Treveccan
THE MAGAZINE OF TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
TO TELL Story OUR
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
Poet Muriel Rukeyser
For Christians, stories are a central part of existence. They inspire us to do good and to be better than we would be if left to our own thoughts and ideas about the world.
Stories mold our experiences, stir our imaginations and connect our lives to the eternal God. They also tether us to earlier generations. Stories keep our hearts and minds focused on things that matter—things that are so important we could not live without them.
Stories are our way of becoming the people we should be, the people we must be if we follow Jesus.
Stories create our identity. They allow us to discover our place in the world as we are reminded of our calling, potential and capability. They help us figure out who we are.
Who we are, in fact, is this: characters in a story we did not write, transformed into a people we could never be without the God who has authored it all.
At Trevecca, ours is a beautiful story, filled with the wonders of God and the dreams He has placed in our heart. It’s a story of conversion and sanctification; of unlikely heroes and great testimonies. It’s a story of how God’s grace and power can shape human lives. It’s the story of how God uses ordinary people to change the world.
It’s a story almost 125 years in the making. It’s our story to tell.
Special thanks to Trevecca religion professor Steve Hoskins for helping to shape these thoughts.
VOL. 94 NO. 2
FALL 2024
PRESIDENT
Dan Boone (’74)
VP FOR UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT
Peggy Cooning (’20)
ASSOCIATE VP OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Mollie Yoder
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Jennifer Showalter (’97)
EDITORIAL DIRECTORS
Brian Bennett, Corrie C. Fritts
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Emily Goodson (’22, ’24), Carla Miles
PROJECT MANAGER
Mackenzie Hider
WRITERS
Teron Fairchild, Rebekah Warren (’18)
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hannah Somboon (’19), Alayna Simons
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Twining (’74)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Treveccan 333 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210 treveccan@trevecca.edu
OFFICE OF GRADUATE AND ADULT EDUCATION grae@trevecca.edu
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS admissions@trevecca.edu
OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT alumni@trevecca.edu
trevecca.edu
@trevecca
/treveccanazarene /school/trevecca
E MBRACING
opportunity
Class of 2024 president and graduate Claudia Nunez Oviedo was inspired to make the most of her Trevecca experience.
Claudia Nunez Oviedo had a remarkable journey at Trevecca leading up to her graduation last spring. The transition to life in the U.S. certainly wasn’t an easy one for the Honduras native, but given the outcome, it’s clear she made the best possible decision.
“I knew nothing about Nashville or Trevecca, so everything was completely new. And then I realized what an amazing place it is to live,” she said.
With a double major in business management and marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship, she was a part of the largest group of Hondurans to attend Trevecca at that time. “I thought there would be no Hondurans at Trevecca,” she said. “And when I arrived, I was shocked at the number. I guess our group opened the door for all the Honduran students that we have now.”
Trevecca has built relationships with several high schools in Honduras throughout the last four years. As a result, the population of Honduran students grew from 25 in fall 2020 to 78 in fall 2023.
Coming from a family of engineers, Nunez Oviedo knew she wanted a double major because she desired to work as hard as they did. “I was that kid who said, ‘I want to be the CEO of my own company.’ Since I was young, I knew exactly what I wanted,” she said.
As a Trevecca student, she began working with the International Student Council, and eventually wondered if a broader role might be possible. That’s when she considered running for senior class president.
“I was thinking about how I could help represent our international population,” she said. “I started asking my mentors and professors, and they all said, ‘Go for it.’”
" Being willing and ready to take advantage of every opportunity has led to huge blessings in my life."
Her main focus as president was to offer all seniors resources to feel prepared for life after college. She arranged meetings for Trevecca students with local employers to make potential career connections so the students could be exposed to future job opportunities. She went to about three meetings per week, in addition to planning events like the Homecoming Gala throughout the school year. She did all of this while playing soccer as well.
In the process of pursuing two majors and a minor in the business department, Nunez Oviedo also took advantage of opportunities for her own career growth. She participated in an annual elevator pitch competition hosted by the marketing department, attended networking events and even worked as a receptionist in the Skinner School of Business.
She was impacted by Trevecca’s faculty and staff, including administrative team members Pam Costa and Joan Bishop. “They were like my moms on campus,” she said. “They really helped me through everything.” She also had instructors whom she credits with making her educational experience a fulfilling one, including Greg Runyan, Roy Philip, Dawn Olson and, perhaps most of all, Jonathan Burch.
Burch, an associate professor of business management, was a speaker at commencement. Nunez Oviedo was chosen to be a student speaker, due to her many successes as a Trevecca
student, including receiving the Stella Simpson Leadership Award. This made the special occasion even more meaningful, she said. The two had shared many deep conversations over the years, and he always served as a source of encouragement. “I felt like I could conquer the world after talking to him,” she said.
It was also from Trevecca’s faculty that Nunez Oviedo believes she learned the most important aspect of her daily routine. “Always having a heart for God is number one,” she shared. "I loved that our professors held devotions before starting class. God was our priority. Now when I start my day, I always get to work 10 minutes early so I have quiet time to spend with God.”
After graduation, Nunez Oviedo began working outside of Kansas City, Kansas, as a supply chain specialist at Kiewit, a construction and engineering organization. She often talks to vendors, and thrives on the part of the job that involves building and maintaining relationships. She says her time at Trevecca prepared her for this.
“College is really what you make it,” she said. “If you set your goals, if you have your heart and mind set on something, you can really achieve anything. Being willing and ready to take advantage of every opportunity has led to huge blessings in my life.”
Pioneer
at Trevecca and Beyond
Bernard Turner, the first African American man to earn an Ed.D. from Trevecca, has worked in Nashville for 35 years as a grant writer and local university leader.
When it comes to achieving firsts, Bernard Turner is a Nashville trailblazer in the fields of both grant writing and higher education.
He was also a trailblazer at Trevecca, as the school’s first African American male to earn a Doctor of Education in leadership (Ed.D.) in 2003. He went on to establish himself as an unparalleled grant writer for Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing and Medical Center and Meharry Medical College before being chosen as the founding director of the nation’s first undergraduate program in social entrepreneurship at Belmont University in 2008.
Turner was honored this fall by the Grant Professionals Association. He is one of three individuals nationwide who received the 2024 Distinguished Fellow Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment as a grant professional, outstanding achievements and enduring impact on the grants profession. He is the eleventh individual and first African American to receive this honor.
While his career has been marked with impressive accomplishments, perhaps the most remarkable thing about Turner’s journey is the unlikely turn of events that set him on his way.
Turner didn’t intend to work in grant writing. When he moved from his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, to Nashville in 1986, he got a job as a business management consultant for the Nashville Minority Business Development Center. He’d already earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Findlay College in Ohio and an MBA from the University of Toledo. He also earned a second master’s degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
But just a few years into his work at the center, the organization’s federal funding wasn’t renewed. Turner found himself out of a job.
An acquaintance told him about an opening with United Way of Middle Tennessee. “They were trying to diversify their staff,” Turner remembers. “I interviewed for what was described as a government relations position.”
When United Way extended him an offer, however, there was a twist. It was a role as a grant writing specialist.
“I told them: ‘You’ve changed the job description. I don’t know anything about grant writing,’” Turner recalls.
His future boss replied, “You know how to write business plans, and we think you can be good at this.”
“That’s how I got into grant writing,” Turner explains with a laugh.
He indeed did become good at it, writing the initial grant that would establish an HIV/AIDs initiative for United Way of Middle Tennessee and bring in more than $500,000 over the next four years. This marked the beginning of his work with several Nashville organizations and schools throughout the next two decades that would secure millions of dollars through his grant writing efforts.
As development director at Vanderbilt’s Comprehensive Care Center from 19981999, for example, he amplified support for HIV care, securing a $1.2 million federal grant for primary care services that has consistently been renewed since 1999.
Also in 1999, he began working at Meharry Medical College and helped secure a $10 million corporate gift from State Farm. The insurance company partnered with the college to study attitudes about seat belts and child safety seats among African Americans in order to create a plan to increase seat belt use.
Turner turned toward earning his Ed.D. in 2000. He knew it would lend credibility and expertise to his current work, and he’d always harbored the dream of becoming a college professor. Earning his doctoral degree could help potentially pave the way for this, he thought.
Trevecca’s Ed.D. program was challenging from the start, and during his first semester he considered quitting. But then two classmates approached him separately and said, “We’ve got to support each other.” The camaraderie made all the difference. The three of them committed to interacting and working together as a support system.
“After that, I didn’t have any doubts,” Turner says.
“The program was well worth it,” Turner continues. “It strengthened my writing and also my ability to complete research. But most of all, it taught me about leadership—about how to lead a team and lead myself.”
When he walked across the stage in 2003 to receive his diploma, Turner became the first African American male to earn his Ed.D. from Trevecca. In the following two decades, the University would climb to a sixth-place national ranking for African Americans receiving doctoral degrees in education and tenth for African Americans receiving doctoral degrees across all disciplines, according to Diverse magazine.
