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2026 Inductees

The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association engages Tennessee’s private colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the State and its citizens.

WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE TICUA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

ust as students are the lifeblood of our TICUA campuses and the reason we exist, our alumni are living testimonies to the enduring impact of our institutions. In a political and cultural moment when the value of higher education is too often reduced to graduates’ paychecks, this publication offers a fuller picture of the outcomes of a degree from Tennessee’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities. TICUA institutions have long provided academically excellent instruction that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful employment. But we produce far more than wage earners. Through relationships with expert and caring faculty, vibrant campus communities, and opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom, Tennessee’s 34 independent colleges and universities cultivate character, purpose, and leadership. The lives and work of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees reflect that impact. These 25 TICUA alumni are leaving lasting imprints of beauty, justice, healing, and faith as civil rights attorneys, artists, healthcare executives, denominational leaders, and athletic leaders. We can even thank one inductee for Sincerely,

Cameron Conn, Ph.D TICUA President

some of our favorite Little Debbie snacks; after all, it is hard to beat an Oatmeal Creme Pie on a summer road trip. TICUA is proud of the professional accomplishments of our graduates, but even more inspiring is the way so many invest their time and talents beyond the workplace. They have fed the hungry, worked to reduce homelessness, ministered to those with little to offer in return, and served others across the globe. Tennessee’s private, nonprofit institutions will continue to provide students with choices, encouraging them to consider not only what they will study in college but also who they hope to become. The stories in these pages remind us that higher education is about more than preparing for a career. At its best, it is about transformation, purpose, and cultivating a life of meaningful impact. I hope you will enjoy reading the stories of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees as much as I did. Congratulations to the TICUA Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

2026 INDUCTEE INDEX

Kyle Cavanaugh, MBA Tusculum University

Larry L. Crain, J.D. Aquinas College

David C. Dale, M.D.

Carson-Newman University

Joseph B. DeLozier III, M.D., F.A.C.S. The University of the South

Reita J. Hall Bryan College

Dacry Harris Lane College

Jerry Hayes, O.D.

Southern College of Optometry

Sally Jones Heinz, M.A. Rhodes College

Brother Chris Englert, FSC

The Rev. Thomas L. Jones, D.D.

Steve Gaines, Ph.D.

Candice Storey Lee, Ed.D.

Christian Brothers University

Union University

Maryville College

Vanderbilt University

Ruth McKee

Southern Adventist University

Michael Shane Neal Lipscomb University

Juan Jose Perez, J.D. Lee University

Lewis Rankin

Cumberland University

A. Blake Thompson

Trevecca Nazarene University

Barbara Lord Watkins Fisk University

Gary E. Weedman, Ph.D. Johnson University

Maj. Gen. Fred D. Womack (Ret.)

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Thomas Clayton Rice, MBA

James Terrell Wooten

Elizabeth Ann Saunders, Ed.D.

John Zarling

King University

Freed-Hardeman University

Charles “Sonny” Smith Milligan University

Bethel University

Belmont University

Inducting Institution

1980

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BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY

1982

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MASTER OF EDUCATION (CONCENTRATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION), UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-CHICAGO

1985

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND EXERCISE SCIENCE, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

1994

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MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, BELMONT UNIVERSITY ◊

President of NBA Administration, overseeing operations across the NBA, WNBA, G League, NBA Africa, and NBA2K

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Former Vice President of Administration at Duke University and Senior Vice President for Administration at the University of Florida

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Inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame with the Distinguished Alumni Award

The things that I learned, especially in special education, such as writing an individualized education plan, have proven beneficial in my professional life. I still believe Tusculum is one of the best places on the globe to leverage those opportunities and create a great life for yourself.”

Inductee

KYLE CAVANAUGH, MBA F

ifty years ago, a New York native, who was raised in Brooklyn, headed to Tennessee and Tusculum College to play basketball and earn a degree. Kyle Cavanaugh subsequently played for the Pioneers for three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education.

His professional growth continued when he was recruited to the University of Florida to serve as senior vice president for administration. Several years later, he headed to Duke University, where he spent 13 years, retiring as vice president of administration. Then the NBA came calling.

That foundation propelled him to an impressive portfolio of degrees and multiple high-level positions throughout his career, including his present position as president of NBA administration.

In his NBA role, Cavanaugh has not only worked with the men’s basketball league but also the WNBA, the G League, a league in Africa and NBA2K, which is an esports league. The functional areas of this position include security, human resources and facilities.

After graduation, Cavanaugh headed back to New York and started teaching, but he soon moved to Chicago to be near Christie Carrick, whom he had started dating while they were Tusculum students and later married. He taught in the Windy City while earning a master’s degree in education with a concentration in special education from the University of Illinois-Chicago. The couple then taught in New York for a year before heading back to a second TICUA institution, Vanderbilt University, where he added a master’s in health promotion and exercise science to his résumé. He rounded out his educational journey at yet another TICUA institution, earning an MBA from Belmont University. As his degrees accumulated, Cavanaugh’s career path transitioned as he kept climbing the ladder. He held positions in worksite health at AT&T and Vanderbilt and served as chief human resources officer at Rice University, followed by The University of Texas at Austin, where his responsibilities expanded to include additional departments.

“I’ve been so amazingly fortunate in my life. I’ve had the opportunity to work at some of the top institutions in the globe,” said Cavanaugh. “The NBA as an entity is of that same ilk. It’s one of the top global brands, and having an opportunity to play a role with that became one of those ‘how could you not do this’ moments.” In 2025, Cavanaugh was inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame, becoming the first Tusculum honoree to earn the Distinguished Alumni Award. Even though it has been more than 40 years since Cavanaugh sat in a classroom at Tusculum, the many lessons he learned at his alma mater have benefited him throughout his career and he credits Tusculum’s impact as being profound.

1974

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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE, AQUINAS COLLEGE

1976

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

1980

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JURIS DOCTOR, NASHVILLE SCHOOL OF LAW

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Litigated constitutional law cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous federal and state appellate courts

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Former General Counsel for the Rutherford Institute and Senior Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice

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Founded the Church Law Institute to provide legal guidance and support to churches nationwide

Larry Crain (back left) performs with the Aquinas Singers. (1973)

2025

Inductee

LARRY L. CRAIN, J.D. L

arry L. Crain, a 1974 graduate of Aquinas College with an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts degree, has distinguished himself as a nationally recognized constitutional attorney, principled leader, and devoted man of faith whose life’s work reflects a profound commitment to justice, religious liberty, and service to others. While at Aquinas, Crain was an engaged and influential member of the campus community—inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, active in student life, and a founding member of the Aquinas Singers, where he was featured as a soloist on recorded works. These early experiences reflect both his leadership and his lifelong appreciation for faith and the arts. Following his time at Aquinas, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law, laying the foundation for a legal career that would go on to influence courts and communities across the United States. Crain’s career has been defined by leadership in constitutional law and a dedicated defense of First Amendment freedoms. He has litigated cases in numerous federal and state appellate courts across the country as well as before the United States Supreme Court, earning national recognition for his work in civil rights and religious liberty. Through his service as General Counsel for the Rutherford Institute and Senior Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, he has helped shape legal precedent and safeguard the rights of individuals, families, and faith communities. His work on complex constitutional issues has positioned him as a leading voice in defending fundamental freedoms. Beyond the courtroom, Crain has demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership and education. As a lecturer and adjunct professor, including appointments at the University of Strasbourg in France, he has shared his expertise in constitutional

law and religious liberty while integrating the ethical and spiritual dimensions that have shaped his career. His insights, amplified through national media appearances and public discourse, have helped cultivate a deeper understanding of civil liberties among students, legal professionals, and global audiences alike. Central to Crain’s life and work is a deep and abiding Christian faith. Guided by biblical principles, he has long emphasized that human rights and moral truth are rooted in a higher authority. This conviction has shaped both his personal journey and professional mission, leading him to dedicate his legal practice to defending religious freedom and serving churches, ministries, and individuals seeking to live out their beliefs. Crain’s advocacy has enabled countless individuals and organizations to exercise their faith freely, including cases advancing homeschooling rights, protecting church governance, and defending ministries facing restrictive regulations. His work has also extended to complex humanitarian efforts, including high-profile cases involving vulnerable children and families. In 2012, he founded the Church Law Institute, a nonprofit ministry providing vital legal guidance and support to churches nationwide. Larry Crain’s achievements embody the values of leadership, faith, and service. As an Aquinas College alumnus, he exemplifies the College’s mission to prepare leaders who unite faith and reason, serve others with integrity, and help transform culture through truth and charity. Guided by conviction and a deep sense of calling, he has used his talents to advance the common good, defend fundamental freedoms, and uphold the dignity of all people.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

DAVID C. DALE, M.D. 1962

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY, CARSON-NEWMAN UNIVERSITY

1966

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DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL ◊

Dean of the University of Washington School of Medicine

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President of the American College of Physicians

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Pioneer in research on G-CSF treatment for cyclic and congenital neutropenia

A yearbook photo of Dale at Carson-Newman.

