Point Magazine | Fall 2024

FALL 2024

M A G A Z I N E

Thingsabout WePoint Love page 14

+ MUSIC ED DEGREE LAUNCHES THIS FALL | CENTER FOR COMPELLING PREACHING

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their futures start with you.

At Point University, we’re opening doors to a brand new future for our students. Through our residential, online and dualcredit enrollment modalities, we’re making college accessible for everyone. A gift to Point helps enable us to serve students better as they prepare for the future of their dreams. Consider a gift today!

POINT.EDU/GIVE

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Contents FEATURES

10 Preaching the Word Point’s Center for Compelling Preaching, launched with a grant from Lilly Foundation, is helping ministers prepare for church leadership in the 21st century.

14 15 Reasons to Love Point Students, faculty, staff and alumni share their favorite things from both the ACC and Point days.

18 The Beat Goes On This fall, the University launches a long-requested degree program in music education, giving music students another opportunity to earn a living while sharing their passion and talent.

DEPARTM E N TS 4 From the President 5 University News 22 Backstory ragan barnes johnson ’21

On the Cover: Ragan Barnes Johnson ’21, communications

coordinator, says, “As a student, West Point Lake was my favorite place to go. My friends and I would talk about life for hours. We hosted devotional groups, played games and sang songs while sitting around a small bonfire on the beach. It was peaceful and gave us a place to relax when life got busy.” Find more reasons to love Point on page 14!

Calling all alumni!

Whether your diploma says Atlanta Christian College or Point University, we want to connect with you! Please scan the QR code below or visit us at point.edu/alumni to update your contact information and subscribe to The Cross & Crown, our alumni newsletter. Let us know your news, and we’ll share it with your fellow alumni in the next edition. On our website, you’ll also find upcoming alumni events and other ways to get involved at Point.

COVER PHOTO BY RAGAN BARNES JOHNSON ’21 P OI N T MAG A ZI N E | FAL L 2 02 4 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT Point Magazine Volume 63, Number 1 Fall 2024 E DITO R/DE S IGNER

Sarah G. Huxford ASS ISTANT E D ITOR

Amber Bowman CO NT RIB UTO R S

Ragan Barnes Johnson ’21 Desean Bullock

M

any of you may already have seen the announcement that I plan to retire as Point University’s president at the end of this academic year. It’s a bittersweet moment for me, after nearly 20 years of service to this institution.

I’ve led Point during some of its most exciting and most challenging seasons. When I became president of what was then Atlanta Christian College, we were primarily a residential institution based in East Point, Georgia. Now, as Point University, we serve residential students on our main campus in West Point, dual-credit students at additional campus locations and schools throughout the Southeast, and online students around the world. I’m most proud of the fact that through all of this transition, our mission of educating students for Christ-centered service and leadership has not changed — and our kingdom impact is greater than ever.

The board of trustees has already formed a search committee and engaged FaithSearch Partners to begin the process of identifying the University’s eighth president. You’ll hear more about that process in the weeks and months to come, and you can follow along at point.edu/president.

The board has also asked me to continue after retirement in a part-time role as chancellor, assisting with the presidential transition, strategic partnerships and other special projects. I’m excited to remain a part of this community, just in a different role!

In the meantime, I plan to enjoy one more academic year as president. I can’t wait to see how the Lord moves on this campus and in our Point University community in 2024-25.

We have some big dreams, and I hope you’ll be a part of them.

In Christ,

Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue. The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein. Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.

CONTACT US: Point University Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 editor@point.edu

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

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Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.

Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 300334097, at http://www.sacscoc.org, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point University.

ragan barnes johnson ’21

© 2024 Point University

UNIVERSITY NEWS

SNAPSHOT

ragan barnes johnson ’21

Point held a single graduation ceremony this spring for all 202324 graduates. More than 200 students earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. To learn more about this spring’s graduation, turn to page 8.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Point Welcomes New CAO During the summer, Point welcomed a new chief academic officer, Dr. Jon Ernstberger. He comes to Point from nearby LaGrange College, where he most recently served as associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of mathematics.

What is a cause you’re passionate about?

