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PRESIDENT’S IMPRINT
Tending the
Roots
I can’t figure it out.
I’m hoping an arborist is reading this column and will explain it to me. My ash tree is partly dead. About 8 percent of the limbs have had no leaves on them for two years now. These branches are brittle and dead. And the scant presence of green leaves on the few remaining live limbs isn’t enough to merit keeping the tree. But I can’t bring myself to cut it down. It was beautiful two years ago. I do have my suspicions. I noticed a few places near the trunk of the tree where it looked as if some critters had burrowed underneath and possibly feasted on the roots. Or maybe it was because I stacked some freshly cut pine logs near the ash tree roots and the sap leached into the soil and poisoned the tree. I’m really not sure. But I suspect it has something to do with the roots. Roots are important. They provide a strong, firm foundation, but they also give life and breath and beauty. You may be wondering why I’m writing about roots when this issue is clearly focused on Trevecca’s Homecoming celebration, which is just around the corner. You’ll understand when you come back to campus. Your friends will be here. And they are your roots. The person who you have become was already being shaped years ago on the Hill. There are lots of things that have happened to each of us since we attended Trevecca as students—root-gnawing critters, life-leaching sap, and other stuff. But I’m guessing a Homecoming road trip might remind you of your living roots. I hope to see you here on campus, especially the arborists among you. Blessings,
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Vol. 86 No. 4 Fall 2016 President
Dan Boone, ’74
Vice President for External Relations
08
focus
Focused Learning
Peg Cooning
Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications Matt Toy
Editor
Mandy Crow
Graphic Designers
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Jamie Ascher Stephens Hiland, ’15
Contributors
homecoming
Buddy Bumpus Brooklyn Dance Emily Diehl, ’16 Nancy Dunlap, ’67 Andrea Fowler, ’99 Janelle Hiroshige Logan Newkirk, ’15 Hannah Pollok Greg Ruff, ’87, MOL ’13 Tim Scott, ’15 Jessy Anne Walters, ’16 Rebekah Warren Jonathan Wright, ’13
A Warm Welcome
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Contact Information: Treveccan 333 Murfreesboro Road Nashville, TN 37210 615-248-7782 treveccan@trevecca.edu
homecoming
40 Years of the PA Program
Main number 615-248-1200
Office of Admissions 615-248-1320
Office of Alumni & Church Engagement 615-248-7735
www.trevecca.edu www.facebook.com/treveccanazarene www.twitter.com/Trevecca The Treveccan, publication No. 394470, is published quarterly by Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee, 37210-2877. Periodical postage paid at Nashville, Tennessee. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Alumni and Church Engagement, Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210-2877.
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Homecoming Every Picture Tells a Story
Contents
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FOREWORD
homecoming
President’s Imprint From the Hill In Your Own Words
Guests of Honor
3 6 8
FOCUS Hands and Feet Focused Learning Serving the City Make a Difference
10 11 12 13
HOMECOMING A Warm Welcome 14 Homecoming Schedule 16 Homecoming Highlights 18 Forward Thinking: Celebrating 40 Years of Trevecca’s PA program 22 Every Picture Tells a Story 25 Guests of Honor: 2016 Alumni Award Winners 30
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F E AT U R E S
Feature Change of Key
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Feature
Living the Dream
Change of Key 34 Get the details on the Center for Music and Worship Arts, now under construction on Trevecca’s campus. Living the Dream 38 John Dotson thought finishing the college degree he’d started 40 years ago was a dream he’d never be able to make a reality. But through Trevecca’s MHR program at Motlow State Community College, he’ll graduate in December.
AT H L E T I C S Athletics News Learn the latest info on the new Trevecca Athletics website and more!
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EPILOGUE
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Alumni Spotlight: Adam Hall Alumni News Postscript
42 45 47
alumni spotlight Adam Hall
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FOREWORD
From the Hill C H A P M A N R E T U R N S T O A L M A M AT E R BUSY AS A BEE Parents and kids have countless camp opportunities from which to choose—from church camps to sports camps and even art camps. This summer, kids gathered on Trevecca’s campus for a slightly different kind of camp. Hosted and coordinated by officials from the Trevecca Urban Farm team, Bee Camp was designed to teach Nashville’s youth about beekeeping. This was the first year for the camp, held July 18-22 on Trevecca’s campus for campers in grades 5-9. Last fall, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Community Garden Grant Program awarded the Trevecca Urban Farm a $5,000 grant, designed for school or community garden projects that benefit children or seniors. The grant was used to expand the number of bee hives on the campus farm and to fund an on-campus bee camp. During the week, local beekeepers as well as Gene Armstrong, president of the Nashville Area Beekeeping Association, came to the farm to speak to campers about introductory beekeeping, bee health, and bee society. Campers worked in the hives every day during the camp and extracted honey on Friday. All campers wore full protective gear while working in the hives. Learn more at www.trevecca.edu/Bees.
Trevecca Tweets
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Folow us @trevecca
Trevecca Nazarene University has named Katrina Quick Chapman (’00) as the university registrar. Chapman replaces Becky Niece (’70), who retired from Trevecca after the 2015-2016 academic year. Niece served the University in various roles for 31 years. Chapman is a 2000 graduate of Trevecca and a 2003 graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary, where she earned a master’s degree in Christian education. She began her duties at Trevecca on July 5 and is excited to be back on campus. While Chapman’s love for the University was influential in her decision to return home to the Hill, it wasn’t the only thing that drew her back. Trevecca’s growing campus and enrollment were also key factors. “Trevecca is trying to stay current, looking at what’s going on and leading into that,” she said. “I feel like President Dan Boone has a vision, and that we’re going places and making things happen, and it’s exciting to be a part of that.” Chapman has more than 10 years of experience in academic records. She served as the associate registrar at Nazarene Theological Seminary, then became the assistant registrar at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn. Four years later, in 2009, Chapman was promoted to the position of university registrar. She served in that position until coming home to Trevecca in July. More at www.trevecca.edu/Chapman.
@TNUjournalism @OliviaKelley2, a senior @Trevecca student, is settled in and ready to rock her semester at @JMPjournalism! #NYCJ
HASTINGS JOINS E X T E R N A L R E L AT I O N S On July 1, Don Hastings (’69) joined the Trevecca Office of External Relations as the senior stewardship officer. A financial advisor, Hastings has most recently worked as a financial planner for VOYA, where he served as a contract representative for the state of Florida, focusing on deferred compensation and retirement planning. In his new role at Trevecca, much of Hastings’ work will center on planned giving, a significant part of Trevecca’s comprehensive campaign which is now in the quiet phase. Hastings is no stranger to the Trevecca community. A 1969 graduate, he has long been a dedicated fan and supporter of the University, with deep ties to the Church of the Nazarene. He has served as worship pastor for several churches and is a talented trombonist. Very active on Trevecca’s Alumni Board and Board of Trustees, Hastings most recently served as the Alumni Association president, stepping down to take the full-time position. Hastings and his wife, B.K. (’69), have two adult children, Melissa (Brian ’09) Schmelzenbach and Matt (Keri ’95) Hastings (’98, MA ’07) and seven grandchildren. Two of his granddaughters, Kathryn Schmelzenbach and Bailee Hastings, are currently enrolled as students at Trevecca. Learn more at www.trevecca.edu/hastings.
N E W F A C U LT Y M E M B E R S A N N O U N C E D Trevecca welcomed nine new faculty members in the Fall 2016 semester. The School of Arts and Sciences added the most faculty members, adding four fulltime faculty to various programs within the school. They are: Dr. Leigh Ann Danzey-Bussell, associate professor of sports management; Dr. Bejamin Jorge, lab manager/assistant professor of biology; Dr. Ewa Kowal, assistant professor of chemistry; and Dr. Jeffrey Wells (’88), associate professor of communication studies. The Gerald Skinner School of Business and Technology announced three new hires. Dr. Ed Anthony has returned to Trevecca to serve as the chair of the Department of Information Technology. Dawn Olson and
@fallhamiltoneos We’re so thankful to have @Trevecca students volunteering in our gardens today!
