MILLIGAN SUMMER 2011
MAGAZINE
Building on a Strong Foundation n Faith, Science and a Son’s Love n This Wild Idea
Summer 2011 | Volume 13, Number 2
MILLIGAN PRESIDENT
Donald R. Jeanes (’68) drjeanes@milligan.edu
PRESIDENT ELECT, VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Bill Greer (’85) bgreer@milligan.edu
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING A. Lee Fierbaugh (’94) lfierbaugh@milligan.edu
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 WRITER Melissa Nipper (’96) mhnipper@milligan.edu
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR Matt Laws sportsinfo@milligan.edu
COVER PHOTO by Mark Peacock CONTRIBUTORS OF PHOTOS: Photo on 2 © Mark Peacock Photos on 4-7, © Mark Peacock Photos on 10 © Chuck Rector Photos on 11 © Peter Nelson (’13) Photos on 12-13 © Peacock, Nelson, contributed Photos on 14-15, © Peacock, Nelson, contributed Photos on 18-19, contributed Photos on 24-25, © Phil Gentry and James Price Photos on 26-27 © Steven Llorca
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.
Letter from the Editor On July 15, a new president assumes leadership of Milligan College. This is a pivotal point in our history. For the past 14 years, under the leadership of President Jeanes, we have seen much growth in academics and in our reputation, and we have enjoyed many years of financial health. In fact, we are celebrating the overwhelming success of our most recent capital campaign. So what does this mean for soon-to-be President Bill Greer? It means that he has a solid foundation upon which to build. Having known him personally and professionally, I can tell you that I am more than excited to see him step into this role, and I have confidence that in the coming years we are going to see Milligan flourish in every way. Dr. Greer brings not only administrative skill and financial savvy to the presidency, but also a passion for his alma mater, a love for faculty, a genuine connection with students, and a demonstrated commitment to Christian mission. Add to that his sense of humor (does anyone remember his antics during the heyday of Sweetheart Convos?) and what more could you ask for in a president?!? This issue of Milligan Magazine includes a snapshot of the Greer family, along with a tribute to Don and Clarinda Jeanes. Know that Milligan has been and will continue to be in very capable hands. In addition to the details about the college’s transition in leaders, you will enjoy stories about how one alumnus played a key role in literally saving his mother’s life, how another alumnus will be living out of the back of his truck for a year, and how some of our graduate students are making a difference in individuals’ lives. If you already get Milligan, the content of this issue will affirm what you know about this institution. If you don’t know us yet, perhaps the content will inspire you to embark on your own Milligan journey. I hope so! The next 20 years are going to be fantastic!
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 © 2011 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.
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Theresa (Brown ’91) Garbe Director of Alumni Relations
TABLE of Contents
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16
FEATURES
26
20
DEPARTMENTS
4
2
Campus prepares for a smooth presidential transition
13 Faculty News 14 Campus Close-up
Forward Ever Campaign Accomplishments
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Editor’s Letter
Building on a Strong Foundation
Milligan surpasses $25 million campaign goal
27 Athletic News 28 Class Notes 31 Letter from the President
Faith, Science and a Son’s Love
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Alumnus researches treatment for mom’s cancer
Playing It Forward
24
Former Milligan basketball player coaches high school team to state tournament
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BUILDING R on a STRONG FOUNDATION By Rex Barber, Johnson City Press excerpts reprinted with permission
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n July 15, Dr. Donald Jeanes retires from his role as president of Milligan College with good memories, a legacy of success, and strong confidence in his successor, Dr. Bill Greer. After Jeanes announced his retirement last fall, the Board of Trustees appointed a search committee comprised of trustees, faculty, staff and students to recommend his successor. Greer, who served as Milligan’s vice president for institutional advancement, was selected from a national field of candidates following a five-month search. On March 18, the Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Greer the 15th president of Milligan. “I can’t think of anyone who is better suited to be Milligan’s next leader,” said Jeanes. “Bill has shown himself to be a man of faith, integrity and proven professional leadership who cares deeply for this institution. As an alumnus, a professor and an administrator, he has demonstrated his passion for Milligan College’s mission time and time again. I commend the board for their choice; they looked at many candidates and selected the one who best fulfills the criteria they had established. I am most pleased that Dr. Greer will lead Milligan College.” A 1985 Milligan alumnus, Greer provides an extensive academic and professional background that will offer Milligan a unique perspective to advance the college in the future. At Milligan, he is the J. Henry Kegley Professor of Economics and Business and served 12 years as a member of the college’s faculty, chairing the business area for several years and serving on numerous committees. Greer also led the college’s efforts to develop and establish a Master of Business Administration, a program built on the philosophy of ethical decision making from a Christian perspective. As vice president for institutional advancement, Greer successfully achieved Milligan’s annual fundraising goals and guided Forward Ever: The Campaign for Milligan College to a successful completion.
“Bill has shown himself to be a man of faith, integrity and proven professional leadership who cares deeply for this institution.” R
— DON JEANES
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Native of Mountain City, TN Parents: Jack and Virginia Greer Johnson County High School (’81) Home church: First Christian Church, Mountain City, TN Church Elder, Grandview Christian Church, Johnson City, TN
EDUCATION • Milligan College - BS, Accounting and Business Administration (’85) - Senior Class President • MBA, East Tennessee State University • Ph.D., University of Tennessee CAREER • Accounting, Pet Dairy and Morrill Motors • VP of Marketing, Silver Creek Technologies • Messiah College (PA) International Business Institute faculty • J. Henry Kegley Professor of Economics and Business, Milligan College • Founding director, Milligan MBA • VP for Institutional Advancement, Milligan College • Published author and frequent lecturer INTERESTS • Political economy, reading, travel and golf
EDWINA (YOUNG ’84) GREER • • • • •
Native of Elizabethtown, KY Parents: the late Edwin and Wanda Young Elizabethtown High School (’80) Home church: First Christian Church, Elizabethtown, KY Treasurer, Grandview Christian Church
EDUCATION • Milligan College - BS, Accounting (’84) - Tennis Team CAREER • CPA • Auditor, Blackburn, Childers, and Steagall • Director of Internal Audit, East Tennessee State University INTERESTS • Reading, travel and tennis Bill and Edwina have two sons, Logan (’12) and Jeremy (’14), who are students at Milligan. 6 | SUMMER 2011
— DAVID HAMILTON (’86) Chair, Board of Trustees
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BILL GREER (’85)
“Over the span of his more than two-decade career, Dr. Greer has developed a leadership style marked by strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and accountability.”
“Over the span of his more than two-decade career, Dr. Greer has developed a leadership style marked by strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and accountability,” said David Hamilton, chair of the Milligan Board of Trustees and vice president of Elkins Construction in Jacksonville, Florida. “In his roles as vice president for institutional advancement and professor at Milligan, he has worked as a tireless consensus builder, earning the respect of his colleagues and peers.” Greer holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of TennesseeKnoxville and an MBA from East Tennessee State University. He is a published author and continues to lecture on macroeconomic theory and the history of economic thought. He also is a member of the Messiah College (Pennsylvania) International Business Institute faculty. Prior to joining the Milligan faculty in 1994, Greer held accounting positions with Pet Dairy and Morrill Motors and was vice president of marketing at Silver Creek Technologies. Greer said Jeanes would be tough to follow, not only because he was a good administrator, but also because he excelled at fundraising and successfully planned for the college’s long-term finances and development. Jeanes’ tenure has been marked by financial stability, campus improvements, increased enrollment, expanded outreach and increased reputation for Milligan throughout the region and the country. “Having worked so closely with Dr. Jeanes has been invaluable in terms of being able to assume the presidency,” Greer said. “He has been a wonderful mentor and teacher. Don not only has the required technical skill set of a good president, but he also has a real pastoral heart. I’ve seen this come out in many situations, whether it be personnel issues or student issues. It has been remarkable to see the way he has positively impacted the lives of people. I will do my best to lead in a similar fashion, using my own mix of skills and experience to continue moving Milligan ahead. “Strong leadership is only part of Milligan’s success,” said Greer. “Certainly we are here because God has blessed us with alumni, friends, donors and supporting churches who give sacrificially so that our ministry might increase. And certainly we have a wonderful team of trustees, faculty and staff who are committed to Milligan. Additionally, I think a real strength of the Milligan College community is the deep sense of ownership everyone feels they have in the college. The Milligan community understands how critically important our mission is, and they have a deep appreciation for the impact we have on the lives of our students.”