Education, and specifically, higher education, is one of our strongest tools for upward mobility and for changing the pathways of generations of people.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?

I am so excited to serve as CAO at Point University! Coming to work in this position has great meaning for me in terms of how I can help others and has been a long-term goal.

Do you have any creative outlets or interests?

I love to read (fiction, mystery or sci-fi, typically), and my wife and I are avid runners. My family and I enjoy watching movies. I love being outdoors and sitting around a fire.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?

I learned to be kind and patient with and extend grace to others, because it’s almost certain that I don’t fully understand what’s going on in their lives.

I also learned that it’s okay to pause and think about what you’re going to say before speaking.

ragan barnes johnson ’21

What is one thing you must have in your office?

An electric tea kettle, followed closely by good chocolate.

Who’s your hero, and why?

Without a doubt, my wife. She has carried me and others when life was difficult, is continually growing as a person and a professional, and does what she believes is right. I live in awe of her and am incredibly proud of her.

News Feed Point’s website has a new look! The Communications Office worked with two outside vendors to create the new site. The streamlined design is meant to be easier to navigate for Point’s prospective students, current students, employees, alumni and friends. Be sure to check it out at point.edu!

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The Department of Fine Arts hosted a fundraising dinner concert in April, featuring performances by a variety of students and friends of the department.

To learn more about upcoming fine arts events, visit us online at point.edu/finearts.

The Spring Ministry Seminar, held on April 18, brought a large crowd of ministers and students to learn from speaker Joe Putting. For more about the fall seminar, turn to the inside back cover of this issue.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

rayden hector ’25; jordan roberson ’25; ragan barnes johnson ’21

JOHNSON NAMED HEAD COACH Gabe Johnson has been named the newest head coach for men’s basketball at Point. “We had an extremely competitive candidate pool; however, it was apparent to the committee that Gabe’s love for the Lord, experience, tenacity and drive was exactly what we needed to continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Jaunelle White, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer.

Johnson previously coached at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, where he was part of the only two men’s Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament finals appearances in the previous 19 seasons. As the women’s coach, Johnson’s team had two NAIA National Tournament appearances. Johnson has been married to his wife, Abbey, for 24 years. They have four children, Sage (Ethan), Ian, Caden and Eli, and a grandson, Levi.

Johnson said, “I look forward to working with the young men on the team as we build a culture of servant leadership, toughness, accountability and excellence on and off the court.”

250 NUMBER OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING DEAN’S LIST RECOGNITION FOR THE SPRING 2024 SEMESTER

Thoughts on Retirement

First Hall of Fame Class Honored Point athletics made history this spring by hosting its first-ever Hall of Fame Luncheon. The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 consisted of six inductees from both the Atlanta Christian College and Point University years. This year’s inductees included Scott Gregory ’81, men’s basketball; Carlton Griffin ’02, men’s basketball; Courtney Lowery ’18, women’s golf; Angela Mulkey Alfaro ’06, women’s soccer; David Strickland ’16, football; and Tory Wooley ’12, men’s basketball.

More than 100 nominations were submitted during the planning process for the inaugural Hall of Fame class. A committee of eight had the difficult task of sorting through the nominees and choosing the first inductees, who were announced on March 21.

On April 26, the athletic department hosted a luncheon to honor the first Hall of Fame class. The Point University Band Building was packed with family, friends, employees and staff to honor the inductees. Each inductee chose an individual to introduce him or her, then each shared memories from their athletic careers.

“When I found out that I was selected into the inaugural Point University Hall of Fame class, I was overcome with emotion,” said Griffin.

“To be included in this class is an amazing honor. Our 2000 National Championship team was a special group, and this is for everyone on that team, including Coach Joe Griffin.”

News Feed This spring, the University hosted a conversation with the McLemore Boys, a father-son duo who make frequent appearances on the Fox News Channel doing grilling demonstrations. The McLemores talked about running and selling their family business, finding their next path, and how their faith in Christ has influenced their journeys along the way.

The annual Skyhawk Golf Classic benefit tournament will be held on Friday, October 4 at the Point University Golf Club in Lanett, Alabama.

Find out more and register to play at point.edu/ golfclassic.