Vincent Wilcox also joined the faculty as part-time instructors, teaching classes in marketing and music business, respectively. Trevecca’s School of Education and the School of Music and Worship Arts each added a new employee to their faculty rosters. Dr. Johnny Crow, who previously served as director of Teacher Leadership for the Tennessee Department of Education, joined the School of Education in July. He will serve as the director of the School of Education’s graduate education program, as well as an associate professor of education. Dr. Thomas Lerew, who recently completed his doctorate at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., will serve as an assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.
@whitneykovach Today I began a new journey toward my doctoral program. A dream and goal is coming true!
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IN YOUR OWN WORDS
Trevecca alumni, faculty and students share their thoughts about professors, building community and why Homecoming is so special on the Hill.
TERRI HAYDEN
MBA student, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies “I’ve most appreciated the genuineness of the Trevecca community. It seems like our professors are not just there to teach, but are concerned and realize that students are working full-time jobs. And they take into consideration just life— that people have things happen throughout their lives. They seem more genuine about your safety, your health—mental, spiritual—overall.”
BONNY KATE SIMPKINS (’13) Resident director of Johnson Hall
“I love the community aspect of our team of residence hall directors. Everyone is passionate about students, so we know that we’re in the best place to bounce ideas off each other. I have to be poured into in order to pour back into students and I totally get that from my team.”
TORRANCE ROBINSON (’16)
Site Recruiter for Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tenn. “What I love about Homecoming at Trevecca is the energy of the crowd as we cheer on our basketball team. There is no place like the Trojan Fieldhouse!”
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FOCUS
A CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY IN THE HEART OF NASHVILLE
Four ways we are living out our mission in Nashville and the world 9
HANDS
&
Nearly 275 high school and middle school students gathered on Trevecca’s campus this summer for Mission Nashville. The hands-on ministry event provides youth groups with a fully organized, service-based mission trip, giving students a chance to see real-world needs in the city and act upon them. Started as a collaboration between Trevecca’s Office of Admissions and the social justice department, Mission Nashville provides Trevecca with new avenues to serve the surrounding community while also helping the University to personally connect with attendees who are interested in continuing their education at Trevecca. “I’ve lived in Nashville nearly my whole life, but never knew of all the poverty in the city or ways to help out,” said Laura Farley, an incoming freshman attending her first Mission Nashville. “I love that Trevecca is really immersing us in service work and stewardship of the community.” Participating youth groups worked with ministries seeking to help those struggling with poverty and homelessness, cleaned up trash on Nashville streets, and aided organizations that provide the community with lessons on urban agriculture in food-insecure areas. “We hope Mission Nashville challenges teens to get out of their comfort zones and see firsthand some of the issues facing Nashville and other cities today,” said Michael Newland, associate director of admissions for transfer and international students. —Brooklyn Dance
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CHRISTIAN
FOCUSED LEARNING
In its 18th year, Trevecca’s Intensified Summer Learning Experience (ISLE) allows Ed.D. students to focus intently on their coursework. Because of the intensity of the weekend, students have the option of staying on campus during the two sessions. According to Dr. Alice Patterson, director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice program, ISLE consists of two four-day weekends of serious study in two courses: one on leadership and organizational behavior and another centered on technology or professional practice. By the end of the sessions, students will have completed two courses in the program. Kristie Moody, an Ed.D. student, says a typical day starts with breakfast in the cafeteria, then the ISLE students come together in prayer. “Once we get to class in the morning, we have a
moment to discuss praises and prayer requests,” Moody said. “We come together with prayer to begin the day. At a Christian university, this brings our group of over 50 students together as a family.” Moody says the classes are challenging, inviting students to analyze and problem-solve as they learn. “The professors transform the students into stronger leaders,” Moody said. “The activities within the classroom allow each individual to work on his or her own strengths.” The ISLE schedule also provides several events for students to enjoy during the weekends, including a leadership lecture, alumni dinner, devotions, and an off-campus cohort night out. Approximately 145 students participated in ISLE this year, held June 2-5 and June 23-26. —Hannah Pollok
UNIVERSITY 11
SERVING THE CITY
Leadership and service are part of Trevecca’s mission, and incoming students put those ideals into action on August 29 when they participated in CityLink. Formerly known as New Student Service Day, the event invited new students to immerse themselves in the Nashville community and serve at various sites around the city. Nearly 500 students and leaders served at 20-plus locations around Nashville, including St.
HEART 12 TREVECCAN
Pishoy Coptic Orthodox Church, Cheryl’s List, Operation Stand Down (an organization that helps homeless veterans), Cottage Cove Urban Ministries, and several local Nazarene churches, in addition to serving at local elementary schools, organizations and ministries. Students spent the morning cleaning, organizing and doing light outdoor labor, among other tasks.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Brodrick Thomas has been named Trevecca’s first coordinator of student engagement and diversity. In this role, Thomas will work through Trevecca’s Center for Leadership, Calling and Service to engage first generation college students, foster community and prepare students to make a difference in an ever-changing, diverse world. “As a Christian university, our true mission is to go and fill in the divides and cracks between people in our society,” Thomas said. “This University should be a place where all those students can come and have that conversation about how to move this world into a place that’s more cohesive instead of divided.
“I think students are the glue to that,” Thomas continued. “In order to make an impact in this world, we have to foster that environment and trust our students to take it to the world.” His plans include partnering first generation students with older students who are already accustomed to college life while also providing the resources to motivate and equip them throughout their college careers. He also envisions helping to build a diverse on-campus community that eventually extends into the city and the world. Learn more at www.trevecca.edu/firstgen.
NASHVILLE
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M A K I N G G R E AT S T O R I E S P O S S I B L E We circle certain dates on our calendars every year. They represent meaningful markers in our lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and when we’ll get to spend holiday times together. Those dates are special because the people with whom we share them are also special. For me, the first weekend in November is just about as big as it gets in terms of what I look forward to each year. The first weekend in November is when the Trevecca family celebrates its family reunion! Homecoming 2016 promises to be bigger and better than ever. We’ll have big tents for big reunions. We’ll have an amazing build-up to the largest parade we’ve ever had. We’ll have the most exciting array of events we’ve ever hosted. It’ll be even bigger and better if you’re here! We can’t wait to see you. —Michael Johnson (’82, M.Ed. ’03) Director of Alumni and Church Engagement
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NOVEMBER 3
Homecoming Schedule
Give Back Thursday Celebrate Trevecca all day long with Give Back Thursday. Share your favorite Trevecca memories and photos on social media. Remember when, then remember why. Donate $1 for each year since you graduated and help Trevecca keep telling great stories for years to come. give.trevecca.edu. 7 p.m. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Benson Auditorium*
NOVEMBER 4 10 a.m. Founder’s Day Chapel The Courts, TCC
11:15 a.m. Physician Assistant Program 40th Anniversary Celebration & Open House Greathouse
Register Now!
Visit www.trevecca.edu/homecoming for the most up-to-date Homecoming information. Events marked with an asterisk (*) require a ticket or payment.