Bill and Edwina Greer with sons Jeremy (left) and Logan (right)
Greer hopes to bring his classroom experience and his love of his time as a professor with him when he assumes the presidency. He plans to visit each area on campus to hear about the needs, issues and opportunities faced by the campus community. He also plans to maintain an already strong relationship with the student body, which currently includes both of his sons. Bill and his wife, Edwina (Young ’84), are appreciative of the strong foundation Don and Clarinda Jeanes have left them to build upon. While she was Milligan’s first lady, Clarinda began the Associated Ladies for Milligan, an outreach organization that raises scholarship money for the college. She has also completed a host of campus beautification projects, including the restoration of the Taylor-Phillips House, the one-time residence of brothers Alf and Bob Taylor, both of whom became Tennessee governors. Like her husband, Milligan’s next first lady, Edwina, shares her predecessor’s passion for Milligan and is eager to find her niche on campus. She is a CPA and the director of internal audit at East Tennessee State University, a role she is leaving so she can devote more time to serving as Milligan’s first lady. “I have the same passion for Milligan that my husband has, and I know it will only continue to grow,” Edwina said. “Certainly we hope to maintain
the beauty of the campus that has come, in many ways, from the personal touch Don and Clarinda have brought. Beyond that, I hope to find other ways to serve the Milligan community. One thing I’d like to do is share my experiences of having been a working professional, a mother and a wife, with our students. I want them to know that they can succeed at balancing what can, at times, be very competing roles.” With their professional experience and shared passion for Milligan, the Greers undoubtedly are the right choice to build upon Milligan’s strong foundation. “While we are pleased with the recent completion of what I call the ‘first phase’ of the Forward Ever campaign (a $25 million fundraising success), there is still much work to be done,” said Greer. “In order to expand enrollment, new campus housing is a must. I also would like to see growth in the college’s endowment and academic programs.” To assist in this growth process, Jeanes will assume the role of chancellor for a year following his retirement. Greer intends to make Milligan his home for years to come. “Milligan has been part of my DNA for many, many years,” said Greer. “My desire would be to finish my working years at Milligan, to be able to retire from the presidency at Milligan, however long that is. By then, we hope to have been able to put our stamp on Milligan, as well.” n SUMMER 2011 | 7
MOVING MILLIGAN
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CAMPAIGN ACCOMPLISHMENTS DOLLARS RAISED
THE INITIATIVE FOR SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS RAISED: $20.5 MILLION including $6.7 million in gifts to the endowment
MILLION CAMPAIGN GOAL
$25
MILLION
108% of goal achieved
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as of May 2011
orward Ever: The Campaign for Milligan College has sought to honor Milligan’s heritage by preparing for its future. The campaign’s focus on the three key initiatives of scholarship, community and wellness are deeply enriching the Milligan student experience. Through the generosity of alumni and friends who have made commitments and gifts to the campaign, we are pleased to announce that we have surpassed our initial campaign goal of $25 million, raising a total of $27 million! As we prepare for our next century and a half, seeking to serve the Milligan community and seeking to grow so we can expand our impact on the world, we realize that other needs remain. We ask for your continued support as, together, we move Milligan Forward Ever.
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NEW SCHOLARSHIPS ESTABLISHED The Akard-McDowell Scholarship The Charles T. Carroll Scholarship Sue Chapman Memorial Scholarship Clyde and Faye Clanton Scholarship Nell S. and Glenn F. Corlew Scholarship Edward Lynn Cothran Memorial Scholarship The LTC Michael Edward Crowell Endowed Scholarship Horace W. Dabney Endowed Scholarship The First Christian Church of Johnson City Scholarship William H. Garst Scholarship The Goah Scholarship The Greer-Mahan Scholarship Robert and Velma Hall Social Learning Scholarship Ona Laura Hampton Nursing Scholarship Roy and Wanda Lee Hampton Scholarship Marshall and Judy Hayden Scholarship Dennis and Cookie Helsabeck Scholarship Dr. Robert and Ruth Helsabeck Endowed Scholarship The Howey Memorial Scholarship Don and Clarinda Jeanes Christian Leadership Endowment Michael Albert Johnson Scholarship Fund Barbara and W. Marion Kincheloe Endowed Scholarship Lane Whitney Lawson Scholarship Shelly Lee Scholarship Cpt. Brian Letendre Scholarship Fund James E. and Elizabeth D. Lewis Endowed Scholarship Fund Guy and Thelma Mayfield Missionary Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. David L. McQueen Scholarship The Mountain Mission Scholarship James K. and Julia A. Musick Memorial Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Olbert Clark Noble Endowed Scholarship The Richard Phillips Outstanding Legal Studies Student Scholarship Boyd S. Ray Endowed Scholarship The Bill Rhoades Outstanding Accounting Student Scholarship The Dr. A. Dain Samples Ministerial Scholarship The Shipley-Swann Endowed Scholarship Martin and Louise Smith Scholarship for the Handicapped F. Lee and Florence Vincent Endowed Scholarship Emerald Webb ALM Scholarship Palmer and Elva Young Ministry Scholarship
IMPROVED FACILITIES
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Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts completed Walker Lecture Hall in Derthick Hall Wilson Lecture Hall in Hardin Hall Hyder Auditorium in the Science Building Conversion from analog to digital technology in the Paxson Communications Building Renovations and upgrades to the P.H. Welshimer Memorial Library Science Building improvements
PROGRAM ADDITIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS • •
New adult degree completion program in Early Childhood Education New MBA location in Morristown, Tennessee
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New ITV location in Mountain City, Tennessee, and at Mayland Community College, offering Early Childhood Education program New majors in Allied Health and Child Life Transfer agreements with Gatton and Mercer colleges of pharmacy New online programs in Computer Information Systems and Master of Education Expanded online course offerings across the curriculum Pathways to Success program to increase services to community college transfer students New honors major in interdisciplinary studies
THE INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY DOLLARS RAISED: $3.5 MILLION IMPROVED FACILITIES
NEW AND IMPROVED PROGRAMS
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McCormick Dining Center interior design improvements, new furnishings and serving equipment Renovation of the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel Residence hall lobby furnishings and painting Campuswide beautification and enhancement projects: - New and improved landscaping throughout the campus - New lighting, benches, pathways and paving - New campus entrance and sign - Campus artwork including a new buffalo mascot, Celtic cross sculpture, and paintings in the Gregory Center lobby SUB 7 student lounge and coffee house improvements Sutton Hall lobby renovation New fountain honoring retired President and Mrs. Jeanes
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Funding for the Goah program and Office of Diversity Services Continued funding for the Institute for Servant Leadership and Youth in Ministry programs Funding for campus ministry programs and short-term mission trips Creation Care grant and environmental sustainability initiatives
THE INITIATIVE FOR WELLNESS DOLLARS RAISED: $3 MILLION NEW AND IMPROVED FACILITIES • • •
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified Gilliam Wellness Center Tennis Pavilion at the Mathes Tennis Center Citizen’s Bank Athletic Training Center, new coaches’ office complex, and athlete weight room upgrades in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse SUMMER 2011 | 9
More than 400 alumni, faculty, staff, colleagues and friends gathered on April 28 at MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, to honor Don and Clarinda Jeanes in their retirement. Friends, classmates, colleagues, faculty and trustees shared memories and congratulatory remarks—giving way to much laughter and a few tears. Highlighting the evening was the unveiling of a special, commissioned fountain to be placed on Milligan’s campus in their honor. In addition, Hamilton announced that over $375,000 in donations had been received to establish the Don and Clarinda Jeanes Christian Leadership Endowment.
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Memories Sweet
Well done, good and faithful servants R
As part of Milligan’s spring commencement on May 7, Don and Clarinda Jeanes received the college’s highest honor, the Fide et Amore award, in recognition of their loving and faithful service to the college. Don also served as keynote speaker for the ceremony, which included 183 graduates. “The Jeanes’ influence has reshaped the college physically, academically, financially and relationally,” said David Hamilton, chair of Milligan’s Board of Trustees. “Through their tireless efforts, both on campus and off, Milligan has a solid reputation in the local community and the Restoration Movement churches. Don and Clarinda have revitalized the campus and the student learning experience, and Milligan is in the best financial condition it has seen in decades. That is an incredible legacy.” In addition to their service to the college, the couple has an extensive list of church and community involvement. Clarinda serves as president of the Mountain States Health Alliance Foundation and has spearheaded the development of numerous special events to benefit the hospital. Additionally, she founded and serves as president of the Associated Ladies for Milligan, whose purpose is to raise funds to support student scholarships and enrich women’s ministry in the local community. Don serves on Mountain States Health Alliance Board of Directors and as a volunteer chaplain with Johnson City Medical Center. He recently was recognized with the “Spirit Award” presented by Mountain States Health Alliance. In recognition of his volunteer service to the community, he was also honored with the "Amzi Smith Spirit of Enterprise Award,” presented by the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.
