BELONG Together We
“There is a blessing that comes when we leave behind our aloneness; when we gather together; when we turn toward one another.”
JAN RICHARDSON
“Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons”
Together
More than ever, we have access to people. We can see updates about almost everyone we’ve ever known from a device we hold in our hands. We see their smiles, their vacations and their opinions. We feel like we know their kids, although we may never have met them in person. On any given day, we might even be privy to what someone halfway across the world ate for breakfast.
Yet with all this knowledge, we can still feel unknown. Despite all the connectivity, it’s possible—even easy—to remain disconnected.
This explains the shift we feel when we run into a familiar face at the store or finally plan a trip with friends. When we sit around a dinner table or meet for coffee, the disconnection fades. We are seen. We belong.
The truth is we were made for belonging. The embodied experiences we share when we are fully present with one another greatly matter.
That’s why we’ve made belonging the focus of this edition of the Treveccan. Whether it’s the transformation that takes place through the missional efforts of current students like Elizabeth Parvin while traveling to Harlem (page 10), or through the ministry and outreach of alumni in Asheville, North Carolina (page 18), belonging through service brings blessing.
Belonging can also bring healing and growth. Counseling graduate Chris O’Rear reveals on page 22 how to nurture authentic relationships in our increasingly isolated age, while Kathy Mowry, professor of intercultural studies and Christian education, shares on page 47 how humility and belonging can promote intercultural competency.
Last but not least, belonging brings flourishing, as seen through the stories of our 2025 Homecoming award winners beginning on page 38.
Speaking of Homecoming, we hope you’ll come home to the Hill Nov. 7-8. Something life-giving occurs when we stand in the spot where friendships were born or memories were made. We experience a sense of connection like no other. We remember that to truly feel alive and whole, we must belong to one another.
Jen Showalter (’97) Alumni Association Engagement Officer
VOL. 95 NO. 1
FALL 2025
PRESIDENT
Dan Boone (’74)
VP FOR UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT
Peggy Cooning (’20)
ASSOCIATE VP OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Mollie Yoder
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Jennifer Showalter (’97)
EDITORIAL DIRECTORS
Brian Bennett, Corrie C. Fritts
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Emily Adams (’22, ’24), Carla Miles
PROJECT MANAGER
Mackenzie Hider
WRITERS
Teron Fairchild, Kathy Mowry ('85), Chris O'Rear ('04), Elizabeth Parvin, Rebekah Warren (’18, ’25)
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Carla Miles, Hannah Somboon (’19, ’25), Wes Sharpe (’24), Lauren Sosler, Kevin Blake Thomas
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Twining (’74)
Shoulder to shoulder, face to face and eye to eye. Homecoming is a time to remember how much being together matters. So come home to the Hill, reconnect with old friends and relive the moments that shaped you. From the lessons learned to the friendships formed, your story is an essential part of our history. Join us Nov. 7-8 for Homecoming 2025.
from the hill
In the spring, the Board of Trustees extended the term of PRESIDENT DAN BOONE by four years. They also established the DAN AND DENISE BOONE ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP to be awarded annually to Trevecca students with a financial need.
Graduate degree offerings continue to expand with the addition of new programs, tracks and modalities. Since the beginning of 2025, Trevecca has introduced the following options in graduate and adult education.
• A new PH.D. IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES that launched this fall prepares graduates to advance global knowledge in the field of leadership through research and higher education instruction. The program began drawing strong interest well in advance of its start date, and it includes a bridge option for Ed.D. graduates who want to take their doctoral education in leadership to another level.
• A new ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRACK (AI) in the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree program allows teachers and aspiring administrators to leverage AI tools as they prepare for instructional leadership roles.
• For professionals from other fields who want to move into the classroom, the MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT) is now offered in a FULLY ONLINE format. MAT students can use this option whether they are job-embedded or haven’t yet applied for a teaching position.
The University celebrated its fifth annual TREVECCA GIVING DAY on April 10 by exceeding its goals, receiving more than $1 million in contributions from more than 1,000 financial partners. Next year's Giving Day is set for March 26, 2026.
Trevecca continued a trend in RECORD ENROLLMENT in spring 2025, welcoming the largest group of incoming students for a spring semester. More than 1,400 NEW STUDENTS joined the Trevecca community in January.
To begin the 2025-2026 school year, Trevecca offered a free professional development opportunity for teachers called UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITY WITH AI. The online, self-paced course is designed to help teachers leverage AI to spend less time on administrative tasks.
In August, Trevecca welcomed RONALD DE VERA BARREDO as the dean of the School of STEM and Health Sciences. Barredo has instructed students at every level in university settings since 1996, and is a two-time Trevecca graduate. He earned a master’s in organizational management and a doctorate in leadership (Ed.D.) from Trevecca. He served most recently as dean of the College of Health Sciences at Tennessee State University.
Three Trevecca athletic programs made managerial moves this spring. NATE MORAN was promoted to head coach of the men’s basketball team; DOUG NOVAK was hired as head coach of the women’s basketball team; and MATHEUS MELLO was promoted to head coach in women’s soccer.
In April, the Trevecca Urban Farm announced THE EDEN PROJECT, a three-year initiative that will involve partnering with Nazarene churches to plant 400 shade and fruit trees in disadvantaged communities throughout the Southeast. The project is funded by grants from American Forests’ Tree Equity Catalyst Fund.
For the second consecutive year, the STUNT TEAM reached the national championships. The 2024-2025 Trojan STUNT squad finished with a top 10 national ranking and an overall record of 28-6.
An event hosted on campus by the TREVECCA ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP in February drew a large crowd to hear guest speaker Dan Werly, the chief operating officer of the Tennessee Titans. He spoke about the positive economic impact of the team's new stadium that’s under construction in Nashville.
At the 2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH in April, 24 Trevecca students on 13 different project teams presented their research. The topics they addressed at the Pittsburgh event ranged from history and psychology to biochemistry.
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Five Questions with Carolyn Johnson
TREVECCA GRADUATE CAROLYN JOHNSON (’22) CONCLUDED A THREE-YEAR TERM IN JULY AS AN ON-CAMPUS AMERICORPS WORKER FOR THE VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA (VISTA) PROGRAM. SHE'S PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN EXPANDING TREVECCA’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS AND FULFILLING ITS MISSION OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP.
1. WHAT WAS YOUR UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE LIKE AT TREVECCA?
I was a worship arts major. I realized a huge part of what I wanted to do at Trevecca was grow in my faith. My education definitely helped me articulate and understand what I believe in a deeper way. I was also able to grow in confidence musically. I participated in student life and served in student government, tutoring, club leadership, the chapel team and as a resident assistant.
2. YOU WERE INVOLVED IN A VARIETY OF LEADERSHIP ROLES AS A STUDENT. WHAT DROVE YOU TO UNDERTAKE THOSE?
I wanted to be a part of what was going on, get to know different people, have a sense of belonging and create that same experience for others. Being involved also helped with qualifying for scholarships. People like my parents were believing in me and investing in me and I wanted to make the most of my experience.
3. YOU STAYED AT TREVECCA POST-GRADUATION THROUGH AMERICORPS VISTA, A NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM FOCUSED ON FIGHTING POVERTY WITH SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS. WHAT DID THIS ROLE INCLUDE?