Dale speaking at a conference to fellow doctors.

Those would be my two points: commitment to people and to learning. Most of the rest will follow.” 5

Inducting Institution

“I

developed an interest in medicine in high school because I so admired the family doctor,” said Carson-Newman alum David C. Dale. Pursuing that mindset, to see if it was a passion or a passing fancy, Dale worked as a hospital technician during college. “Everything followed from there,” he said. A 1962 Carson-Newman University Chemistry graduate, Dale was a member of the National Biological Honor Society and the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, president of the German Club and president of the Science Honor Fraternity as well. He played football three of his four years and ran track one year. His senior year, he was named to the Little All-American Academic team. Following his time with Carson-Newman, he was accepted to Harvard Medical School where he earned a Doctor of Medicine in 1966. After medical school, Dr. Dale completed his residency at Massachusetts General in Boston. By the late 1960s, the height of the Vietnam War, he did the equivalent of a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. He would eventually go back to NIH, following one year as medical chief resident of Washington University Hospital in Seattle. Before long, he was contacted by officials at Washington University hoping he would return. He did and became director of the student teaching program. Through the years, Dr. Dale has served as professor of medicine at the University of Washington and dean of the University of Washington Medical School. He was president of American College of Physicians (ACP) and held the same role for the national medical

honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, for six years. He also served a stint as president of the American Clinical and Climatological Association in 2016. The ACP has presented Dr. Dale with the Laureate Award, which goes to those who have rendered distinguished service to their chapters and community and have upheld the high ideals and professional standards. Six years later, the ACP bestowed upon him the title of Master, one of the profession’s highest honors. Dr. Dale has been honored for outstanding work in science as related to medicine by ACP; named an Honorary Fellow at both the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and the Academy of Medicine in Singapore; placed on the “Best Doctors in America” list; served as Editor-in-Chief of “Scientific American Medicine” and editor of the “Journal of General Internal Medicine.” He has lectured and presented his research findings all over the world. The “Journal of Oncology Practice” states, among oncologists, Dr. Dale is “perhaps best known for his work on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor G-CSF for the treatment of cyclic and congenital neutropenia.” Dr. Dale’s research is renowned—and through all of his honors and accolades, accomplishments and success, he still applies the Carson-Newman mission as an educated citizen and worldwide servantleader. He lives out a commitment to patients and the families of those dealing with terrible disease and works with others, always willing to strive harder, reach further.

Inductee

JOSEPH B. DELOZIER III, M.D., F.A.C.S. D

r. Joseph B. DeLozier III is a distinguished alumnus of The University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, earning his B.A. in 1977. He also attended the University of Tennessee, Memphis, where he received his M.D. in 1982, then completed residencies in General and Plastic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, followed by a Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. A board-certified plastic surgeon since 1990, Dr. DeLozier has served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville and as Assistant Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Plastic Surgery Research Council, and the International Society of Craniofacial Surgery. His leadership extended to the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center Medical School Admissions Board, where he helped shape the next generation of physicians. Two years ago, his oldest daughter, Dr. Meg Ferguson, joined him in practice. Dr. DeLozier’s commitment to service is evident in his extensive volunteer work. In multiple instances, he has provided reconstructive surgery free of charge to children brought to him for care, as well as participated in multiple missions with Operation

Smile, which works in more than 30 countries to provide individuals born with cleft conditions life-changing surgery and comprehensive care at no cost. His dedication to his alma mater is equally profound. Dr. DeLozier has sponsored medical internships for over three decades; served as the Chair of the Board of Regents and in leadership roles on the Greek Alumni Council, Capital Campaign Cabinet, and Development Council; and advised the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He has also contributed to campus life as a member of the Sewanee Golf Course Renovation Advisory Committee and as a former officer of the Sewanee Club of Nashville. A devoted member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, Dr. DeLozier has served as Stewardship Chair and Vestry Member, and established the Kanuga Trailblazers Program in 1995. Dr. DeLozier’s career exemplifies the values of a liberal arts education—leadership, service, and lifelong learning. His remarkable achievements in medicine, steadfast commitment to community, and enduring support for his alma mater make him a truly deserving inductee into the TICUA Hall of Fame. Dr. DeLozier currently lives in Nashville with his wife, Dr. Jan Stallings DeLozier. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Inducting Institution

1977 1982

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LATIN, THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH

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DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, MEMPHIS ◊

Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital

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Operation Smile volunteer serving children in need worldwide

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Sponsored three decades of medical internships

Chair of the Board of Regents Joe DeLozier, C’77, offers remarks to students and faculty in Sewanee’s All Saints’ Chapel.

Br. Chris Englert, FSC visiting with alumni & friends at CBU Annual Alumni Weekend during his term as Interim President.

1977

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HUMANITIES, CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY

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MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES, LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

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MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI– KANSAS CITY ◊

Former President & CEO of Christian Brothers High School, serving for 29 years

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Former Interim President of Christian Brothers University

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Recipient of Honorary Doctor of Public Service from Christian Brothers University

Inducting Institution

Inductee

BROTHER CHRIS ENGLERT, FSC B

rother Chris Englert, FSC, has dedicated his life to the Lasallian tradition, perfectly embodying Christian Brothers University’s core values of faith, service, and community. A native of Cincinnati, Brother Chris first encountered the Christian Brothers as a high school student, embracing a calling that would shape his own journey and the lives of countless others. He took his first vows in 1974 and went on to graduate from Christian Brothers College (now University) in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities. Following his undergraduate studies in Memphis, Brother Chris pursued advanced degrees, earning a master’s in Religious Studies from La Salle University and a master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He returned to his adopted home of Memphis in 1989, beginning a legendary nearly 30-year tenure as leader of Christian Brothers High School, including 29 years as its President and CEO. Under his visionary guidance, generations of students were formed through a deep commitment to holistic education, academic excellence, and community service. Brother Chris’s leadership has long extended across regional and institutional boundaries. In addition to serving as the Auxiliary Provincial for the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers for four years, he offered his deep institutional wisdom as a vital

member of the Christian Brothers University (CBU) Board of Trustees. In June 2024, when the university faced a critical period of transition, Brother Chris selflessly answered the call to serve as Interim President. Describing the appointment as a profound “full-circle moment,” he provided the steady, reassuring guidance necessary to sustain financial stability and academic excellence. During his presidency, Brother Chris championed CBU throughout the community, re-energized alumni engagement, and shepherded key partnerships that secured the institution’s path forward, always keeping the care of students at the forefront of his work. Following the successful conclusion of his two-year chapter of leadership, CBU proudly bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Public Service upon Brother Chris at the 2026 Commencement. Beyond his professional achievements, Brother Chris’s devotion to the city of Memphis is evident in everything he does. Whether supporting alumni, engaging with local nonprofits, strengthening the Catholic community, or advocating for education as a powerful force to transform lives, he serves as a living symbol of the Lasallian mission. True to his humble spirit, he has spent decades deflecting personal recognition in favor of quiet, impactful service.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

STEVE GAINES, Ph.D.

DECEMBER 31, 1957 - MARCH 20, 2026

1979

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, UNION UNIVERSITY

1984

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MASTER OF DIVINITY, SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

1991

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PREACHING, SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ◊

Former Senior Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest Southern Baptist congregations

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Former President of the Southern Baptist Convention

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Inducted into the Union University Bicentennial Hall of Honor

Steve Gaines addresses the Southern Baptist Convention during his tenure as SBC president.

teve Gaines was one of Union University’s most distinguished alumni, a nationally respected pastor, evangelist, denominational leader, and faithful advocate for Christian higher education. A 1979 graduate of Union, Gaines devoted his life to gospel ministry while maintaining a deep and enduring relationship with his alma mater.

and donors to invest in Union’s Christ-centered mission. Union recognized his lifelong service and ministry achievements with several of its highest honors, including the Homecoming Meritorious Service Award for Distinguished Achievement in Church Ministry and induction into the Union University Bicentennial Hall of Honor.

Born in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Gaines initially attended the University of Tennessee at Martin on a football scholarship before transferring to Union University during his junior year. Friends and colleagues often pointed to his years at Union as a transformative season that helped shape both his spiritual life and future ministry. During his time at Union, Gaines developed a passion for evangelism, prayer, and Scripture that became hallmarks of his ministry for decades to come. It was also at Union where he met his wife, Donna Gaines (’80). Together, they built a family deeply connected to the university, with all four of their children later graduating from Union as well.