This fall, students are enjoying a new on-campus housing option: townhomes!

The residences, constructed by BC Stone Homes, are located directly across the street from the Lanier Academic Center — giving the students living in them a very short walk to class!

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

The University welcomed its newest alumni during a commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 4 at the Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Two hundred two students earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

This spring’s commencement speaker was Khalilah Cooper, a Point trustee and vice president of brand strategy, advertising and media at Chick-fil-A. “I encourage you to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” Cooper said to the graduates.

“The world is full of possibilities waiting for you to seize them with courage and ambition. Let love be your guiding principle and service be your mission.”

Cooper reflected on this year’s spiritual life theme at Point, “Faith Beyond,” encouraging the audience to think about how Scripture defines faith in Hebrews 11 and elsewhere.

“God knew that this life would be filled with uncertainty and turmoil,” she said, “but through faith in an omnipotent and all-powerful God, we can rest assured that our future is secure, even when we don’t know what to do or what will happen next.”

Cooper recalled a time during her own college years when she faced hardship, and her faith was tested – but she turned to the Lord for help. She encouraged the graduates to do the same as they face difficult times.

“Lean into your faith in the Lord, draw strength from his love, and find solace in the community of local believers around you,” she said. “In our moments of doubt, we find our faith strengthened and renewed.”

Finally, Cooper urged graduates to follow a few guiding principles as they begin their lives post-college: to embrace uncertainty, pursue their God-given passions, look for ways to serve others, practice gratitude, and keep God first.

“Each and every one of you has the power to make a positive impact in the world,” Cooper said. “Embrace your call to be the light in this world. We need it.”

Each year, the University recognizes an outstanding graduate from both the residential and online bachelor’s degree programs with the Hathcock Award, the highest honor given to a graduating Point student.

Named for the University’s founder, the award is given based on academic achievement, character, and servant leadership. This spring’s Hathcock Award recipients are BreAnna Yarbrough, an elementary education major from Opelika, Alabama, and Annamaria Gibbs, a child development major from Grovetown, Georgia.

Family and friends of graduates who were unable to attend in person may access the recorded commencement ceremony on the University’s YouTube page; visit point.edu/commencement for more details.

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ragan barnes johnson ’21

Point Honors More Than 200 New Graduates

ragan barnes johnson ’21

UNIVERSITY NEWS

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Preaching

THE WORD Point’s Center for Compelling Preaching is helping preachers adapt to the challenges of ministry in the 21st century

BY AMBER BOWMAN

ragan barnes johnson ’21

I

n the last five years, the unpredictability of the world we live in has become hard to ignore. Along with these changes has come a new epidemic: one of anxiety and loneliness. While these issues are more obvious among young adults and teenagers, no one is immune to them. One demographic that has witnessed the effects of an ever-isolated society is ministry leaders and pastors.

According to a 2022 study conducted by the Barna Group, 65 percent of pastors report feeling lonely or isolated in the past three months, as opposed to 42 percent in 2015. Additionally, while 92 percent of pastors say they feel well-supported by people around them, only 49 percent report feeling so frequently.

The demands of ministry life are constantly increasing, and without proper support, these leaders run the risk of burnout, which is potentially damaging to their own spiritual lives, as well as harmful to their families and the ministries they serve.

One of Point University’s primary goals has always been to train preachers. Since its founding in 1937, Point has educated multiple generations of ministers who have served the church throughout the world. Although the

University has since expanded its programs to include other majors, the College of Biblical Studies and Ministry continues in that work through the education of all Point students and through its newest initiative, the Center for Compelling Preaching.

In 2022, Lilly Endowment Inc. announced its new Compelling Preaching Initiative, which “seeks to cultivate practices among aspiring and active preachers that can help them to proclaim the gospel to a variety of audiences in more engaging and effective ways.” Eligible organizations were encouraged to submit their grant proposals for up to $1.25 million to be used for up to five years to launch their programs. A team at Point developed a proposal, which was selected by Lilly Endowment, along with 81 other organizations all representing the diversity of Christianity in America. These organizations are affiliated with mainline Protestant, evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, Anabaptist and Pentecostal faith communities.