I worked specifically with Student Development to foster volunteer opportunities for students. This included starting a Community Engagement Committee as well as the launch of a volunteer engagement platform to centralize opportunities and track service hours. I also worked with Rebecca's House, a monthly food program where students can pick up free groceries to help with food insecurity. The student relationships I had already formed helped to build connections in my role. I could approach students and say, “I know you're passionate about this” or “Would you be interested in participating in this?” I was able to leverage relationships to connect students to their passions and do work that supports our neighbors.
4. EARLIER THIS YEAR, YOU RECEIVED THE STELLA SIMPSON LEADERSHIP AWARD, GIVEN IN HONOR OF A WOMAN WHO DEDICATED HER LIFE TO EMPOWERING OTHERS AS A PROFESSOR AND CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
My family was at the award luncheon and the room was filled with people who had encouraged me and invited me to step outside my comfort zone throughout the years. It was uplifting to see the work I've done is more than just about me. It's having an impact on the Trevecca community, and that was one of my hopes when I became a VISTA. I wanted to pour back into this community because it’s invested so much in me.
5. WHAT PART OF YOUR TREVECCA EXPERIENCE DO YOU STILL CARRY WITH YOU?
Since I attended Experience Trevecca Day in high school, the Trevecca motto "esse quam videri"—to be rather than to seem—has been important to me. It's become something of a personal mission statement. It means continuing to journey through every area of life with authenticity and humility. This University is built on the idea that leadership is service. It’s not about the title you hold; it’s about what you’re doing for others and how you're elevating the people around you.
Opened Eyes and Expanded Hearts
SENIOR ELIZABETH PARVIN GAINED PERSPECTIVE THROUGH AN IMPACTFUL MISSION TRIP WITH TREVECCA AROUND THE GLOBE.
Last spring, I sensed God inviting me to grow in my understanding of His world. I decided to join a Trevecca Around the Globe (TAG) trip to New York City.
TAG trips are school-sponsored opportunities for Trevecca students to catch a vision of God at work and to take part in the redemptive story He is writing. With trips during spring and summer breaks, TAG aims to provide meaningful and transformative servicelearning experiences.
The purpose of our particular trip was to help build relationships in Harlem alongside a Nazarene family living there full time.
Jay and Teanna Sunburg and their daughter, Lexi, formerly served as missionaries in places like Bulgaria and Russia. A year ago, they moved to Harlem to
reestablish a missional presence there. They started a nonprofit called Mission New York in partnership with the Metro New York District of the Church of the Nazarene.
Our team went to help them take new steps in their ministry and connect with the people of Harlem.
During our trip, we participated in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class with immigrants from Venezuela. We shared many laughs despite the language barrier. It was cool to witness these Venezuelans make an effort to learn a new language. I helped them practice English phrases to use in their work situations.
Elizabeth Parvin
We sat with them and listened to stories of where they were from, their journey to get here and their experiences since coming to America. Our interaction was impactful and opened my eyes to my good fortune in simply being born in this nation. It highlighted my own privilege and ignorance.
Working alongside a nonprofit that does beautification in Harlem, we also helped clean the streets while talking with folks who live there.
We were able to witness the connection that local volunteers have with people in Harlem. I started the week feeling unsafe, but eventually realized I didn’t need to be afraid. People are people. I was able to let go of a narrative of fear in my mind.
The Lord also opened our eyes and expanded our hearts for others. We participated in conversations with people from different cultures who held different opinions and asked hard questions. We learned about the brokenness in our country and around the world.
We dug in and asked questions about gentrification, prosperity, poverty and drug addiction. We learned about the fear immigrants in the United States are facing and about unrest in other nations. God moved by allowing us, to some extent, to share the burdens of the people we met.
"The trip allowed us to think about how we could apply what we witnessed to serve our community back home."
I think sometimes people hope to hear how many lives were saved or people were baptized during a mission trip, but I saw God move in different ways. He opened new opportunities for the Sunburgs to partner with people they hadn’t been able to connect with prior to our coming.
We were also exposed to the perspectives of those living in an underserved community. We learned about some of the issues in parts of Harlem and what’s making things worse. We had moments of hearing and participating in conversations that made us ask deep questions and pushed us to examine our own beliefs.
The problems in parts of Harlem are similar to things we see happening in some areas of Nashville. So the trip allowed us to think about how we could apply what we witnessed to serve our community back home.
I’m grateful God used my time in New York to guide me on a missional path and give me a deeper understanding of how He’s at work in the world. Experiencing God in my life and in the lives of others in this new place was a gift of grace.
Elizabeth Parvin is a senior majoring in organizational communication.
Jay Sunburg,
director of Mission New York
LEAD SET TO
SKIAS HAINLINE MODELS SERVANT LEADERSHIP ON AND OFF THE COURT.
A senior sport management major with a marketing minor, Skias Hainline has spent her time at Trevecca growing not only as a student athlete, but also as a person of faith. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Hainline is a setter on the volleyball team and has embraced the opportunities her Trevecca experience has offered.
Hainline’s decision to attend Trevecca was rooted in more than just athletics. “It was truly God’s timing. He put me here for a reason, and it’s changed my life,” she said. “I found a community here that I didn’t expect to find.”
She’s also contributing to that community. She helped start a Bible study for Trevecca athletes that now draws 15 to 20 students regularly. One of her favorite experiences was attending a worship night with teammates. “My heart was so full when I left that night,” she said. “I felt happy that I chose Trevecca.”
Hainline earned Gulf South All-Conference Second Team honors for the 2024-25 season. The Trojans started strong, winning four of their first five conference matches, and finished the season with five wins in their last seven matches— including three straight 3-0 sweeps.
During her senior year, she's been focused on demonstrating servant leadership to her younger teammates. “I want to lead by example and show them what a Trevecca athlete looks like, embodying our mantra of ‘Christian, Scholar, Athlete,’” she said. “I want to model that well for them.”
Reflecting on her advice to future Trojans, Hainline encourages students to step boldly into their experience. “If you truly want to have genuine friendships and real connections with people, be yourself,” she said. “And say ‘yes’ as much as possible, because college is fun and it’s the time to try new things.”
MORE THAN A
GAME
RYAN SWEENEY EXPERIENCED A POWERFUL MOMENT PROFESSING HIS FAITH ON THE FIELD.
Ryan Sweeney is a junior sport management major from Franklin, Tennessee, who chose Trevecca after receiving a baseball scholarship out of high school. During his time as a Trojan, Sweeney’s athletic success as a pitcher has been matched by growth in his spiritual journey— culminating in a powerful moment last spring when he and two teammates were baptized on the baseball field.
“The baptism was a super cool experience,” Sweeney said. “We played a home series against Montevallo, and after the final game we brought the trough out to home plate and did the baptism in front of the crowd.”
The idea surfaced during a team Bible study earlier that week.
“We were sitting in a circle talking about things we’ve loved about this year and a teammate of mine, Matt Hock, shared that he’d love to see someone get baptized on the field,” Sweeney explained. “It was God’s work because I’d been wrestling with the idea of baptism since I played collegiate summer baseball for a Christian ministry. I knew I wanted to do it and the Lord put it on Matt’s mind in that Bible study.”
The moment became even more special when two of his teammates decided to get baptized alongside him. “My coaches were so happy to witness something like that for the first time at Trevecca,” he said.