1 p.m. NTS Reunion CLCS Fireside Room 1:30 p.m. Author Talk: Rachelle Dekker Wakefield
9 a.m. Various Reunions Class of 1966 Jernigan | PDR*
Class of 1969-72 Tarter Student Activity Center* Class of 1981 Hardy Alumni Center* 9:30 a.m. Class of 1986 Wakefield Auditorium* 11 a.m. Parade and Street Fair The Quad Tours of the new music building 11:30 a.m. Various Reunions Class of 1991 | Tent in the Quad SGA 1995-2000 | Tent in the Quad Class of 1996 | Tent in the Quad Class of 2006 | Tent in the Quad Young Alumni | Tent in the Quad Physician Assistant Program | Tent in the Quad
2:30 p.m. Emeritus Gathering TCC
1 p.m. Sigma/K-ettes Reunion CLCS NINETEEN|01 Coffee Shop
3:30 p.m. Our Stories, Our Songs Hymn Sing Sanctuary, TCC
2 p.m. Women’s Basketball Game Trojan Fieldhouse*
5 p.m. Homecoming Family Dinner Boone Convocation Center* 7 p.m. Town and Country Showcase The Courts, TCC* 7 p.m. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Benson Auditorium* 9 p.m. Trojan Madness Bonfire Grassy area north of Waggoner
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NOVEMBER 5
3 p.m. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Benson Auditorium* 4 p.m. Men’s Basketball Game Trojan Fieldhouse* 6 p.m. Spirit of ’76 (Classes of 1974-78) Reunion Waggoner Rotunda* 7 p.m. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Benson Auditorium*
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This year’s parade theme, Once Upon a Hill, won’t disappoint! After the parade, enjoy food trucks, inflatables, and more!
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Trevecca alumna Rachelle Dekker (’08) will talk about The Seer series. Dekker’s first novel, The Choosing, won the 2016 Christy Award for best young adult novel. For more information, visit www.trevecca.edu/AuthorTalk.
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Trojan Madness Bonfire Friday // 9 p.m. // Grassy area north of Waggoner
Current Trevecca students and alumni are invited to gather around the bonfire and join in a traditional Homecoming pep rally to kick off basketball season.
Homecoming Family Dinner
Friday // 5 p.m. Boone Convocation Center* Enjoy a buffet-style dinner with family Mu with fellow and friends. Reconnect rfre esb oro Pk. and Trevecca alumni and their families reminisce about dear ole TNU.
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HIGHLIGHTS Homecoming is a time to reflect, remember and reconnect. This year’s Homecoming celebration is sure to be full of special moments and long-standing traditions that honor Trevecca’s storied past and look forward to the future. In the next few pages, we’ll highlight a few special events you won’t want to miss!
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Founder’s Day
Chapel
10 a.m., November 4 The Courts,
Trevecca Community Church A special service centered on the cherished traditions and long history of the University. Join us as we honor alumni award winners, celebrate the 40th anniversary of Trevecca’s Physician Assistant program and more.
“
As a student, seeing all the people come back to Trevecca for Homecoming was special. It made me realize that Trevecca really meant something to them.”
—Lawrence Golden, ’73
Town and Country Showcase 7 p.m., November 4
The Courts, Trevecca Community Church A Homecoming favorite, the Town and Country Showcase has something to offer everyone. A variety show featuring alumni talent, the showcase will include songs, stories and more! This year, we’ll also kick off the University’s capital campaign during the show.
“
Over the past several years on Homecoming weekend, it has been a joy to be a part of the annual Town and Country Showcase! TNU has always been a place where great stories, great talent, and great songs find a place of captivating and catalytic collision. The Town and Country Showcase is a unique place for this unique mash-up of people, tradition, and music to find creative and enduring expression. It’s a place where legendary folklore from the Hill combines with remarkable songs from a wide variety of genres and unforgettable performances by alumni and current students. It’s a Homecoming highlight each year for sure!” —Craig Adams, (’91) Producer of this year’s show
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Parade & Street Fair 11 a.m., November 5 | The Quad
Join current Trevecca students, alumni and friends on campus for a parade celebrating Trevecca’s greatest stories. Then grab lunch on the Quad from various Nashville food trucks and enjoy food, music, fun and fellowship.
“
We love watching the enthusiasm of current students in the parade. It uniquely connects all generations of the Trevecca community, and our son, Eli, loves getting the candy! The street fair is always the venue that allows us to catch up with old friends. It creates an energy our family loves. The kids love the music while playing on the inflatables. It’s our favorite time of Homecoming.” —Thomas (’09) & Traci (’07) Crummer
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Reunions Various times and locations
Part of what makes Trevecca so special is the amazing sense of community cultivated on our campus. Our Homecoming celebration is centered on community, providing multiple events and opportunities for you to reconnect with friends, faculty, staff and other alumni. Reunions for classes, clubs, programs and more are scheduled throughout the weekend, giving you ample time to renew relationships, reminisce and otherwise enjoy spending time with the people who helped shape who you’ve become.
“
It’s a strong tradition in the Tracy Spaur and Victor Morgan families to always connect at Trevecca’s Homecoming. The four of us met at Trevecca in the 1970s and have been close friends ever since. Being on campus annually gives us the opportunity to see Trevecca growing and vibrant. We love encountering classmates, attending the parade, the basketball games and the play. Our love for Trevecca passed on to the next generation, six of whom attended Trevecca. We all anticipate Homecoming every year and are committed to being part of it.”
“
—Valerie Spaur, ’77
Trevecca is a place where great stories begin. And Homecoming is a place and a time when we get to talk about those great stories. That’s why we come back. We’ve formed friendships that, for the Class of ’76, have lasted 40-plus years. So many great stories began in 1972 for us, and now we get to see how those stories have unfolded. I get a tremendous boost to finish well when I come back to Trevecca. These friendships matter—friendships with classmates and with professors—that have continued across the years.”
—Ralph Swallows, ’76 Spirit of ’76 Reunion committee
The Spirit of ’76 Reunion is open to Trevecca grads from 1974-1978. The reunion is planned for 6 p.m. on November 5 in the Rotunda of Waggoner Library. There is a cost for this event, so register today at www.trevecca.edu/homecoming. Other reunions are scheduled throughout the weekend. See page 17 for more information.
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FORWARD THINKING CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF TREVECCA’S PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
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When the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant (PA) program began in 1976, the profession itself was only 11 years old. Created in the mid-1960s, the PA profession was designed to remedy a shortage of primary care physicians. Trained to be experts in general medicine with a focus in primary care, PAs can diagnose, prescribe medication and make treatment decisions, often working in collaboration with a team of medical professionals and within many specialties. Dr. Eugene Stead, chair of Duke University’s Department of Medicine, established the first PA program in 1965, basing the education model on the fast-track training doctors had
received during World War II. The first PA class in history—composed of four ex-Navy Hospital Corpsmen—graduated from Duke in 1967. PAs soon became a vital part of the American healthcare system, helping to create greater access to much-needed medical care. When Trevecca launched the PA program in 1976, it was the first of its kind in the state. Trevecca’s decision helped pave the way for other PA programs in the relatively new and growing field. Trevecca’s first PA class graduated in 1978 with 10 students total. Throughout its 40 year history, Trevecca’s PA program has graduated a total of 1,395 students, including 47 in 2016.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Blazing a trail where no other Tennessee university had gone wasn’t easy. Trevecca’s PA program began with great forethought and vision, but meager resources. “We started the program with very limited resources,” says Dr. Earl Vastbinder, director of the Trevecca PA program from 1976 to 1985. “We were given an operating cost of $5,000
“IT WAS MORE dollars … If God hadn’t worked THAN JUST A JOB. A L E G A C Y O F things out, we would not have MORE THAN JUST L E A D E R S H I P survived the first two years.” Since then, the program SEEING EACH Vastbinder was instrumental PATIENT, WRITING has flourished under sound in the success of Trevecca’s PA A PRESCRIPTION leadership and guidance. program. A pediatrician, he came “We’ve had great leadership AND MOVING THEM to Trevecca from the University of ON THROUGH THEIR through the years, starting with Kentucky (UK), where he had been SCHEDULE.” Dr. Vastbinder,” says Karen an associate professor and director Ulmet, academic coordinator of UK’s PA program, which he assistant for the PA program. designed and launched. When Trevecca officials “Then Dr. Moredock, who was a director became interested in creating a PA program, for many years … His leadership was very Vastbinder first served as a consultant, helping impacting. As an instructor, he was very tough University officials to understand what they’d but also very caring, [and] his students thought need to do to make sure the program was a lot of him.” accredited. Dr. Gerald Michael Moredock’s Trevecca Trevecca President Mark Moore and Dr. career spanned 26 years, from 1986-2012. William Strickland, dean of academics, During his tenure, Doc, as Moredock was soon offered Vastbinder the job of leading known, served the University in a variety of ways, Trevecca’s PA program. After much prayer including medical director of university health, and consideration, he accepted, coming to the chair of the Department of Allied Health, chair University in August 1976. Vastbinder launched of the Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, the program, then stayed on for nine more years and director of the Trevecca PA program. to help it gain traction. In 2012, Moredock was diagnosed with a brain tumor and retired from his position at Trevecca. He lost his battle with cancer on