Point launched the Center for Compelling Preaching in 2024 with the goal of equipping full-time preachers, students pursuing ministry, and laypeople who have a call to preach, P OI N T MAG A ZI N E | FAL L 2 02 4 11

but no formal training. The Center is structured into five preaching peer groups led by professional coaches, most of whom are professors in the College of Biblical Studies and Ministry at Point. In the first year of the initiative, the Center received more sign-ups than there was capacity to accommodate, which was an encouragement to the leadership team that the program was greatly needed.

The preaching peer groups will run for one year. In 2024, the program kicked off with a weekend preaching conference in Atlanta.

“We brought in a world-class speaker, Dr. Mark Rutland, who is just off the charts in terms of content,” says David Allgire, executive director of the Center for Compelling Preaching. “We asked him to start with an inspirational talk to speak to the heart of preachers, and then he did more technical talks after that. All our people were there for the kickoff.”

The conference was a great encouragement for those who attended. “When you’re in the trenches of ministry, it can be hard to remember why you signed up in the first place,” says Dr. Nathan Jones ’07, associate professor of Christian ministry at Point. “From night one of the conference, it was like, ‘Oh, this is why.’

I think if you asked anyone there, it was a re-

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minder of the calling God has put on our lives and the joy that can be found in serving him.”

After the kickoff conference, the peer groups will meet virtually over Zoom once a month to discuss the loose curriculum provided by the Center. “We have content for each month,” says Allgire. “But we’re asking coaches to pivot based on the needs and makeup of the group.”

For example, a group made up of more students than full-time preachers would require different content focused more on training and preparation than real-life experiences.

The peer groups serve multiple purposes for the participants. The primary aim is to sharpen the preaching skills of everyone in the group through mutual feedback and collaborative development. “We really want their preaching to become more compelling overall,” says Allgire.

The groups also exist to help carry the burden of preaching that many leaders experience. “We want the joy of preaching itself to be greater by lessening the burden of the overall preaching process through them helping each other. We want it to generally be more fun for them,” says Allgire.

Though the groups will only meet formally for one year, the long-term objective is that

photos courtesy of nathan jones ’07

Previous page: Dr. Nathan Jones ’07 and David Allgire in the Preaching Lab at Point; above: the Center for Compelling Preaching’s first conference

they would continue on after their year is over. er we know about it or not, there’s going to be a “The vision and hope is that the groups would preacher who is lonely be perpetual,” says Allgire. “We know that it’s and feels like they don’t likely that some groups will stay together, and want to do it anymore,” some will not, but our hope is that it’s a strong he says, “but because the enough experience for them that they want to Center for Compelling continue on.” Whether or not the groups stay Preaching has supported together, the Center will add five more groups them, they’re going to for the 2025 session and will continue to do so stick it out and do the for the following years. “In the end, we would kingdom work where expect at least 125 preachers or potential they’re at. I’m really excitpreachers to have gone through our program,” ed about that.” says Allgire.

The Center for ComPoint University’s mission is to educate —David Allgire, executive director pelling Preaching also students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Through the serves as a place for people who may not have Center for Compelling Preaching, the Univerinteracted in their normal lives to meet and sity is able to expand its mission to include grow together. “I love that we’re learning from more than current students in this goal. “The University has so much information, education one another,” says Jones. “We’re all coming from different places, different backgrounds, and training available for its students,” says different perspectives, and I think that can Allgire. “But it also has the capacity to raise up only help us get better, especially in the world leaders who aren’t students. It can be a great we live in today. If we’re trying to reach people resource to the church at large through things outside the church, and we can learn from like the Center for Compelling Preaching.” each other and learn best practices, then there “Preaching has always been what Point is is no doubt we’re going to get better at what all about,” says Jones. “So as we change and we’re doing.” grow, it just makes sense that this is what we’d Registration for the 2025 cohort is already be doing as an institution. Sure, it benefits the open, and due to overwhelming interest, students who are in a peer group and get to there is currently a waiting list. Interested inlearn from people who are practitioners right dividuals should consider two qualifications now, but the benefit is to the local church as before applying to the program. The first much as it is to the University.” is a desire to grow in the craft of preaching.