During the 2024-2025 season, Sweeney went 3-1 in six starts and 10 overall appearances as a pitcher. As much as he’s enjoyed
success on the field, Sweeney says his time at Trevecca has been even more impactful on his spiritual journey. “Because of this school, I found an amazing group of guys who lead Bible studies and discipleship groups," he said. "I’ve also had the opportunity to disciple the men around me.”
Prepared to lead on and off the field during his junior year, his advice for others is simple but powerful.
“I’ve always said that one of the best stories you can share is your testimony. There’s nothing better than telling people who Jesus is, and what He’s done in your life,” Sweeney said. “Be where your feet are and He will meet you right there. Give it all to the Father and you’ll be amazed at what you receive.”
TRENDING TREVECCANS
VISIT THE OFFICIAL HUB FOR ALUMNI UPDATES AND MORE ON TREVECCA CONNECT
You can see the latest posts from former classmates—and share your own—on Trevecca’s dedicated platform for alumni. It’s simple to use, and you can sign in using your existing LinkedIn account. Promote your business, mentor a student and find Trevecca alumni near you!
TREVECCA ALUMNI ARE ACCOMPLISHING GREAT THINGS. HERE ARE SOME RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS OF NOTE.
BRUCE AYERS
Named to “40 Under 40” List by Nashville Business Journal
Bruce Ayers (’24) was named a 2024 “40 under 40” honoree by the Nashville Business Journal. Ayers is the founder and CEO of The Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. He is a graduate of Trevecca’s Doctor of Education in leadership (Ed.D.) program and completed his dissertation on how performing arts organizations support economically disadvantaged youth. He also serves as a professor of music at Tennessee State University.
JASON CADDY
Appointed North Carolina District Superintendent
Jason Caddy (’89) was named superintendent of the North Carolina District of the Church of the Nazarene in February. After receiving his bachelor’s in youth ministry from Trevecca, he pastored a number of congregations around the country, most recently at Columbia Grace Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, Tennessee.
REBA CELSOR
Named CEO of Kentucky Hospital
Reba Celsor (’97), who received her Bachelor of Arts in management and human relations from Trevecca, was named CEO at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky. She has led a successful career in healthcare for more than 35 years, nearly 20 of them in executive leadership.
EMMA CHANDLER
Wins Graduate Research Symposium
Emma Chandler (’24), Trevecca’s first psychology honors graduate, won first place for a research project she presented at Auburn University’s 2025 Research Symposium. Her presentation was titled “When Jekylls Become Hydes: Unearthing the Alter Egos Masked by Social Media.”
SCAN to join Trevecca Connect
KOLBY CRIDDLE
Joins Marketing Team at Multinational Entertainment Company
Kolby Criddle (’24) was named a regional marketing coordinator for Live Nation Entertainment’s concerts division. Criddle is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration and a focus in music business.
STEVE HOSKINS
Named First Vice President of Wesleyan Theological Society
Steve Hoskins (’86), an ordained Nazarene pastor and Trevecca professor of religion, was named first vice president of the Wesleyan Holiness Society. Hoskins received his bachelor’s from Trevecca and has spent years in leadership with the Wesleyan Historical Society, Wesleyan Theological Society and Publications of the Charles Wesley Society.
BRAD KELLE
Joins Leadership Team for Wesleyan Theological Society
Brad Kelle (’95) was named second vice president of the Wesleyan Theological Society. Kelle received his Bachelor of Arts in religion at Trevecca and now serves as a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Point Loma Nazarene University.
JEFFERY NORFLEET
Named President of Shorter College
Jeffery Norfleet (’18) was named president of Shorter College, a historically Black college in Little Rock, Arkansas. Norfleet completed his Doctor of Education in leadership (Ed.D.) at Trevecca. He then served in key roles at the University, including associate dean of academic services, associate professor of leadership studies and director of institutional effectiveness.
STEPHEN RHOADES
Appointed Georgia District Superintendent
Stephen Rhoades (’89) was named superintendent of the Georgia District of the Church of the Nazarene in February. Rhoades received his bachelor’s in ministry at Trevecca and went on to pastor churches in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida. Most recently he pastored Fort Myers First Church of the Nazarene in Fort Myers, Florida.
JESSICA RYALS
Appointed Managing Partner at Higher Education Advisory Firm
Jessica Ryals (’19) was named managing partner at CFO Colleague, a financial and operational advisory firm with a focus in higher education. Ryals originally joined the firm in 2016 and became a partner in 2021. She earned her MBA at Trevecca.
REPORT President’s
As I listen to people talk about Trevecca, the one recurring theme is the depth of friendships. The creation of community on the campus is a distinguishing feature of Trevecca. I realize how easy it is for universities to say things like this—and saying it can be trite. But thick community has been a staple of Trevecca for 124 years and counting.
I hear it in alumni class reunions at Homecoming. People who have not seen each other in years jumpstart conversations as if they’d spoken yesterday.
I hear it from parents who sent their sons and daughters to prestigious football schools. They say: “My children didn’t get the experience I had at Trevecca. They don’t care to keep up with their university friends or professors.”
I hear it at graduation as cap-and-gowned adults tell me how much they are going to miss this place, by which they mean their community of friends.
I hear it from our campus vendors who run our bookstore, serve our cafeteria and build our buildings. They speak with warmth about how they are treated, valued and appreciated on the campus.
I hear it from visiting students taking the campus tour. As they compare our atmosphere to those of other universities, they frequently say, “I felt wanted and welcomed here.”
While we have great pride in our academic excellence, skilled graduates, beautiful campus and fiscal responsibility, maybe one of the most important things we do at Trevecca is build community.
Jesus is the glue that binds us together in love. As it happens, “a binding together in love” is the very meaning of our name, going back to its Welsh origins. Another way to say that is, “We practice thick community here.”
Dan L. Boone (’74) President
FOR SUCH A TIME AS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN SOSLER
ALUMNI IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, WERE UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN HISTORIC FLOODING DEVASTATED THE AREA ONE YEAR AGO.
In the final days of September 2024, a hurricane making landfall 500 miles away from Asheville, North Carolina, was about to forever change this city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hurricane Helene initially hit the coast of Florida, but as it continued to travel upward it would eventually drop 30 inches of rain on Asheville, causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides. Much of the area was left without electricity and running water for weeks. Approximately 80 percent of the city’s art galleries were destroyed.
“We first experienced flooding in our basement,” recalled Gary Ball (’98), a Trevecca alumnus who serves as an Anglican rector in Asheville. “Then the electricity went out. A giant oak tree fell and clipped our chimney and landed on our front porch.”
Overall, Ball says his home was spared from some of the more severe damage that many residents in his area experienced. The build ing that houses the church and Christian school he helped start after moving to Asheville in 2013 was also still functional.
“On the first Sunday after the storm I thought, ‘I’m just going to open the church and see what happens,’” Ball said.
“We didn’t have flushing toilets or elec tricity. But between 50 and 100 people showed up. We just wept together.”
PLANTING A CHURCH AND SCHOOL
The congregation that gathered in Ball’s church following the storm began as a church plant more than a decade ago in West Asheville, just a mile from the River Arts District where the majority of the city’s art galleries were located.
Ball and his wife, Susannah (’98), met at Trevecca and served in several Nazarene pastoral roles in central and west Tennessee before moving to California in the early 2000s. While on the west coast, Ball says he became intrigued by the liturgy and sacraments of the Anglican church.
Ball met with an Anglican bishop who wanted to start a church in Asheville. “What was interesting to me was my connection to the arts,” Ball shared.