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“WE’VE GOT A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD OF US, AND WE’RE STAYING ON THE FRONT END OF PA EDUCATION. WE’RE MAKING OUR MARK” April 14, 2015. To honor Moredock and his legacy, the program created the Dr. G. Michael Moredock PA Award, which is presented each year during the PA graduation ceremony. Recipients must exhibit qualities a Christian professional should display in the field, including treating patients with dignity and showing Jesus through the profession. Through Moredock’s expertise and guidance, the PA program continued to expand. During his 26 years at the helm, Moredock graduated nearly 750 physician assistants. Bret Reeves, who Ulmet describes as “outstanding in his care given to the students,” currently serves as the director of the program and is prepared to lead it into the future. Reeves took over as director in 2014.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE From its beginning until now, the Trevecca PA program has worked hard to stay up-todate with accreditation and stay relevant within the health care field. Reeves doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. “[We stay relevant] by doing what we’re doing now and have been doing for a while,” he says. “By keeping our finger on the pulse of the ever-changing health care field and arena, we continue to pursue perfection and modify at home what we do so we can try and make sure we’re the best at it.” The faculty within the program value their students and strive to develop strong mentoring relationships that go beyond academics. “Every PA program has good faculty, but I just feel like we’ve got excellent faculty who care about their students,” Ulmet says. “They take the time to meet with their students on a regular basis, not just caring about how they’re doing academically but also how they’re doing as a people.” When the program started in 1976, the program faculty knew they were looking
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for a different kind of student. They wanted individuals who would enter the medical field with all the knowledge they needed, but also with a passion for serving. “I wanted to develop very competent PAs who would be very successful,” Vastbinder says. “I wanted people who had a different level of commitment to what they were doing. It was more than just a job. More than just seeing each patient, writing a prescription and moving them on through their schedule. [We wanted students who] would have care and compassion, giving words of comfort and support. When you serve the Lord, everything you do is of service to Him. Working as a PA or doctor, you do it under the Lord.” Now, 40 years later, that’s still the focus, reflected in the program’s mission statement. The mission statement reads: The Physician Assistant Program exists to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry. “[Our students are making] major impacts on the world. Look at the people who have come out of this program and what they’ve done and what they’ve gone on to do and continue to go on to do,” Reeves says. “They’re involved in service, be it in the foreign mission field, local missions, or within a branch of service. Wherever health care services are being rendered, you’re subject to find a Trevecca grad involved in that process.” The Trevecca Physician Assistant program has been growing strong for 40 years and been helping and guiding PAs into the medical field by providing them with the resources they need to be successful and knowledgeable and make a difference within the world. Reeves says he and others in Trevecca’s PA program plan for that to continue long into the future. “We’ve got a bright future ahead of us, and we’re staying on the front end of PA education. We’re making our mark,” Reeves says. “[The program has a] great future, a bright future.”
HOMECOMING WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS FOR PA ALUMNI NOVEMBER 4 Founder’s Day Chapel, 10 a.m. The PA program’s milestone anniversary will be celebrated during Founder’s Day chapel. Alumni award winners will be recognized as well. PA Program Open House, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Alumni of Trevecca’s PA program, friends and family are invited to join current faculty, staff and students in the PA offices in the Greathouse Science Building. Check out the recently remodeled offices, classrooms and exam rooms and celebrate with us! NOVEMBER 5 Parade and Street Fair 11 a.m. PA Program Reunion, 11:30 a.m. Reconnect with classmates and other Trevecca PA alumni, faculty and staff. Look for our reunion tent on the Quad and stop in to say hello!
Every Picture Tells a Story When alumni, friends and family gather on the Quad at Homecoming, we know you’ll have lots of stories to tell. As you reconnect with classmates, you’ll laugh about practical jokes and share stories of inspiring professors and chapel services that challenged and changed you. Trevecca’s history is full of great stories. Join us on the next few pages as we delve into a few special Homecoming stories, told by the people who lived them.
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FIRST HOMECOMING QUEEN TERESA JOHNSON HODGE, ’70 “When I went to Trevecca, I was a very shy, overweight teenager who had never really participated in a whole lot of life outside of home. When I got here, I thought This is going to change, and God helped this to change. I played every intramural sport I could, and I had a blast. God changed me into a completely different person, more outgoing and privileged to speak to everyone I met and embrace anyone and anybody and everybody as friends. I know [being chosen as Homecoming queen] was not because I was a beauty, but because God had changed me into a friendly, outgoing person through Trevecca. My whole personality changed. It was because of God, through Trevecca, and because of the positive influence of my home church encouraging me to go to Trevecca. “There was an election among the student body, and the queen was to be crowned at the basketball game. The night I was crowned as Homecoming queen, I can remember students shouting from the crowd, ‘Yay, T.J.!’ I recognized them as some of my friends from the Florida district. That year they asked us to wear a really dressy suit like we would wear to church. Some of the girls from my dorm and I went shopping. We went downtown on the bus, and I bought my suit. I was so excited. I didn’t have a winter coat that would go with that suit, and it was cold. My roommate had a beautiful white coat with a fur collar, and I thought, Oh, this is gorgeous. So we had suits and wore the big mum corsages. The very next year, they changed to evening gowns. I crowned my sister as the second Homecoming queen. They asked me to come back for the coronation, and I wore my wedding dress.”
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Hodge was crowned Trevecca’s first Homecoming queen in 1970.
BASKETBALL GAMES MAC HEABERLIN, ’87 “I went to many Homecomings [at Trevecca] as a kid because my family was engrained in the Nazarene church and Trevecca sports. But no Homecoming compared to the thrill “1987 was a very special year for Trevecca. I was of coming out of the locker room and onto fortunate to be on a team of players that could the court for my first Homecoming basketball out-play anybody we faced all year. Man, that team had some skills! When we won the game game as a Trevecca Trojan athlete. Butterflies is an understatement when I saw the packed to qualify us for the National Championship, house and all the festivities. That memory the fans were all over the floor, and the players lives inside me still today! I chose to go to were sitting on top of the backboards! It was a Trevecca over other larger colleges and have wild win for Trevecca. Although we did not win the National Championship, we did finish 9th in no regrets to this day. The basketball in me the nation in 1987. It was an honor to be a part has deflated, but the Christian training and spiritual guidance I received from Trevecca of that team.” continues inside of me and has had an eternal Heaberlin played basketball at Trevecca effect on my life and my family. from 1983-87 and was a member of the 1987 team that played in the NAIA National Championship tournament in Kansas City, Mo.
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HOMECOMING PARADE
A parade wasn’t always a part of Trevecca’s Homecoming celebration. Trevecca’s earliest Homecoming parade happened in 1973. Assistant editor Barbara Montague described it in the December 1973 issue of the Trevechoes: “The Founder’s Day parade, scheduled to start at 2 p.m., started a few minutes late. The parade, coming from Sears and traveling down Murfreesboro Road to campus, took approximately 45 minutes. There were floats, cars, an array of clubs, and the Homecoming court. Despite one known accident, no marching bands or boy scouts as scheduled and several disgusted motorists, the over-all parade was very enjoyable.” (In case you were wondering, the sophomore class won the float competition.)
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We’ve all got some great memories of Trevecca, but our alma mater’s greatest stories aren’t only in the past. It’s time to
look toward the future. Remember when, then remember why. Give back to help us make more great stories possible.