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TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT Orchestra Alma Rosé and the Women’s at
Auschwitz
By Tiffany Weinbender (’13)
Dr. Kellie Brown, chair of the Milligan College music department, recently presented her research on Auschwitz orchestra conductor Alma Rosé, a woman whose music brought a glimpse of beauty and hope to hundreds of Auschwitz prisoners and even saved the lives of some of the musicians. Brown’s research was presented at the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 17. Her session was titled “Alma Rosé and the Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz: Lessons for Our Students on Tolerance and the Triumph of the Human Spirit.” “The study of those who have gone before us and made their indelible mark on history, especially if it was through great personal sacrifice, is a worthy pursuit,” said Brown. “I think any time that type of subject can be part of an ensemble’s curriculum where students can learn more than just the notes, it is beneficial.” Alma Rosé was the niece of the composer Gustav Mahler and the daughter of renowned violinist Arnold Rosé, who founded the Rosé String Quartet. Alma was a successful violinist with a charmed life, but all that changed in 1938 when the Nazis took control of Austria, her homeland. Alma’s Jewish heritage made her a Nazi target, and she was eventually arrested and sent to Auschwitz in July 1943. Despite all of the horrors associated with Auschwitz, Alma soon discovered the camp’s orchestra. Her fame and her family’s reputation made her the ideal candidate to conduct the women’s orchestra, which was, at the time, a mere rag-tag of women prisoners. Alma’s arrival ignited the orchestra’s success and respect, and it quickly grew to 50 members. Not only did orchestra members find hope through the 12 | SUMMER 2011
music, but their value among the SS guards gave Alma the leverage to insist members were treated with decency. In this way, Alma was able to save these women’s lives through music. Brown’s interest in this topic was a long time in the making. Sparked by a novel about a Jewish violinist living in World War II Germany, Brown quickly became interested in the lives of famous musicians during the Holocaust. After watching the movie, Playing for Time, which tells the story of the women’s orchestra in Auschwitz, Brown began her research on the life of Alma Rosé. Brown’s lecture provided not only historical details about Alma Rosé and the Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz, but also focused on the importance of incorporating this topic into the orchestra curriculum. In November 2009, Brown’s article, “Remembering Alma Rosé and the Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz,” was published in American String Teacher. Brown serves as director of the strings program and conductor of the Milligan College Orchestra. She is a frequent clinician and performer and serves as assistant conductor of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra. She also serves as assistant concertmaster for the Symphony of the Mountains. She has also written numerous compositions, arrangements and articles. In 2005, her first book, An Annotated Bibliography of Musical Fiction, was published by Edwin Mellen Press. Brown has studied at Furman University, East Tennessee State University, and Appalachian State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education, a master’s degree in violin performance, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration, with an emphasis in music administration. n
Dr. Brown will give a lecture on Alma Rosé and The Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz on Milligan’s campus Tuesday, November 8. For more information contact the music office at 423.461.8723 or visit www.milligan.edu/arts.
FACULTY news
Faculty News ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
HUMANE LEARNING
Theresa Garbe, director of alumni relations, completed a year-long course through the Carter County Leadership Tomorrow program.
Rebecca Catron, assistant professor of the practice of writing, presented a paper titled “Leonard Roberts and the Politics of Folklore in the Coal Fields” at the Appalachian Studies Association Conference (Richmond, KY) in March. In April she attended the Conference on College Composition and Communication (Atlanta, GA), and in June she attended the Jessie Ball duPont Summer Seminar, “The Concept of the Savage: Fact, Fiction, and Factual Fiction,” at the National Humanities Center (Research Triangle Park, NC).
G. Mary Jackson, research and instruction librarian, attended the LOEX Conference, a national information literacy conference, in May (Ft. Worth, TX). Her attendance was paid for by a professional development grant from the Appalachian College Association (ACA). Deborah Harbin, administrative assistant for academic affairs: Harbin’s short play Hypochondria appeared in Seattle, WA, from April 14-17 as part of Stone Soup Theatre’s Double (XX) Fest for female playwrights. The play, first workshopped and presented by actors and crew from the Milligan College theatre department, was staged for Milligan’s 2010 Festival of One Acts. Jack Weinbender, library assistant, gave a presentation at the ACA/BCLA Library Professional Development Day in April (Mars Hill College, NC). Additionally, he attended the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature (Atlanta, GA) and the StoneCampbell Journal Conference (Cincinnati, OH). He was awarded a teaching fellowship (Hebrew) at Emmanuel Christian Seminary for fall 2011.
Pat Magness, (pictured) area chair of humane learning and professor of humanities, was named the George and Janet Arnold Chair of Humanities at the college’s annual awards convocation on April 28. Grete Scott, instructor of developmental studies and composition, attended the Conference for College Composition and Communication in April (Atlanta, GA).
BIBLICAL LEARNING
PERFORMING, VISUAL & COMMUNICATIVE ARTS
Nathaniel E. Greene, adjunct professor of Bible, received a University Fellowship for a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible in the Hebrew and Semitic Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Alice Anthony and Nick Blosser, associate professors of art, both contributed work to the Johnson City Area Arts Council’s ninth annual “4x4: an Evening of Miniature Masterpieces” fundraising event, whose proceeds benefited ARTS CORPS, an afterschool arts program for homeless and at-risk children.
Phil Kenneson, professor of theology and philosophy, reviewed Daniel Bell’s Just War as Christian Discipleship: Recentering the Tradition in the Church Rather than the State in a recent issue of the journal Reviews in Religion and Theology. His review essay, “The Nature of Christian Freedom,” was published in the special “Freedom” issue of Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics.
BUSINESS David A. Campbell, assistant professor of economics, attended the conference of the Association of Private Enterprise Educators in April (Nassau, Bahamas) and presented a paper titled “The Pursuit of Utopia: A Libertarian Perspective on Middle Earth.” Bob Mahan, professor of accounting, and Lori Mills, professor of psychology, represented the Tennessee Nu chapter of the national college honor society Alpha Chi at its national convention in early April (San Diego, CA). They were accompanied by three Milligan students who are members of Alpha Chi. Mahan, vice president of Alpha Chi’s Region III, served as a presider and judge for student presentations in the area of business. Mills, who has served on the national council for the past four years, was reelected to the Alpha Chi national council as member-at-large for a four-year term. In addition, she was elected to a four-year term as secretary of the National Council.
EDUCATION Janet Faulk, assistant professor of education, coauthored a book with Dr. Pam Evanshen of East Tennessee State University. The book, published by Gryphon House and titled A Room to Learn: Rethinking Classroom Environments, became available in June. Leslie Hanneken, assistant professor of human performance and exercise science, had an activity, “Academic Movers,” published in the March/April 2011 edition of Great Activities: The Nation’s Newspaper for Elementary and Middle School Physical Education. In April, she was named to East Tennessee State University’s Clemmer College of Education Alumni Hall of Fame. Norma Morrison, professor of education, was one of three retiring members of the Milligan community who on April 12 shared their unique experiences from their combined 85 years at the college. This “Journeys Lecture,” hosted by the Milligan chapter of Alpha Chi, also featured Jack Knowles, professor emeritus of English, and Donald Jeanes, president of the college. Also in April, Morrison gave a lecture titled “Teaching Language Learners” for the Milligan education faculty.
Art Brown, creative services coordinator and adjunct instructor of communications, attended a workshop and printed poster designs at Nashville’s historic Hatch Show Print in March. The workshop was hosted by the Nashville chapter of AIGA, the professional organization for design. Kellie Brown, associate professor of music and area chair of music, hosted and taught at the Appalachian Classical Music Association’s Honor Orchestra weekend in March. Also in March she performed in the music faculty recital at Milligan. In April she conducted the Johnson City Symphony’s Mary B. Martin memorial concert. David Runner, professor of music, served as an organ accompanist in a concert of Mozart’s Requiem given by the Johnson City Symphony and East Tennessee State University Chorale in March. In June he served as faculty in Milligan’s second annual Summer Arts Camp. Rick Simerly, associate professor of music, was a featured soloist at the 40th annual International Trombone Festival. His two hour jazz set with piano, bass and drums followed a performance by New York Philharmonic principal trombonist, Joseph Alessi and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (Nashville, TN). In addition, he spoke at a memorial service for legendary trombonist and leader of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Buddy Morrow, in Orlando, FL. He was artistin-residence for one week with the Dayton Jazz Orchestra during the Miami Valley Jazz Camp (Dayton, OH) and featured soloist with the Anderson University Jazz Ensemble (Anderson, SC).