In addition to being a pastor, Ball is an established watercolor painter. He felt drawn to the art culture in Asheville and had a heart to serve the community there.
Over time, Ball’s new church, Redeemer Anglican, began drawing other creatives. “We started with a few people in my living room,” Ball said. “Now we probably average about 220 people on Sundays between our Asheville church and a second location on Black Mountain.”
Ball says half the church is younger than 21. “A lot of young people are drawn to traditional churches right now,” he said. “We have those who’ve walked away from the church and are coming back, as well as those moving to the area. Our church reflects the creative culture of the city. We have a lot of artists and those interested in homesteading.”
Ball and his wife aren’t the only Trevecca alumni making an impact in the area. When the couple decided to move to Asheville, they invited some of their Trevecca friends and former classmates to link arms with them in ministry.
Kristina Sanford (’98) and her husband, Chris, decided to join. Kristina helped launch Canterbury Classical School, a ministry of the church, in 2015 and has been a teacher there since the beginning.
Wes (’20) and Bonnie Furlong, two more former Trevecca students who met at the University and later married, moved to Asheville in 2019. Bonnie, who currently
serves as Canterbury’s grammar school principal, attended Trevecca for two years before finishing her bachelor’s degree at Mercer University.
“We have a lot of shared experiences,” Ball said of the alumni now working alongside him. “There is a deep bond because of our past.”
Furlong, who has a background in both social work and education, taught at Canterbury for three years and last year became principal. She was only two months into her new role when the flooding from Helene shut down the school for several weeks.
Some of her students witnessed cars and homes being washed away by floodwater. It was particularly difficult for the children who were old enough to have also experienced the effects of the pandemic.
“Sometimes it’s easy to forget what these kids have been through,” she said. She was grateful to have used her training in crisis intervention to bring in counselors and therapy dogs as soon as the K-12 school was able to reopen several weeks after the storm.
SERVING IN THE TRENCHES
In the days immediately following the flood, the shared building space of Redeemer and Canterbury was transformed into a distribution center for donated grocery and toiletry items that were transported through the only one of four highways that remained accessible after the storm.
“We came to the church and just started serving,” Ball said of his family and the
Alumni Kristina Sanford, Susannah Ball and Gary Ball (L to R) in front of their Asheville church, which was planted in 2013.
other alumni who are part of the church and school. “We became a grocery store for our neighbors because all the other nearby stores were shut down. By nighttime, all the supplies would be gone and the next day someone would arrive and the space would fill back up.”
“The response of our surrounding communities was incredible,” added Furlong, who also volunteered until the school could reopen. “Our kindergarten classroom became a room filled with diapers, wipes and formula. People were desperate for those kinds of things.”
“Volunteers showed up with generators, chainsaws and 400 gallons of gasoline,” Ball added.
They also received huge amounts of donated bottled water. It would be six weeks before the community had safe drinking water restored.
“It felt like a third world country,” Ball said. “FEMA and the National Guard were not here right away. But that gave us the chance to step up. I’m really grateful for the opportunity we had to serve.”
Furlong added, “Being able to be with people and see the best of humanity in those situations kept us going.”
The church also quickly connected with Mercy Chefs, a faith-based relief organization that prepares meals for those affected by natural disasters.
“We served 1,000 meals a day for three weeks in front of our church,” Ball said. “On the last day, someone from the community came up to me and said: ‘I want you to know we see you. We know you’ve been here since day one. The neighbors are really grateful for all you’ve done.’”
Those words meant the world to Ball. “Our neighbors don’t typically think highly of churches or Christianity,” he said.
“West Asheville is very secular,” Furlong explained. “The church and the school are like a city on a hill. Our mission is to be that kind of light.”
“It feels like perhaps we moved here 11 years ago for this moment,” Ball said. “It felt divinely arranged that we would be here to minister to people in the midst of this difficult season.”
IN ALL THINGS, BEAUTY
After Hurricane Helene devastated the majority of Asheville’s art galleries, Gary Ball’s church, Redeemer, received grant money from Creo Arts and the Anglican Relief Development Fund to lease a building that houses four art studios and a gallery for displaced artists in the area.
A watercolorist himself, Ball enjoys creating images from Scripture as well as scenes that reflect the beauty of the forests, mountains and streams of the Appalachian Region.
“It’s inspiring when you look at something so beautiful that it makes you want to imitate it, and even more, see beyond it to the God who made it,” he said.
In 2024 Ball released a book, “The Artistic Vision,” with Alex Sosler. The co-authors host a podcast by the same name.
A selection of Ball’s artwork can be seen on his Instagram account, @g_ball2 (Gary Ball).
Alumni Wes and Bonnie Furlong
Hurricane relief efforts at Redeemer Anglican
The Healing Power of Authentic Relationships
IN A CULTURE OF GROWING ISOLATION, ALUMNUS AND COUNSELOR CHRIS O’REAR SHARES HOW TO CULTIVATE THE KINDS OF CONNECTIONS WE TRULY NEED.
As a pastoral therapist in the Nashville area, I can affirm what the U.S. surgeon general declared in 2023—we are indeed experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.
There are many reasons why both men and women are lonely these days, but one of the biggest is a lack of attention to our emotions, along with a lack of vulnerability and depth in our regular connections. So, while we may be surrounded by people all day, we do not experience the kind of relationships that allow us to truly feel seen, heard, understood and loved.
This was the case for a woman who recently came to me for counseling. She was affluent and involved in a variety of activities. She was busy, but lonely. She feared if people knew she was not as perfect as she projected, she’d be rejected or ostracized.
I saw another man for therapy years ago who also was grappling with loneliness. He was tearful as he realized there was no one in his life for whom he did not have to fulfill some responsibility. He was the boss, the provider and the philanthropist, but no one truly knew him beyond those roles.
To address loneliness, we need to cultivate relationships built on healthy communication, particularly as it relates to emotional awareness, emotional health, vulnerability and humility.
Healthy communication involves a focus on feelings, which we often discount or minimize. Men in particular have been taught that feelings are a sign of weakness or failure. If we do not attend to our emotions, they can come out in ways that can be hurtful to others.
“To address loneliness, we need to cultivate relationships built on healthy communication, particularly as it relates to emotional awareness, emotional health, vulnerability and humility.”
This was true for a married couple I once saw. The husband feared being controlled. He wasn’t aware of his feelings. He would overreact when his wife asked for help. The wife feared being abandoned and wanted the husband to be a partner in household responsibilities. She tried to force or manipulate his cooperation. The two of them lacked the tools of healthy self-awareness and good communication.
Healthy communication also involves good listening—the kind that seeks to understand rather than correct or fix. Better conversations often occur when we talk about the feelings behind a statement or behavior rather than focusing on what is said or done.
Finally, healthy communication involves a willingness to be introspective, receive care from others and take steps toward vulnerability. I experienced this in my own story.
Through a relationship with a caring friend, and later in marriage counseling with my wife, I realized I had always lived as if love was conditional on my behavior and achievement. It was overwhelming to allow myself to receive unconditional love from someone else.
As I began letting go of my perfectionism, I invited people I admired from work and church out to lunch. I shared my journey and attempted to learn from them. I found that most people were accepting of a more authentic version of me than I would have ever expected.
I even became friends with someone who I would have never thought could be a close friend. Yet we developed a great relationship in which I could practice openness, self-disclosure and emotional expression.