After finishing his Ed.D., Turner returned to Meharry and was promoted to associate vice president of corporate and foundation relations. There, he was part of a team that garnered a $9 million grant to start a health policy center in collaboration with Vanderbilt's College of Arts and Sciences.
His dream of working in higher education became a reality in 2008, when Belmont University hired him with a new idea. They wanted to start an undergraduate social entrepreneurship degree program—the first of its kind in the nation—and they chose Turner to lead the way.
Since establishing that program in 2008, he’s served both as the program director and as an associate professor, helping a total of almost 200 students to date earn this interdisciplinary degree that combines courses in social entrepreneurship, financial management, sociology, business ethics, entrepreneurship and grant writing, to name a few.
“It’s been really impactful,” Turner shares. “We’re concerned about social problems and having an impact on people’s lives. I’m proud of that.”
from the hill
Trevecca experienced RECORD ENROLLMENT for the 2024-25 academic year, welcoming the largest group of incoming students in school history. Included among the 1,600+ new students arriving in the Trevecca community were 530 new traditional undergraduate students, 475 graduate and adult students and 160 high school students participating in dual enrollment.
This fall Trevecca introduced a new DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM in partnership with CampusEDU, an innovative, faith-based learning platform. Through videobased curriculum, the program allows high school students to earn college credits, accelerate their academic progress and save money on college tuition. Scan at right for details and course previews.
The School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies recently accepted an invitation to join the prestigious CARNEGIE PROJECT ON THE EDUCATION DOCTORATE (CPED), an international network of more than 135 graduate schools of education. Membership in this organization provides opportunities to share with and learn from some of the nation’s leading Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs.
Four new master’s degrees will be introduced in early 2025 as part of Trevecca’s new INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE STUDIES program. Designed especially for international students with an F-1 visa, the hybrid program has an on-campus residency requirement, and includes these new Master of Science degrees:
• Computer science management
• Data analytics management
• Information technology management
• Instructional design & technology management
On the WALL STREET JOURNAL’S 2025 BEST COLLEGES list released this fall, Trevecca’s ranking is the:
• Highest among all Christians school in Middle Tennessee
• Highest among all Nazarene schools in the U.S.
• Second highest overall in Middle Tennessee
• Fifth highest in Tennessee
Trevecca welcomed KATHLEEN FLACH as director of the PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) PROGRAM this summer. A nationally certified physician assistant, Flach brings to the role more than a decade of academic experience in PA studies and nearly two decades of practice as a healthcare provider.
Trevecca’s undergraduate NURSING PROGRAM has expanded with the introduction of a SPRING START DATE beginning in 2025. The additional entry point will help address Tennessee’s nursing shortage by creating opportunities for more transfers and other prospective students to enter the program.
Nursing students will also receive hands-on, state-of-the-art training in the new ADVANCED CLINICAL LEARNING CENTER at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West. The shared educational space, which opened in September, features innovative patient manikins, learning spaces and surgery simulation labs with viewing windows and adjacent debrief rooms.
SECONDARY TEAM WOR D MARK
PRIMARY MARK
Trojans Sporting a New Identity
WITH A NEW CONFERENCE AND A NEW VISUAL BRAND ENTERING 2024-2025, TREVECCA ATHLETICS HAS ONE MORE GAME-CHANGING GOAL IN ITS SIGHTS.
TERTIARY MARK
CUSTOM TYPEFACES
TERTIARY MARK
SECONDARY TEAM WORDMARK
Momentum. It’s a curious thing. It can’t be harnessed or manufactured, but if held long enough, it can change the outcome of a game and rally an entire squad to victory. Its existence—and its impact—are undeniable.
This mysterious force isn’t always limited to the field or the court. For a number of months, Trevecca Athletics as a whole has been riding a significant wave of momentum, and it’s still building.
The first indicators could be seen prior to the 2023-2024 athletic season, beginning with two key leadership hires in basketball. Coaches Karen Booker and Kevin Carroll, hired within months of one another, each began reinvigorating their respective programs with new energy from the day they arrived on campus.
The momentum grew and continued throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. In fall 2023, Trevecca reached an agreement to join the competitive Gulf South Conference, a move that would establish and renew sports rivalries within the state and throughout the Southeast. In the spring, Trevecca’s new STUNT team reached the national finals in its first year of competition. Then the resurging softball team came within one victory of reaching the Division II NCAA World Series.
The movement didn’t stop there. Over the summer of 2024, the Trojans introduced a full visual rebrand and licensing/apparel agreements with Nike and BSN Sports, giving the Trojans new
logos and a fresh new look for uniforms, fan wear and accessories leading up to Trevecca’s inaugural season in the Gulf South Conference.
As the University’s student-athlete enrollment total approached 400 for the first time in school history, the athletic department also expanded its staff, promoting Brady Ray from compliance director to a newly-created assistant athletic director position. On top of that, heading into the fall semester, Trevecca announced a 10-year agreement to have basketball and baseball games broadcast locally on WNSR SportsRadio (560 AM and 95.9 FM) and WNTC (790 AM and 103.9 FM).
How much farther the wave of momentum will extend remains to be seen as the winter and spring sports seasons approach, but Trevecca Athletics is pushing toward another major goal: the construction of a new gymnasium facility.
Architectural plans have been laid for the planned building, which would impact the entire campus community in addition to multiple sports programs. Financing the multimillion dollar project is the next hurdle, and fundraising efforts are underway.
If the community’s support for the new gym can match the growth and excitement of the Trojans’ athletic progress over the past few years, Trevecca could see that project come to fruition in the near future.
YOU CAN HELP!
Scan here and designate a contribution directly to the new athletic facility to help move this project closer to the finish line.
Trevecca Nazarene University - Varsity Competition Facility
EXTERIOR RENDERING
TREVECCA’S VISION: THE IMPORTANCE OF A NEW ATHLETIC FACILITY
Moore Gymnasium, Nashville, TN 37210 - 23100.00 - 06-16-2023
Trevecca is poised for a new era in athletics, driven by the vision of athletic director Mark Elliott. With 13 years of experience at Trevecca, Elliott has overseen the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, emphasizing the University's core values in sports: Christian. Scholar. Athlete.
This mantra encapsulates Trevecca's commitment to nurturing athletes who excel both academically and spiritually while competing at a high level. "It's the principles we use for recruitment and hiring," Elliott explains. "It's the ethic of our day-to-day existence."
The growth of Trevecca’s athletic programs has been evident, with the number of athletes increasing by more than 50 percent in recent years. This expansion has put a strain on existing facilities, highlighting the urgent need for more space. "If we are going to add more athletes to the University’s enrollment, then we have to have some additional facilities," Elliott says.
Elliott envisions the new gymnasium building as more than just a game and practice space. It will also serve as a central hub for campus life, supporting not only sports but events like concerts and other gatherings. "Most campuses have a facility that’s an ‘icon’ for athletics," he notes. "It’s where we play, compete and center our athletic life."
Elliott stresses that this development is a long-term investment in both the University and in Christian education as a whole. "It’s more than just a building," he says. "It’s the heartbeat of our campus."
He stresses the need for action and partnership to help fulfill the growing need. “We live in a post-modern, post-Christian era. It is certainly different from my generation, but the needs are still the same. If we don't grow, expand and build these new facilities, parents and students will make decisions to go elsewhere.”
Trevecca’s athletic department is set to make a significant impact, balancing growth with a steadfast commitment to excellence and spiritual development. But help from donors is needed to make this vision come to life.
“I don’t know if there’s any better way to invest in Christian education, or a better time to do it,” Elliott said. “Trevecca’s growing, Nashville’s growing and the Athletics Department needs to keep pace. This facility can be a front door to our University, and it’s more than brick and mortar—it’s about the hearts that can be affected for years to come.”
WATCH THE VIDEO
Scan to hear Mark Elliott discuss the impact of a new facility for the Department of Athletics and the Trevecca community.
COURTROOM
From Campus to A Trevecca graduate’s historic rise to become a circuit court judge
In an historic outcome for Nashville's judicial system, Stephanie Williams (’00) was elected in August as a judge in the Fourth Circuit Court, becoming the first African American woman to serve in that position.
Long before she took office, her unconventional path to the bench illustrated her determination and passion to fulfill a calling as a servant leader.
Upon graduating high school in 1992, Williams began attending Fisk University and soon became a mother to two children. She made a choice to leave school and focus on her new family. After years of balancing a variety of jobs, she ended up as a law clerk at an entertainment law firm, where owner Richard Manson saw her potential.
“One day he suggested I go to law school,” Williams said. “I told him I couldn't because I dropped out of college and didn’t even have a bachelor's degree, but he encouraged me.”
Williams began searching for an undergraduate program that fit her interests and career goals and she came across Trevecca’s Bachelor of Arts in management and human relations (now the Bachelor of Arts in management and leadership).
“At that time Trevecca was the only school that had a program that catered to nontraditional students and working adults where you could go to school at night,” Williams said. “I was able to take one class at a time so I was not overwhelmed, and it was just a really great way for somebody like me to get back on track without going through the traditional hoops of attending school.”
After finishing all of her coursework in June 2000, she decided to pursue her law degree at the University of Tennessee, commuting from Nashville to Knoxville for two and a half years.