The life of the Center for Compelling Second, that desire should be connected to Preaching is still in its beginning stages, but some type of call to ministry. “That can mean Allgire and Jones are eagerly looking fora hundred different things,” explained Allgire. ward to how God will use the Center in the “Maybe you don’t want to call it preaching. lives of preachers and the church at large.

Maybe it’s teaching or communicating, but “There are so many ways this can serve the ultimately, the primary requirement is a call kingdom,” says Allgire. “I think we can help to preach in some form.” preachers be more effective, but we can also Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better offer them encouragement and give them a than one because they have a good reward for longer life in ministry.” their efforts. For if either falls, his companAllgire is most eager about how the Center ion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls will serve lay people in the church who are without another to lift him up.” The work of not formally trained in preaching. “These preaching is not one that we are meant to people want to serve their churches, and their bear alone. It can become far too weighty for churches have a need for biblical teaching,” he one person and lead to mental, physical and says. “They may just not have access to a lot spiritual health issues. With the support of of resources. I’m most excited about giving a strong community, however, the responsiaccess to the art of preaching to people who bility of preaching to the church can be full otherwise wouldn’t have access to or an opof joy and purpose. Through the Center for portunity for it.”

Compelling Preaching, Point University is Jones believes that in a time of great preparing a generation of preachers to do just discouragement for preachers, the Center that: preach the gospel to all with purpose for Compelling Preaching will help to spur and overwhelming joy. them on. “I know that along the way, wheth-

“These people want to serve their churches, and their churches have a need for biblical teaching. They may just not have access to a lot of resources.”

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FI F TEEN REASONS to

Love carlos guzman (’16-’19)

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WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT POINT, WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? FROM OUR CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY TO SPECIFIC SPOTS ON CAMPUS, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT OUR STUDENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND STAFF LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE WE CALL

1 BECAUSE

WE WORSHIP TOGETHER My favorite thing was our worship and word of encouragement. It was always right on time when I needed it most!”

—Kecia Martin ’14

2 BECAUSE

OUR FACULTY TRULY CARE If I had to pick just one thing, it would be the professors! Each one loved teaching and did it with such enthusiasm, which made it fun or interesting. It’s hard to think I was excited to get in the classroom, but I was!”

—Sheila Forrester Curry ’78

4 BECAUSE

THIS COMMUNITY EMBRACES US The community support for the University is amazing.

People from time to time email me about donating books to the library, which is always exciting. Whether small or large support, it’s great to see people believe in the work that is being done here.”

—Adam Solomon, Director of Library Resources

5 BECAUSE NO ONE WALKS ALONE

3 BECAUSE

ragan barnes johnson ’21; chris jones ’07

WE COME FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD Something that I love about Point is the diversity. No matter what sport you find yourself affiliated with, you’ll find people from all over the place, from Georgia to California, South Korea to South Africa, and many more. I feel as if it brings a copious number of perspectives to dwell on and shows us that God puts us together for a better purpose.”

—Katie Threatt ’24

The thing I love most about Point is the relationships between students and professors. Going into college, I didn’t know how I would make friends and build new friendships, because I have always had the same small group of friends. But as soon as I got here, people came right up to me and made me feel comfortable, and now they are some of my best friends. The relationships I have built with my professors, I will never forget. Everything they have taught me and everything they have done for me — I will never forget them and how they treated me and everyone else.”

—Micheal Underwood ’26 P OI N T MAG A ZI N E | FA L L 2 02 4 15

6 BECAUSE

9 BECAUSE

WE DIVE INTO GOD’S WORD

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH ABOUND

What I love about Point (Atlanta Christian College when I attended) is the top-notch biblical training I received. I have served churches in three different states over my career. In each one, I have been asked where I learned so much about the Bible. My response is always, ‘I was welltrained by the professors at ACC.’ I’m grateful for the training I received, and I love that my school placed such a heavy emphasis on biblical training.”

—Mike Thompson ’85

I love the different opportunities Point provides! I have been blessed to be able to work with Flight Crew (orientation leaders), PR teams, and Feast campus ministry. All these programs from Point have grown me into the person I am today and have allowed me to make more connections with people!”