Remember when, then remember why. On Trevecca Give Back
November 3, 2016
#TreveccaGivesBack
Thursday, be sure to share your favorite Trevecca
photo or memory with us on social media.
Here’s the challenge: give $1 for every year since you graduated, with a goal of 115 donations in
honor of the University’s 115th year. 29
Guests of Honor 2016 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
Each year during Homecoming, Trevecca hosts Founder’s Day Chapel. It is a time to remember contributions of J.O. McClurkan, Trevecca’s founder. During the chapel service, the Trevecca Alumni Association honors selected alumni for their accomplishments and service. Learn more about this year’s alumni award winners.
M C C L U R K A N AWA R D The McClurkan Award is presented to individuals whose life and service reflect Trevecca’s values but who did not graduate from the University.
DR. CHARLES JOHNSON Dr. Charles Johnson is a native of Orlando, Fla. He moved to Meridian, Miss., in 1961 after graduating from the Nazarene Bible College in Institute, W. Va., and completed further study in church planting at the Fuller Institute in Pasadena, Calif. He has also completed management training at O.I.C. Academy of Management Training. Johnson has received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Trevecca. Dr. Johnson founded the Meridian Action Committee, a Mississippi civil rights group that helped to desegregate the lunch counters, restaurants, movie theatres and shops in the Meridian, Miss., area. Johnson also led the picketing of Meridian City Hall against police brutality. During this time, he met and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Ralph Abernathy. In 1972, Johnson helped to organize the Meridian O.I.C., a job training and job placement program. He was appointed to the National Manpower Board by President Jimmy Carter and served on the Mississippi Governor’s Colonel Staff. A preacher and singer, Johnson has served as the pastor of Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene for 55 years. He is married to Shirley Ann.
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T H E T- A W A R D
The T-Award recognizes Trevecca alumni who have devoted their lives to serving and ministering to others. The honor is presented to one minister and one layperson each year.
T-Award, Ministerial
T-Award: Layperson
One of six children, Dr. Larry Dennis was raised by loving, Christ-like parents in southwestern Ohio. Since 1971, he and his wife, Debbie, have pastored Nazarene churches in Ohio, Texas and Florida. Presently, Larry serves as district superintendent of the Florida District. His service as a member of the Trevecca Board of Trustees keeps him connected not only to his alma mater, but also to young people who challenge him to remain relevant. Additionally, he serves on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene, chairing the Global Missions Committee. Larry earned both his bachelor’s degree and doctorate (divinity) from Trevecca. He obtained his master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University and is also a graduate of the School of Large Church Management. In their free time, Larry and Debbie embrace their love for the outdoors through boating, camping, hiking, bicycling, and snow skiing. They have three grown sons, Matt, Ben and Andy, a daughter-in-law, Amy, and a 4-year-old grandson, Noah Banks Dennis.
Daryl Murray has over 25 years of hands-on experience working with the homeless. He has worked with feeding and shelter programs in New York City, directed the largest food bank distribution center in Middle Tennessee, and has been a youth pastor for five years. Murray is the founding director of Welcome Home Ministries, a 501(c) 3 organization established in 1992. A faith-based alcohol and drug recovery support ministry, Welcome Home Ministries owns seven Nashville facilities that house up to 57 men in various levels of recovery, from transitional housing (a six-month program) to permanent housing (sober-living apartments). Through these facilities, the ministry has touched more than 1,000 lives with hope, healing, transformation and reconciliation. In 2012, Murray received the Bank of America CEO of the Year Award through the Center for Non-Profit Management. The same year, he was also honored as the volunteer of the year by the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services. Murray sits on various Middle Tennessee committees that advocate for the homeless in the community.
DR. LARRY DENNIS
DARYL MURRAY
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M AC K E Y L E A D E R S H I P The Mackey Award is presented to a Trevecca alumnus who has excelled in leadership. A relatively new award, the Mackey Award was first presented in 2015.
DR. LEEANN BROWN-MEINCK
GARY MORSCH, M.D. Dr. Gary Morsch is a physician who believes that every person is uniquely gifted by God and called to serve others. Morsch enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 before attending Trevecca and later graduated from Southern Nazarene University. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma and did postgraduate work at Loma Linda University. Morsch later established a private medical practice in the Kansas City area. In 1994, Dr. Morsch was commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserve as an officer in the Medical Corps, retiring in 2012 at the rank of colonel. He is the author of six books. His most recent book, You’ll Never Be The Same: Transform Your Life By Serving Others, was released in August 2015. Morsch is the son of Dr. J.V. Morsch, former chair of Trevecca’s Board of Trustees. He has served on the boards of Southern Nazarene University, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, the Lamb’s Club in New York City, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. He is the founder of several organizations, including Heart to Heart International, One Heart–Many Hands and Docs Who Care. Morsch is a frequent speaker at Nazarene universities and churches. He and his wife, Vickie, reside on a farm outside Kansas City. They have four married children, nine grandchildren and two foster grandchildren.
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MELVIN L. TAYLOR A native of Nashville, Melvin Louis Taylor began his college career at Trevecca in 1979. While majoring in business administration, Taylor also continued his basketball career with the Trojans, being named an NAIA first-team All-American in 1983. After graduation, Taylor began his professional career in banking with First Farmers and Merchants National Bank, eventually transferring to Third National Bank. Later, Taylor became an independent contractor agent for State Farm Insurance. After 11 years in the banking and insurance industry, Taylor was led to completely change careers and become an educator. He then enrolled in the masters of education internship program at Belmont University. Upon completing the program in 1995, he began teaching at Hermitage Elementary School. In 1997, he earned his master’s degree in education. Taylor currently teaches third grade and counts it a blessing to be an educator. He strives to make a difference and be a positive role model. Taylor serves as an associate minister at the Original Church of God on 40th Avenue in Nashville. He and his wife, Rosalind, have been married for 31 years.
Dr. LeeAnn Brown-Meinck is a native of Clearwater, Fla. After graduating from Trevecca in 1991 with a degree in biology, she continued her education at Medical College of South Carolina, earning a degree in radiation therapy. Brown-Meinck later earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She was also accepted to the Northwestern University Medical School program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. In 2002, Brown-Meinck returned to Clearwater and completed an interventional pain fellowship at the Center for Neurosurgical and Spine Care. In 2008, she opened her private practice, which has been recognized as the 18th fastest growing business in the Tampa Bay Area by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and recognized by INC Magazine as one of its Inc. 5000 honorees. She has served as a two- term president of the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Association, national chair for fundraising for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association and currently serves on the executive board of the state of Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. In 2015, the surgeon general of Florida appointed BrownMeinck to the board of the Florida Prescription Database Monitoring Program Foundation. In her spare time, Dr. Brown-Meinck enjoys spending time on the water with her husband, Brad, and daughter, Gabby.
FIRST CHAPTER The First Chapter Award is presented to a young alumnus or alumna who has distinguished him or herself in a chosen career.
DR. JULIE TODD A 2004 graduate of Trevecca, Dr. Julie Todd majored in biology and minored in chemistry. She met her husband, Kevin (’04), at freshman orientation, and they were married the fall after graduation. They then spent six months volunteering in Argentina. She attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C., from 20052009. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, Calif. During medical school and residency, Todd was active in local church ministry, helping Kevin with youth ministry and attending a house church in California. She is currently on faculty at Hendersonville Family Medicine Residency Program in the mountains of Hendersonville, N.C. In addition, Todd works for Blue Ridge Community Health Services, a non-profit community health center. Through her residency teaching position, she still does hospital work, including obstetrical deliveries and in-patient medicine. In her clinic, she does everything from prenatal care to pediatrics and geriatric medicine. Her clinic is the oldest migrant health center in the country, taking care of farmworkers moving north from Florida following the growing seasons. Julie and Kevin have two children, Rowan (4) and Elaina (almost 2). As a family, their goal is to embrace local agriculture, social justice, and community reconciliation.