Williams’ career as a lawyer began at Manson's entertainment law office, but it changed focus when she realized the negative impact the legal system could have, particularly in family law.
Inspired by her own experiences and in witnessing the impact of financial limitations on families in court, Williams decided to focus her career on equitable access to legal representation. She obtained grant funds from the state of Tennessee to start a practice, the Family Justice Center, where her passion could become her full-time work. After several years, her career took an exciting turn.
“In 2014, I was able to start a new position as a special master in the Fourth Circuit Court,” Williams said. “I was appointed under the elected judge, and I was able to work in that court to help implement new systems and learn as an understudy of the judge.”
The unexpected passing of that incumbent judge in 2022 created an opportunity for Williams to step into a new position as an elected official. She entered
the race to fill the seat and found that she enjoyed campaigning, with every interaction reinforcing her belief in the importance of her work.
“You look at life through a different lens when you can take time to meet people from all different types of communities with different religious, cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds,” Williams said. “I learned the commonality in it all was family. We are all connected to family in one respect or another, and it was a wonderful experience to learn about what it means to serve and develop families in Nashville.”
Williams won the primary election within her own party last spring, and then ran uncontested in the general election to become the new Fourth Circuit judge.
She was sworn in on August 25 and began her term on September 1.
At her request, Williams’ investiture ceremony took place on Trevecca’s campus, a tribute to the institution that launched her career and started her on a path to fulfilling her calling.
TRENDING TREVECCANS
HAVE ALUMNI NEWS TO SHARE?
To share your professional updates and accomplishments, be sure to use Trevecca
Connect , our new networking platform created exclusively for the University community. Visit treveccaconnect.com to register and get started. We look forward to hearing your news!
Alumni and other members of the Trevecca community are accomplishing great things. Here are some recent achievements and recognitions of note, listed chronologically by class:
CLASS OF 1976 - CLASS OF 1999
Skye Alison (’76) published a book titled “Unleashing Spiritual Ambition.”
Howard Wall (’80) was named counsel for Epstein Becker Green, a healthcare and life sciences legal practice in Nashville.
Dawn Gannon (’93) was named interim executive director of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals in Bloomington, Ill.
Matt Litton (’96) coached Thompson Station Middle School to the Tennessee AA state championship in boys basketball.
Michael Eldridge (’97) was appointed U.K. country head and branch manager at State Street Corporation in the United Kingdom.
CLASS OF 2000 - CLASS OF 2009
Karen Crouse (’00) was named to the top 50 Women Leaders of Charlotte for 2024 and is an executive vice president at Wells Fargo.
Stephanie Williams (’00) became the first African American woman elected as a judge in the fourth circuit court in Davidson County, Tenn.
Bernard Turner (’03) received the 2024 Grant Professionals Distinguished Fellow Award for his dedication and impact in the grants profession in Nashville.
Amy (Bolton) Wheeler (’04) was named chief financial officer for Dr. P. Phillips Hospital at Orlando Health in Orlando, Fla.
Shane Paschall (’05) was named director of schools at Paris Special School District in Paris, Tenn.
Casey Willis (’06) was named the CEO of National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs, Ark.
Sarah Allen (’07) was named senior vice president of radiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Woody Burton (’07) was appointed to the Discovery Park of America board of directors in Union City, Tenn.
Bethany Davis (’07) was named chief marketing and communications officer at Educational Media Foundation in Franklin, Tenn.
CLASS OF 2010 - CLASS OF 2019
Lee Nachand (’10) was named principal at Mt. Juliet Middle School in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
LaDonna Williams (’11) was named interim principal at Westmeade Elementary in Nashville.
Marissa Chandler (’12) was appointed director of the study abroad program and Belmont USA at Belmont University in Nashville.
Howard Pride (’13) was named head boys basketball coach at East Hamilton High School in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Kimberly Pringle (’13) was named director of early learning at Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Kate Worley (’13, ’22) was named an assistant professor at Neumann University.
Zachary Taylor Rayfield (’15), the senior manager for family support and engagement at the Tennessee Department of Education, was honored by Governor Bill Lee as a recipient of the Governor’s Excellence in Service Awards.
Chris Elliott (’16) published a devotional titled “Beyond the Game.”
Laura Hall (’16) was named principal at Fairview Middle School in Fairview, Tenn.
Brad Hutson (’16) was named principal at Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tenn.
Karen Longino (’16) was promoted to vice president of publishing at Educational Media Foundation in Franklin, Tenn.
Sofia Guerrero (’18) started a new position as the sustainable classroom manager at Urban Green Lab in Nashville.
Jeffery Norfleet (’18) was named interim president at Shorter College in North Little Rock, Ark.
Dylan Green (’19) earned a doctorate in applied mathematics from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
ATKINSON EARNS NATIONAL ART EDUCATION HONOR
Trevecca Ed.D. alumna Tina Atkinson (’20) was named the National Elementary Art Educator for 2024 by the National Art Education Association. She is a teacher at Percy Priest Elementary School in Nashville.
Josh Gregory (’19) was named to the Huntsville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list in Huntsville, Ala.
Maria Robles Morales (’19) was named a community engagement specialist at Inspiritus.
Jordan Nonte (’19) earned a license as a clinical social worker (LCSW).
Brit Sikes (’19) was named principal at Una Elementary in Nashville.
CLASS OF 2020 - CLASS OF 2024
Michael Daniels (’21) was recognized in Alaska’s Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 for 2024.
Liza Rodriguez Madrid (’21) won the LEO Pride Award from LEO Events in Nashville.
Carter Noblin (’21) was named fine arts coordinator for Wilson County Schools in Tennessee.
JOHNSON TAPPED TO LEAD ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
In summer 2024, Trevecca Ed.D. alumnus Bryan Johnson (’10) was selected as the new superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.
Lynnette Taschner (’21) was named director of community resources at the Tennessee Community Resource Network in Knoxville, Tenn.
Frances Canada-McKillip (’22) was named assistant principal at Richview Middle School in Clarksville, Tenn.
Kendriana Price (’22) was promoted to assistant dean for diversity at the Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Lexington, Ky.
Rebecca Hood (’23) graduated from paramedic school in Texas.
Kayla Payne (’23) was named a contract therapist at Holding Space Counseling in Brentwood, Tenn.
Tyler Perry (’23) was named a pre-K special education teacher at Henry C. Maxwell Elementary School in Antioch, Tenn.
Ben McKee (’24) was hired as a publicist at PLA Media in Nashville.
HARRELL SELECTED FOR TICUA HALL OF FAME
Jeremy Harrell (’06) has been named to the 2024 Hall of Fame class of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA). Harrell is the founder, president and chief executive officer of The Adoption Project.
When an educational institution that's been around for 123 years is thriving, people are likely to ask, “What makes this place tick?” I can’t speak for every university, but at Trevecca, longevity is not just an issue of survival; it is the result of a particular culture.
This fall I began my twentieth year as Trevecca’s president, and I recently had the chance to talk with our entire employee community about the culture at Trevecca. In that President’s Dinner address, I noted the presence of a distinct attitude among us. This attitude is something we’ve identified as a key differentiator, a factor that distinguishes us from many of our peer institutions.
I call it “Trevecca Scrappy.” It is a can-do spirit in the face of great odds. It is the Apostle Paul’s ‘knocked down but not knocked out’ mentality.
It is tackling a problem head-on and sticking with it until the matter is resolved. It is doing something with almost nothing. It is having honest conversations about the elephants in the room. It is fervently
competing for the right to bless future students with our unique style of education and community. It is prioritizing functional beauty over opulence (they call me “extravagance-challenged”). It is using common sense to manage resources. It is placing faith in a Jesus that speaks truth to us. It is taking care of each other. It is the opposite of silo building and privileged status.
I think “Trevecca Scrappy” is an apt description of the attitude that’s come to define our campus culture. Our team has responded to the gut-punch of COVID with an effort that, in fall 2024, has produced a record-breaking incoming freshman class, a record in overall undergraduate enrollment and a record August start for enrollment in our adult and graduate programs.
As you read through this report, watch and listen for that attitude. We are “Trevecca Scrappy,” and it shows.
Dan L. Boone (’74) President
This is a snapshot of the growth that’s helped shape Trevecca’s story during Boone’s tenure as he approaches 20 years in office.
million IN DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS
$58 million
$4 million Awarded to Millard Reed School of Theology & Christian Ministry in GRANT FUNDING FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
THE BOONE ERA
REDISCOVERING OMEH
A PROFESSOR’S SABBATICAL IN AFRICA
Matthew Huddleston, professor of math and science, spent decades dreaming and planning for a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His spring 2024 sabbatical presented the perfect opportunity.
For eight years, Huddleston grew up in the village of Bomili, where his father, a linguist, worked to translate the Bible into a small tribal language called Bali. He remembers those years as a time of adventure, away from the comforts of the modern era.
“I grew up on the mission field in the 1980s, living in a mud house with a leaf roof, without electricity or running water,” Huddleston said. “The people in the village had spent about 14 years cutting an airstrip out of the jungle with hand tools so mission planes could land in the area.”