SOCIAL LEARNING John Paul Abner, associate professor of occupational therapy and psychology, presented the keynote address titled “The Mirror Goes Both Ways: Moving From Good Towards Excellence in PCIT Coaching” at Oregon’s first, state Parent Child Interaction Therapy Conference. He also conducted two more workshops and participated on an “Ask the Expert” panel at the Oregon conference. Abner traveled to Memphis in April to continue a PCIT Learning Collaborative for the Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody. Rubye Beck, associate professor of sociology, presented a paper titled “Seeing the Strange in the Familiar: Experiential Learning Through Observation and Writing,” at the annual meeting of the Southern Sociological Society in April (Jacksonville, FL). Joy Drinnon, associate professor of psychology, attended the Healthy Eating, Active Living Appalachia (HEAL) conference in April (Kingsport, TN). Also in April, she gave an invited presentation on the effect of marketing techniques on children to a local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group (Johnson City, TN).
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CAMPUS close-up
Students receive Alpha Chi honors Three students from Milligan’s Tennessee Nu chapter of Alpha Chi attended the college honor society’s national convention in early April. Each of the students presented papers at the convention, which was held in San Diego, CA. Rachel Martin, a junior biology major from Blountville, TN, presented a paper titled “Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity’s Contribution to Impaired Insulin Function.” Rebekah Rollston, a senior biology major from Johnson City, TN, presented a paper titled “Autism and Childhood Vaccinations: Science and Pseudoscience Collide.” Haley Trivett, a junior allied health major from Johnson City presented a paper titled “RSV: A Brief History and Exploration of Treatment.” Rebekah Rollston, presenting in the area of Contemporary Bioethical Issues, won one of the $200 convention presentation prizes given in 25 different content areas.
Theater presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang entertained audiences with memorable songs, laughter and lots of Lucy’s 5cent therapy as Milligan College presented the heartwarming musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Performances were held April 14, 15, 16 and 17, in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre in Milligan’s Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. This musical, based on the comic strip characters of Charles M. Schulz, has been a favorite of all ages since it first premiered in 1967. The 1999 revised version, with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner, is an even bigger hit with audiences young and old alike. The Charlie Brown cast showcased some of Milligan’s finest talent. Senior Dan Ott, of Wooster, OH, played Charlie Brown. Kylie Gaulding, a senior from Warsaw, VA, played Lucy. Making his Milligan stage debut was senior Addison Dillon, of Plainfield, IN, in the role of Linus. Rounding out the cast were juniors Cara Beth Quisenberry, of Johnson City, TN, playing Sally; Brennan Seth Tracy, of Oblong, IL, as Schroeder; and sophomore Colin Blowers, of Elizabethton, TN, dancing around the stage as the lovable Snoopy. n
Area’s first Global Youth Service Day Milligan hosted Northeast Tennessee’s first Global Youth Service Day on Saturday, April 16. On this day of service, 125 middle school, high school and college students from throughout the region volunteered their time to serve the community, participating in projects such as food delivery, landscaping, community clean up and an Earth Day celebration. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world with participation from more than 100 countries and millions of students annually. It is also the only event dedicated to youth and their impact on critical world issues and local communities. n
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Another Milligan student, Kara Patterson, received one of 10 H. Y. Benedict Graduate Fellowships that were awarded in Alpha Chi’s national scholarship competition. She received a $2,500 stipend for her winning paper titled “Reading the Brontёs through the Prism of Mary Wollstonecraft: Protesting the Female Social Status and Inspiring Female Fortitude.” Patterson, a native of Gastonia, NC, graduated from Milligan on May 7. She plans to attend graduate school at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she will pursue a master’s degree in library science. n
Eight gospel choirs join voices for worship service More than 100 people from eight area gospel choirs joined their voices to present “O Come Let Us Sing to the Lord,” a unique concert and worship experience, on April 12, in Milligan College’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel. The worship celebration was presented by the Milligan Arts Council in collaboration with the ADMC Vocal Ensemble, the East Tennessee State University Gospel Choir, the International Choir from Emmanuel Christian Seminary, and several area churches in Johnson City and Jonesborough, including Bethel Christian Church, Friendship Baptist Church, Grace Temple Church, Greater Love Church of God in Christ, and Thankful Baptist Church. The theme of the service was based on Psalm 95:1. Each choir presented rousing gospel selections, with ministers of the participating churches reading scripture throughout the service. Phedelma Turner, minister of music at Friendship Baptist Church, also led the choirs in a joint selection, combining their more than 100 voices in praise. n
Milligan recognizes local Leaders in Christian Service Milligan recognized local leaders who have demonstrated servant leadership in their careers and community at the college’s annual Leaders in Christian Service program on Tuesday, April 5. At the program held in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel, Milligan’s President and First Lady Don and Clarinda Jeanes were honored for their service to the college. Dr. Jeanes also served as the keynote speaker at the event. Other 2011 Leaders in Christian Service honorees included: Jim Bailey, managing editor and news anchor at News Channel 11 in Johnson City; Ike Gibson, volunteer with Of One Accord Ministries in Sneedville; Joanne Gilmer, retired from General Shale Corporation in Johnson City; Dr. Dana Grist, an optometrist and owner of Family Eye Care Center of Johnson City; Dr. Michael Kimbro, a physician and missionary to Peru from Mountain City; Tom Krieger, retired from Fleming Foods in Johnson City; Mattie Mullins, a retired teacher from Johnson City; Dr. Ron E. Proffitt, president of Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, VA; Dr. David Schilling, a physician at Church Hill Free Medical Clinic in Kingsport; and Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr., retiring president of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. n
Local theater talents perform in murder mystery fundraiser Familiar faces from community theater productions throughout the region lent their talent for a good cause at a murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser at Milligan College on March 19. The comical performance of Karaoke Killer, an original play by Joh Mann, was presented by Associated Ladies for Milligan (ALM). All proceeds benefitted student scholarships. n
Fundraising dinner supports student scholarships On Friday, April 1, Milligan hosted a fundraising dinner for student scholarships at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD. The event included 150 alumni and friends of the college from eight churches in the Baltimore area. The event was also a chance to reunite alumni and friends and introduce them to the exciting things happening in the lives of its current and future students. “Milligan College has had a great impact on many lives and the success of this fundraising event will bless many future students,” said Rhajon Smith, annual fund officer at Milligan. Future fundraising dinners are planned for 2012. n
Gilliam Wellness Center earns regional recognition Milligan’s Gilliam Wellness Center was named “Construction Project of the Year” at a spring awards ceremony hosted by the Association of General Contractors in the Tri-Cities. The state-of-the-art facility, designed by Reedy and Sykes Architecture and built by Burleson Construction, received first place in Division 1, which included projects under $5 million. The judges considered several criteria, including the design team, the project management/construction team, scheduling performance, overall aesthetics, sensitivity to the environment, contribution to community, innovation in construction techniques, project safety record, and overall quality of workmanship. n SUMMER 2011 | 15
A Community
Classroom Working alongside homeless families in Johnson City, Tennessee, looks nothing like a typical college classroom or laboratory. But it’s where Jessica Carver and Rachael Petrie, students in Milligan College’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, have learned some of the most important lessons of their graduate studies. For them and their MSOT classmates, the community is a classroom— where they learn to serve while honing their professional skills. “The MSOT faculty has worked creatively to establish and cultivate community partnerships in non-traditional practice areas,” said Dr. Jeff Snodgrass, MSOT program director and associate professor. “We have established several ongoing community partnerships. Under the direction of the MSOT faculty, our students are afforded the opportunity to work out in the community as servant-leaders while learning the skills to provide occupational therapy services in underserved areas. We have intentionally 16 | SUMMER 2011
Milligan MSOT students learn and serve outside the lab designed learning experiences that move students outside of the traditional classroom by immersing them in authentic learning experiences that provide a service to the community.” Before beginning fieldwork, Milligan’s MSOT program requires students to complete a graduate research project of their choice. Carver and Petrie wanted to learn about ways occupational therapy can help individuals and families experiencing homelessness, so they partnered with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Johnson City (IHN) to develop a set of play and leisure activities to help decrease stress, promote wellness, and encourage meaningful interactions within the homeless families served by IHN. “Often, as a student, it is easy to fall into the mindset that I just need to get through school, and then I will be able to serve and help people,” said Carver, a native of Bluff City, Tennessee. “Rachael and I saw this project as
a unique opportunity to serve others now, while we are still in school. We’d both volunteered with IHN in the past and really respect and appreciate the work IHN does.” The Interfaith Hospitality Network provides a network of local churches and community agencies to promote a community response for homeless families with children. The organization provides counseling, job search assistance, education, shelter and food. “IHN already does a great job working with families in areas such as employment, education and other life skills,” Carver said. “Occupational therapy recognizes the importance of play and leisure within the family as a means of promoting a balanced lifestyle.” Petrie and Carver spent time with the families at IHN to find out what types of activities they would enjoy. After compiling their research, the students created a notebook and a box full of fun activities covering six categories—relaxation, games, arts and crafts, sports and exercise, outdoors, and cooking. “Through a collection of generous donations from area businesses, we were able to supply the IHN day center with many of the supplies needed for each activity,” Carver said. “We also had copies of the activity book made for each host church. We hope that families at IHN will have fun using our project and that it will help them to find balance in the midst of their stressful situations.” The activity set created by the Milligan students has been a valuable tool since it was introduced at IHN about six months ago. “This project has been great for our families,” said Melissa Granger, case manager for shelter families at IHN. “It’s a good way to model for parents the many fun things they can do with their children that also teach them skills. We are grateful for the work these students did to create this; they went above and beyond.”