Those closest to Gaines frequently described him as authentic, generous, prayerful, and passionate about leading people to Christ. Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said:

Gaines went on to become one of the most influential Southern Baptist pastors of his generation. He served churches in Tennessee and Alabama before being called in 2005 as senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, one of the nation’s most prominent Southern Baptist congregations. He later served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018, where he emphasized evangelism, revival, prayer, and faithfulness to Scripture.

Oliver also reflected on Gaines’ evangelistic heart, recalling a commencement message in which Gaines challenged graduates by asking:

Throughout his ministry, Gaines remained a devoted supporter and ambassador for Union University. He served on the university’s Board of Trustees and regularly encouraged students, alumni, churches,

“Steve Gaines means the world to me and to Union. He was ever committed to advancing Union as a Christ-centered university.”

“When was the last time you led someone to Christ? Even better, when was the last time you tried?” Gaines announced a diagnosis of kidney cancer in 2023 and transitioned from the Bellevue Pastorate in 2025. He passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 68. His legacy continues through the countless lives touched by his preaching, leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Christ and to Union University.

Inductee

REITA J. HALL

1954

Inducting Institution

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH, BRYAN COLLEGE ◊

45 years of contributions to the Bryan Scholarship Fund

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Taught for more than 40 years

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Lead gifter for the Reita Hall Octagon

I’m so glad the Lord has been good to me, and I want to be that blessing to others.” 13

eita Hall never imagined she’d return to Bryan College’s campus in 2025—nearly 75 years after her journey began there in 1950. A country girl from Mannington, West Virginia, she arrived at Bryan with little more than faith and determination, convinced her path was guided by God’s providence. That conviction began when the Gospel Singers, a Bryan student quartet including West Virginia native June (Bell) Hay, visited Reita’s church and planted the seed that would change her life. With no scholarships available and coming from a humble farm family, Reita’s parents sacrificed greatly to send her. She worked tirelessly—50 cents an hour in the dining hall, 75 cents grading papers—to help cover costs. Living on the second floor of what’s now Mercer Hall, she soaked in every opportunity, graduating in 1954 with a deep love for education and service. Reita’s career spanned over four decades: two years as assistant to the Dean of Women at Bryan, followed by 11 years teaching at Ben Lippen School and 30 years at McMinn County High School. Throughout, her passion remained constant—equipping others with the gift of learning, regardless of background.

For more than 45 years, she has supported the Bryan Scholarship Fund, driven by gratitude and a heart to pay forward the blessing she received. “I’m so glad the Lord has been good to me,” she says, “and I want to be that blessing to others.” Her generosity reflects a lifelong commitment to making Christ-centered education accessible. In 2025, moved by the need for a permanent outdoor gathering space revealed during the pandemic’s temporary tent setup, Reita made a lead gift to launch a capital campaign. The result— the Reita Hall Octagon—stands near the site of the original 1932 Octagon dorm, a place rich with alumni memories. This covered pavilion now serves as a year-round hub for student events, community building, and alumni reunions, sheltered from the elements but open to the spirit of fellowship. More than bricks and beams, Reita’s legacy is transformational. Her giving is personal, purposeful, and enduring—opening doors for countless students to pursue their callings with academic and spiritual strength. Because of her faith and sacrifice, future generations are being equipped to go out and change the world.

Reita Hall (seated) working with the yearbook committee on the upcoming issue of the “Commoner.”

Dacry Harris with Dr. Donald Comer, Lane’s 11th President.

Inductee

DACRY HARRIS 1981

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY, MINOR IN MATHEMATICS, LANE COLLEGE ◊

Serves on the Lane College Board of Trustees

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Negotiates collective bargaining agreements nationwide with Georgia-Pacific

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Led $50 million+ manufacturing operations across multiple states

ane College alumnus, Dacry Harris, Class of 1981, is a distinguished leader whose professional excellence, unwavering integrity, and lifelong commitment to service embody the very best of the Lane College tradition. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics, Mr. Harris has built an extraordinary career that reflects the transformative power of a Lane College education. For more than three decades, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the manufacturing industry, earning a reputation as an accomplished executive in operations, human resources, and labor relations. Mr. Harris currently serves as Labor Relations Manager for Georgia-Pacific, a Koch Industries company, where he is one of only five professionals entrusted with negotiating collective bargaining agreements for the corporation’s unionized facilities across the nation. This highly respected role requires strategic vision, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to build trust among diverse stakeholders. His selection to this elite team speaks volumes about the confidence his organization places in his leadership and judgment. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Harris has successfully led manufacturing facilities in Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee while managing departments and operations with budgets exceeding $50 million. His commitment to operational excellence and developing high-performing teams has earned him numerous professional recognitions. Yet, those who know him best recognize that his greatest strength lies not in the size of the organizations he has managed, but in the lives he has influenced. He firmly believes that every individual possesses untapped potential, and his leadership has consistently inspired others to achieve beyond their own expectations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Harris has dedicated himself to serving his community and strengthening the organizations that enrich the lives of others. His leadership has

benefited the Memphis Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Fogelman YMCA, Star Academy Charter School, and the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He continues to faithfully serve as a deacon and member of the church council at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church, exemplifying a life grounded in faith, humility, and servant leadership. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Mr. Harris has also served on the South Central Province Board of Directors and as Keeper of Exchequer, providing financial stewardship and leadership for chapters across Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Mississippi. Perhaps no role is more meaningful than his continued service to his alma mater. As a member of the Lane College Board of Trustees, Mr. Harris has invested his experience, wisdom, and vision in shaping the future of the institution that helped launch his remarkable journey. His generous $50,000 gift to Lane College in 2018 stands as a testament to his enduring belief in the College’s mission and its ability to prepare future generations of leaders. Mr. Harris’ legacy extends beyond his professional success. Alongside his wife of 37 years, Veora Harris, a successful business owner, he has built a family founded on faith, education, and service. Their son, Brandon, a graduate of Howard University and Vanderbilt Law School, reflects the values of excellence and achievement that define the Harris family. Private institutions like Lane College have long served as incubators of leadership, preparing graduates not only for successful careers but for lives of purpose and impact. Dacry Harris is a shining example of that mission fulfilled. His accomplishments, generosity, and steadfast commitment to service have brought honor to his profession, his community, his fraternity, his church, and, most importantly, his beloved alma mater.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

JERRY HAYES, O.D.

r. Jerry Hayes is a 1973 graduate of Southern College of Optometry (SCO) whose expertise in private practice management made him one of optometry’s leading consultants for successfully managing the business side of optometry. Born in New Orleans and raised in rural Mississippi by a single mother, Dr. Hayes attended Mississippi State and Louisiana State University before entering SCO. Following his graduation from SCO, he opened his first office in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He realized that rural optometrists could benefit from collective buying power, so in 1981, he launched Hayes Marketing, followed by the HMI Buying Group in 1983. His success enabled him to share his expertise with other optometrists through Hayes Consulting, E-dr., and Red Tray. A well-known speaker and writer on the topics of practice management and practice finance, he provided products and services to private practice optometrists.

Inducting Institution

In the early 2000s, Dr. Hayes established the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence at Southern College of Optometry. The Hayes Center works with optometry students and other ODs to assist with contract reviews, placement services, and to provide business management principles for eye doctors who pursue private practice. The Hayes Center also bestows Practice Excellence awards annually to outstanding recent SCO graduates who excel in the business management of their practices. Dr. Hayes served an eight-year term on SCO’s Board of Trustees and served as vice chairman. He served on the board of directors for the Mississippi Optometric Association and was chairman of the West Central Optometric Society for three years. Dr. Hayes was named to “Who’s Who in the South” and was a state finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Florida in 2000. He has also served on the Advisory Council of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University. In 2008, Dr. Hayes received SCO’s Lifetime Achievement Award, among his many honors.

1973

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DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY, SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY ◊

Established the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence at Southern College of Optometry

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Founded Hayes Marketing and the HMI Buying Group to support independent optometrists

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Recipient of Southern College of Optometry’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)

Dr. Jerry Hayes and Dr. Lisa Wade, SCO Professor and Director of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence

1981

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY, RHODES COLLEGE

1983

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MASTER OF ARTS IN AMERICAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN ◊

Former President & CEO of Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association

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Serves on the Rhodes College Board of Trustees

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Led programs that served more than 30,000 people annually across Memphis and Shelby County

Sally Jones Heinz poses in a photo for MIFA, a program serving more than 30,000 people annually across Memphis and Shelby County.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

SALLY JONES HEINZ, M.A.

Memphis native, Sally Jones Heinz grew up in Midtown and attended Snowden School and Central High School before earning a B.A. in History from Rhodes College in 1981. She went on to receive an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and returned to Memphis in 1983 to begin a career in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) in 2007 as Vice President of Development, she held roles with Memphis Heritage, Rhodes College, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Sally has said, “I believe all of us have the right to basic human needs. Only when those needs are met can an individual, a family, and a community thrive.”