—Ashley Bowden ’25

7 BECAUSE

OUR STUDENTS ARE TRULY BUILDING COMMUNITY I love Point because of the people and community. I made friends for life and had some great memories playing tennis there. Everyone seemed to just get along with each other.” ­­—Sam Blackburn ’19

10 BECAUSE

WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER My favorite thing about Point is convocation. I love seeing the students come together in one space and receive encouragement as they prepare for the school year and their personal journey ahead of them.”

—Tiffany Jackson, Executive Support Specialist

8 BECAUSE One of my favorite places at Point University is the area right behind our right field fence. This is where I can look out and see my mom, who comes from Nashville and stays all season to help with my daughter, Millie, and is the reason I can still do what I love. This is where I can see my dad walking around and making laps because he can’t sit still for long. This is where I can look out and see Millie running around, playing and making new friends and not paying one bit of attention to the actual game. This is where I can look out and see the village of family and friends I have built during my last 14 years set up camp to watch our games. This is where I can look out and see John, my husband, who is the head baseball coach, supporting me when he doesn’t have a game himself. This is where I can look out and find comfort during the hard moments and celebrations during the good moments. This is where I can look out and see home.”

—Jennifer Tyler, Head Softball Coach

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ragan barnes johnson ’21

POINT’S CAMPUS FEELS LIKE HOME

11 BECAUSE

ALL OF US MAKE LIFE-LONG CONNECTIONS I begin my 49th year this fall, and there is so much about Point that I deeply love. In the late ’60s and early ’70s, we were ‘family’ in the richest sense of that word. Monday-, Tuesday- and Thursday-evening meals were served ‘family style.’ Men wore coats and ties, and women wore ‘Sunday best’ dresses. That seems a bit quaint these days, but it did reflect the idea that connections that would prove to be life-long were made. Today’s Point students make the same kind of life-long connections we did.

The things we tend to value most about our old ACC days still exist. They look different, but they are just as real.”

—Wye Huxford ’73, Dean of the College of Biblical Studies and Ministry

12 BECAUSE WE STICK TOGETHER THROUGH TIMES OF TRANSITION

point university archives; billy howard photography

I had the privilege to be a part of the transition from Atlanta Christian College in East Point to Point University in West Point. While I will say it was a bit of a shock, it was an incredible experience. My biggest and favorite takeaway as a student and employee was the friendships I built. I began my college journey in spring 2011 and had the opportunity to meet some amazing students and professors along the way. My very best friends and favorite people on the planet come from ACC/Point. I hope every student and employee can build God-centered, lasting relationships just like I did. I am forever grateful!”

—Kim Okojie ’15

13 BECAUSE

15 BECAUSE

WE FIND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED

WE HAVE FUN TOGETHER

Point University provides me with a unique opportunity to support students while they pursue a quality, faith-based higher education. I have the pleasure of serving our Elevate students, who are utilizing debt-free college benefits through their employers.

In a world of increasing student debt, I feel blessed to witness our Elevate students graduating debt-free. Point is truly changing lives, and that is what I love most about this university.”

—Josh McClain, Strategic Partnerships Support Coordinator

My favorite place on campus is the Feast House. We go there to hang out, do homework, or play Ping-Pong. We usually end up doing something other than homework! Feast and Student Life both put on events and things for the community that are a great chance to make connections and have a fun time.”

—Simeon Snavely ’27

14 BECAUSE OUR FAITH IS PUT INTO PRACTICE One thing I love about Point is the way we are encouraged to put our faith into practice in so many ways! We celebrate our faith in chapel, in the classroom and in our community life! Our athletes pray together, our faculty and staff pray together each week, and we are encouraged in all types of good works. This is so meaningful to me.”

—Dr. Rachel Nabulsi, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

ALUMNI, tell us

why you love Point!

You can comment on our social media posts or email us at alumni@point.edu.