Shivell teamed up with a teacher at Sullivan South High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. There, she helped students build a raised bed on a small patch of grass behind the school. The tiny piece of land was surrounded by dumpsters and uninspiring views, but with Shivell’s help, the students transformed it into fertile ground, producing tomatoes, Tennessee Dancing Gourds (an heirloom gourd), lettuce, and other fall crops. Another research group comprised of students Lyndsay Nauman of Johnstown, Ohio, and Jillian McLellan of Winston Salem, North Carolina, collaborated with the Northeast Tennessee Parkinson’s Disease Support Group to develop a movement-based program to help alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. “We used input from the individuals in the support group to help us design a movement program tailored to their needs,” said Nauman. “We have learned that as therapists, we must treat the individual, not just the diagnosis. These lessons will carry us into our future as we continue to learn how to best serve God and others in the healthcare industry.” Treating the individual was a significant part of a project completed by MSOT students Renee Brittle and Amanda Lizzio of Johnson City; Courtney Brooks of Bristol, Virginia; and Nicki Tuttle of Conyers, Georgia. These students worked with a local stroke survivor, Marilyn Buchanan of Jonesborough, Tennessee. Buchanan suffered a stroke in 2002, when she was just 45 years old. She continues to have issues with her fine motor skills in her right arm. “I knew Dr. Jill Smith, who teaches occupational therapy at Milligan,” Buchanan said. “She’d worked with me when I had the stroke. She put me in contact with the students, and I was thrilled to have them work with me. I had everybody’s full attention, and it was a great experience.” The students developed a five-day regimen of activities to assist Buchanan with the use of her right arm. Over the course of the week, Buchanan’s abilities increased, and the amount of time it took her to complete activities decreased. “We just used activities she loved, such as gardening and cooking, and met her where she was at,” said Tuttle. “One example of that was we developed a customized weed-pulling routine for her right here on campus so that she could strengthen her arm while doing something she enjoys. “Being able to get to know a person and see the difference you’re making is huge. Milligan has shaped me in that way. In the healthcare industry, it’s easy to look at the paycheck and not the actual person. My professors and experiences at Milligan have taught me it’s about people. It’s about servant-leadership.” n
people.
“ IT’S ABOUT
servant LEADERSHIP.” IT’S ABOUT
FAR-REACHING IMPACT In addition to the IHN project, the research and work of Milligan’s MSOT students have touched many organizations and individuals throughout the Tri-Cities area. For her project, Christy Shivell, an MSOT student from Fall Branch, Tennessee, wanted to combine two of her greatest interests— occupational therapy and gardening. Shivell is an organic gardener and the founder of Shy Valley Native Habitat Nursery and Herbary. “As the proprietor of a plant nursery, I have met many gardeners,” Shivell said. “Sadly, I have seen some of my customers go from active and independent to living with a disability that affects their ability to garden, or they’ve moved into a home with no place for a garden. I have also met many children who are obviously interested in plants but have neither a garden nor mentor. “Naturally, when I had the opportunity to choose a project as part of my occupational therapy schooling, I decided to try to connect underserved people with gardens and with knowledgeable people to help them.”
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Two years ago, Jane Derry sat in an office and listened to her doctor say the words no patient ever wants to hear. Menacing, frightening words like cancer, rare and aggressive loomed before her, threatening to cloud her otherwise healthy and happy life. Jane, the wife of Dr. John Derry, former vice president for student development at Milligan College and current president of Hope International University in Fullerton, California, was diagnosed with sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (carcinosaroma). Doctors gave the Derrys little hope after this rare type of cancer was found in one of her kidneys. In fact, after a surgery to remove the kidney and a pathology report from Johns Hopkins Medicine, an oncologist told Jane the cancer would likely soon be found elsewhere in her body and chemotherapy would do little to keep it away or under control. Jane, John and their grown children, Jason Derry (’96) and Jennifer Arblaster (Derry ’99), were left to deal with the difficult news and try to decide what to do next. “They told me if I didn’t have chemotherapy, I’d have a year or less, and if I did have chemo, I’d have about two years at best,” Jane said. “I decided to let the doctors monitor me, and we prayed the Lord would heal me.” ANSWERED PRAYER
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The answer to Jane’s prayer began with a strong dose of her son Jason’s love and his commitment to finding a treatment for his mom’s condition.
After Jason learned the doctors were not recommending chemotherapy, he began a frantic search, turning over every rock he could find in the research arena to discover a treatment for his mother’s cancer. Jason was no stranger to cancer research. After completing his bachelor’s degree in biology at Milligan, he attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned a Ph.D. in molecular genetics. “When I started at Milligan, I was pre-med,” Jason said. “My junior year, I took a cell biology class and became more interested in doing research. I thought as a physician I might be able to help one person at a time, but through genetic research, I might be able to help thousands or even millions of people by discovering or developing some treatment for cancer.” In graduate school, Jason’s research involved the study of certain genes that are involved in prostate and breast cancer. After completing his Ph.D., Jason decided to pursue a career in patent law and learn about the field of biotechnology from a business perspective, hoping to someday work in a company that develops cures for all kinds of diseases. He worked at a Chicago law firm as a patent agent and attended DePaul University College of Law at night. At the law firm, he helped patent the discoveries of several clients who develop biologics-based therapeutics. In 2007, Jason left the Chicago law firm to work for Alcon Laboratories in Texas, where he
ALUMNI feature assists with patents for Alcon’s drug products and provides counseling to help guide decisions relating to research and development, marketing, licensing, acquisitions, and other business strategies to get a drug into the clinic. Jason’s background, including his knowledge of the pathology and genetics of cancer, allowed him to conduct several focused searches of scientific literature to specifically find out how his mom’s cancer had been treated in the past. He knew where and how to look, but he didn’t know exactly what he would find. NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK At first, Jason’s research brought little consolation for his mother’s case. “Turns out, relatively few cases have ever been reported,” Jason said. “One paper stated that only 13 cases had been reported since 1961. Her cancer was very rare. I found a few articles relating to a small number of patients with her cancer that were treated with various kinds of chemotherapy regimens, but the prognosis for all of the patients was not good. Most did not survive more than a few months or a little longer. So I started looking at how doctors were treating patients who had very similar cancers.” Then Jason started to notice a pattern in the cancers he researched; many seemed to respond to the same combination of powerful chemotherapeutic agents. And finally, he found the needle in the haystack —an article from a doctor in Japan who had a patient with the same cancer. By using the same combination of drugs Jason had begun researching, that patient had survived for 10 years with no signs of the cancer recurring. “I told my mom and dad to ask the oncologist at their initial meeting about trying this combination of drugs, especially if she didn’t immediately suggest them,” Jason said. Armed with the information from their son, the Derrys asked the oncologist about the possibility. “The doctor didn’t jump on it right away,” John said. “They consulted with cancer experts from throughout the country, and I remember we were at the National Missionary Convention in Peoria, Illinois, when we got that call that they had reached a consensus and agreed to try the regimen of drugs Jason suggested.” Jane began four months of intense chemotherapy. She lost 30 pounds in the first month of treatment. However, she was spared from a serious case of neuropathy (nerve damage causing numbness and pain), one of the worst side effects patients experience from the drug she was taking. “Most of the people who take this drug end up in wheelchairs, but I just suffered a mild case (of neuropathy) and I can certainly live with that,” said Jane. “I didn’t even lose my hair. Prayer got me through it.” The Derrys received another answer to prayer when Jane’s PET and CAT scans came back clear and cancer-free after her treatment. Subsequent scans have also been cancer-free. “My story has given people hope, and that’s humbling,” Jane said. “I have had so many people who are dealing with the diagnosis of cancer come into my path, and now I am able to know what they are going through and minister to them in a way I was not able to before.”
