their faces, and being able to reassure parents that their students were in good hands brought Edwina and me enormous satisfaction. And as the year unfolded, the blessings continued as we watched our students in concerts and theatrical productions, attended their photography and art exhibits, hosted them in our home, and cheered for our athletes in competition. Even times of crisis have brought us great blessings, such as the evening we stood hand in hand with dozens of students in the rain, praying for a Milligan student who had suffered a serious burn injury. Through the good times and the bad, we are increasingly grateful for the Milligan community.

This past year has also been one in which we have spent a lot of time looking forward to Milligan’s future. I always knew our faculty, staff, trustees and friends were passionate about Milligan, but I have been blessed to hear the wide variety of hopes and dreams they hold concerning the Milligan of tomorrow. It has been a joy to spend time with faculty from each academic area on campus, to have one-on-one conversations with many trustees, to learn from our outstanding students, and to meet many of our alumni and friends, for the purpose of dreaming together about Milligan’s future.

I had been told that new presidents always find their first year to be memorable. Edwina and I knew this would be the case for us, as well, but we have been blessed with a year beyond our original expectations. The

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:37 PM Page 27

The Milligan community gathered for the unveiling and dedication of a new fountain on Milligan’s Mary Sword Commons in honor of Don and Clarinda Jeanes, Milligan’s retired 14th president and first lady, shown with Dr. & Mrs. Greer at left.

Designed by Tony Street and constructed by Burleson Construction, the granite fountain is engraved with Don and Clarinda’s handprints and “Christian Education, The Hope of the World” — a message that has been central to Milligan since its founding in 1866.

The fountain was made possible through gifts from faculty, staff, alumni, friends and the college’s trustees as a way to celebrate the physical impact the Jeaneses had on Milligan’s campus. Through these gifts, the Milligan community also created an endowed fund established in the couple’s honor.

fall semester was highlighted by an amazingly beautiful and meaningful inauguration week celebration. I had insisted from the beginning of event planning that I wanted the inauguration week activities to be a celebration of Milligan College. It turned out to be just that. The week appropriately began with a student-led vespers service followed by a series of academic lectures (economics, of course!) and events for our supporting churches and members of the community. The festivities culminated in a beautiful inauguration ceremony and weekend homecoming celebration. The week will certainly be one Edwina and I will never forget.

In the spring, we were blessed by a remarkably successful visit from a committee of reviewers representing the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, here for our decennial reaffirmation of accreditation. While I have always known that Milligan provides an excellent education and offers an outstanding experience for our students, I was thrilled that the team’s final meeting with us included nothing but high praise for our college. This praise does not come easily—it requires a remarkable team of people who are consistently committed to excellence.

The blessings continued as our 2012 spring semester drew to a close.

On a sunny April morning, we dedicated the Don and Clarinda Jeanes Fountain, celebrating their remarkable 14-year tenure as president and first lady. The fountain is a lasting reminder of the impact the Jeaneses have had on Milligan and a fitting way to honor their servant leadership. That same day, we were blessed to announce that we will soon break ground on our

first new student housing project in over 20 years, The Milligan Village, thanks to a generous gift from Richard and Leslie Gilliam.

While all of these blessings were special, my most cherished personal blessing from the past year was having the privilege of handing a record number of graduates their diplomas, including one to my oldest son, Logan.

The smile on his face and the embrace we enjoyed at that moment brought to a fitting end my first year as president.

And so, as this first year draws to a close, Edwina and I are grateful for the people of Milligan College. We thank you for your support, your encouragement, your friendship and your prayers. You are all indeed blessings to us! We look to the future, knowing that Milligan is part of God’s plan and confident that Milligan’s greatest days lie ahead, as together, we move Milligan College Forward Ever.

Best wishes,

Bill Greer (’85) Ph.D. President

SUMMER 2012 | 27

Summer Magazine 2012:Spring Magazine 2010 6/26/2012 4:37 PM Page 28

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Johnson City, TN Permit No. 3 Office of Institutional Advancement PO Box 9 | Milligan College, Tennessee | 37682

Change service requested

A SALUTE to the of

CLASS 1962

who have cumulatively given $415,000 to scholarships since graduating

What will YOUR class legacy be?

Make your gift today by calling 800.447.5922 or visit www.milligan.edu/advancement.