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Change of
KEY NEW MUSIC IN A NEW LOCATION
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BLACK BOX PERFORMANCE VENUE
It was an innovative plan,
The black box performance venue—at 2,810 square feet—offers a versatile space for staging performances from recitals and musicals to choral concerts. Because the placement of the stage can be adapted to different locations, the venue can be set up to accommodate various types of events.
Last November, when Trevecca completed the purchase of the former Volunteer Express trucking facility, that plan became blueprints and fundraising began in earnest. As construction continues, the sketches of the Center for Music and Worship Arts are coming to life on the Hill.
PA R K I N G L OT
transforming an old office building and loading dock into a new music building.
The state-of-the-art building will provide additional instructional and rehearsal space to Trevecca’s new School of Music Arts. In addition, it will house faculty offices, a recording studio, and a black box performance venue, adaptable to a variety of performances.
The parking area adjacent to the Center for Music and Worship Arts is expected to add approximately 186 new parking spaces to campus, including six handicap accessible spaces.
MUSIC GARDEN A landscaped garden area will line the front of the building, offering space for students to gather as well as for outdoor performances.
Barring delays, construction should be complete by the end of 2016. Tours of the building will be available during Homecoming weekend. A grand opening is being planned for the spring.
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FIRST FLOOR MPE 195 SF SMALL CLASSROOM 602 SF
BAND PRACTICE 454 SF
INSTRUMENT STORAGE 307 SF LOBBY
CHORAL 2,355 SF
STORAGE 247 SF
INSTRUMENTAL 1,727 SF
I.T. 47 SF
NPWI STUDIO 584 SF
RECORDING SUITE 281 SF
VENDING 94 SF MUSIC LIBRARY 152 SF CONF 414 SF
WORK AREA 192 SF
RECEPTION 422 SF 42 5
48 x 120
PERFORMANCE VENUE 2,810 SF
5 42
OFFICE OFFICE 165 SF 173 SF 42 5
5 42
MUSIC GARDEN
1ST FLOOR PLAN NPWI STUDIO1 SCALE: 1/16" = 1'-0" This space will be perfect for the National Praise and Worship Institute’s educational model, providing plenty of space for the battle of the bands. 15002.00
RECORDING STUDIO CHORAL AND INSTRUMENTAL The recording studio will be used to mix and REHEARSAL SPACE record high quality video and audio broadcasts CENTER FOR MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTSThe choral rehearsal space can also be used as TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY - 502 LESTER AVE. NASHVILLE, TN 37210 for the choral, a performance venue. Almost 2,000 square feet 1ST instrumental FLOOR PLAN COLORED and/or 06-29-2016 black box performance venues. The suite also provide of the first floor is allotted to an instrumental space for students to learn about multi-camera rehearsal area, with ample storage for instruments. video broadcasts in a real-world setting.
SECOND FLOOR GUITAR / COMMERCIAL STUDIO 364 SF
FACULTY STUDIO 199 SF
FACULTY STUDIO 205 SF LOUNGE
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT PLATFORM 1,118 SF
BAND PRACTICE 263 SF PRACTICE ROOMS
MEDIUM CLASSROOM 813 SF
LARGE CLASSROOM 970 SF
STORAGE 163 SF
2ND FLOOR PLAN PRACTICE CLASSROOMS 1 ROOMS SCALE: 1/16" = 1'-0" Entirely soundproof and designed to provide the best acoustics The building will feature three classroom spaces, adding valuable CENTER FOR MUSIC WORSHIP possible, the seven practice rooms and five faculty studio spaces will & educational spaceARTS for Trevecca’s music and worship arts students. TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY - 502 LESTER AVE. NASHVILLE, TN 37210 2ND FLOOR PLAN COLORED 06-29-2016 provide ample space for rehearsal as well as private instruction. 15002.00
ALL IN A NAME
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While several spaces in the building will be named by individual donors, two-thirds of the funding for the Center for Music and Worship Arts has already been raised. Naming opportunities are still available. Please contact Peggy Cooning, vice president for the Office of External Relations, at pcooning@trevecca.edu or 615-248-1451 for more information.
Let Trevecca be a part of your story. Complete your associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree on site, or entirely online.
“I’ve appreciated the genuineness of the Trevecca community. The professors are not just there to teach, but are concerned with our overall well-being.” – TERRI HAYDEN current MBA student
“For me, Trevecca is about growing. It’s about change. It’s been about developing me into who God wants me to be.” – SCOTT HILL current Ed.D. student
“Finishing my degree was just something I felt like I needed to do. My greatest takeaway from this experience is that I love the fact that the whole educational goal here is forged in Christ.” – CHRIS DOWNING current BA-MHR student
“The greatest aspect of my educational experience so far is the knowledge I’ve gained through the classes. I didn’t know if the information would stick—my life is very busy and I have a lot on my plate—but it has.” – CHARITY COX current BA-MHR student
“When I first started with Trevecca, I was just 17. I’ve gone to school elsewhere, but the environment you find at Trevecca is unique. I really love it here.” – STEVEN SINGLEY current MBA student
www.trevecca.edu 844-TNU-GRAD 37
Living the Dream How John Dotson achieved his dream of completing his college degree by Brooklyn Dance
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For 59-year-old Franklin County, Tenn., native John Dotson, finishing his college degree seemed far-fetched. But when Dotson’s daughter, Rachel Neal, completed her degree through Trevecca’s Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations (MHR) program, John started to wonder if the program would work for him, too. It was 2009 when Rachel enrolled in the program, attending Trevecca classes one night a week at Motlow State Community College. It would take six more years before Dotson stopped dreaming about completing his degree and made it a reality.
Rachel says that her dad always valued education and encouraged her to pursue her degree. “My dad has always encouraged his children to pursue a good education,” Rachel says. “Often, he would tell us that he wished he would have finished his college education. He was a huge support for me on this journey!” While Dotson knew Trevecca’s MHR program had worked for his daughter, he still wasn’t quite ready to enroll and finish the degree he’d started 40 years before. It would take a few more pieces falling into place for that to happen.
THE TURNING POINT
Fast forward roughly 40 years of hard work and raising a family. That’s when Dotson’s workplace Out of high school, Dotson attended the was bought out by a different company. University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he “My dad began working for an employer who played baseball on scholarship. But Dotson says offered tuition reimbursement incentives for the he soon lost interest in his education and moved program,” Neal says. back home. He briefly attended Motlow State Dotson had watched his daughter’s progress Community College, then transferred to Alabama and applauded her success in the MHR program. A&M, where he continued to play baseball. After all those years with an unfinished degree Dotson got married while at Alabama A&M hanging over his head, he began to think that and chose to put his education on pause to start now was the time. After all, when Dotson working to support his family. thought about his “bucket list,” finishing his “I kept telling myself I would finish my degree degree was one of the top items. later,” Dotson said. “But later never really came.” “I’ve kind of had it on my mind for awhile At the time, Dotson said he figured he was now, and I kept thinking it’s either now or never,” lucky enough to have a good job. He always Dotson says. assumed he really didn’t have time to go back So, Dotson soon applied for the program, to school, anyway. thinking it could lead to something new. Then 2009 rolled around, and Rachel “Dad was very excited to share with me that enrolled in Trevecca’s MHR program at he and a friend applied for the program,” Rachel Motlow State. As his daughter completed her remembers. “I was so proud of this decision, coursework, Dotson became very impressed and I knew this would fulfill my dad’s dream of with the program and its structure. becoming a college graduate.”