“Had Jason not suggested that combination of drugs for his mom, the doctors wouldn’t have done anything, and she would not be here today,” John said. “In a way, he saved his mother’s life. But our family knows it was God working through the prayers from people all across the country, all over the world. Our Milligan family prayed and reached out to us throughout Jane’s treatment, and that Milligan connection has never meant more to us than it does now.” John, who served as president of Dallas Christian College for five years after he left Milligan in 1998, is also thankful for Milligan’s influence in his children’s lives. Jason met his wife, Alicia Derry (Laird ’96), at Milligan. They now live in Southlake, Texas, with their four children: Jakin, 10; Joryn, 8; Jaxen, 6; and Jalyn, 4. Alicia graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2000 and now works part time as an optometrist. Jennifer met her husband, Nelson Arblaster (’99), at Milligan, as well. They live in Johnson City with their three children: Aidan, 5; Brendan, 3; and Micah, 1. Jennifer is vice principal at George Washington Elementary in Kingsport and Nelson teaches at Indian Trail Middle School in Johnson City. But the Milligan influence goes beyond family ties and successful careers. “Milligan was a place where I could learn from professors who shared my faith,” Jason said. “The strong foundation of faith-based education helped me stand up to those who questioned and looked down on my faith in graduate school. “I think trying to view the world through God’s eyes helped me gain a perspective on genetics during graduate school that most non-believers miss. I remember conducting an experiment one day, then sitting in a small room looking through a powerful microscope into a collection of tumor cells. I felt this overwhelming sense of awe. I found myself thinking how incredible and awesome God must be to have created something as amazingly complex as what I was seeing. How can anyone think such a thing is random? It’s just absurd not to give credit where credit is due.” He feels the same sense of awe and gratitude to God for his mom’s journey the last two years. “You can’t underestimate the work God will do when you get out of his way and let him work. This experience with my mom, it’s a God thing, I have no doubt,” Jason said. n
‘A SENSE OF AWE’ Two years after the grim meeting in the doctor’s office, the Derrys have much to celebrate. SUMMER 2011 | 19
THISWILDIDEA
On August 1, THERON J. HUMPHREY (’05), will embark on a 365-day trek across America. His purpose: to visit all 50 states, to meet one new person each day, and to tell that person’s story through photography. Pictures will be uploaded to a website, THISWILDIDEA.com, each night. 20 | SUMMER 2011
Channa Horwitz, Los Angeles, California
T
heron Humphrey is intent on exploring what it means to be an American living in the United States in the 2010s. More broadly, he desires to gain and share insight into what it simply means to be human. Humphrey was first inspired to take this journey last year. He had been working 50-60 hour weeks as a commercial photographer for retailer Coldwater Creek, headquartered in northern Idaho. While he loved the outdoor adventures his small, mountainous community had to offer, photographing hard goods for someone else was not satisfying. He found that his “personal well had run dry.” At about this same time, Humphrey learned that his grandfather, Theron D. Humphrey, was dying of bone cancer. He traveled back to his grandparents’ farm in coastal Carolina to make amends with the man who had been a stern but loving influence. To both honor and preserve his namesake, Humphrey took many pictures of his grandfather and the farm he and his wife had worked for six decades. “I would love to have taken photos of my grandfather when he was in his 30s. Photographic images become parts of peoples’ family histories. They have a value beyond immediate consumption.” This experience in the winter of 2010 was pivotal. Humphrey says, “I recognized that I needed a new adventure and a chance to give back.” After saving money for a couple of months, he bid adieu to a regular paycheck, posted his plans on Facebook and in March of this year set out in his truck on a 30-day drive cross country. Inspired by the literary work of Steinbeck and the photography of Stephen Shore
John Wyatt, Denver, Colorado
and Robert Frank, his plan was to tell through pictures 30 different stories about 30 new people he met on his journey. Friends of friends of friends directed him to interesting individuals. “Everyone I talked to was up for sharing their story with me. The most taciturn people I encountered on the street—in three or four minutes they’d be telling me about how they grew up. In our culture, it’s the people who are exceptional who are highlighted. Their stories are valid, but what doesn’t get told is the ‘everyday’ story. I wanted to use my camera to connect with people and to say ‘your life is valuable and your story matters,’” explains Humphrey. Halfway into his trip, though, Humphrey realized that his venture was just the beginning of something bigger. On the road, he discovered a calling of sorts. He texted the following message to a friend, Chris Barnes: “365.” Barnes texted back: “Let’s do it!” SUMMER 2011 | 21
Theron Humphrey
Humphrey, a native of Pollocksville, North Carolina, decided to enroll at Milligan after taking a college tour with his youth group during his senior year of high school. He entered as a computer information systems major, but his roommate, a photography major, soon introduced him to the camera and the darkroom. “Though I had a mind more toward engineering than art, I was drawn to the duality of photography. It is both craft and expression of self. The marriage of these two forms really captivated me,” says Humphrey, who ultimately switched majors. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Humphrey attended Savannah College of Art and Design, where he earned an MFA. “Grad school was a really great path for me,” reflects Humphrey. “Milligan and Ms. Anthony (associate professor of art at Milligan) instilled in me the importance of technique. At SCAD, I explored the discourse side of photography. I thought a lot about what it means to make a photograph.” In addition to his work at Coldwater Creek, Humphrey has freelanced in New York City and Chicago, and he has taught photography at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Indiana University South Bend. About his career, Humphrey says this: “Pursuing a passion in photography is viable and necessary. We need dedicated, Christian artists in this world. We need people who can craft beautiful images.” To see samples of Humphrey’s work, go to www.theronhumphrey.com. To follow his 365-day journey, log on to www.thiswildidea.com.
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Portraits of Theron’s grandparents
“God put in me the desire to live simply and do this for a year,” Humphrey says. “You know, you go to the grocery store and see hundreds of people, but you don’t talk to anyone, except maybe superficially. I want people to know that you don’t have to be scared of your neighbor.” Since the end of March, Humphrey has been freelancing and saving money for his year-long trip. For 12 months, he and his four-legged companion, Maddie, will spend most of their days living out of a truck. Equipped with camping gear, a laptop and a digital camera, Humphrey will cook his meals on a gas stove and edit and upload photos to his website by candlelight each night. Barnes, a freelance web developer based in Atlanta, Georgia, will manage the website. Along with the daily snapshots of America, maps of the places Humphrey has visited and will visit will also be posted. Viewers will actually be able to suggest route changes. “This is not just a project to be looked at on the web. What you’ll see when you log on to my website is essentially live Google maps of where I’ve been and where I’m going. Anyone in America has the opportunity to shape the direction of the project,” exclaims Humphrey. With a budget of $30 per day and “lots of prayers that I don’t break down,” Humphrey is funding his trip through savings and by donations made to his project through the website Kickstarter.com. When asked if he is prepared for the demands of this project, Humphrey ponders aloud, “When I’m 60, am I gonna want to show my kids pictures of handbags? ‘See, kids, this is what I created?’” He hopes to find and share something of the “holy” through his work. “I want to use this project to help us better understand ourselves so we can help others love each other more.” n
Phyllis Dampier Fontaine 1929-2011 MEMORIES FROM THE MILLIGAN COMMUNITY Carolyn (Clem ’65) Nipper, Milligan faculty from 1966-1994 The Milligan, Emmanuel and Grandview communities were diminished recently by the death of Phyllis Fontaine. She was known to many as an outstanding registrar who held high offices in national organizations, as a tireless volunteer at her beloved Grandview and the Johnson City Medical Center; as a mentor and advisor to many students, faculty and staff at Milligan and Emmanuel; and as a strong Christian woman with deep roots in the Restoration Movement. But to many of us, she was simply a dear friend. In the 47 years I was privileged to have her in my life, she was the friend who was there for me and my family in good times and bad, who shared joys and sorrows, and who always gave more than she received because her steadfast faith taught her that was the way we should all live. We will miss her quick wit, her deep laugh, and her wise counsel, but she will live on in our hearts because she blessed us all.