Long after his family returned to the States, Huddleston dreamed of returning to Africa someday. But civil wars in the nineties and early 2000s made that goal seem impossible.
“Major civil wars were being fought in the Congo that swept across the country. The nation ended up changing its name, and the fighting continued and continued. There’s still some fighting in the eastern part of the country to this day,” Huddleston said.
As an adult, Huddleston was still determined to revisit the place that had once been home, and when a return trip began to seem possible, he started planning. Ultimately, he wanted to rediscover the people and places from his past that helped him become the man
He quickly learned that his first obstacle would be a logistical one. The airstrip that had once been used to fly in mission planes had been overgrown, so he had to get creative. Central to his plans was navigating the Nepoko River, a challenging route rarely traveled by outsiders.
“I had learned from some of the mission pilots who flew in and out of the area that there is a joining of two major rivers. So I started planning to raft my way down that body of water to get back to Bomili,” he said.
Equipped with a pack raft, Huddleston set out on his journey. Despite thorough preparation, it wasn’t long before other obstacles threatened to bring a premature end to his trip.
“The most challenging aspect wasn’t the physical conditions,” Huddleston said. “It was navigating the social and bureaucratic systems. Corruption and logistical hurdles tested my perseverance every step of the way. You aren’t allowed to go anywhere alone. It was like navigating a communist state, where every move required permission and negotiation.”
Eventually, Huddleston was able to raft down the river. He made it to Bomili, where he was greeted with singing villagers, a worship service and significant change.
“My home village was almost unrecognizable,” Huddleston said. “It was bittersweet, coming back and finding that so much had changed. Only a few people remained from when I was younger. Most of the adults I’d known had passed away, and all of my childhood friends had been scattered to other villages as rebellions swept across the country.”
There were moments of joy and personal reflection, too. Huddleston was able to visit the creek where his father baptized him at nine years old. He went back to a rubber plantation where he used to go with his friends to make balls for playing soccer. He even made sure his father’s legacy continued by sharing audio recordings of Scripture that his father had worked to translate into the local language from decades earlier.
Eventually, his sabbatical mission in the Congo expanded beyond Bomili. He traveled by road, motorcycle and on foot throughout the region, sharing his faith as he went.
my dad had helped translate it. That was really cool because it was such a remote area.”
The journey also presented opportunities for scientific exploration. Huddleston collected data on water from the Nepoko River, offering potential insights into the environmental impact of increasing development upstream. He also trekked through dense jungles to find a hidden waterfall, possibly becoming the first American to visit that location.
He believes some of his field work could inspire discussion in his classes at Trevecca, and he hopes students can benefit from stories about his travels and the intersection of his past and present.
After his adventure, Huddleston returned home grateful for the opportunity to see new sights, share his faith and rediscover a childhood home that had changed drastically.
“The whole trip was a testament to my love for exploration and discovery, values that drive both my personal and professional life,” he said.
“I had a pocket projector with me that showed ‘The Jesus Film’ in Bali,” Huddleston said. “It tells the story of the Gospels, and As a Christian and a physicist, Huddleston has explored the relationship between science and faith in his own life and in the classroom.
Scan here to read about his thoughts on the intersection of these disciplines.
TREVECCA OCIETY MEMBERS
July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024
The Trevecca Society is composed of individuals and organizations that commit gift support totaling $1,000 or more in a fiscal year. Members support the University in many ways, including scholarships, facility projects, student mission trips, athletics, academic endeavors and unrestricted gifts.
Platinum Level
G ifts of $10,000 or more
James E. Agee, Jr. & Brenda P. Agee
Phil & Lanora Arington
Dan L. & Denise Boone
Jon & Mindy Burch
Mary Jo Cagle & Randy Mashburn
Brent J. & Kelly D. Falcone
David & Ginger Ferraez
Donna J. Gray
James A. & Denise Hambrick
Steven K. & Heather Hill
Michelle Hulse
Ronald K. & Sharon C. Jones
Dale & Ruthie B. Killingsworth
Ruth M. Lavender
Chuck & Geri A. Mashburn
Estate of Mary Joan McClelland
Gary B. Morsch
Vickie Morsch
Matthew L. & Keely R. Mullins
Wendel L. & Judy C. Nixon
Steve M. & Gail V. Pusey
W. Gerald & Kay F.* Quick
Paul W. & Lisa T. Reed
Richard & Stephanie Stocks Rosenjack
Estate of Eleanor M. Sloane
Donald F. & Elaine Waggoner
Robert W. & Margaret H. Walker
Howard T. Wall III & Kimberly K. Wall
W. Melvin & Joyce W. Welch
Ed H. Whittington
Paul P. & Deborah Winkler
Don R. & Betty J. York
Donald York, Jr. & Gayle York
Anonymous donors
Gold Level
G ifts of
$5,000–9,999
Ronald L. & Margaret D. Billow
Randy L. & Judy Carden
Alfred B. Cawthorne II & Beverly A. Cawthorne
Val & Liya Dikhtyar
John R. Dunn, Jr. & Susan R. Dunn
J. C. Elliott, Sr. & Joyce Elliott
James B. & Reba J. Essary
Ramon F. & Brenda S. Gonzalez
Don Hasty
Thomas H. & Jane J. Henderson
Rebecca L. King
Harold McCue
Brenda J. Patterson
Greg & Rebekah Pope
F. Howard & Sandra H. Russell
SMorris H. Stocks, Jr. & Cynthia A. Stocks
Joel D. & Lisa J. Williams
Clark & Brenda Wright
Anonymous donors
ilver Level
G ifts of $1,000–4,999
Bob M. & Shirley C. Aldrich
Martha Allred
William D. & Melanie Amburn
Danny D. & Karen Baker
Ron L. & Wendy R. Bargatze
Stephen H. & Karin L. Bariteau
Paul W. Beals
Randolph Bell
Serena G. Bennett
Luke & Fran Benson
Randy & Debbie L. Berkner
Mark D. & Deborah L. Berry
Barnie & Carla H. Bivens
Joanna H. Blackwell
Ben B. & Kristin S. Bledsoe
Vernon L. & Charline P. Bonham
Daniel W. Bradshaw, Sr. & Robbie Bradshaw
Kevin F. & Melinda K. Brennan
Brian S., Jennifer, Beckett & Sam Brenneman
Harold L. Bridges
Elaine R. Brooks
James W. Brooks, Jr. & Carol T. Brooks
J. Walter & Rhonda Brown
Ryan M. & Jamie Brown
David L. & Robin L. Burbrink
David & Sharon Burton
Dwain & Beth Butler
Tommy D. Byler
David L. & Chigger J. Bynum
Jim & Dyris K. Cardell
Erin Carwile
Gary W. & Rebecca L. Carwile
John F. Chilton, Jr. & Sara C. Chilton
Jerry D. & Joy O. Clay
Scott D. & Kristi D. Coen
Patrick J. Conger
Elaine Cook
Patricia D. Cook
Tom L. & Sharon Cook
J. Doug Lepter & Peggy J. Cooning
Tom Cooper
Samuel E. & Elvira Cosby
Roger W. & Carole G. Costa
Gary & Phyllis B. Coulter
Mike Cowart
Virgel D. & Annice Crisp
Aaron M. & Abby B. Crum
Helen K. Cummings
Keith C. & Valerie L. Dance
Charles A. Davis, Jr. & Yvonne Davis
Lee & Doris Davis
Larry D. & Debbie Dennis
Ron D. & Judy DeWitt
Barry & Laura DeYoung
David J. & Tina P. Diehl
Laura Diehl
Anthony V. Dikhtyar
Maya V. Dikhtyar
Lora H. Donoho
Betty Duncan
Robert N. & Jayne L. Duncan
Don & Nancy E. Dunlap
Sarah C. Dunn
Don W. & Jane A. Dunnington
J.D. & Michelle Ehrsam
Thomas K. & Carol H. Elden
Mark M. & Roseann Elliott
Cheryl H. Ellis
Phillip M. Eyler
Gary E. & Angela S. Farmer
Pamela H. Farmer
Samuel A. & Candy Flores
James L. & Deborah E. Forth
Art & Nanette M. Foster
Julie Fuqua
Sidney E. & Crystal Gholson
John G. & Celeste Gillespie
Michael S. & Elizabeth R. Golden
Ronald W. Goodman, Jr.