During her nearly two decades at MIFA, Sally guided the organization through periods of both challenge and growth. She helped lead a successful endowment campaign during the global financial crisis, strengthening MIFA’s long-term sustainability, and oversaw expanded services during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring more meals were delivered and more families remained housed during a time of extraordinary need. Throughout her tenure, she championed innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement to better serve the community.

Sally Jones Heinz recently retired as President and CEO of MIFA in Memphis, Tennessee, where she led the organization in advancing its mission to support the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis. Founded in 1968 in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, MIFA brings together faith and community partners to address poverty, hunger, and inequality. Under Sally’s leadership, its high-impact programs— including Meals on Wheels and rent and mortgage assistance—served more than 30,000 people annually across Memphis and Shelby County.

Deeply influenced by her family’s commitment to civic engagement, Sally carries forward a legacy of service connected to MIFA’s founding. She credits the organization’s staff, volunteers, donors, and partners as essential to its impact and success.

Inductee

THE REV. THOMAS L. JONES, D.D.

homas Laird Jones arrived on the campus of Maryville College in 1948 from St. Petersburg, Florida. The son of longtime Presbyterians, he had announced his decision to become a minister as a youth. At Maryville, he majored in sociology and minored in physical education. He played baseball and football and was involved in Student Council, the Men’s Student Organization and Intramurals. Graduating cum laude in 1952, he enrolled at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he would earn a Master of Divinity degree, Master of Theology degree, and Doctor of Divinity degree over a span of 25 years. Jones’ half-century of ministry has included service as a pastor, professor, seminary administrator and denominational staff person. He was organizing pastor of Meadowview Presbyterian Church and senior pastor at Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church, both in Louisville, Kentucky. He served congregations in Florida, including the biracial, bilingual New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Miami as the organizing pastor in 1965. For 12 years, he served as senior pastor of the 1,600-member Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Between 1968 and 1986, he delivered more than 150 sermons over the airwaves for NBC’s National Public Radio and the Protestant Radio Hour. In the academic world, Jones served as vice president and faculty member at Louisville Seminary, and he also taught at Wesley Theological Seminary.

From 1991 until 2005, Jones served as vice president and managing director of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI)’s Washington, D.C. office, overseeing day-to-day operations and working to spread the message of decent housing for all. In his work, he mobilized influential people and groups that could do something about the crisis. In retirement, he served as HFHI’s Ambassador at Large, representing the organization in work with other non-governmental organizations and interfaith initiatives. In 2006, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary awarded Jones a Distinguished Alum Award, and in 2022, the seminary recognized him with its Faithful Steward Award. Jones accepted Maryville College’s Alumni Citation in 2012. Now living in Gainesville, Ga., Jones has become a passionate advocate for the poor and marginalized in his community. By bringing local nonprofits together, he launched the Hall County Against Poverty initiative and secured funding for the Community We Want to Be Fund, which awards grants to organizations advancing one or more of 17 community-endorsed goals for a stronger future. He also champions adoption of the 17-goal framework by other communities, as well as colleges and universities. Jones is the author of many articles and three books, When Leisure is the Lord’s; Power Behind the Hammer: Habitat for Humanity’s Senior Leadership Team at Prayer; and Memoirs of Another Tom Jones: “The Preacher/Habitat Guy” After Ninety Years. He and his wife, Carolyn Grandy, are the parents of six adult children.

Inducting Institution

1952

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BACHELOR OF ARTS, MARYVILLE COLLEGE

1955

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MASTER OF DIVINITY, LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

1959

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MASTER OF THEOLOGY, LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

1976

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DOCTOR OF DIVINITY, LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ◊

Served the Presbyterian Church as a pastor, professor, seminary administrator, and denominational leader for more than 50 years

◊

Delivered over 150 sermons for NBC’s National Public Radio and the Protestant Radio Hour

◊

Former Vice President and Managing Director for Habitat for Humanity International’s D.C. office

The Rev. Thomas Jones delivering a sermon for NBC’s National Public Radio.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

CANDICE STOREY LEE, Ed.D.

2000

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

2002

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MASTER OF EDUCATION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COUNSELING, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

2012

◊

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND POLICY, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY ◊

Vanderbilt’s first female athletic director and first Black woman to lead an SEC athletics program

◊

Led Vanderbilt Athletics’ historic Vandy United campaign

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Named Athletic Director of the Year by Sports Business Journal and NACDA

andice Storey Lee is Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director. Named to the position on May 21, 2020, Lee is Vanderbilt’s first female athletic director and the first Black woman to head an SEC athletics program. During her tenure as athletic director, she has successfully led the most ambitious fundraising project in Vanderbilt Athletics’ history, the Vandy United campaign, which has raised more than $300 million to dramatically upgrade programming and facilities for every Commodore program and studentathlete. She has also made head coaching hires in football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s tennis, track and field/cross country, and women’s volleyball, a varsity sport she revived in 2025. Lee began her athletics administration career at Vanderbilt in 2002, serving first as an academic adviser and then as compliance director. Working under the late athletic director David Williams, Lee was named the department’s senior woman administrator in 2004, a responsibility she held until 2020. She also assumed the title of deputy athletic director in 2016, overseeing the athletic department’s day-to-day operations and serving as the sport administrator for football and women’s basketball. During Lee’s time at Vanderbilt, Commodore teams won six national championships and over 20 conference championships and tournament titles, and played in eight bowl games since breaking a 26year bowl drought in 2008. Lee has been an inspirational leader in athletics and the Vanderbilt community ever since arriving on campus as a first-year student in 1996—a team captain, four-year letter winner, and five-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, as a member of the Commodore women’s basketball team, Lee battled through knee injuries and helped lead Vanderbilt to an SEC Tournament championship in her final season (2002). She earned a bachelor of science degree in human and organizational development in 2000, her master’s degree in counseling in 2002, and her doctorate in higher education administration in 2012. Prior to Vanderbilt, she was a model student-athlete at Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama, later recognized as a member of the 2022 class of the Huntsville-Madison County (Ala.) Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beyond her duties at Vanderbilt, Lee is a leader in college athletics at a national level. She has served on the Southeastern Conference’s Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice and on the executive committee of the Black Athletic Directors Alliance, an organization created in 2020 to promote the growth, development, and elevation of Black athletic administrators. She is currently a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and formerly served as a member of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee and as chair of both the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Committee and SEC Senior Woman Administrators. Lee has been recognized by peers and media as one of the leading administrators in college athletics. In 2026 she was named “Tennessean of the Year” by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. She was also named Athletic Director of the Year in 2025-2026 by the Sports Business Journal and in 2024-2025 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. In 2022, she was named Athletic Director of the Year at the Black Student-Athlete Summit. The Sports Business Journal named her to its college sports “Power Players” list in 2019, and Adidas named her to its “NEXT UP” class in 2018. In addition, Lee received the John McClendon Scholarship for Black administrators in 2017. Lee has also built deep roots as a fixture in the Nashville community. She currently serves or has served on the boards of directors for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Nashville Sports Council, YWCA of Middle Tennessee, Harpeth Hall School, and The Family Center. She was named a 2019–20 fellow of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s executive leadership institute and is a graduate of the 2012 classes of Leadership Nashville and the Vanderbilt Leadership Academy. In 2021, Lee received Peabody College’s Distinguished Alumna Award. Members of Vanderbilt’s student-athlete advisory committee awarded Lee their inaugural staff appreciation award in 2022 in recognition of her leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. Vanderbilt student-athletes continue to succeed in the classroom under Lee’s leadership. The Spring 2026 semester marked the 33rd consecutive semester Vanderbilt student-athletes posted a cumulative GPA above 3.0 (3.45). Lee is married to Sean Lee, the executive director of the Smyrna Housing Authority. They have an adult son, Andrew.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

RUTH MCKEE

JULY 18, 1906 - JUNE 25, 1989

1924 -1926

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OFFICE ADMINISTRATION, SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

1984

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HONORARY DEGREE, SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY ◊

Co-founder, charter member of the board of directors, and former senior vice president of McKee Foods

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Contributed to the funding of Ledford Hall, the McKee Library, charter member of the Board of Directors, and the Ruth McKee Chair of Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics

◊

Recipient of the the Committee of 100 Award for Philanthropy and Service

Four year-old Debbie McKee, granddaughter of McKee Foods founders Ruth and O.D. McKee, stands with her father, Ellsworth, and grandfather, O.D. McKee, alongside the first color rendering of the iconic Little Debbie logo in 1960. Courtesy of McKee Foods/Little Debbie.