Sue (Hilbert ’65) Skidmore, Milligan registrar As Phyllis was thinking about her upcoming retirement in 1991, she approached me and asked about my interest in succeeding her as registrar. I was honored that she thought I was capable of filling her shoes. During this transition period, Phyllis developed an extensive written overview of the functions of the office with details about each step in each process. I still have her handwritten set of notes. Phyllis was most generous in working with me hours at a time to ensure that I was as prepared as I could be to step in as registrar.
Jim Street, former faculty I loved Phyllis. She always supported me as a faculty member but didn't hesitate to rein me in a bit when needed.
Sue (Scott ’88) Day My favorite memory of Mrs. Fontaine is when she caught me (and a fellow student whom I will not name) eating leftover cinnamon coffee cake in the teacher’s lounge late one afternoon. She was giving a tour of the college to someone very important, and my friend and I were out of control silly at the moment! She was very gracious about the whole ordeal. A very fine lady, indeed.
Angie (Knowles ’86) Aubrey She loved students...and had a great sense of humor. She was one-of-a-kind!!
Paul Blowers (’77) Milligan has lost one its greatest servants. Phyllis was one of a kind, just like her father Joseph Dampier.
On December 31, 1991, Phyllis came to work at the usual time in the morning. She worked as diligently as she always did and left for lunch at noon. I left for lunch also. When I returned to the office, there on my desk lay a note from Phyllis telling me “goodbye” and that she would not be back in the office that afternoon. She wished me well and assured me that I would do fine. If I have done fine, it’s to a great extent because Phyllis prepared me well. I owe her more than I can ever possibly describe.
Phyllis Dampier Fontaine, age 81, passed away March 15, 2011, at the Johnson City Medical Center. Ms. Fontaine served as registrar and dean of students at Milligan College from 1963 to 1991. Upon retirement, Ms. Fontaine was awarded the Fide et Amore for her service. She was a member and trustee of Grandview Christian Church and a volunteer at Johnson City Medical Center Breast Care Center. Survivors include Milligan alumni Felicia Fontaine (’73), her daughter; Buddy Fontaine (’74), her son; and Jane (White ’74), her daughter-in-law. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grandview Christian Church, 300 University Pkwy., Johnson City, TN 37604; Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682; and Emmanuel Christian Seminary, 1 Walker Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601. SUMMER 2011 | 23
ATHLETIC feature
PLAYING IT FORWARD
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On the morning of the biggest game day of his coaching career so far, James Buchanan (’00) knew there was one phone call he wanted to make. Buchanan, the coach of the North Greene High School (Greeneville, Tennessee) Lady Huskies, was preparing to coach his team in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s (TSSAA) 1-A Girls Basketball state championship—the biggest game in the school’s history. “One thing I wanted to do was to give Coach (Tony) Wallingford a call,” Buchanan said. “I probably wouldn’t be coaching if I hadn’t had the chance to play in college for someone like Coach Wallingford.” Wallingford, the all-time winningest basketball coach in Milligan’s history, coached Milligan men’s basketball for 20 seasons. He is currently at the helm of the Buffaloes’ golf program, in his 22nd year of coaching at Milligan. During his time at Milligan, Buchanan played for Wallingford on the 1998-99 basketball squad that went to the NAIA National Championship Sweet 16. He was also an assistant coach on Milligan’s 2000-01 squad that advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament. So before the Lady Huskies’ championship game on March 12, 2011, Buchanan called Wallingford to thank him for his guidance. He was pleasantly surprised at Wallingford’s response. “I gave him a call to thank him for giving me a shot,” Buchanan said. “As I was telling him all of this, all he said was, ‘Well, you will never guess where I am.’” As it turns out, Wallingford was in his car, on the way to watch the championship game and to cheer on Buchanan’s team. “When I saw him at the game, I realized how much he thought of me to come and watch,” Buchanan said. “It was a real boost for me just to see him there.” In the championship game, the Lady Huskies rallied from an 18point deficit to take a slim lead, but fell (63-58) in overtime against Wayne County High School, which was led by 1-A Miss Basketball Carly Daniel. To overcome the roller coaster of emotions, North Greene relied on strong leadership on the court.
“We had a couple of very special players told me. But he gave me a chance. He gave me a who wouldn’t quit, and they just believed in us chance just to come and help out for a while, and and kept fighting back,” Buchanan said. then he gave me a shot to actually be on the team. I The improbable run to the state title game don’t know how worthy I was of that, but he capped off one of the most impressive definitely gave me the opportunity.” rebuilding jobs in East Tennessee prep The experiences Buchanan had as a Buffalo basketball. Buchanan took over North Greene’s helped him once he accepted the coaching job at program in 2001-02, a year after the Lady North Greene. Huskies went 0-28. The next four years saw “Because of basketball and because of Coach slow improvement as North Greene won 30 Wallingford, I experienced a lot of great things that games combined. I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise,” Buchanan However, the past three years have been a said. “When I came to North Greene, I wanted different story. The Lady Huskies have gone 70those kids to have an opportunity like I had.” 34, and made two consecutive appearances at The Lady Huskies have traveled to Myrtle the TSSAA state tournament. Beach, South Carolina and Florida—opportunities James Buchanan after the AAC Championship Game in 1999 “It’s been a long process of getting them many high school players never receive. built up there,” Buchanan said. “I don’t know “When you build up their morale, you have fun if we will be able to maintain that type of with them and you take them on trips like that, the success, but to experience this one time kids have a tendency to buy into your system more,” is amazing.” Buchanan said. “We had to change the whole makeup The trip to the state championship game of the program, and I can definitely attribute a lot of has not only been a great source of pride that to my experience at Milligan. for the school, but for the local community, “I try to do a lot of good things like the Lord as well. would have me to do, and I attribute a lot of that to “The principal told us he had seen people Coach Wallingford and Milligan.” smile over the past several games that he While Buchanan has reenergized the North hadn’t seen smile in years,” Buchanan said. “It Greene program, that is not what he wants his was a situation where the whole community legacy to be. was elated and got behind one another.” “It doesn’t matter how many games we win, one Buchanan knows the importance of day I will stand in judgment, and I will not have to community support and is thankful for the preparation he received while he stand there and tell God how many games I won,” Buchanan said. “I would was part of the Milligan community. The chance to be a part of the love for my legacy to be about a guy who did things right, and I want my Milligan team was an experience that Buchanan doesn’t take for granted. players and students to say that they heard about Jesus through me. If that “Coach Wallingford gave me a chance when I wasn’t the greatest player is all that is said about me when I leave, that would tickle me to death.” n in the world,” Buchanan said. “I was a walk-on, and he could have easily told me there wasn’t room on the roster, like some of the other colleges had
“I probably wouldn’t be coaching if I hadn’t had the chance to play in college for someone like Coach Wallingford.”
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Soccer players represent MILLIGAN on national leagues For most college students, summer is a time of rest and relaxation. However, six members of the Milligan College men’s soccer team are using their summer vacation to better their game as they play semi-pro soccer. The Buffaloes are represented on two rosters in the National Premier Development League’s (NPSL) Southeastern region. Andrew Stewart (’12) and Chris Ochieng (’14) represent Milligan on the roster of the Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while teammates Un-Ace Wright (’12), Nahom Tekle (’12) and Moise Leonce (’12) play for the new Knoxville Force team in Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition, Milligan’s Adrian Hall (’13) and Karlo Soto (’13) are on the roster of the Southern California Seahorses (La Mirada, California) in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League. “It is always great to see our guys playing at such a high standard,” said Milligan Head Soccer Coach Adam Laney. “It confirms that Milligan soccer is at a nationally competitive level. It also makes our team even better when these guys bring back the things they pick up over the summer and incorporate them into our program.” The players appreciate the opportunity to sharpen their skills during the summer.