Scott & Shannon T. Gordon
Troy & Christy L. Grant
Tim M. Green
Dwight M. Gunter II & Karan B. Gunter
D. Moody & Nina G. Gunter
Jonathan & Sherry Hage
Jerramy Hainline
Dale L. & Suzie B. Harris
Steve A. & Jan K. Harris
Will A. Harvey
Donald B. & B.K. Hastings
Blake & Lisa R. Hathcock
Jim T. & Judy K. Hiatt
Donald W. & Marquita L. Hicks
Kenneth R. & Norma Higginbotham
Jimmy L. & Teresa L. Hodge
Daniel J. Hofmeister, Jr. & Elizabeth Hofmeister
Erik S. & Gina J. Holt
Gary L. & Edith A. Holt
Laura Honeyman
Steve T. & Stephanie R. Hoskins
Kathy M. Huggins
Harold K. & Teresa E. Hughes
Rena H. Irwin
Rob B. & Pam J. Irwin
Michael D. & Cheryl A. Jackson
Scott & Suzanne W. Jenkins
Lynn M. & Jacque Jewell
Bill D. & Kellye Johnson
H. Andral Johnson, Jr. & Beverly C. Johnson
Joey B. & Monique Johnson
M. Chad & Amy F. Johnson
Michael T. & Sarah B. Johnson
Talmadge Johnson*
Duane Jones & Faye Crawford-Jones
Scott Kendrick & Lynn LassiterKendrick
Bill L. & Shirley Kerns
Randall L. & Ruth T. Kinnersley
Kenneth & Yolanda Kits
Jim D. & Beverly G. Knight
TREVECCA OCIETY MEMBERS S
Tim & Sandy Knight
Brad A. & Melissa J. Kochis
David M. & Pam Lennon
Frank & Elaine Livesay
Patricia D. Long
Ryan W. & Joy B. Longnecker
Janice E. Lovell
Rebecca A. Lovell
James H. Lunsford, Jr. & Michelle Lunsford
Chuck & Jennie Magsig
James G. & Christine K. Maguire
Rick P. & Cheri Mann
Theodore E. & Becky G. Martin
Ron W. & Jacqueline J. Maurer
Bill N. McDaniel, Sr. & Barbara McDaniel
James D. & Susan R. Means
Mary Ann Meiners
Vincent J. & Linda O. Messina
Thomas L. & Jessica L. Middendorf
David E. Miller II
John R. & Melinda W. Miller
Brenda K. Mills
Tommy W. & Teresa Mitchell
Paul & Karen D. Mock
Herb C. & Tammy E. Modesitt
Paul R. Montemuro
Mariano Monzu & Lorena Lopardo
Dennis L. & Wendy B. Moore
Jason T. Moore
Lewis C. Moore
Thomas & Millie J. Morris
Mark V. Morsch
Jonathan H. & Kathy Mowry
Delores Murray
Don R. Myers, Jr. & Debbie G. Myers
Ed & Judy Nash
Bill A. Nichols
Jeffrey & Denise O’Loughlin
Bruce E. & Peggy L. Oldham
Danny & Barbara Patterson
Mark Phillips
Stanley T. Pietkiewicz
Kyle & Julie B. Poole
Wendell L. Poole
Brian L. & Heather Powell
John R. Porter & Karen E. Jones-Porter
Phillip L. & Shelly H. Potter
Martha Pulliam
Jim G. Quiggins & Streater O. Spencer-Quiggins
J. Dwight Ragsdale
John A. & Rachelle L. Reigard
Philip K. & Connie Rickard
Jana K. & Anthony Roberts
Jackie Robertson
Larry E. & Linda F. Rodgers
Daniel W. & Kristin L. Rucker
Greg S. & Amy Ruff
Greg P. & Ginny A. Runyan
Dale & Steph Schaeffer
Carole Schrope
Chuck & Peggi Seaman
Jim & Clair Silliman
Mike & Kristin Silliman
Stephen E. & Julie Silliman
Geneva J. Silvernail
Clifton T. & Rachel Smith
David R. & Becky Smith
Jeffrey G. & Lisa H. Smith
Jim & Sharon K. Smith
Larry & Kelli Smith
Peggy A. Smith
Rocky Smith
Thomas S. & Jane Smith
David D. & Casey Snodgrass
Jon E. & Teresa F. Sparks
Ann Spear
Bob A. & Trisha W. Spear
Marcella C. Staples
Joseph D. & Pamela D. Storey
Deborah E. Story
Gary W. & Marla M. Streit
Ira M. Strickland III & Beverly G. Strickland
James & Deborah A. Sweat
Jeff W. & Esther C. Swink
Mike & Patricia C. Tardif
Michael N. & Tandy M. Taylor
Matthew W. Thrasher
Albert L. Truesdale, Jr. & Esther L. Truesdale
Brad J. & Rebecca A. Turner
William & Gwen Tuttle
Frank T. & Doris A. Twohig
G. Neil & Chris J. Tyler
S. Paul Vann, Jr. & Jennie D. Vann
Steve Welch & Lena Hegi Welch
Timothy L. Welch & Angela S. Chapman-Welch
Marvin R. & Joy Wells
Gloria White
Freddy & Judi Williams
Irmgard L. Williams
Steven C. & Prudence R. Wolf
Lee & Alice L. Woolery
Robert A. & Kristin Young
Anonymous donors
oung Alumni
Trevecca Society
A nnu A l G ifts tot A lin G
$500-999 from
G r A du A tes of the p A st
five ye A rs
Hunter A. Elliott
Organization Donors
latinum Level
G ifts of
$10,000 or more
Calvin University
Coastal Community Foundation
The Columbus Foundation
Donald and Zelma Waggoner Foundation
Forum for Theological Exploration
GiveClear Foundation
Hewlett Spencer, LLC
Idezi Group, LLC
Inciite Studios
Jones Legacy Group
Lilly Endowment, Inc.
R.C. Mathews Contractor, LLC
Schwab Charitable Fund
Shepherd Community
old Level
G ifts of $5,000–9,999
Delta Air Lines Foundation
National Christian Foundation
ilver Level
G ifts of $1,000–4,999
Axos Clearing
CMG Contractors, Inc.
Caterpillar Foundation
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Dreamchasers
Earl Swensson Associates
Education Development United Fellowship, Inc.
Fidelity Charitable
First Baptist Church of Columbia
a special h A nk you
Florida District NMI
Garner Creek Retreat Center
Lee Company Giving Fund
Melio
Montemuro Law, LLC
Mullins Law, PLLC
The Nancy M. & Victor S. Johnson, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Nashville Predators Foundation
Orchard Alliance
Pella Tennessee, LLC
Republic Bank
The Signatry
Vanguard Charitable
WKRN
Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Inc.
to the hundreds of Nazarene churches in the Southeastern Field. Through their generous members, nearly $2 million in support is given to Trevecca Nazarene University annually.
INANCIALS F
2023-24 Fiscal Year
OPERATING REVENUES
OPERATI NG EXPENSES
ENDOWMENT GROWTH
’18-’19 $32,237,000
’20-’21 $41,289,000
’18-’19
’21-’22
TOTAL NET ASSETS (EQUITY)
ADAMS LEAGUE OF LOYAL
The Adams League, named in honor of former president Homer Adams and his wife, Beatrice, recognizes donors who have made a gift of any size to Trevecca for five or more consecutive years. Some League members have given annually to Trevecca for more than 40 years.†
40 or more years
Roger W. & Carole G. Costa
J. Dwight Ragsdale
W. Melvin & Joyce W. Welch
35-39 years
Harold L. Bridges
Helen K. Cummings
Steve A. & Jan K. Harris
Rena H. Irwin
30-34 years
Carol A. Eby
Harold McCue
Steve M. & Gail V. Pusey
William J. Strickland, Sr.
Jeff W. & Esther C. Swink
Todd & Rebecca R. Welch
Marvin R. & Joy Wells
Ed H. Whittington
Toby W. & Pat Williams
25-29 years
Barnie & Carla H. Bivens
Randy L. & Judy Carden
Larry D. & Debbie Dennis
Don & Nancy E. Dunlap
Dennis E. & Marilyn Fink
Dennis L. & Wendy B. Moore
Bruce E. & Peggy L. Oldham
David & Beth Purtee
Chuck & Peggi Seaman
Dennis R. & Karen C. Snodgrass
John E. & Anne W. Stieber
Clark & Brenda Wright
20-24 years
Joanna H. Blackwell
Dan L. & Denise Boone
L. Morgan Clements
Tom Cooper
Gary & Phyllis B. Coulter
Keith C. & Valerie L. Dance
J. C. Elliott, Sr. & Joyce Elliott
Art & Nanette M. Foster
Sidney E. & Crystal Gholson
Dwayne M. & LeighAnn S. Gunter
Dwight M. Gunter II & Karan B. Gunter
Jimmy L. & Teresa L. Hodge
Michael T. & Sarah B. Johnson
Talmadge Johnson*
DONORS
Randall L. & Ruth T. Kinnersley
Ronald K. & Karla McCormack
Jeff & Susan R. McGranahan
Inez J. Phillips
J. Elbert & Dianne S. Smith
Jim N. & Donna Tokarski
15-19 years
James E. Agee, Jr. & Brenda P. Agee
William D. & Melanie Amburn
Phillip & Mary K. Ashworth
Stephen H. & Karin L. Bariteau
Mark D. & Deborah L. Berry
Mike B. & Susan E. Blankenship
Vernon L. & Charline P. Bonham
Jim L. & Janice Brackett
Elaine R. Brooks
James W. Brooks, Jr. & Carol
T. Brooks
David B. & Sherry L. Caldwell
Fred Cawthorne III & Stephanie L. Cawthorne
John F. Chilton, Jr. & Sara C. Chilton
Hal & Amy L. Conditt
J. Doug Lepter & Peggy J. Cooning
Pam Costa
Kenneth L. & Jennifer Couchman
Leroy E. & Marilyn J. Cullen
Charles A. Davis, Jr. & Yvonne Davis
Victor & Lafonda R. Davis
David J. & Tina P. Diehl
Lora H. Donoho
John R. Dunn, Jr. & Susan R. Dunn
Wes & Roberta A. Eby
Don F. & Sharon Elder
David & Ginger Ferraez
Ronald W. Goodman, Jr.