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The beat

goes on

Point expands fine arts offerings with addition of music education degree

BY SARAH HUXFORD

T

he benefits of studying music are well documented: the University of Southern California has found that as little as two years of music education strengthens children’s brains; The Wall Street Journal has documented the benefits of studying music for older adults; American Scientist has detailed the connection between music education and improved auditory processing. Of course, Christians also know the strong connection between music and worship.

Point has offered degrees in music ministry and performance for decades, and many alumni have gone on to become certified teachers after earning music degrees from Point. But until now, that achievement always required some extra education beyond the University.

That changes this fall, as Point officially launches a bachelor’s degree program in music education.

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“I think our world needs music educators who have the worldview that we are teaching at Point.”

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ple who don’t always know how to express verbally what it is that they think and feel and experience.”

T

he process of launching the new degree program began under the oversight of former Point professor Dr. Chapel McCullough. Harry is quick to praise the collaboration between the Department of Fine Arts and the College of Education, as well. Lynn Hoggard Wiseley ’90, director of the Teacher Media Center and instructor of education, was heavily involved in the approval process behind the scenes.

“Music faculty worked diligently to compile all of the initial groundwork, from the degree proposal to field experience guidelines to course sequences,” explains Wiseley. “My main role in the process was to ensure that all aspects of the music education program were aligned to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission standards, pull in any additional required pieces to meet the standards, and provide the data necessary to show that Point was ready to offer a degree in music education. We prayed, we sweated, we persevered, and we were approved with flying colors!”

“A lot of it was just the right people being in the right places at the right time,” says Harry. “It was a lot of work to get it launched over the course of two years.”

“The addition of a music education degree to the College of Education’s offerings diversifies the College and allows us to better meet student needs,” says Dr. Susan Ryan, dean of the College of Education. “While this degree will serve students in both the education and fine arts programs, it enriches the cultural offerings of Point as a whole: allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration while creating a richer academic environment.”

As far back as 2017, Point’s existing education degrees have had a 100% job placement rate and a 100% graduate school acceptance rate. No one expects that statistic to change with the addition of music education.

“It’s a field where there is significant demand,” says Harry. “The state of Georgia is always hiring new music ed teachers; they’re not filling all of their positions pretty consistently. And so there’s a lot of demand here in our own state, but then also nationwide. We see it as something that guarantees our students a quality job and allows them to enter the workforce right out of the gate.”

ragan barnes johnson ’21

Andrew Harry, assistant professor of fine arts and chair of the Department of Fine Arts, says the time is right for Point to launch this program, especially as prospective students are looking to enter fields where they can be certain of finding a job.

“Education is a secure field right now, and there are a lot of people who want to study at a Christian institution, want to see this degree program at Point,” he says.

“So I think it will be a draw for new students.

And I think it’s exciting for a lot —Andrew Harry, Chair, Department of Fine Arts of the students that we’re recruiting.”

“We’re recruiting from a lot of public schools,” he adds. “And these are students who have been longing for a Christian community, but that doesn’t exist in their schools the way that it can exist at Point.”

Harry points out that the Department of Fine Arts, especially because Point is a small and close-knit community, offers music students a place to belong. They also have the opportunity to benefit from a great deal of one-on-one instruction with faculty musicians.

“A lot of people don’t understand musicians,” Harry says. “There are always the stereotypes in music programs for, you know, the weird choir geeks and band geeks. But that’s a stereotype for a reason.

Oftentimes, there are people who connect with one another through music much more than they do through conversation, and it’s a release and it’s an outlet for peo-

“This role puts christian educators in a unique position to be the light of jesus in a child’s life the entire school day. what an awesome responsibility!”

ragan barnes johnson ’21

—Lynn Hoggard Wiseley ’90, director, teacher media center

Students who graduate with a degree in “Children are always watching and lismusic education from Point will be certified tening to everything in their environment to teach in pre-K through twelfth grade, giv- as they learn to navigate through each stage of childhood,” Wiseley says. “Educators ing them even more job opportunities. The are often around a child more than parextended certification means students will ents or caregivers during the entire school spend time completing a practicum at each year.