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“It’s a great experience,” Stewart said. “We get very good crowds, which creates a wonderful atmosphere. Training every day with very competent players provides a great experience for me and allows me to improve my own skills. The consistently high level of play challenges the level I play at every day and makes me more competitive and a better player.” The trio of Milligan players on the Knoxville Force joins former Milligan standouts Kofi Frimpong (’08) and Joel Cowan (’10) on the roster, while Joshua Scott (’10) is an assistant coach for the Force. The NPSL recently expanded to become a national league when they added a Southeastern region. Each team in the highly competitive league plays 10 to 16 games a year. The CFC plays its games in the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga’s Finley Stadium, while the Force plays in Tennessee’s Regal Soccer Stadium. For Wright, the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Knoxville Force season has exceeded his expectations. “The experience of playing at a higher level in the NPSL is amazing, and I feel like I am living my dream to an extent,” Wright said. “I am very grateful to be a part of the Knoxville Force. The season has not been too far from our expectations so far. Being a new team, it would be harsh to expect us to conquer the league this year. However, I think we are starting to come together nicely as a unit.” Earlier in the season, the Milligan players got a unique opportunity to square off against their teammates as the Force and CFC played in front of a crowd of 2,000 people. “I was filled with joy to play against my teammates from Milligan,” Wright said. “I went in as a sub and the feeling was remarkable. Both Chris and Andy were very solid in their roles for CFC, and it was just such a joy to go up against them.” Stewart echoed Wright’s feelings, and added that it was great to see what his teammates are doing to prepare for the upcoming Milligan season. “It was great to see my teammates playing well for Knoxville so they can hopefully come in with a great summer experience, prepared for the fall season,” Stewart said. “It was good to catch up with all of them, and it provides me with confidence for the fall that we can be successful after playing a good level of soccer over the summer.” Improvement is just one of the benefits Laney sees his players gaining from their semi-pro soccer experience. “They are forced to play at a faster speed on a daily basis, and with this many guys doing it over the summer months, I hope to see it in our fall practices,” Laney said. “I would love to see them set the standard that all the other guys have to keep up with.” While the players might not realize it now, they are having an impact on the future of Milligan soccer, Laney added. “Our program’s reputation increases,” Laney said. “It excites me that Tennessee youth players will watch these teams, see a great soccer match, and look at the roster and realize these players go to Milligan. That could make them want to play for Milligan.” All of the players agree that playing collegiately for Milligan has also helped prepare them for their summer. “Milligan is different compared to the schools that my teammates come from because it is very small,” Stewart said. “Coming from a small school helps because there is no tag on your head declaring that you come from a massive state school with a huge reputation. It allows me to just work hard and get on with my game. The togetherness of a small school helps to encourage me to get to know my teammates and makes it easy for me to become involved with the new community because of the values I’ve learned at Milligan.” n
ATHLETIC NEWS Baseball The Buffaloes baseball program finished the season with a 22-28 overall record and finished third during the AAC regular season with a conference mark of 11-10. Senior Jason Trivett (Bristol, TN) led the Buffaloes on the mound and was named to the AAC Gold Glove team for his effort. Luke Kirk (Gate City, VA) was named as the AAC Freshman of the year, while Corey Hilton (Johnson City, TN) was a selection on the All-Conference team. The Buffaloes lost five seniors off of this season’s squad. Golf The Milligan men shot their way to the AAC regular season crown, and senior Blake Howard (Johnson City, TN) captured his second straight Player of the Year honors. Howard led the Milligan charge to the title as he claimed medalist honors in both the fall and spring AAC tournaments. In addition to POY honors, Howard was an All-Conference and All-Tournament selection, while Kody Fawcett (Manitoba, Canada) and Ben Treadway (Johnson City, TN) were named to the second All-Conference team. Softball The Buffaloes finished third in AAC play as they went 32-19 overall and 9-5 in AAC action. Coach Wes Holly earned his 700th career victory at the helm of the program with a 5-4 victory over Union College. Milligan made a run during the AAC tournament as they reeled off four straight wins before falling to Reinhardt in the championship game. Sidney Burns (Tallahassee, FL) etched her name into the Milligan record book as she graduates with almost every pitching record. The Buffaloes also lost Megan Heaton, Alicia Engle and Ellyn Sapp to graduation. Tennis The Milligan women’s tennis team cruised to an undefeated AAC Conference crown with a 4-0 mark in Ryan Reynolds’ first year as head coach. Celeste Carpenter (Mountain City, TN), Caitlin Conley (Bristol, TN), Albany Kelly (Chattanooga, TN) and Kayla Kelly (Chattanooga, TN) were all named to the All-Conference team. The Milligan men finished third with a conference mark of 2-2, and saw junior Rickey Jones (Elizabethton, TN) named to the All-Conference team. Track and Field (Outdoor) The Milligan track and field program capped off a successful season as they captured the program’s first AAC Outdoor titles and sent seven athletes to the 2011 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. Members of the Buffaloes set 13 school records and claimed 12 individual conference titles. Head Coach Chris Layne was named the conference coach of the year. Senior Chelsea Leavell (Springfield, TN) led the charge for Milligan as she qualified for the women’s shot put. Tanner Payne (Georgetown, TN), Austin Ellis (Charlottesville, VA), Danielle Mitchell (Johnson City, TN), Janey Robinson (Elizabethton, TN), Yolanda Migoyo (Kissimmee, FL) and Kevin Mowatt (Montego Bay, Jamaica) all qualified for the National Championships.
For more athletic news, visit www.milliganbuffs.com
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Congratulations to the CLASS OF
CLASS OF
1954 1998 A N D
Congratulations to the Class of 1954 and the Class of 1998! With the largest percentage of Milligan grads to support the college during our recently completed fiscal year, you are the winners of Milligan’s 2011 Help the HERD Class Challenge!
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. 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!
Visit www.milligan.edu/advancement to make your gift today. SUMMER 2011 | 29
From the President Dear friends, We closed our 2010-11 fiscal year on May 31, and I am happy to note several successes. First, it appears that we will operate in the black. Also, we reached our annual fund goal of $1,325,000. But our greatest accomplishment is reaching our monetary goal for our Forward Ever campaign. We crossed the $25 million goal, reaching $27 million in late May. Thank you for helping reach this fundraising milestone! However, we are already focusing on raising funds for additional needs. Our immediate focus will be a new residence hall. We need more space for our residential students. If we want to continue to grow our traditional undergraduate programs, we must be able to provide adequate housing. We are working with an architect to develop a plan, and we are pursuing funding for this project. We already have received a generous seven-figure commitment, but we still have a long way to go. As you know, July 15 marks my final day as president of Milligan College. As I reflect over the past 14 years as president, I am amazed at the many ways God has blessed Milligan. Milligan has made great strides forward, and I am thankful for the successes that have occurred since 1997. However, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the substantial foundation that my predecessor, Marshall Leggett, laid. Marshall arrived at one of the dark financial times in Milligan’s history, and he dedicated his efforts to making Milligan stronger. He accomplished much during his tenure as president. We as alumni, friends and employees owe him a great debt of gratitude. Thank you, Marshall, for making my term as president much easier and for ensuring Milligan’s future.
As I look to Milligan’s future, I am extremely optimistic. The Trustees have selected an outstanding person to be my successor. I can think of no one in our Stone-Campbell Movement who is more qualified than Dr. Bill Greer to be Milligan’s 15th president. I have watched him lead with distinction as a faculty member and as the vice president of institutional advancement. He is dedicated to Milligan and to making it stronger. Bill and Edwina bring new gifts and energies to Milligan that will enable the college to continue to excel. Bill’s teaching experience, his fundraising successes, his and Edwina’s love of entertaining, and their strong commitment to Grandview Christian Church will benefit Milligan. Milligan’s best days are ahead, and I am pleased that Bill will be the leader. I hope that the Milligan community and constituents will support the Greers in the same way you have supported Clarinda and me. After July 15, I will assume the title of chancellor, and for at least one year, I will work with Bill to raise funds for Milligan and be a representative for Milligan in the community and among the Christian Churches. I look forward to my continued contact with you. I close with a heartfelt “thank you” from Clarinda and me for the many cards, letters, email and calls expressing appreciation for our work. Also, we were overwhelmed when David Hamilton, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, announced at my retirement dinner that trustees, faculty, staff and friends donated over $375,000 for an endowment fund in our honor. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and affirmation. Milligan will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Goodbye.
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