Donna J. Gray
Patrick L. & Michelle R. Griggs
D. Moody & Nina G. Gunter
Dale L. & Suzie B. Harris
Steven L. & Becky Headrick
Rick & Becky F. Hill
Steve T. & Stephanie R. Hoskins
Michael D. & Cheryl A. Jackson
Marilyn B. Jordan
Michael A. & Betsy M. Karounos
Dale & Ruthie B. Killingsworth
Jim D. & Beverly G. Knight
Jeffrey C. & Ronda J. Lilienthal
Mitch & Olivia R. Lockhart
Greg D. & Elaine Mason
Michael C. & Melinda M. McAdory
Brent & Marcy McMillian
Thomas L. & Jessica L. Middendorf
Sara J. Molton
Mark Myers & Karen Starr*
Shaun P. & Lisa K. Newman
Wendel L. & Judy C. Nixon
Brenda J. Patterson
John K. & Deborah Paul
Jim G. Quiggins & Streater O. Spencer-Quiggins
Greg P. & Ginny A. Runyan
Jesse C. & Beverly S. Sims
David R. & Becky Smith
Fran E. Spruill
Deborah E. Story
Samuel K. & Sharon L. Stueckle
Ty J. Tabernik
Don E. & Anne Twining
Frank T. & Doris A. Twohig
Kevin M. & Karen M. Ulmet
Steve Welch & Lena Hegi Welch
Daniel & Lucinda D. Wyland
10-14 years
Bob M. & Shirley C. Aldrich
Phil & Lanora Arington
Erbin C. & Ruth A. Baumgardner
Randy & Debbie L. Berkner
Daniel W. Bradshaw, Sr. & Robbie Bradshaw
Bill & Jennifer R. Brown
Emma J. Campbell
J. Edward & Brenda T. Campbell
Alfred B. Cawthorne II & Beverly A. Cawthorne
Jerry & Joy O. Clay
Patricia D. Cook
Aaron M. & Abby B. Crum
ADAMS LEAGUE OF LOYAL DONORS
10-14 years (cont.)
Ron D. & Judy Dewitt
Tim W. & Kimberly D. Eades
Michael T. & Leslie A. Easley
Bill L. & Mary Beth Elkins
Mark M. & Roseann Elliott
James B. & Reba J. Essary
E. LeBron & Anne Fairbanks
Pamela H. Farmer
Ben & Andrea J. Fowler
Curtis & Sheroma Funke
Ramon F. & Brenda S. Gonzalez
Troy & Christy L. Grant
Donald B. & B.K. Hastings
Winston J. & Debby F. Hatcliff
Blake & Lisa R. Hathcock
Jim T. & Judy K. Hiatt
Donald W. & Marquita L. Hicks
Gary L. & Edith A. Holt
Jansen R. & Ruth Ann Holt
Jerry R. & Leslie L. Jared
Scott & Suzanne W. Jenkins
Brian T. & Ashley Johnson
Stephen C. & Mary Keller
Tim & Sandy Knight
Mark A. & Kelly M. Lindstrom
Patricia D. Long
Janice E. Lovell
James F. & Carol R. Mahan
Rick P. & Cheri Mann
William N. McDaniel, Sr. &
Barbara McDaniel
James D. & Susan R. Means
David E. Miller II
John R. & Melinda W. Miller
Gary B. Morsch
Vickie Morsch
Joe*& Doris S.Moses
Delores Murray
Brad F. & Margaret G. Neff
Ernest A. & Brandee P. Norris
John D. & Heather Parrish
Alice E. Patterson
Audrey S. Poff
Wendell L. Poole
Brian L. & Heather Powell
Barbara J. Quick
Julie D. Rigsby
Madeline C. Roberts
Larry E. & Linda F. Rodgers
Daniel W. & Kristin L. Rucker
Elizabeth L. Rushing
Steve A. & Pam Sexton
Queen E. Simmons
Kevin J. & Meghan L. Simons
Carolyn Smith
Clifton T. & Rachel Smith
Jim & Sharon K. Smith
Ray E. & Nellie Smith
Caleb W. Spencer
Morris H. Stocks, Jr. & Cynthia A. Stocks
Mike & Patricia C. Tardif
Melvin L. & Rosalind Taylor
Michael N. & Tandy M. Taylor
Albert L. Truesdale, Jr. & Esther L. Truesdale
Doris J. Walden
Robert W. & Margaret H. Walker
Brian & Tracy L. Walkup
James A. & Holly M. Whitby
M. L. & Barbara A. White
Timothy & Cindi Whiteside
Brian E. & Joan M. Wilson
5-9 years
Martha Allred
Lindsay E. Aranha
Danny D. & Karen Baker
Ron L. & Wendy R. Bargatze
Ron V. & Maria Adora Barredo
Jonathan D. & Melinda Bartling
Brad & Krista W. Bellomy
Karen S. Bimber
Ben B. & Kristin S. Bledsoe
Frank Bostick
Sarah M. Bostick
Brian S., Jennifer, Beckett & Sam Brenneman
J. Walter & Rhonda Brown
Heather M. Bryant
David L. & Robin L. Burbrink
Dwain & Beth Butler
Tommy Byler
David L. & Chigger J. Bynum
James R. Cameron
Jim & Dyris K. Cardell
Nathan L. & Kameron C. Carden
Nancy S. Chamberlain
J.B. & Katrina L. Chapman
Matthew & Kara L. Cole
Virgel D. & Annice Crisp
Mandy M. Crow
Debbie Crowe
Hunter D. & Courtney Cummings
Huey J. Davis III & Chelsea A. Davis
Lee & Doris Davis
Don E. & Diann E. Diehl
Carl & Nancy L. Driskell
Robert N. & Jayne L. Duncan
Sarah C. Dunn
Don W. & Jane A. Dunnington
*Deceased
Jessica D. Dykes
Hunter A. Elliott
Brent J. & Kelly D. Falcone
Douglas J. & Becky Farley
Harper L. Fields
Samuel A. & Candy Flores
Michael & Malinda M. Flynn
Katrina J. Ford
Jan R. & Eugenia L. Forman
James L. & Deborah E. Forth
Dana M. Franchetti
Jonathan R. & Michelle D. Gaertner
Alyssa J. Gage
Todd P. & Frances L. Gary
Erik R. & Ashley D. Gernand
Jim & Teresa L. Geuy
John G. & Celeste Gillespie
Glen J. & Judy Gosa
Tim M. Green
Matthew B. & Keri A.
Hastings
David B. & Cynthia N. Head
Jamie L. Hess
Kenneth R. & Norma
Higginbotham
David R. & Jamie A. Hill
Andy & Patricia B. Holliday
Erik S. & Gina J. Holt
Jimmy L. & Shirley Horton
Nathaniel J. & Susan C. Hyde
Rob B. & Pam J. Irwin
Lynn M. & Jacque Jewell
Bill D. & Kellye Johnson
Eric G. & Casey R. Johnson
M. Chad & Amy F. Johnson
Ronald K. & Sharon C. Jones
Scott Kendrick & Lynn
Lassiter-Kendrick
Bill L. & Shirley Kerns
Richard D. Knowlen, Jr.
Colton R. & Victoria L. Lassiter
Phillip D. Ledford
Jennifer L. Lemmon
Matthew J. Litton
Ryan W. & Joy B. Longnecker
Rebecca A. Lovell
Joshua L. & Meg Marlowe
Tom McClain
Corlis A. McGee
Michael V. & Megan E. McGhee
Tommy W. & Teresa Mitchell
Paul R. Montemuro
Mariano Monzu & Lorena Lopardo
Emily J. Moore
Jonathan H. & Kathy Mowry
Matthew L. & Keely R. Mullins
Brian & Dawn C. Olson
Scott & Rachel A. Parker
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Kendell & Tammy Poole
Kyle & Julie B. Poole
Jerry P. Pruitt II & Kylie F. Pruitt
Jeremy R. & Michelle R. Quick
W. Gerald & Kay F.* Quick
R.C. Mathews Contractor, LLC
Brady W. Ray
Kevin G. & Chelsie A. Reed
Carol K. Reid
John A. & Rachelle L. Reigard
Philip K. & Connie Rickard
Liza C. Rodriguez Madrid
Greg S. & Amy Ruff
Dale W. & Steph Schaeffer
Robert Michael & Becky A. Scott
Gerron S. & Jennifer D. Showalter
Bobby & Rondy Smith
Peggy A. Smith
Bill & Sheila G. Sorrells
Ann Spear
Marcella C. Staples
Jack K. Stone
Joseph D. & Pamela D. Storey
Gary W. & Marla M. Streit
Ira M. Strickland III & Beverly G. Strickland
James & Deborah A. Sweat
Brodrick R. & Lauren C. Thomas
Matthew W. Thrasher
Jonathan E. & Kara D. Trees
Brad J. & Rebecca A. Turner
Steve & Melody K. Underwood
S. Paul Vann, Jr. & Jennie D. Vann
Howard T. Wall III & Kimberly K. Wall
Ming & Anle Wang
Geraldine P. Wight
Vince & Sharon E. Wilcox
Freddy & Judi Williams
Anita W. & Dave Windus
Paul P. & Deborah Winkler
Joshua C. Winskie & Jennifer A. Kingery
Lee & Alice L. Woolery
Robert A. & Kristin Young
Moments and Memories
Reminiscing with former professors John Chilton and Toby Williams
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: TOBY WILLIAMS, JOHN CHILTON, STEVE HOSKINS AND DEAN DIEHL
Beloved alumni and retired history professors John Chilton (’64) and Toby Williams (’59) recently sat down with current faculty members Dean Diehl and Steve Hoskins to recount some of their most meaningful memories as students and professors on the Hill.