ew people have shaped a company as quietly or as lastingly as Ruth (King) McKee. As co-founder of what became McKee Foods, one of the nation’s leading snack cake producers, she built the business from the inside, helping to shape a legacy of leadership grounded in integrity, service, and faith. Ruth grew up on a fruit farm in Tennessee, picking fruit faster than adult workers and substitute teaching fifth grade at age 14—while still in ninth grade. In her senior year of high school, her principal withdrew her nomination for valedictorian after she stood up to him over a matter of fairness. She graduated as salutatorian. That combination of work ethic, competence, and quiet conviction would define everything that followed. Ruth attended Southern Junior College in Collegedale, where she met O.D. McKee. She worked multiple jobs to pay her way through school until an injury and the strain of her workload forced her to leave just weeks before graduation. She went on to teach at Adventist schools in Florida and Tennessee before marrying O.D. in 1928. By 1932, after several difficult years navigating the Great Depression, the couple’s only assets were a 1928 Whippet automobile and one cow. When their second child was born, they offered the doctor his choice of the two as payment for his $10 fee. Thankfully, he chose the cow—a decision that later paid off, as they used the Whippet as collateral for a loan. In June 1934, one month after the birth of their third child, Ruth and O.D. used that loan to purchase the bakery on Main Street, Jack’s Cookie Company in Chattanooga for $5,000—plus $4,000 in inherited debt. While O.D. traveled to sell, Ruth ran operations, managing personnel and handling all ingredient

purchasing. Within a year, creditors had been repaid and the company had $1,000 in the bank. She went on to serve as production manager, office manager, secretary, and treasurer, rising to director and senior vice president—a role she held until her death in June 1989, the same month the company became the nation’s number one snack cake producer by unit volume. Those who worked alongside her pointed to distinct strengths. She had an uncommon ability to anticipate commodity markets and negotiate purchasing contracts that consistently outperformed expectations. She retained personal oversight of transportation personnel because she believed in the people doing the work. Suppliers knew that if they mistreated her drivers, she would stop ordering from them. Ruth’s connection to Southern never faded. She helped fund Ledford Hall, originally the McKee Industrial Building, the McKee Library, and the Ruth McKee Chair of Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics. In 1984, she received a special award from the Committee of 100 for service to the college and for inspiring philanthropy while also serving as co-chair of an alumni project to convert a campus hall into a theology center. That same year, she was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her near completion of her studies in 1926. Today, Southern Adventist University’s Ruth McKee School of Business carries her name forward. The Little Debbie brand, introduced in 1960 and still iconic today, was modeled after her three-and-ahalf-year-old granddaughter—a reflection of the family-centered values she helped instill in the company from its earliest days.

Inductee

MICHAEL SHANE NEAL M

ichael Shane Neal is a distinguished portrait artist and esteemed alumnus of Lipscomb University, where he currently serves as Ambassador of Fine Arts. He is known for his exceptional skill in traditional oil painting and his ability to capture the essence and character of his subjects. Neal is an influential figure in the art community, celebrated for his commitment to the craft of portraiture and his ability to tell compelling stories through his paintings. He models Lipscomb’s mission and values with the highest levels of excellence as he shares his artistic gifts across the globe. Since beginning a full-time career as an artist at the age of 21, Neal has completed more than 600 commissioned portraits on display around the world. His portraits include former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Joseph R. Biden; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; civil rights leaders Congressman John Lewis and Dr. Fred D. Gray; presidential cabinet members, ambassadors, senators, and governors; and the 9th Baronet and Laird of Luss, Scotland. His portraits are housed in various public and private collections, including prestigious institutions such as the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and the Pentagon.

Receiving his B.A. from Lipscomb University in 1991, Neal also studied at the Santa Fe Institute of Fine Arts, The Scottsdale Artist School, and Lyme Academy of Art. His studio is in the historic National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his work and contributions to the arts community, including the Lotos Award of Distinction for the Arts and the Grand Prize Award from the Portrait Society of America. Neal is the chairman of the board of the Portrait Society of America and serves on the boards of the Norman Rockwell Museum National Council, the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery in Broadway, England, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, and the Andrew Jackson Foundation. He previously served on the board of the American Patrons for the National Library and Galleries of Scotland and the Executive Board of Trustees for Cheekwood Museum of Art. Neal attributes his successful career and continued love for his work to God’s power and the community he found as a student at Lipscomb University.

In his role as Ambassador of Fine Arts at Lipscomb, he plays a key role in advancing the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and Lipscomb’s School of Art & Design. He shapes the university’s vision for fine arts education, participating directly in student mentorship, and positioning Lipscomb as the strongest Christian visual arts program in the country. He also served as the 2026 speaker for the Presidential Signature Series Lectureship on Art at Lipscomb and hosted an exhibit of his works on Lipscomb’s campus alongside his daughter, artist Mattie Ree Neal. In addition to his role as Ambassador of Fine Arts, Neal has been dedicated to teaching and mentoring aspiring artists for more than 30 years, conducting workshops and lectures and sharing his expertise in traditional painting techniques and portraiture.

President Joe Biden, portrait by Michael Shane Neal — Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 34” x 44”, courtesy of Michael Shane Neal

Inducting Institution

1991

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART, LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY

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SANTA FE INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS

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SCOTTSDALE ARTISTS’ SCHOOL

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LYME ACADEMY OF ART ◊

600+ commissioned portraits, including U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, and civil rights leaders

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Portraits displayed in the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and the Pentagon

◊

Recipient of the Lotos Award of Distinction for the Arts and Portrait Society of America Grand Prize Award

Michael Shane Neal hosting a group of Lipscomb University students and administrators in his studio.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

JUAN JOSE PEREZ, J.D.

1978

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY, LEE UNIVERSITY

1985

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JURIS DOCTOR, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO COLLEGE OF LAW ◊

Founded Perez Morris, Central Ohio’s largest Hispanic-owned law firm

◊

Co-founded Vista Village, a tiny-home community addressing homelessness

◊

Established the Joan E. Perez Endowed Scholarship Fund at Lee University

uan Jose “John” Perez was born in Texas to a migrant worker family that traveled the fields of the northwestern United States before settling in Toledo, Ohio. He arrived at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, as a first-generation college student, and the education and formation he received there instilled in him a sense of purpose and a conviction that determined people can change the world around them. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Lee in 1978, John worked his way through the University of Toledo College of Law while supporting his wife and young family, graduating in 1985. He launched his legal career as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Nicholas J. Walinski, then served as General Counsel and Vice President of Administration for a $150 million publicly traded international corporation before founding his own law practice in 1997. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with offices across six states, the Perez Morris firm became Central Ohio’s largest Hispanic-owned law firm and later Ohio’s largest certified women-owned law firm. John’s national practice spans complex commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and multimilliondollar construction and real estate cases. The arc of John’s career, however, cannot be described simply in courtroom victories. His unflagging commitment to civic and institutional life is at the center of his story. He has served on the boards of Columbus First Bank, the Mount Carmel Health System (as Board Chair, 2013–16), and the University of Toledo Board of Trustees. He chaired the board of Make-A-Wish of Ohio, Kentucky

and Indiana and served on the national Make-AWish Foundation governance committee. Since 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed him to The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, where he chairs the Master Planning and Facilities Committee, and to the Wexner Medical Center Board. Perhaps the most vivid expression of John’s servant character is his personal vision, Vista Village, a faith-based, tiny-home community he co-founded in Columbus to address homelessness. With 41 fully furnished micro-homes, wraparound social services, and a model designed to move residents toward economic independence, Vista Village represents what John has always believed: that shelter alone is not enough, and that every person deserves the chance to build something of their own. Over the years, John has never forgotten what Lee University made possible for him. He has been a consistent supporter of his alma mater, and in 2019, he and his wife, Joan, also a Lee alumna, established the Joan E. Perez Endowed Scholarship Fund, a lasting investment in the next generation of Lee students. John and Joan reside in Westerville, Ohio. They have three sons and five grandchildren. He is active in his church and fluent in Spanish. From the fields of the Northwest to the boardrooms and courtrooms of Ohio, John Perez carries Lee University’s mission with him—a living testament to what a Christ-centered education can set in motion.

John & Joan Perez at Lee University Homecoming.