PUSHING PAUSE
MAKING A DREAM REALITY In August 2015, Dotson began the program, attending one night a week from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Motlow State Community College site in Tullahoma, Tenn. He began with 98 credit hours and needed 120 to graduate. “I was a little scared to start because I hadn’t been to school in so long,” Dotson says. “But people at Trevecca were very helpful and bent over backward to help out.” Dotson went in to the program not knowing what to expect and unsure if he would be able to keep up with the younger students. “But I have,” Dotson says. “I’ve even made good grades along the way!” Dr. Marvin Bunde remembers Dotson’s concern about being able to handle the coursework, particularly technology. “He worked very well with whatever we used, and the technology did not present any noticeable obstacles,” Bunde recalls. “I loved his attitude.” While Dotson is excited about achieving his decades-long goal of completing his degree, it isn’t the only benefit he’s encountered from the experience. Dotson says his MHR journey has also been a beautiful example of community. “I’ve met new people and made new friends,” Dotson says. “We all encourage each other, pray together and laugh together. It has given me selfesteem and self-confidence.”
A WORTHY CHALLENGE Dotson doesn’t deny that he’s had a few challenging moments in the program along the way. Even so, he’s quick to say it’s been a great experience.
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“It’s been an eye-opener,” Dotson says. “But I’ve learned a lot, and I’m glad I did it.” While Dotson counts Matt Hastings and Dr. Marvin Bunde as teachers who inspired him during his coursework, both are quick to point out that Dotson taught each of them a lesson about perseverance and determination. “I’ve heard all the various reasons students decide to complete their bachelor’s degree— career advancement, salary increase, and so forth,” Hastings said. “John’s reason for completing his degree is a testimony to his determination and tenacity. He contributes valuable wisdom and experience to each assignment as well as our classroom discussions. He is an inspiration!” Bunde, who taught Dotson in one course, remembers his student as someone who spoke with wisdom and offered enlightening comments during class. “I would gladly welcome many more students who reflected John’s interest, commitment to learning, and openness to exploring ideas,” Bunde said. Dr. Tim Eades, associate provost and vice president of Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, said he was honored to teach Dotson through Trevecca’s program at Motlow State. “One of the reasons I truly love our bachelor’s degree-completion program in management (MHR) is the opportunity it gives us to meet great adult students like John and serve them in obtaining a lifelong goal of a college degree,” Eades said. “For 30 years, Trevecca has been living out its mission to provide education for leadership and service for students of all ages.
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The program is going strong, and we look forward to seeing how God will use these next 30 years.”
A DREAM COMES TRUE These days, Dotson is counting down the credit hours needed to get his diploma. He’s set to graduate in November, and one of the first things he plans to do after getting his degree is to start sending out his new-and-improved resume. After working in manual labor for most of his adult life, Dotson’s goal with his new degree is to get a job in management or as a supervisor. According to Bunde, that goal wouldn’t be possible without Dotson’s determination—and the fact that Trevecca offered classes at a satellite location near Dotson’s home. “If this program were not available at Motlow, I do not believe Mr. Dotson would have finished his degree,” Bunde says. “From his comments in class, I do not think John would have attempted to complete his degree online, and I don’t think it would have been feasible for him to travel to Trevecca for classes once each week. The off-site MHR offering at Motlow State fit Mr. Dotson perfectly, and he embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.” Dotson says he’s excited about completing his degree—and he’s not the only one. His daughter, Rachel, who now works for Trevecca as a campus enrollment counselor at Motlow State, can’t wait to see her dad achieve his dream. “My dad turns 60 in November and will officially be a college graduate in December,” she says. “He is truly a testimony to the fact that this program can change your life. My dad could never complete his degree in a traditional college setting because of his work
schedule. The Trevecca MHR program has given him the opportunity to complete his degree, and I am so thankful to be able to watch his accomplishment unfold!” But the story doesn’t end there. After seeing the success of his dad and sister, Daniel Dotson has also enrolled in the program. This fall, he’ll begin the journey of completing his college degree through Trevecca’s MHR program at Motlow State.
UPCOMING START DATES Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies is starting new cohorts in a variety of programs in the next few months, including main campus, satellite locations and online. Visit trevecca.edu and online.trevecca.edu to learn more. MAIN CAMPUS: 10/6 Associate of Business 10/13 Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations ONLINE: 10/18 Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry 10/18 Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations 10/18 Master of Organizational Leadership 10/18 Master of Business Administration 10/25 Associate of Business, Ministry, and Human Services 11/8 Master of Arts in Religion
Athletics News
NEW ATHLETICS WEBSITE UNVEILED Trevecca sports fans will soon have a better way to get the latest news about Trevecca Athletics, thanks to an overhaul to the website. The revamped site will have additional capabilities, including the ability to play a video in the rotating news section at the top of the opening page. This video will offer fans a glimpse inside the Trevecca Athletics teams. The redesigned site is fully responsive, making it easier for fans to view on smartphones, tablets or other mobile devices. In addition, the Trevecca Athletics
mobile apps have also been updated and are available in Google Play and the App Store, enabling Trevecca fans a quicker link to live broadcasts of games. The new site also features a social media section, aggregating all of the Trevecca Athletics social media accounts into one place. A scrolling scoreboard at the bottom of the page will allow fans to quickly check the score for their favorite Trevecca teams. Check out the updated website at tnutrojans.com.
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A LU M N I S P OT L I G H T
ADAM HALL ver the years, Adam Hall has filled countless sketchbooks with drawings. During his last two years of college at Trevecca, he even created a makeshift painting studio in a corner of his on-campus apartment. “As far as being a painter, I didn’t really start that until my junior or senior year at Trevecca,” Hall said. “It was just kind of a thing that I would do on the weekends here and there, just for fun.” These days, Hall is painting for a little more than fun. He headlined his second solo art exhibition last month at the Robert Lange Studios in Charleston, S.C. The exhibit, called “Untamed,” opened on August 5, with Hall on hand to answer questions and chat with fans.
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F I N D I N G I N S P I R A T I O N A 2003 graduate of Trevecca, Hall says painting wasn’t his main artistic focus while at Trevecca. That honor belonged to recording and engineering. “I was mostly into recording, engineering and being in the studio,” Hall, who graduated with a degree in music business, said. “I wanted to make records, so art was more of a creative release that was a hobby. I never took it seriously or thought I’d make money with it.” In the years that followed graduation, Hall lived out his dream to make records. He worked in studios and started a small recording business with a buddy. Through the connections he developed there, Hall became a road manager, touring with Petra on their farewell tour, followed by several years on the road with the Newsboys. During those years of traveling, Hall started to notice the huge need touring bands had for merchandise. So, Hall, faithful to his artist’s heart, started to learn graphic design, teaching himself Photoshop and Illustrator, all part of the graphic designer’s palette. Soon, the Newsboys noticed his work and asked Hall to design their whole line. “Through that, I started to really fall in love with graphic design,” Hall said. Hall sensed that his time on the road was drawing to a close. He was dating Thais (Ty, for short), who would become his wife, and traveling so much made building relationships and friendships difficult. Hall transitioned from the “tour life” to working in graphic design, eventually becoming the head graphic designer for the Nashville office of Warner Music. All along the way, on nights and weekends, Hall would paint. “I was pursuing the galleries and pursuing shows, but doing that at nighttime,” Hall said. “I just kept growing slowly and taking steps.”
LIFE AS AN ARTIST
E V E R Y T H I N G C H A N G E S Painting became more than a nights-andweekends hobby around 2006 because of a chance encounter with David Wright, a wellknown frontier painter. Hall had gone to Gallatin, Tenn., to help victims of a tornado outbreak that had damaged and destroyed area homes. He ended up at Wright’s home, and the artist invited Hall into his art studio. The two struck up a friendship. It was Wright who first pushed Hall to start painting landscapes. “[Wright] gave me this little shove and said ‘Just paint a landscape. Stop making it so hard,’” Hall remembers. Hall took the advice and painted a landscape inspired by a photo he’d taken in Africa. He pitched the painting to several Nashville interior design firms, and Pierce and Company loved it. “They sold it within a week,” Hall said. “So I got a check in the mail and I was like ‘Whoa! I can make money off of this?’ So that was the first eye-opening experience that I could do something that I loved and actually have an avenue to make a little bit of money with it.”