What was your first interaction with Trevecca?
Williams: When I was a boy growing up in Jacksonville, Fla., the Trevecca travel groups would visit. Pop Keys would make Trevecca sound like the best place in the world, especially if you wanted a wife. Pop sold this University to more students, probably, than anybody else around.
My first experience on campus was in 1945. My brother, Jack, was here in school. I came to visit him, and saw snow for the first time.
Chilton: I first visited Trevecca in 1951. I was in the Air Force, stationed in Smyrna, and I came to First Church because the pastor was my former pastor from Atlanta.
Several of us piled in a car and drove out to Trevecca. We turned off Murfreesboro Road and came up a gravel road with the little sign over the top. It was summertime and classes were out. The grass was high. There wasn’t anything here. It looked like an abandoned barracks. I was not impressed.
A guy named Lewis Pennington is the person I credit for my coming to Trevecca years later. He’d come back to Atlanta occasionally, and we’d talk at church. He told me: “You’d make a good teacher. Why don’t you come to Trevecca? You can finish the classes in two years. Then you could get your doctorate right there at Peabody.”
I told him, “Lewis, I’d be 35 years old by then.”
He’d reply, “Well, how old would you be if you don’t do it?”
I can’t tell you how many times he said that to me. I came back to attend Trevecca in 1962.
What was it like to come back to Trevecca as a faculty member and a colleague of your former professors?
Chilton : I never had a class with religion professor Ray Dunning, but after I joined the faculty, his office was across from mine. During the first Gulf War, he caught a lot of flack for something he said that made it into the newspaper. A lot of nasty things were said about him. I watched his reaction to that. I’ve told people, “I don’t understand a lot about the debate. But I know Ray Dunning and William Greathouse. Whatever they believe is what I believe, because I’ve seen it lived out.”
Williams: When I came back here to teach, M.E. Redford, both of the Phillipses and Homer Adams were still here. They had all been my teachers when I was a student. You wouldn’t believe how well they treated me. They were just so thrilled that I had made the journey to come back while they were still here.
John Chilton is a professor emeritus of history at Trevecca who was a member of the faculty from 1975 to 1999. He holds undergraduate degrees from Trevecca and Emory University and a master’s, Ed.S. and Ph.D. from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.
Arthur “Toby” Williams is a professor emeritus of history at Trevecca who was a member of the faculty from 1970 to 1997. After earning an undergraduate degree from Trevecca in 1959, he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary and then earned advanced degrees from the University of Louisville and Middle Tennessee State University.
Watch the complete roundtable discussion by scanning here
EGACY TREVECCA PARTNERS L
Trevecca Legacy Partners are individuals who have included Trevecca in their estate plans or through a life gift, such as a charitable gift annuity. These ultimate gifts help ensure Trevecca will continue to impact the lives of students through a transforming educational experience. If you have included or would like to include Trevecca in your estate plan, please contact Don Hastings at (615) 248-1436 or dbhastings@trevecca.edu.
Bob M. & Shirley C. Aldrich
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Anonymous donors
Friends Remembered
Please join us in honoring the memory of these members of the Trevecca community who passed away in recent months.
Sue Ellen Adkins (alumna)
Stanley Ray Caldwell (friend)
Gayle J. Carver (former employee)
Faye M. Cullen (’61)
Billy Doolittle (friend)
Larry Dean Foster (’64)
Mike Gamble (’79)
Ronald Gault (friend)
Don Gordon (friend)
Nadine Green (former employee)
Derek Dustin Hamer (’03)
Joshua David Helton (’09)
J. Fred Huff (’72)
Patricia T. Hutchens (’53)
Marilyn Irwin (’64)
William Porter King (former faculty member)
Denny H. Latham, Jr. (’76)
Daniel J. Lennon (friend)
Mayburn J. Merchant (friend)
Joseph L. Moses (’61)
Wallace B. Osborn, Jr. (’69)
Clifford R. Patnode (friend)
Mathew Shawn Powell (’14)
Kay F. Quick (’67)
Edward Ray Savage (’59)
Mary C. Seabolt (’70)
Eleanor M. Sloane (friend)
Hugh L. Smith (’63)
Jean R. Smith (’53 - Trevecca High School)
Karen Starr (friend)
Robert Edward Thompson (’68)
Janris M. Wells (’52)
Ken Lane Zingery (’72)
Want more of the
you love?
VISIT TREVECCAN ONLINE, THE NEW WEBSITE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS.
We believe in the power of connection. That’s why we’ve launched a new website dedicated to sharing even more alumni stories, along with inspiring and useful resources. Our goal is to bring what you love about the printed Treveccan magazine to an online space where you can learn about what’s happening in your alumni community anytime, and from anywhere. You'll continue to receive the printed magazine as well!
here or visit www.treveccan.online
Connecting with your alma mater and fellow alumni is now just a click away.
DISCOVER TREVECCA CONNECT
TREVECCA CONNECT is a social media platform created exclusively for the Trevecca community. It’s a simple, direct way to find former classmates, expand your professional network and establish mentorships. You can also explore job opportunities, learn about upcoming events and join a variety of regional and professional groups.
RECONNECT WITH ALUMNI
Find and re-engage with fellow Trevecca alumni. Scroll the feed to see and share photos from other members and explore a flow of content that will keep you up to date on current events as you interact with a large network of alumni, students, employees and Nazarene pastors on the Southeast Field.
INVEST IN OTHERS
Meet, employ and mentor Trevecca students, recent graduates or alumni who are changing jobs or looking for expertise. You can establish mentorships between professionals or with students.
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Leverage your network to connect with others who can help with your goals, and advance your career by interacting with professionals in fields that interest you.
PROMOTE OR FIND JOBS
Discover a variety of professional opportunities by sharing jobs and searching for jobs. Post and search on the platform’s job board to fill positions or find your next exciting career opportunity.
ACCESS THE DIRECTORY
Explore the list of registered users and communicate directly on the platform. Soon a separate business directory will allow you to publish your business and promote it so you can boost growth and support others in the process.
FIND GROUPS THAT FIT YOU
Join groups based on graduating classes, professional fields, interests, location and more. This is a great way to tailor your platform experience and discover the strengths and diversity of what our community has to offer. You can create groups, too!
Registering for Trevecca Connect takes about two minutes, and it’s free! When you register, you can automatically link your new account with your other existing social media accounts so everything you want to explore is at your fingertips.
Troy Trevecca
2024 Alumni Award Winners
Each year at Homecoming, the Trevecca Alumni Association honors graduates and others whose careers and lives exemplify the values of the University. Read on to get to know this year’s recipients.
THE MCCLURKAN AWARD
is presented to those whose lives and service reflect Trevecca’s values but who did not graduate from the University.
With Distinction NYKOLAUS REED
Nykolaus Reed, a faculty member in Trevecca’s biology department since 2013, attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and later Meharry Medical College for biomedical studies. He went on to pursue Ph.D. research on DNA sequences and conducted his dissertation work at Vanderbilt’s Center for Human Genetics. He initially became a member of the Trevecca community when he taught life science as an adjunct professor while completing a Vanderbilt postdoctoral fellowship.
Reed was awarded Trevecca’s 2022 undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award for his thoughtfulness, passion and ability to share his love and expertise in biology with his students. He prioritizes teaching scientific literacy and believes it’s crucial to navigating an ever-changing world.
“My goal is to help students find where they can excel and experience joy,” Reed shared. “In my own journey, I was initially determined to become a medical doctor. Then I shadowed some doctors as they completed rounds and I quickly realized that being a medical doctor wasn’t the direction for me. A shift in focus can be scary, but it was the best decision for me. That’s what I want my students to realize. Your initial direction doesn’t have to be your only direction.”
THE GENERATIONAL IMPACT AWARD
is given to a current or former Trevecca employee who has impacted students for more than three decades.
TIM GREEN
Over the course of his 34 years at Trevecca, Tim Green has served as the University chaplain, a professor of Old Testament literature and theology and now as dean of the Millard Reed School of Theology & Christian Ministry. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, and prior to arriving at Trevecca, he held pastoral roles in Hendersonville, Tenn.; Cincinnati; and Nashville.