Gaining skills of listening and caring can deepen connection. These tools are not complicated to learn, but they require a lifetime to perfect. It’s a worthwhile pursuit. Deeper connections can help you feel more comfortable with yourself and others and build your confidence. They also allow you to more fully experience the divine love God has for you.
As a young person, I learned through direct and implicit messages that my feelings and needs were not as important as those of others in my family. As a result, I subverted my own feelings in order to be what others expected of me. I became a well-liked high achiever. Chris O’Rear (’04) is a graduate of Trevecca’s marriage and family therapy program and the author of “Therapeutic Friendship: Cultivating Relationships That Heal.” He is a licensed clinical pastoral therapist and owner of The Counseling Center, PLLC in Nashville. He also holds a Master of Divinity in pastoral care and counseling and is an ordained minister.
TREVECCA LEGACY PARTNERS
Trevecca Legacy Partners are individuals who have included Trevecca in their estate plans or through a life gift, such as a charitable gift annuity, and have indicated this gift in writing to the University. These ultimate gifts help ensure Trevecca will continue to impact the lives of students through a transformative educational experience. If you have included or would like to include Trevecca in your estate plan, please contact Don Hastings at (615) 248-1436 or dbhastings@trevecca.edu.
Bob M. Aldrich &
Shirley C. Aldrich
Gregg Alsbrooks &
Dodi L. Alsbrooks
Randy L. Arnold Jr.
Helen Barnett
Donald N. Barnum
Desmond Barrett &
Julie A. Barrett
Mark Bergquist &
Jodie L. Bergquist
Randy Berkner &
Debbie L. Berkner
Mark D. Berry &
Deborah L. Berry
Dan L. Boone &
Denise Boone
Larry Buess &
Sharon K. Buess
Jason A. Caddy &
Tina L. Caddy
Cliff E. Moore Jr. &
Eda B. Cako-Moore
Barbara R. Cash
Frances Cash
John F. Chilton Jr. &
Sara C. Chilton
Evan C. Clemons &
Emily P. Clemons
Patrick J. Conger
Patricia D. Cook
Thomas L. Cook & Sharon Cook
Peggy J. Cooning
Roger W. Costa & Carole G. Costa
Marline M. Couey
Norman R. Cox & Zilpha Cox
Royece Cox
Josh K. Crowe &
Katie B. Crowe
Helen K. Cummings
Charles A. Davis Jr. & Yvonne Davis
Huey J. Davis III &
Chelsea A. Davis
Matthew A. Davis &
Bailee A Davis
Erika G. Deardorf
Lora H. Donoho
Don Dunlap &
Nancy E. Dunlap
Don W. Dunnington & Jane A. Dunnington
Dennis E. Fink & Marilyn Fink
Linda Foster
L.W. Fox & Barbara W. Fox
Charlie Franklin &
Beverly J. Franklin
Todd P. Gary
Kelly Gayhart &
Michelle E. Gayhart
Hilton H. Gillespie
John G. Gillespie & Celeste Gillespie
Muthian Gladson & Shanti Gladson
Ronald W. Goodman Jr.
Joseph T. Gore & Jennie Gore
Troy Grant & Christy L. Grant
Donna J. Gray
Paula J. Gregory
David N. Griffin &
Barbara E. Griffin
Joan Halliburton
Jerome Hancock Jr. &
Brenda D. Hancock
Gary Harper & Karen Harper
Carlton F. Harvey
Donald B. Hastings & B.K. Hastings
Matthew B. Hastings &
Keri A. Hastings
Blake Hathcock & Lisa R. Hathcock
Nicolet C. Henderson
Jamie L. Hess
Tina L. Hoots
Mark B. Hosny &
Penny L. Hosny
Bob L. House
Troy A. Jett &
Jessica A. Jett
Michael T. Johnson & Sarah B. Johnson
Ronald V. Jones & Amy R. Mix-Jones
William R. Jones
Marilyn B. Jordan
George F. Kersey Jr.
Brad C. Kinnison
Ray G. Klinger & Dee Klinger
Jim D. Knight &
Beverly G. Knight
Larry W. Knight & Joy Knight
Finley Knowles &
Lori M. Knowles
Scott A. Lacoy &
Krystal R. LaCoy
Emily D. Lennon
Patricia D. Long
Janice E. Lovell
James H. Lunsford Jr. &
Michelle Lunsford
Ronald K. McCormack &
Karla McCormack
Harold McCue
Corlis A. McGee
Jeff McGranahan & Susan R. McGranahan
Bradley Meinck &
Lee Ann Brown-Meinck
Inez Milby*
Craig P. Moore
Jason T. Moore
Mary C. Moore-Smith
Gary B. Morsch
Delores Murray
Gregory S. Nash &
Denise Nash
Wendel L. Nixon & Judy C. Nixon
Bruce E. Oldham &
Peggy L. Oldham
Ignacio Orozco Bravo
Kent B. Pelton & Kathleen Pelton
Steve Pennington
Kyle Poole & Jule B. Poole
Tracy D. Porter
Steve M. Pusey &
Gail V. Pusey
J. Dwight Ragsdale
Earl M. Rash & Lillian Rash
Seth M. Reigard &
Katie Reigard
Rick Reynolds &
Sharon B. Reynolds
DeAngelo J. Richardson
Doreen B. Riddle
Evangeline Schaper
Sammie C. Schell
Carole Schrope
Don D. Schrope II & Abigail D. Schrope
Michael D. Scott &
Barbara J. Scott
Chuck Seaman & Peggi Seaman
Brian S. Sims & Susan M. Sims
Harold I. Smith
L. Alan Smith &
Carolyn Smith
Peggy A. Smith
Dennis R. Snodgrass & Karen C. Snodgrass
Robert E. Snodgrass & Joyce Snodgrass
Caleb R. Soles &
Erin M. Soles
Jonathan D. Steenbergen & Ruth B. Steenbergen
Deborah E. Story
Gary W. Streit &
Marla M. Streit
Jeff W. Swink &
Esther C. Swink
Shannon G. Talley
Barbara A. Tharp
Houston E. Thompson &
Martha G. Thompson
Don E. Twining &
Anne Twining
Starr Van Hoff
James G. Van Hook
Howard T. Wall III &
Kimberly K. Wall
James Wandling
Todd Welch &
Rebecca R. Welch
W. Melvin Welch & Joyce W. Welch
Marvin R. Wells & Joy Wells
Lindi R. Wells Martsolf & Nathan J. Martsolf
Dan K. Whetstone &
Diane Whetstone
James A. Whitby & Holly M. Whitby
Randall P. White &
Karen R. White
Meghan B. Woodham
Lee Woolery & Alice L. Woolery
Doreen E. Yager
Anonymous donors
*Deceased
2024-25 FISCAL YEAR
FINANCIALS
ENDOWMENT GROWTH
’19-’20
$31,549,000
’20-’21 $41,289,000
’21-’22 $41,847,000
’22-’23 $64,304,000
’23-’24 $72,103,000
’24-’25 $77,378,000
’23-’24 $41,051,000
’24-’25 $42,383,000
TOTAL NET ASSETS (EQUITY)
’19-’20 $90,195,000
’20-’21 $108,535,000
’21-’22 $112,320,000
’22-’23 $126,230,000
’23-’24 $135,786,000
’24-’25 $139,186,000
ADAMS LEAGUE OF LOYAL DONORS
The Adams League, named in honor of former president Homer Adams and his wife, Beatrice, recognizes donors who have made a gift of any size to Trevecca for five or more consecutive years.†
45 or more years
Roger W. Costa & Carole G. Costa
W. Melvin Welch & Joyce W. Welch
40–44 years
J. Dwight Ragsdale
35-39 years
Harold L. Bridges
Helen K. Cummings
Steve A. Harris &
Jan K. Harris
Rena H. Irwin
Ed H. Whittington
30-34 years
Don Dunlap &
Nancy E. Dunlap
Harold McCue
Steve M. Pusey & Gail V. Pusey
William J. Strickland Sr.