Inductee

LEWIS RANKIN 1961

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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS, CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

1965

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

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Former CEO of J.E. Crain & Son, one of Tennessee’s Hot 100 Companies during his tenure

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Recipient of Cumberland University’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for Community Engagement

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Established the Nan & Lewis Rankin Endowed Scholarship for Trousdale County High School students

Lewis being awarded Trustee Emeritus status on August 24, 2026, at Cumberland University.

ewis Rankin’s journey with Cumberland began decades ago, graduating in 1961 back when it was still a two-year junior college. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee in 1965, launching a stellar career as a professional engineer. In 1972, Lewis joined J.E. Crain and Son—now known as Crain Construction Inc. By 1978, he was President, eventually retiring as Chief Executive Officer in 2018. Under his visionary leadership, the firm was recognized as one of Tennessee’s Hot 100 Companies. His professional peers took note, honoring him with both the Nashville and State ‘Professional Engineer in Construction’ awards, and electing him to leadership roles—including President for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) at the local level and the Board of Directors at the national level. A man of faith, Lewis also managed facility operations and infrastructure growth for Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, TN. He directed daily maintenance, purchasing, and property financials while leading major building additions designed to support long-term organizational expansion. Lewis’ legacy is defined just as much by what he has given back. Since 2008, he has served faithfully on the Cumberland University Board of Trust, where he chaired the Development Committee for several years, helping shape the future for generations of

students to come. He even received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 2023 for his service and devotion to his alma mater, and in 2026, his fellow trustees elected him as Trustee Emeritus. In addition, his generosity to Cumberland University has been magnificent. With nearly 30 years of financial support to transform lives through the power of education, Lewis established the Nan & Lewis Rankin Endowed Scholarship to ensure opportunities exist for Trousdale County High School students who wish to continue their education. Through this scholarship, along with their support of the Rise Together annual giving appeal and many other important initiatives at Cumberland, Lewis has provided stability and a pathway to the future for so many deserving students. His civic leadership is legendary. A dedicated member of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Brentwood, Lewis has served as Rotary President, Assistant Governor, and on the Charitable Foundation Board. His selfless work earned him the prestigious Bob Billington Outstanding Rotarian Award and the Rotary International Avenues of Service Citation. Above all his achievements, Lewis is a devoted family man—husband to Nan of 63 years, brother to Lisa Dies, and the proud father of three and grandfather of six.

Lewis alongside his family.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

THOMAS CLAYTON RICE, MBA

2002

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS AND FINANCE, KING UNIVERSITY

2007

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MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE ◊

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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Chair of the Finance Committee for United Way of Greater Chattanooga

◊

Former President and Director of Chattanooga Autism Center

Tom Rice (second from left) poses with university leadership during his appointment to the King University Board of Trustees in February 2026. Pictured (from left to right): Board Chair Nell King Bieger, Rice, President Andrew Tooley, and Trustee Steven W. Sword.

Inducting Institution

native of Chattanooga, TN, Tom Rice graduated from King College—now King University— in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. His impact on the institution began during his time as a student, where he was the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) in both his Junior and Senior years. During his time as SGA President, he worked with the student body to overhaul the Honor Code system, to increase funding for student organizations, and to restructure services for International students. He also increased the presence of the SGA on campus by adding regular touchpoints during Convocation, contributing to the school newspaper, and fostering better communication. After graduating from King, Rice joined the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2002. Prior to assuming his current role, he served as senior vice president of Finance. He’s also served as the company’s Treasurer and Chief Risk Officer, vice president of Financial Operations & Performance, and in a variety of leadership roles in Pricing, Planning and Fleet Strategy, and Power Trading. Rice currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Tennessee Valley Authority. In this role, he’s responsible for directing all of TVA’s financial and commercial functions, including treasury, risk management, accounting, financial operations and performance, financial planning and investor relations, pricing, and the commercial and fuels activities. Rice also serves

at the Chattanooga Autism Center as a Director and past President, as well as the United Way of Greater Chattanooga on the Governance Board and as Chair of the Finance committee. He is a member of Hixson United Methodist Church along with his wife, Lesley, a fellow King alum. King University was pleased to welcome Rice’s leadership back to the campus in 2026 as its newest Trustee and looks forward to the impact he will continue to have on the institution through this role. Reflecting on this opportunity and his time at King, Rice commented that “As a student, I was twice elected to serve as student government president, which allowed me the opportunity to interact with the trustees at that time. They impressed me as men and women of faith, generosity, and wisdom. To be considered to join this board is an honor.”

“King is an important institution to me and to my wife—we met each other, spent four very formative years, and developed many close relationships at King.”

Inducting Institution

Inductee

ELIZABETH ANN SAUNDERS, Ed.D.

APRIL 12, 1948 - AUGUST 5, 2025

1967

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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, FREED-HARDEMAN UNIVERSITY

1970

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION, MEMPHIS STATE UNIVERSITY

1975

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN READING, MEMPHIS STATE UNIVERSITY

1983

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DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION, EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ◊

First Black graduate of Freed–Hardeman University

◊

First Black faculty member at Freed–Hardeman University, serving more than 40 years

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Established the Saunders-Ruth Scholarship to support future educators

Dr. Elizabeth Saunders holds a picture of her 1967 graduation from then Freed-Hardeman College. Saunders is the first student in the third row (left to right).

he Elizabeth Ann Saunders Center at Freed– Hardeman University (FHU) was named in honor of Elizabeth Ann Saunders, an educator, pioneer, and faithful Christian whose life and service have left a lasting impact on FHU and the world beyond.

and supervision—an academic journey matched only by her commitment to helping others grow in knowledge and faith. Her love of learning is inseparable from her desire to share the Word of God, and she has done both with passion and grace.

Born in Centralia, Illinois, and raised in Chester County, Tennessee, Elizabeth was educated in its public schools from first through twelfth grade. She was among the first Black students to attend FHU and, in 1967, became the university’s first Black graduate. She taught eight years in the public school system in Haywood County, Tennessee. She later made history again in 1978, becoming FHU’s first Black faculty member, a role she held for over 40 years until her retirement in 2018.

A devoted member of the North Henderson Church of Christ, Elizabeth has been active in educational and mission ministries, traveling globally to teach and serve. Her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” is a guiding light in both her personal walk and professional journey.

Elizabeth’s passion for learning spans at least five generations of her mother’s family and is rooted deeply in the example of her parents, Nyla and George Saunders, and grandparents, Elizabeth and Roger Ruth, all of whom were strong influences in her life and instilled in her a commitment to education, service, and faith. She earned an associate’s degree in business, a bachelor’s degree in business education, a master’s degree in reading and a doctorate in administration

Elizabeth established the Saunders-Ruth Scholarship in honor of her parents and grandparents, to support undergraduate education majors and continue a family legacy of educational leadership. Through her brave and faithful choices, Elizabeth Ann Saunders opened doors of opportunity and diversity for generations of students. Loved by her students and respected by her colleagues, she is a teacher, mentor, and example whose influence endures in the lives she has touched.

Auburn celebrates former men’s basketball coach Sonny Smith with the unveiling of his banner in Auburn Arena on Jan. 29, 2022.

1958

◊

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION, MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY ◊

Mentored future NBA stars Charles Barkley, Chuck Person, and Chris Morris

◊

Two-time SEC Coach of the Year

◊

Honors include induction into the Milligan Athletics Hall of Fame (1994), Milligan University Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001), Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2007), Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and Auburn University Lifetime Achievement Award (2025).

Inductee

CHARLES “SONNY” SMITH C

harles H. “Sonny” Smith, a 1958 graduate of Milligan University, is one of the most influential figures in college basketball and a distinguished leader whose impact has extended far beyond the court. A native of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, Smith excelled as a student-athlete at Milligan, earning AllConference honors and laying the foundation for a career defined by leadership, innovation, integrity, and service. After more than a decade coaching at the high school level, Smith entered collegiate basketball in 1969 as an assistant coach at William & Mary, Pepperdine, and Virginia Tech before becoming head coach at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 1976. In just two seasons, he transformed the ETSU Buccaneers into Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) contenders, earning OVC Coach of the Year honors in 1978. Smith achieved national prominence during his 11 seasons as head coach at Auburn University. He led the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, first SEC Tournament Championship, first Sweet Sixteen, and first Elite Eight. Auburn’s five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1984-1988 established the program as a national power and remain one of the defining stretches in school history. Smith was twice named SEC Coach of the Year and remains among the winningest coaches in Auburn basketball history. Throughout his 22-year head coaching career at East Tennessee State, Auburn, and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Smith compiled 339 victories while developing countless studentathletes both on and off the court. Among those he mentored were future NBA stars Charles Barkley,

Chuck Person, and Chris Morris. At VCU, he continued his success by leading the Rams to conference championships and earning both Metro Conference and Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year honors. Grounded by faith and the values instilled during his upbringing in Appalachia, later strengthened through his Milligan education, Smith built a reputation for treating players with respect, investing in their personal growth, and emphasizing character alongside competition. His influence extended well beyond wins and losses as he modeled perseverance, humility, and servant-leadership throughout his career. Following his coaching career, Smith became a beloved broadcaster and ambassador for the sport. He co-hosted the popular Sonny and Wimp Show radio program and spent more than two decades as a basketball analyst and commentator, sharing his knowledge, humor, and passion for the game with generations of fans. Known as a gifted storyteller and mentor, he remained deeply connected to the sport and the people it serves. Smith’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized through induction into the Milligan Athletics Hall of Fame (1994), receipt of Milligan University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001), induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2007), and induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2020). In 2025, Auburn University honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Through a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and faithful service to others, Sonny Smith has left an enduring legacy that continues to shape collegiate athletics and inspire generations.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions executive vice president Blake Thompson live on The Ramsey Show celebrating Blake’s 30th anniversary and retirement.