Green has authored numerous books and articles and is a frequent speaker and lecturer throughout the United States and around the world, teaching theology classes in Central and Eastern Europe. Trevecca has been a place of formation for Green, who sees the community as deeply interwoven with his calling. He finds great joy in sharing his love of Scripture with students and encouraging them as they discover their mission and passions.
“One of my greatest prayers is that each of my students will imagine in meaningful and life-giving ways how the Lord is calling them to engage in the deepest dreams and mission of God for the world,” he said. “I hope that my life embodies the spirit and mind of Jesus Christ, and that my students take away from my classes an authentic picture of Jesus as well as a desire to be transformed into his image.”
MACKEY LEADERSHIP AWARDs are presented to Trevecca alumni who have excelled in leadership.
Amy Alexander
Amy Alexander graduated from Trevecca’s marriage and family therapy master’s program in 2005. She went on to co-found The Refuge Center, a counseling center in Franklin, Tenn., that emphasizes excellence in care and affordability, alongside fellow graduate Jennifer Thames. Alexander now serves as the center’s executive director.
Since opening in 2005, the Refuge Center has grown to include 30 employees, 20 contract therapists and 20 interns. The center recently moved to a 15,200-square-foot facility that will allow for 40,000 counseling sessions annually. The state-ofthe-art campus includes an outdoor prayer chapel, walking trails, a prayer labyrinth and a playground for children.
As a therapist, Alexander’s clinical focus includes trauma; domestic and sexual violence; grief and loss; and identity work. She is passionate about helping clients thrive, find freedom and live healthy and whole lives.
“Much of the dream of The Refuge Center came during my time in the Trevecca graduate counseling program, where professors and leaders provided a solid foundation of mentorship, wisdom, guidance, vision and support,” she said. “I feel blessed to lead an organization that is making such a systemic impact in our community and beyond. I believe we are just scratching the surface of providing the most excellent, whole-person care available.”
Darryl Griffin
Darryl Griffin’s professional journey exemplifies leadership rooted in faith. A 2014 alumnus of Trevecca’s Master of Arts in organizational leadership (MOL) program, Griffin’s career has been driven by a commitment to service and responsibilit y.
As the national associate executive vice president for the American Heart Association based in the Dallas area, Griffin attributes much of his impact to the spiritual discipline of prayer. Cultivating a prayer life where he routinely asks for guidance and the opportunity to help others has shaped his career and allowed him to rise through leadership ranks with a focus on empowering his colleagues.
His Christ-centered approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration and the importance of embracing differing perspectives. Griffin values “positive conflict,” where open dialogue and constructive criticism are embraced to achieve the best outcomes. “Learning how to operate within that space brings out the best in everybody,” he said, adding that this mindset motivates him to lead with influence rather than authority alone.
Griffin says his Trevecca education contributed greatly to his leadership phi losophy. “Understanding myself and my emotional intelligence was crucial,” he explained. Trevecca’s MOL program has helped him manage emotional responses and foster effective relationships—essential skills for any leader.
MATTHEW MULLINS
Matthew Mullins graduated from Trevecca with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting in 1997. After earning an MBA from Tennessee State University, he worked for 17 years at Momentum, a Nashville healthcare software company, eventually becoming its CFO and executive director.
Mullins decided to switch courses in his career in 2017 and become a lawyer. He earned his law degree from Belmont University in 2021 and then founded Momentum Law in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., providing estate and business planning services. He also teaches business law as a part-time instructor at Trevecca.
In 2010, Mullins was instrumental in starting the Trevecca Association for Business and Leadership (TABL), an organization that facilitates ongoing opportunities for alumni and friends of the University in the business community to network, connect and learn from local leaders in Middle Tennessee.
Beyond the strong academic foundation he received at Trevecca, Mullins met his wife, Keely, at the University and developed friendships that still enrich his life today. He believes his journey highlights Trevecca’s impact on both the professional and personal lives of students.
“Trevecca has provided me with opportunities to give back to a community that has given me so much,” Mullins said. “It’s been a cornerstone in my life.”
The T-award, MINISTERIAL recognizes Trevecca alumni who have devoted their lives to serving and ministering to others. The award is presented each year to one minister and one layperson.
JULIE STEVENS
For more than three decades, Julie Stevens has worked in community engagement and pastoral service. She graduated from Trevecca with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992, but not before starting an outreach ministry during her senior year that would eventually reach as many as 600 children a week in underserved neighborhoods.
She went on to serve as director of campus ministries at Trevecca and also worked in pastoral service at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene. After earning a master’s in religion from Trevecca in 2002, she served at churches in Texas, California, Ohio and Kansas while continuing to be involved in community engagement ministries and adjunct teaching roles at three Nazarene universities.
In 2023, after more than 30 years working in children’s ministry, she became lead pastor of Living Hope Church of the Nazarene in Centerville, Ohio.
“All of us have a circle of influence, no matter our age or our job,” she said. “The Lord calls us to engage our world. I believe there’s a holy urgency to get outside the walls of the church. This is needed now more than ever. That’s my hope and prayer as a pastor.”
The T-award, laypersons recognizes Trevecca alumni who have devoted their lives to serving and ministering to others. The award is presented each year to one minister and one layperson.
DAN & MELANIE EATON
Dan and Melanie Eaton have a heart for addressing the crucial need of affordable housing in Middle Tennessee. They have spent much of their lives focusing on ministry efforts, whether through affordable housing initiatives, helping Nashville’s homeless population, supporting students at Trevecca or serving in the mission field overseas.
Since 2020, Dan has worked as director of housing development at Affordable Housing Resources, a Nashville nonprofit dedicated to building homes and making homeownership a reality for low- and moderate-income buyers.
Melanie works for the same organization as the grant coordinator for rental assistance. Since 2023, she’s secured more than $2 million through grants from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency that has helped renters avoid eviction in the face of rising rent costs.
The couple met at Trevecca as students and married in 1985. Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree in social work that same year, while Dan graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in both accounting and business administration. He went on to earn an MBA with a focus on economic development from Eastern University in St. David’s, Pa.
The Eatons’ calling is one they pray brings hope to Nashvillians. “Housing is an integral part of people’s lives,” said Melanie. “We view our work as a fulfillment of what the Lord expects us to do. Our faith is meant to be an active faith. We want to be involved in what God cares about—the homeless and the vulnerable. These populations are near to His heart.”
THE FIRST CHAPTER AWARD
is presented to a recent Trevecca alumnus or alumna who has begun a distinguished professional career.
JAMES AUSTIN JOHNSON
James Austin Johnson’s journey from Trevecca to the cast of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is a testament to his dedication and passion for the performing arts. Growing up in Nashville, Johnson was immersed in theatre from a young age, making his debut in Trevecca’s production of “The Music Man” as a third grader. His early involvement in church and community theater laid a solid foundation for his future career.
As a student at Trevecca, Johnson initially pursued a path in literature, driven by a desire to become a writer. However, his passion for performance persisted. Balancing his studies with stand-up gigs, he would perform off campus to hone his comedy skills. Johnson’s versatility led him to switch his major to mass communication, focusing on film and comedy. His involvement in various productions became a cornerstone of his artistic development.
After graduating from Trevecca in 2011, Johnson moved to Los Angeles, where he navigated the competitive landscape of comedy and acting. His perseverance paid off with notable roles, including a part in the Coen Brothers’ film “Hail Caesar.” His breakthrough came in 2021, when he became a featured player on SNL and quickly made an impact with his unique comedic style. He was promoted to repertory status on the show in 2023. He also voiced the character Pouchy in the 2024 Pixar animated film “Inside Out 2.”
“I’m grateful for my time at Trevecca,” he said. “There are a lot of positives to going to a smaller private school that doesn’t have your exact major. It draws resourcefulness out of you and forces you to think about ways to be creative.”
Your Year-End Gift Can Change a Student’s
IFE L
Because of the generosity of alumni and friends like you, students at Trevecca are discerning their calling and pursuing their God-given potential. As the year ends, will you help even more students faithfully step into their future?
h ow Your Partnershi P
Makes a d ifference
At Trevecca, we’re more than just a university—we connect people to their calling. Endowed scholarships make this possible, allowing students to grow academically, spiritually and personally. Here’s how your financial partnership can impact students directly.
$50 provides a month of meals for a commuter student
$500 supports a month of on-campus living for a residential student
w h Y n ow?
Through Dec. 31, 2024, any gift (of $500 or more) you contribute to an endowed scholarship will be doubled thanks to a matching donor. Your support ensures more students can receive an education that transforms.
Please consider making a year-end gift today. Together, let's shape servant leaders who will impact God’s kingdom.
g i V e toda Y
$1,000 enables an undergraduate student to earn a full credit hour on the way to earning a life-changing college degree
“Trevecca has been a transformative experience for me. It has enriched my academic knowledge, fostered personal growth, deepened my faith and prepared me for the future. I’m grateful for the opportunities I've encountered, and I look forward to seeing how my final semester here shapes my life.”
Maria Jose Velez c ha V ez Senior biology major