Jeff W. Swink &
Esther C. Swink
Todd Welch & Rebecca R. Welch
Marvin R. Wells & Joy Wells
Toby W. Williams & Pat Williams*
25-29 years
Barnie Bivens & Carla H. Bivens
Joanna H. Blackwell
Randy L. Carden & Judy Carden
Larry D. Dennis & Debbie Dennis
Dennis E. Fink &
Marilyn Fink
Jeff McGranahan &
Susan R. McGranahan
Dennis L. Moore &
Wendy B. Moore
Bruce E. Oldham &
Peggy L. Oldham
David Purtee & Beth Purtee
Chuck Seaman & Peggi Seaman
20-24 years
Dan L. Boone &
Denise Boone
Tom Cooper
Gary Coulter & Phyllis B. Coulter
Keith C. Dance & Valerie L. Dance
Wes Eby & Roberta A. Eby
J.C. Elliott Sr. &
Joyce Elliott
Art Foster &
Nanette M. Foster
Patrick L. Griggs & Michelle R. Griggs
Dwight M. Gunter II & Karan B. Gunter
Jimmy L. Hodge & Teresa L. Hodge
Michael T. Johnson & Sarah B. Johnson
Marilyn B. Jordan
Randall L. Kinnersley & Ruth T. Kinnersley
Jim D. Knight &
Beverly G. Knight
Ronald K. McCormack & Karla McCormack
Inez J. Phillips
Jim G. Quiggins & Streater Spencer-Quiggins
Jim N. Tokarski &
Donna Tokarski
15-19 years
James E. Agee Jr. &
Brenda P. Agee
Bob M. Aldrich &
Shirley C. Aldrich
William D. Amburn & Melanie Amburn
Stephen H. Bariteau & Karin L. Bariteau
Randy Berkner & Debbie L. Berkner
Mark D. Berry & Deborah L. Berry
Mike B. Blankenship & Susan E. Blankenship
Vernon L. Bonham & Charline P. Bonham
Jim L. Brackett & Janice Brackett
Elaine R. Brooks
James W. Brooks Jr. & Carol T. Brooks
David B. Caldwell & Sherry L. Caldwell
Fred Cawthorne III & Stephanie L. Cawthorne
John F. Chilton Jr. & Sara C. Chilton
Hal Conditt & Amy L. Conditt
J. Doug Lepter & Peggy J. Cooning
Pam Costa
Kenneth L. Couchman & Jennifer Couchman
Leroy E. Cullen & Marilyn J. Cullen
Charles A. Davis Jr. & Yvonne Davis
Victor Davis & Lafonda R. Davis
David J. Diehl & Tina P. Diehl
John R. Dunn Jr. & Susan R. Dunn
Don F. Elder & Sharon Elder
David Ferraez & Ginger Ferraez
Ben Fowler & Andrea J. Fowler
Ronald W. Goodman Jr.
Donna J. Gray
D. Moody Gunter & Nina G. Gunter
Dale L. Harris & Suzie B. Harris
Steven L. Headrick & Becky Headrick
Rick Hill & Becky F. Hill
Jansen R. Holt &
Ruth Ann Holt
Steve T. Hoskins & Stephanie R. Hoskins
Michael D. Jackson & Cheryl A. Jackson
Jerry R. Jared & Leslie L. Jared
Michael A. Karounos & Betsy M. Karounos
Dale Killingsworth & Ruthie B. Killingsworth
Mitch Lockhart & Olivia R. Lockhart
Greg D. Mason & Elaine Mason
Michael C. McAdory & Melinda M. McAdory
Brent McMillian & Marcy McMillian
James D. Means &
Susan R. Means
Thomas L. Middendorf &
Jessica L. Middendorf
Sara J. Molton
Gary B. Morsch
Mark Myers*
Shaun P. Newman & Lisa K. Newman
Wendel L. Nixon &
Judy C. Nixon
John K. Paul & Deborah Paul
Greg P. Runyan &
Ginny A. Runyan
Jesse C. Sims &
Beverly S. Sims
David R. Smith & Becky Smith
Fran E. Spruill
Deborah E. Story
Samuel K. Stueckle &
Sharon L. Stueckle
Ty J. Tabernik
Albert L. Truesdale Jr. &
Esther L. Truesdale
Don E. Twining &
Anne Twining
Frank T. Twohig & Doris A. Twohig
Kevin M. Ulmet &
Karen M. Ulmet
Steve Welch &
Lena Hegi Welch
Daniel Wyland & Lucinda D. Wyland
10-14 years
Phil Arington & Lanora Arington
Erbin C. Baumgardner &
Ruth A. Baumgardner
Daniel W. Bradshaw Sr. &
Robbie Bradshaw
Bill Brown & Jennifer R. Brown
Dwain Butler &
Beth Butler
J. Edward Campbell & Brenda T. Campbell
Emma J. Campbell
Jim Cardell &
Dyris K. Cardell
Alfred B. Cawthorne II &
Beverly A. Cawthorne
Patricia D. Cook
Aaron M. Crum &
Abby B. Crum
Ron D. Dewitt &
Judy Dewitt
Sarah C. Dunn
Don W. Dunnington &
Jane A. Dunnington
Tim W. Eades &
Kimberly D. Eades
Michael T. Easley &
Leslie A. Easley
Bill L. Elkins &
Mary Beth Elkins
Mark M. Elliott & Roseann Elliott
James B. Essary &
Reba J. Essary
E. LeBron Fairbanks & Anne Fairbanks
Pamela H. Farmer
Curtis Funke & Sheroma Funke
Troy Grant & Christy L. Grant
Donald B. Hastings & B.K. Hastings
Winston J. Hatcliff & Debby F. Hatcliff
Blake Hathcock &
Lisa R. Hathcock
Jim T. Hiatt & Judy K. Hiatt
Donald W. Hicks &
Marquita L. Hicks
Gary L. Holt & Edith A. Holt
Scott Jenkins & Suzanne W. Jenkins
Brian T. Johnson &
Ashley Johnson
M. Chad Johnson & Amy F. Johnson
Tim Knight & Sandy Knight
Mark A. Lindstrom & Kelly M. Lindstrom
Patricia D. Long
Janice E. Lovell
Rebecca A. Lovell
James F. Mahan & Carol R. Mahan
Rick P. Mann & Cheri Mann
William N. McDaniel Sr. & Barbara McDaniel
David E. Miller II
John R. Miller & Melinda W. Miller
Paul R. Montemuro
Doris S. Moses
Jonathan H. Mowry & Kathy Mowry
Delores Murray
Brad F. Neff & Margaret G. Neff
Ernest A. Norris & Brandee P. Norris
Scott Parker &
Rachel A. Parker
John D. Parrish & Heather Parrish
Alice E. Patterson
Audrey S. Poff
Wendell L. Poole
Brian L. Powell & Heather Powell
Kevin G. Reed & Chelsie A. Reed
Julie D. Rigsby
Madeline C. Roberts
Larry E. Rodgers & Linda F. Rodgers
Daniel W. Rucker & Kristin L. Rucker
Elizabeth L. Rushing
Steve A. Sexton & Pam Sexton
Queen E. Simmons
Kevin J. Simons & Meghan L. Simons
*Deceased
Carolyn Smith
Clifton T. Smith & Rachel Smith
Jim Smith & Sharon K. Smith
Peggy A. Smith
Ray E. Smith & Nellie Smith
Caleb W. Spencer
Marcella C. Staples
Morris H. Stocks Jr. & Cynthia A. Stocks
James Sweat & Deborah A. Sweat
Mike Tardif & Patricia C. Tardif
Melvin L. Taylor & Rosalind Taylor
Michael N. Taylor & Tandy M. Taylor
Doris J. Walden
Robert W. Walker & Margaret H. Walker
Brian Walkup & Tracy L. Walkup
Howard T. Wall III & Kimberly K. Wall
Ming Wang & Anle Wang
James A. Whitby & Holly M. Whitby
M.L. White* & Barbara A. White