These days, Hall still does some graphic design but is much more focused on his painting. He describes his work as “contemporary and atmospheric.” Hall works exclusively with oil paints on wood panels, painting landscapes designed to elicit a response and give a sense of place. When he was a student at Trevecca, Hall couldn’t have imagined the route his life would take, but he’s thankful for the sense of community and the friendships he developed while on campus. “I really think you can’t put a value on the community and friendships I took from Trevecca,” Hall said, commenting that he wouldn’t have met two of his best friends without his Trevecca experience. Hall also says that Trevecca was also a place where he could grow in faith and maturity. “Coming from a place of not really being raised in the church, coming to Trevecca was a pretty rough go my freshman year,” Hall said. “Looking back, I see that as much as I was rebellious and hated the rules, it was so good for me to have that because it really did help to reel me in a little bit. “Being at Trevecca helped me to be around a bunch of really good guys,” Hall continued. “[The experience] helped me to push a little bit faster to getting control on who I am and who I need to be.” Adam Hall and his wife, Ty, live in Nashville with their two young sons. “Untamed,” his latest art exhibition was installed at the Robert Lange Studios throughout the month of August. You can learn more about Hall and his art at www.adamhallart.com.
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Alumni News A L U M N I C E L E B R AT I O N S
LeeAnne Williams (’93) and Robert Leftwich were married on June 25, 2016. He is an officer in Botetourt County Police Department.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS 1970s
Dawn Coleman Gannon (’93) was appointed the deputy executive director for the Academy for Eating Disorders in Reston, Va., on April 1, 2016. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Trevecca, she earned a master’s degree in business administration and a graduate certificate in organizational management from American Public University. She is also trained as a Lean/Six-Sigma Green Belt.
Bruce Oldham (’78, ’89 M.A.) has been named as the next seminary president of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) in Manila, Philippines. The APNTS Board of Trustees announced his appointment on August 4. Oldham has served in various roles in Nazarene higher education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and MidAmerica Nazarene University. Most recently, he served as the senior associate pastor at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, a position he has held since 2012. Bruce and his wife, Peggy (’79), expect to be in the Philippines by early November. Peggy currently teaches in Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies Management and Human Relations (MHR) program and serves as Trevecca’s associate director of alumni and church engagement.
LeeAnne Williams Leftwich (’93) received her Masters of Science in educational leadership from Radford University in May. She currently serves as the assistant principal of Herman L. Horn Elementary School in Vinton, Va., a school in the Roanoke County School system.
1980s
2000s
Christy Jones Ray (’82) was recently featured in the Tennessean in an article detailing her life as an author of the Eliza the Mouse at Grammy’s House children’s book series. She also illustrates her own books, which can be purchased at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, Tenn., and at amazon.com. She sells her books, illustrated notecards and more at various popup shows across the country.
1990s Sandy Aldridge (’91, ’95 M.A., ’13 Ed.D.) was recently granted the prestigious Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) credential by the Council of Leaders in Alabama’s Schools. Established in 2013, the CIL program promotes the highest standards of instructional leadership. Only school and district administrators who demonstrate exceptional leadership and knowledge and have completed rigorous CIL coursework are awarded the honor. Aldridge was one of only 10 Alabama administrators selected in 2016. She currently serves as the director of federal programs for the Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and she also serves as an adjunct professor at Trevecca. She and her husband, Randall, live in Berry, Ala.
Robb C. Killen (’96, ’99) was recently named the supervisor of counseling and mental health for the Maury County Public Schools (Tenn.), a newly created position. He has worked as a school counselor for 10 years in the Metro Nashville Public School system and at Currey Ingram Academy. Trevecca alumnus Dr. Chris Marczak is superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. Robb lives in Franklin, Tenn., with his wife, Stacy, and son, Henry. Shayne Wallace Roby (’05) recently published his first book, The Original Light: The Great I Am. It is available via Amazon.com. He is a cousin of Elizabeth Roby Vennum who created the idea for the alabaster offering for Nazarene Missions International. Rachelle Dekker (’12) is the recipient of the 2016 Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction for her first book, The Choosing. The Christy Award is the Catherine Marshall Christian Fiction Award of Excellence. Caleb Spencer (’12) currently serves as the operations manager at the Nashville Film Festival. Two nights a week, he hosts trivia with Nerdy Talk Trivia. Caleb is also certified as a Nashville Ambassador. He recently coordinated East Nashville’s Tomato Art Festival and often volunteers with numerous other not-for-profit events in and around Nashville. Ashley Lawter (’13) graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary on May 9, 2016, with a Master of Divinity degree. Trevecca graduates Anna-Laura Garrow (’15), Shelby Bowman Johnson (’14), and Christina Curtner (’15) began a year of five-week rotations in different medical specialties as part of the PA program at the Medical University of South Carolina. They will graduate from the program in 2017.
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Alumni News
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS WE WILL MISS Glenn D. Keys (’52) of Lancaster, Pa., June 7, 2016. Glenn taught for many years at Southern Nazarene University and Point Loma Nazarene University. A biology scholarship has been established in Glenn’s name at Point Loma. For more information, contact Dr. Steve Seeling at Point Loma University or give online at www.pointloma.edu/giving. William H. (Bill) Anderson (’52) of Nashville, Tenn., August 3, 2016. Bill was a retired United States Air Force colonel. He retired from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital where he served as chief of the Alcohol and Substance and Abuse Program for more than 20 years. Bill was director of development and public relations at Trevecca from 1963 to 1968 and also served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University. Lloyd Manning (’64) of Louisville, Ky., June 3, 2016. Lloyd was a successful business manager for many years with Preferred Risk Insurance Company. He later opened Manning and Associates and Gateway Mortgage Company. He loved basketball and played on teams at Friendsville Quaker Academy and Trevecca Nazarene University. George Howard Melton (’64) of Arcadia, Fla., June 18, 2016. Howard was a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, serving churches in Punta Gorda, New Port Richey and Orlando, Fla., as well as Thomasville, Ga. He was also a historian who devoted years to collecting and preserving the documents, photographs and other materials that tell the story of Desoto County. His library of materials covers a time span of 110 years. In 1995, DeSoto County named the library in honor of Howard and his wife, Velma. He also published two books on local history, Footprints and Landmarks and More Footprints and Landmarks.
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Mary Stanistreet Creasy (’65) of Hiriam, Ga., June 15, 2016. Mary served as a teacher for 30 years before retiring. Her teaching and lifestyle clearly displayed her love for words and communicating with others. Mary was a facilitator who simply loved getting people together. Mary lived her deeply held Christian values. Joyce Andrews Baggott (’66) of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., June 4, 2016. Joyce was a teacher and a leader. She served as district missionary president in two districts of the Church of the Nazarene. Joyce also faithfully served as a pastor’s wife and as first lady of two districts in the Church of the Nazarene. James Craig (’67) of Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 19, 2016. James was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army. He influenced many lives, including those of his own family members and in the Church of the Nazarene. He also mentored many ministers and missionaries all across the world. David Keith Silvernail (’68) of the Philippines, May 21, 2016. Keith pastored in Illinois and Florida and was a volunteer with career status in Guam, the Dominican Republic, and U.S. Virgin Islands. From 1968-1996, he served as a missionary in Swaziland and Trinidad and Tobago. A memorial service was held at Indian Lake, Michigan on July 3. Charles (Charlie) Hare (’71) of Crowley, Texas, July 19, 2016. Charlie retired from AT&T in 1996. He enjoyed creating stained glass and ceramic pieces. Charlie loved animals and wrote a training guide for volunteers at a local animal shelter. John Michael Trash (current student) of Kennesaw, Ga., August 10, 2016. John was full of adventure, purpose and big love. He was a servant for the Lord Jesus Christ and spread Christ’s love to everyone he encountered.
Where we love is home,
 Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. — O L I V E R W E N D E L L H O L M E S S R. 47
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The Magazine of Trevecca Nazarene University
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FALL 2016