This role puts Christian educators in educational level. a unique position to be the light of Jesus in “Point students will be in community a child’s life the entire school day. What an schools as they practice and perfect their awesome responsibility!” skills to teach music education, while “I think our world needs music educators making lifelong connections and impacts on who have the worldview that we are teachthe children they encounter,” says Wiseing at Point, and even though it may not ley. “The extraordinary truth is that these always be explicitly stated in the classroom children will impact our Point students just – it depends on what kind of school they’re as much, or even more!” going into – that worldview carries over,” Point’s music education degree also Harry says.

“Point offers something that includes the entire music core curriculum, most programs don’t offer, that they can’t so that graduates will be not only excellent offer. And I hope that equips our students to teachers, but excellent musicians themreally be able to speak into the whole perselves. Students in Point’s program will be son better than somebody else may be able able to focus on band, choir or string music to, because we approach this through the education, where most schools have narlove of Christ, with a Christian worldview.” rowed the options to just one or two.

“We’re going to see our students delving a little bit more into music technology than has been the historic norm for music ed, because we’re seeing demand for that in the schools,” says Harry. “So I think that will distinguish our program a little bit in that we’re going to allow for more music technology learning opportunities.”

M

ost importantly, these qualified music educators will be sharing the love of Christ with their students. Christian educators have a distinctive and much-needed role to play in our society.

P OI N T MAG A ZI N E | FA L L 2 02 4 21

I

n March 1975, a group of students from Atlanta Christian College traveled together as a public relations team to conduct a revival and sing at Ben Davis Creek Christian Church in Rushville, Indiana. The students each played a different role on the team. Gordon Dampier ’75 (back row, left) was the team’s preacher; Cam Huxford ’78 (back row, right) was the song leader; Becky Bradford Turk ’77 (front row, right) was the pianist; and Jaye Smith (’74-’75) (front row, left) and Elaine Amos Dampier ’76 (front row, center) were vocalists.

“Had I not chosen to attend Atlanta Christian College after my senior year of high school, my life today would be completely different,” recalls Elaine Dampier. “The experiences and education I received at ACC have continued influencing my life for over 50 years.”

During her time at ACC, Elaine was a part of the Concert Choir and four public relations teams that traveled to different churches and camps to sing, hold revivals, counsel and meet new

22 POI NT M AGAZINE | FA LL 20 24

people. Elaine lived in Dodson Dorm, but her parents’ home was only 20 minutes from campus, allowing her to welcome many of her college friends into her home for weekend visits and dinners. “These were fun times of laughter, as well as times of introspection and tears, but through them all, we were made stronger and wiser,” she says.

Elaine also met her husband, Gordon, at ACC. The couple began dating during their junior year and married in fall 1975, after their senior year. “ACC has been a part of many of my family members’ lives as well — both before and after me,” says Elaine. Her father attended ACC in the ’50s, along with Elaine’s first cousin.

Her brother, Lee Amos, also graduated from ACC. “But I am most proud of our children, who graduated from there in the early 2000s, our son, Grant, his wife, Lacey, and our daughter, Melanie.”

After getting married, the Dampiers moved to Bristol, Tennessee, to begin their ministry at Central Christian Church, while Gordon earned a master

of divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Since then, the couple has ministered at churches in both Florida and Georgia. They currently minister at Brooks Christian Church in Brooks, Georgia, where Gordon is the lead pastor and Elaine is the worship and praise team leader and leads women’s Bible studies. Even now, her education at Atlanta Christian College continues to impact her.

“I am able to recall things I learned in some of my classes that I use in ministering to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,” she says. “Song and choir leadership, Christian doctrine classes, Bible classes, business classes, and PR groups all helped to shape me into the person I am today. I thank God for that and for the memories!”

Have a photo from your college years you want to share with us? Email the photo and your story to editor@point.edu.

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Join us for the fall Ministry Seminar!

Thursday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to noon Lunch provided during Q&A session Cam Huxford ’78 is a Point University alumnus and trustee and recently retired pastor of Compassion Christian Church in Savannah, Georgia. He will join us as our speaker for the upcoming fall Ministry Seminar as we discuss how to reach our neighbors with the gospel of Christ.

This event is open to any interested ministry leaders. It is free of charge, but registration is required.

point.edu/ministryseminar

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