A. BLAKE THOMPSON 1993

◊

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MASS COMMUNICATION, MINOR IN MARKETING, TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY ◊

Former Executive Vice President of Ramsey Network

◊

Executive Producer of “Borrowed Future” documentary

◊

Helped free more than 2,200 families from bonded labor in Pakistan

I just got back from my sixth trip to Pakistan. We’re doing some really good work—a group of guys and me—freeing people from slavery. It’s kind of wild. It touches what we’ve taught for 30 years in a little different way.” 39

hree years after graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University with his B.S. in mass communication and minor in marketing, Blake Thompson was hired as the original producer of Dave Ramsey’s radio show in 1996. Since then, he has overseen the show’s growth and ascended to the role of executive vice president of The Ramsey Network. The Ramsey Network has grown from The Ramsey Show to now feature 10 podcasts heard by more than 20 million listeners, more than 1,000 employees, and is now broadcast on more than 640 radio stations and viewed over 3 billion times on YouTube. Over the years, Thompson rose through the ranks to oversee all Ramsey Network content, production and distribution, eventually leading the company’s audio, video and podcast strategy across multiple platforms as executive VP. In that role, he guided the expansion of the network beyond its flagship program to include a broad portfolio of shows and franchises. That lineup includes “The Ramsey Show,” “The Dr. John Delony Show,” “George Kamel,” “Smart Money Happy Hour,” “Front Row Seat w/ Ken Coleman,” “The Rachel Cruze Show,” and “EntreLeadership,” along with a growing slate of other podcasts such as “The Fine Print,” “Everyday Millionaires,” and “Real Estate The Ramsey Way.” Thompson was also the executive producer of Ramsey Solutions documentary film “Borrowed Future.” Thompson credits much of his success to the lessons on servant leadership that he learned while attending Trevecca. He shares, “Trevecca gave me the opportunity to be hands-on when it came to learning my field in broadcasting. Being able to use the equipment at the campus radio station WNAZ at the time was very valuable; plus having wonderful mass communication teachers and mentors was key to opening doors for my future career. Service clubs like Circle K gave me the opportunity to lead a group of like-minded guys and gave me the valuable lesson of serving others, which is key to leadership. I started with Dave Ramsey back in 1996 when it was just Dave and a local Nashville radio show. When Dave called Trevecca looking for a producer to help

take his local radio show nationwide, it was a good thing I had kept in communication with Trevecca and Dr. Lena Hegi Welch after graduating because she thought of me. I was willing to leave a job that was paying me way more in order to do work that I love and be able to help people at the same time. It was one of the best decisions and investments I’ve made in my life. I started on the ground floor and was quickly ‘thrown in the fire,’ having to learn with Dave how to do radio well and grow it.” Exactly 30 years after he began working with Dave Ramsey, Thompson retired on July 1, 2026, but the next chapter isn’t a quiet one. He’s been making trips to Pakistan for several years now as part of a group working to free families trapped in bonded labor. He’s helping end a debt-slavery cycle that can span generations. The work, he says, connects directly to what he’s spent 30 years teaching. “I just got back from my sixth trip to Pakistan,” Thompson said. “We’re doing some really good work—a group of guys and me—freeing people from slavery. It’s kind of wild. It touches what we’ve taught for 30 years in a little different way. But it reminds me of the payday loan or cash advance problem we had in this country for so long. You have these struggling families in Pakistan that get into debt. They need money. Say $100 or $200 because their kid is sick. And they go to a lender who charges up to 70 percent interest. When they can’t pay it—which they can’t—they put them in the brick kilns and make them make bricks every day.” The results have been concrete. In the past two years, Thompson’s group has freed 2,200 families from those kilns. He’s helped them secure housing, employment and education for their children. He’s also spoken before Parliament in the United Kingdom about the bonded labor crisis. Thompson’s life of servant leadership continues to model the teachings of Christ, and his life reflects the values that he learned while growing up in a parsonage and then attending Trevecca. Blake is married to Tanya, and they have a daughter, Rylee (a current Trevecca student), and a son, Blake. They reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

Inducting Institution

Inductee

BARBARA LORD WATKINS B

arbara Lord Watkins pursued a distinguished career in the healthcare field that showcased her leadership and people skills.

of Fisk University, Inc., for which she was recognized for Outstanding Service to the Community with the Fisk Alumni Achievement Award.

She helped establish one of the first home hospices in Texas with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas and served as Senior Vice President at Parkland Health & Hospital System, where she was the senior officer over several departments. At the same time, she was respected in Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C., for her work on healthcare legislative issues as President and CEO of Parkland Foundation. Currently, she is the President Emerita on the Parkland Health Foundation Board of Directors.

Her commitment to community service was further enhanced through her leadership at The Links, Incorporated, where Mrs. Watkins served as chapter president, Western Area Chair of the National Trends and Services Facet, and Western Area Director. As Western Area Director, she led under the theme “Connected in Friendship, Called to Service, Committed to Purpose,” reflecting the importance she placed on communication, membership, programs, service, and governance.

A pillar of the community, Mrs. Watkins chaired multiple boards, including the Board of Directors of Medical City Dallas (an HCA facility), the Texas Healthcare Trustees Board of Directors, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and was the first chair of the Dallas Human Services Commission, where she served 4 years. She served on over 45 boards, including the African American Museum for Life and Culture, Texas United Way, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas Women’s Foundation, and the Board of the Texas Hospital Association.

The recipient of over 25 awards and recognitions, Mrs. Watkins has been the recipient of the Real Woman Award from Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, the Passing the Torch: Legacy Award from the Dallas Urban League, and the Top 12 Women in Healthcare Award Citation of Meritorious Service. Other awards include the Women of Spirit Award from the American Jewish Congress, Helen Farabee Award from the United Way of Texas, YWCA Family of the Year Award, Linda Keighley Award for Women in Public Management from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, as well as the Woman of the Year Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Mrs. Watkins was also a member of the Council on Policy Development for the Hospital Association and has participated in a variety of committees, including the Executive Committee of KERA Television and Radio station, the Executive Committee of the Dallas Museum of Art, the Executive Committee of United Way of Dallas, and she was an active member of the Texas Fiscal Analysis Initiative Advisory Committee for the Center for Public Policy Priorities. The Governor and Lt. Governor also appointed her to serve, respectively, on the Hospital Licensing Board and the Texas Cancer Council. Pouring back into her alma mater, Mrs. Watkins served on the Board of Trustees of Fisk University and is a Life Member of the General Alumni Association

Mrs. Watkins has made numerous presentations at national and state health associations as well as the United States Senate Finance Committee, Subcommittee on Health for Families and several Texas Senate and House Committees on health legislation. Mrs. Watkins is married to Myron H. Watkins, Sr., MD. They are the proud parents of four children: Cynthia Watkins Clanton, Elizabeth Watkins Goodman, Ann Marie Watkins Wallace Peoples and Myron H. Watkins, Jr., and have ten grandchildren.

Inducting Institution

1955

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ZOOLOGY, FISK UNIVERSITY

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MASTER OF THEOLOGY, MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE

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MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

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MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ◊

Established one of the first home hospices in Texas with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

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President & CEO of Parkland Health Foundation

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Recipient of the Top 12 Women in Healthcare Award Citation of Meritorious Service

Inductee

GARY E. WEEDMAN, Ph.D. SEPTEMBER 10, 1943 - MARCH 22, 2026

ary E. Weedman was born in Evansville, Indiana, in 1943 and spent the early years of his life in Fairfield, Illinois. Following high school graduation in 1961, he enrolled in Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he graduated in 1964. He then served in church ministries in Illinois and Indiana while completing his M.A. in Communication from Western Illinois University in 1967 and his Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Indiana University in 1971. He was the founding campus minister of Indiana University Campus Christian Ministry in 1968. In 1969, he returned to Johnson as a full-time faculty member, teaching Homiletics, Greek, Bible, and History. In 1976, he joined the faculty at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois, where he was soon appointed Academic Dean. At Lincoln, he became a leading advocate for the inclusion of liberal arts and humanities curricula in Christian higher education. In 1987, he became Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he strengthened the liberal arts core curriculum and developed pre-professional programs that expanded the footprint of the institution. Following his time at Milligan, he became the Provost at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1998, where he founded the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing, and other programs. In 2003, he began helping develop continuing education programs for ministry and education leaders throughout central and eastern Europe as the Executive Vice President of TCM International, based in Indianapolis, Indiana and Heiligenkreuz, Austria.