Timothy Whiteside & Cindi Whiteside
Brian E. Wilson & Joan M. Wilson
5–9 years
Martha Allred
Lindsay E. Aranha
Danny D. Baker &
Karen Baker
Don Ballard II &
Jamie A. Ballard
Ron L. Bargatze &
Wendy R. Bargatze
Ron V. Barredo &
Maria Adora Barredo
Jonathan D. Bartling & Melinda Bartling
Joseph E. Bell Jr. &
Teresa A. Smith-Bell
Brad Bellomy & Krista W. Bellomy
Brian W. Bennett &
Rebecca Bennett
Karen S. Bimber & Jack Bimber
Craig Bishop & Joan Bishop
Ben B. Bledsoe &
Kristin S. Bledsoe
Amy Boone & Matthew Mund
Frank Bostick
Mark A. Bowles & Melanie Bowles
Kevin F. Brennan & Melinda K. Brennan
Brian S. Brenneman, Jennifer Brenneman, Beckett Brenneman & Sam Brenneman
J. Walter Brown & Rhonda Brown
Heather M. Bryant
Joseph Buffler & Michele Buffler
David L. Burbrink & Robin L. Burbrink
Tommy Byler
David L. Bynum & Chigger J. Bynum
James R. Cameron
Kaye Camp
Jim R. Cantrell & Cheryl Cantrell
Nathan L. Carden &
Kameron C. Carden
Nancy S. Chamberlain
J.B. Chapman &
Katrina L. Chapman
Matthew Cole & Kara L. Cole
Harper Cooning-Fields
Jenny B. Copeland
Chris R. Cotton & Shelley E. Cotton
Mike Cowart
Virgel D. Crisp & Annice Crisp
Debbie Crowe
Jay Crutchfield & Kelli Crutchfield
Hunter D. Cummings & Courtney Cummings
Larry Cummings & Trish Cummings
Huey J. Davis III & Chelsea A. Davis
Lee Davis & Doris Davis
Don E. Diehl & Diann E. Diehl
Marshall Duke
Jessica D. Dykes
Ethan Edsall
Hunter A. Elliott
Cheryl H. Ellis
Douglas J. Farley & Becky Farley
Anna L. Fitzgerald & Riley S. Peters
Samuel A. Flores &
Candy Flores
Miller M. Folk
Katrina J. Ford
Jan R. Forman & Eugenia L. Forman
James L. Forth & Deborah E. Forth
Dana M. Franchetti
Jonathan R. Gaertner & Michelle D. Gaertner
Timothy R. Gaines & Shawna S. Gaines
Todd P. Gary &
Frances L. Gary
Erik R. Gernand & Ashley D. Gernand
Jim Geuy &
Teresa L. Geuy
John G. Gillespie & Celeste Gillespie
Glen J. Gosa & Judy Gosa
Jim Grant & Glenda Grant
Tim M. Green
Taylor R. Gregory
Aaron Harden & Tammy Harden
Matthew B. Hastings & Keri A. Hastings
Todd Havican & Robin M. Barall-Havican
Holly V. Hayse
Jamie L. Hess
Kenneth R. Higginbotham & Norma Higginbotham
David R. Hill & Jamie A. Hill
Matthew M. Huddleston
Harold Hughes & Teresa Hughes
Nathaniel J. Hyde & Susan C. Hyde
Rob B. Irwin & Pam J. Irwin
Lynn M. Jewell & Jacque Jewell
Bill D. Johnson & Kellye Johnson
Carolyn C. Johnson
Eric G. Johnson & Casey R. Johnson
Ronald K. Jones & Sharon C. Jones
Scott Kendrick & Lynn Lassiter-Kendrick
Bill L. Kerns & Shirley Kerns
Ewa Kowal
Jacob L. Lagesse & Bella Lagesse
Colton R. Lassiter & Victoria L. Lassiter
Ruth M. Lavender
Phillip D. Ledford
Jennifer L. Lemmon
Matthew J. Litton
Ryan W. Longnecker & Joy B. Longnecker
Chuck Magsig & Jennie Magsig
Joshua L. Marlowe & Meg Marlowe
Becky Martin
Charles Martinez & Erin Martinez
Sue A. May & Thomas May
Corlis A. McGee
Michael V. McGhee & Megan E. McGhee
Louis A. Mills
Tommy W. Mitchell & Teresa Mitchell
Mariano Monzu & Lorena Lopardo
Erich M. Moody
Cliff E. Moore &
Eda B. Cako-Moore
Emily J. Moore
Sherri R. Moore &
Mark Moore
Gabriel S. Morris Sr.
Matthew L. Mullins & Keely R. Mullins
Jean Muse
Don Myers Jr. & Debbie G. Myers
Bubba Norris III &
Mindy S. Norris
Katherine A. O’Connell
Dawn C. Olson &
Brian Olson
Michelle L. O’Rourke & Michael O’Rourke
Roy Philip & Jooly M. Philip
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Kendell Poole & Tammy Poole
Kyle Poole &
Julie B. Poole
Jerry P. Pruitt II &
Kylie F. Pruitt
Jeremy R. Quick &
Michelle R. Quick
W. Gerald Quick
R.C. Mathews Contractor, LLC
Brady W. Ray
Paul W. Reed &
Lisa T. Reed
Carol K. Reid
John A. Reigard &
Rachelle L. Reigard
Mark A. Rhodes
Philip K. Rickard &
Connie Rickard
Iwana G. Ridgill
Oileen V. Roberts
Andrea L. Robinson
Greg S. Ruff &
Amy Ruff
Carmen R. Russell &
Kyle Russell
Kailee S. Russell
David M. Sanders
Dale W. Schaeffer & Steph Schaeffer
Gerron S. Showalter &
Jennifer D. Showalter
Brian S. Sims &
Susan M. Sims
Kathryn A. Sinn &
John Sinn
Bobby Smith & Rondy Smith
David D. Snodgrass & Casey Snodgrass
Bill Sorrells &
Sheila G. Sorrells
E. Tracy Spaur & Valerie G. Spaur
Ann Spear
Stephen Speer & Prilla M. Speer
Joseph D. Storey & Pamela D. Storey
Gary W. Streit & Marla M. Streit
Ira M. Strickland III & Beverly G. Strickland
Mark Strickland & Lanette Strickland
David Taylor & Elayne B. Taylor
Matt A. Taylor & Charly L. Taylor
Yolanda Taylor-Statom & Lelan Statom
Brodrick R. Thomas &
Lauren C. Thomas
Matthew W. Thrasher
Jonathan E. Trees & Kara D. Trees
Brad J. Turner &
Rebecca A. Turner
David Twillie & Joy V. Twillie
Adam N. Twining & Christy Twining
Steve Underwood &
Melody K. Underwood
S. Paul Vann Jr. & Jennie D. Vann
Timothy L. Welch &
Angela S. Chapman-Welch
Tony L. White &
Sylvia White
Geraldine P. Wight
Freddy Williams & Judi Williams
Joel D. Williams & Lisa J. Williams
Beau C. Wilson & Kimmi K. Wilson
Charlie W. Wilson Jr. & Paula S. Wilson
Anita W. Windus & Dave Windus
Paul P. Winkler & Deborah Winkler
Joshua C. Winskie & Jennifer A. Kingery
Lee Woolery & Alice L. Woolery
Leonard Yoder & Mollie E. Yoder
Robert A. Young & Kristin Young
*Deceased
TREVECCA SOCIETY MEMBERS
The Trevecca Society is composed of individuals and organizations that annually commit gift support totaling $1,000 or more in a fiscal year. Members support the University in many ways, including scholarships, facility projects, student mission trips, athletics, academic endeavors and unrestricted gifts.