Dr. Weedman returned to Johnson in 2007 to serve as its sixth president. Under his leadership, the college honed its mission, transitioned from Johnson Bible College to Johnson University, and established its first Ph.D. and online programs. Dr. Weedman also guided the university into meaningful partnerships with schools in China and strengthened the University’s engagement with the Knoxville community. He retired as President of Johnson in 2018 after 11 years of service. Dr. Weedman was a leader in higher education across Tennessee, the country, and the globe. He was active with the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA), serving as chairman of the board from 2009–2011. In 2012, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation. He served on numerous accreditation review teams and committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and he traveled extensively in Europe and Asia teaching, lecturing, and building ministry and education partnerships. Upon his retirement in 2018, Dr. Weedman was issued a declaration of recognition by the Tennessee State Legislature for his leadership and commitment to higher education in Tennessee and beyond. He met Janis Morgan—also a lifelong educator— while they were students at Johnson. They were married in 1963 and enjoyed 63 years together. They had four sons. Dr. Gary Weedman passed away in March of 2026, leaving a legacy of faithful leadership, thoughtful innovation, and deep devotion to education and the ministry of the church.

Inducting Institution

Gary Weedman speaking at Johnson University’s Commencement in May, 2016.

1964

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MINISTERIAL EMPHASIS, JOHNSON UNIVERSITY

1966

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MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION, WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

1972

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION, INDIANA UNIVERSITY ◊

Former Chief Academic Officer at Milligan University and Palm Beach Atlantic University

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As the sixth president, led Johnson Bible College’s transition to Johnson University

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Launched Johnson University’s first Ph.D. and online degree programs

Inducting Institution

Inductee

MAJ. GEN. FRED D. WOMACK (RET.) M

ajor General Fred D. Womack (Ret.) has played a pivotal role in service and leadership to the Tennessee Wesleyan University community, the state of Tennessee, and to our nation over six decades. As an Athens, Tennessee native, General Womack began his service in the Air National Guard in 1958 after graduating from McMinn County High School. Upon his 1963 graduation from Tennessee Wesleyan College (now Tennessee Wesleyan University) with a bachelor’s degree in business, he began two extraordinarily successful careers in the military and in the airline industry. General Womack also received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Tennessee Wesleyan University in 2024. Following completion of the United States Air Force undergraduate pilot training in 1966, he returned home to the 134th Fighter Interceptor Group at McGee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. While there, he served as Safety Officer, Instructor Pilot, Group Operations Officer, Chief of Command Control, and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He graduated from the Air War College in 1984 and later became both the Deputy Commander and the Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard. The General’s airline career began in 1967 when he became a first officer with Piedmont Airlines, attaining the rank of Captain in 1974. In 1979, he was selected as Piedmont Airlines’ Director of Operations, leading to his promotion to Director of Flight Operations and Flying Safety in 1985, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. General Womack also served as Chairman of the Airline Transport Association’s Flight Systems

Integration Committee, working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on complex issues involving cockpit design, human factors, and developing technologies. He was named project manager for the development and implementation of the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), an advanced technological safety system used today in airline cockpits around the world. As a Command Pilot with more than 20,000 hours flying both military and commercial airplanes, General Womack was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Tactical Air Command Aircrew Achievement Award. In retirement, General Womack has remained active in aviation, serving as a Senior Consultant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Board of Directors of EAA’s Warbirds of America, and the Tennessee First Squadron/WBA. General Womack was a longtime member of the Tennessee Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, including serving as the chairman. During a particularly challenging season for the University, the General also served as acting president for a short period of time. His philanthropic support to the University has been significant. He continues to serve with wisdom, grace, foresight, and humor in his church and numerous community and professional organizations. General Womack and his wife, Teresa, live in Tellico Village in Loudon County, Tennessee. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

1963

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BACHELOR OF BUSINESS, TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ◊

Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard

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Led development of the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

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Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Tennessee Wesleyan University

Commander Fred Womack (of the Tennessee Air National Guard) with Lt. Col. Paul Willson, now a TWU Board member.

The General receives an honorary degree from Tennessee Wesleyan, with President Tyler Forrest (left) and Vice President for Academic Affairs Grant Willhite (right).

Inducting Institution

Inductee

JAMES TERRELL WOOTEN

JULY 13, 1937 - JUNE 4, 2026

1958

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BACHELOR OF ARTS, BETHEL UNIVERSITY

1959

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ORDAINED TO THE MINISTRY, CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ◊

Former Senior Correspondent for ABC News, covering every U.S. presidential campaign from 1968–2004

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Recipient of the Overseas Press Club Award, Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and Joe Alex Morris Award (Harvard) for reporting from Rwanda and Zaire

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Author of the acclaimed biography Dasher: The Roots and Rising of Jimmy Carter and the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award-winning biography, We Are All the Same

James Wooten wearing an official network credentials badge “ABC News The ‘80 Vote” while covering the 1980 U.S. presidential campaign. Photo credit: ABC News

ames Terrell Wooten, a 1958 graduate of Bethel College, built a distinguished journalism career spanning more than four decades and five continents before his passing on June 4, 2026. After graduating from Bethel, Wooten pursued theological study at Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary in McKenzie, Tennessee, and was ordained to the ministry in 1959. Though he ultimately followed a calling into journalism, the themes of service, reflection, and attention to human experience remained central throughout his life’s work. Wooten began his journalism career in Tennessee before moving into national and international reporting. His early coverage of the Civil Rights Movement helped launch a career that included work with major news organizations such as The New York Times and ABC News. At ABC, he served as a senior correspondent for many years, reporting across major programs and covering every U.S. presidential campaign from 1968 through 2004. Throughout his career, Wooten earned some of journalism’s highest honors, including Columbia University’s John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism, recognizing his commitment to

excellence, integrity, and impactful storytelling. His reporting placed him at the center of many of the defining events of the modern era, where he consistently focused not only on what was happening, but on the people most deeply affected— whether reporting from areas impacted by war, political upheaval, or public health crises. His journalism reflected a deep respect for the dignity, resilience, and humanity of the people whose stories he told. Wooten was also an accomplished author. His writing included a widely recognized biography of President Jimmy Carter and a later work examining the life of a young boy living with AIDS, which received the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. From McKenzie, Tennessee, to some of the most consequential events of the past half-century, Wooten’s life reflects a deep commitment to service through storytelling. His work continues to stand as an example of how thoughtful journalism can foster understanding and bring attention to lives and experiences that shape our shared world. Bethel University celebrates his life, honors his legacy, and gives thanks for the example he leaves for future generations of students and storytellers.

Inducting Institution

2001

John with Brittany Schaffer, who at the time served as dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.

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BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MUSIC BUSINESS, BELMONT UNIVERSITY ◊

Co-founder of leading music marketing and brand partnerships agency, Results Global

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Leads marketing for Dolly Parton’s charttopping releases and New York Times bestselling books

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Serves on the Nashville Entrepreneur Center Board of Directors

Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton and John Zarling

Inductee

JOHN ZARLING

ohn Zarling has spent more than two decades shaping music marketing, with deep ties to Nashville and Belmont University, where his career began. A 2001 graduate of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Zarling began his career at Universal Music Group before rising through Big Machine Label Group, where he spent more than a decade and ultimately rose to senior vice president of partnership marketing and promotion strategy. He went on to serve as executive vice president of marketing and new business at Sony Music Entertainment, helping guide marketing strategy for some of the industry’s biggest names. In 2019, recognizing a fundamental shift underway in music marketing, Zarling left the major label world to launch his own agency, 615 Leverage + Strategy, alongside longtime collaborator Jackie Campbell. The firm, now known as Results Global, has become a defining force in artist marketing and brand partnerships, serving artists, labels, promoters, nonprofits and technology ventures across the country music industry. Zarling now serves as chief marketing officer (CMO) of Results Global. Throughout his career, Zarling has played an integral role in more than 100 million units sold, more than 100 No. 1 singles, and has negotiated brand partnerships worth more than $34 million. As CMO of Results Global, he leads marketing for Dolly Parton, overseeing campaigns behind her New York

Times-bestselling books and chart-topping releases, including the Gold-selling album Rockstar, which delivered the biggest first-week sales debut of her seven-decade career. Zarling’s impact extends well beyond commercial success. For more than five years, he and Campbell have taught a brand partnership course at Belmont’s Curb College, mentoring the next generation of music business leaders. His teaching and continued service to the university earned him Belmont’s Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence in 2025. Zarling and Results Global have also been instrumental in building Belmont’s “Dolly U” partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises. He and Campbell now teach “Partnership Marketing in Music,” a course where students have worked on real-world projects spanning Dolly’s various ventures. Beyond the entertainment industry, Zarling has devoted his time to causes that address economic opportunity and food insecurity in Nashville. He has served on the board of directors of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center since 2021 and previously served on the board of The Store, a free grocery store supporting Nashville families in need. Zarling and his family live in Nashville, where he continues to teach in Belmont’s Curb College and lead marketing for Results Global’s roster of clients.

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