PLATINUM LEVEL
$10,000 or above
James E. Agee Jr. & Brenda P. Agee
Phil Arington & Lanora Arington
David W. Blue &
Dana Blue
Mary Jo Cagle & Randy Mashburn
Robert L. Cullen Jr.
Keith C. Dance & Valerie L. Dance
David N. Faircloth
David Ferraez & Ginger Ferraez
Jonathan Hage & Sherry Hage
Steve A. Harris & Jan K. Harris
Mac V. Heaberlin & Rhonda J. Heaberlin
Buddy Helton & Anita Helton
Thomas H. Henderson & Jane J. Henderson
Blake Houchin &
Jennifer L. Houchin
Estate of Patricia T. Hutchens
Ronald K. Jones &
Sharon C. Jones
Ruth M. Lavender
Ryan W. Longnecker &
Joy B. Longnecker
Chuck Mashburn &
Geri A. Mashburn
Gary B. Morsch
Matthew L. Mullins &
Keely R. Mullins
Steve M. Pusey &
Gail V. Pusey
W. Gerald Quick
Paul W. Reed & Lisa T. Reed
Richard Rosenjack &
Stephanie Stocks Rosenjack
Peggy A. Smith
Donald F. Waggoner & Elaine Waggoner
Robert W. Walker &
Margaret H. Walker
W. Melvin Welch &
Joyce W. Welch
Ed H. Whittington
Joel D. Williams &
Lisa J. Williams
Paul P. Winkler &
Deborah Winkler
Donald York Jr. & Gayle York
Anonymous donors
GOLD LEVEL
$5,000-9,999
Randolph Bell
Ronald L. Billow & Margaret D. Billow
David L. Bynum & Chigger J. Bynum
Randy L. Carden & Judy Carden
Alfred B. Cawthorne II & Beverly A. Cawthorne
Robert A. Clemmer & Carrie M. Clemmer
Roger W. Costa & Carole G. Costa
Gary Coulter & Phyllis B. Coulter
Helen K. Cummings
John R. Dunn Jr. & Susan R. Dunn
J.D. Ehrsam & Michelle Ehrsam
J.C. Elliott Sr. & Joyce Elliott
Brad Helton
Travis Hull & Angela Hull
Daniel A. Jetton & Erika R. Jetton
Rebecca L. King
Jimmy Matlock & Dean Matlock
Matthew McDonnough & Shelly McDonnough
Michelle L. O’Rourke & Michael O’Rourke
Bill P. Prevost* & Michelle M. Prevost
Morris H. Stocks Jr. & Cynthia A. Stocks
Don R. York & Betty J. York
Anonymous donors
SILVER LEVEL
$1,000-4,999
Bob M. Aldrich & Shirley C. Aldrich
Martha Allred
William D. Amburn & Melanie Amburn
Joshua K. Andrews & Emily N. Andrews
Danny D. Baker & Karen Baker
Ron L. Bargatze & Wendy R. Bargatze
Stephen H. Bariteau & Karin L. Bariteau
Randy Berkner & Debbie L. Berkner
Mark D. Berry & Deborah L. Berry
Barnie Bivens & Carla H. Bivens
Joanna H. Blackwell
Ben B. Bledsoe & Kristin S. Bledsoe
Vernon L. Bonham & Charline P. Bonham
Dan L. Boone & Denise Boone
Joseph F. Brackett
Daniel W. Bradshaw Sr. & Robbie Bradshaw
Patrick Brakefield & Stephanie Brakefield
Kevin F. Brennan &
Melinda K. Brennan
Brian S. Brenneman, Jennifer Brenneman, Beckett Brenneman & Sam Brenneman
Harold L. Bridges
Elaine R. Brooks
James W. Brooks Jr. &
Carol T. Brooks
Heather Brown
J. Walter Brown & Rhonda Brown
Wendell D. Brown & Christie Brown
David L. Burbrink & Robin L. Burbrink
Tommy D. Byler
David B. Caldwell &
Sherry L. Caldwell
Jim Cardell &
Dyris K. Cardell
John F. Chilton Jr. &
Sara C. Chilton
Scott D. Coen &
Kristi D. Coen
Patrick J. Conger
Patricia D. Cook
Tom L. Cook & Sharon Cook
J. Doug Lepter &
Peggy J. Cooning
Harper L. Cooning-Fields
Tom Cooper
Samuel E. Cosby & Elvira Cosby
Mike Cowart
Virgel D. Crisp & Annice Crisp
Aaron M. Crum & Abby B. Crum
Russell Davenport & Shannon Davenport
Charles A. Davis Jr. & Yvonne Davis
Lee Davis & Doris Davis
Bernard Decker
Larry D. Dennis & Debbie Dennis
David J. Diehl & Tina P. Diehl
Anthony V. Dikhtyar
Maya V. Dikhtyar
Val Dikhtyar & Liya Dikhtyar
Don Dunlap &
Nancy E. Dunlap
Sarah C. Dunn
Don W. Dunnington & Jane A. Dunnington
Cheryl H. Ellis
James B. Essary & Reba J. Essary
Gary E. Farmer &
Angela S. Farmer
Pamela H. Farmer
Leslie A. Farthing & Carol E. Farthing
Dennis E. Fink &
Marilyn Fink
Samuel A. Flores &
Candy Flores
Jan R. Forman & Eugenia L. Forman
James L. Forth & Deborah E. Forth
Art Foster &
Nanette M. Foster
Julie Fuqua
John G. Gillespie & Celeste Gillespie
Ronald W. Goodman Jr.
Scott Gordon &
Shannon T. Gordon
Troy Grant & Christy L. Grant
Donna J. Gray
Tim M. Green
Dwight M. Gunter II & Karan B. Gunter
Moody Gunter &
Nina G. Gunter
Dennis K. Hage & Ann B. Hage
Jerramy Hainline
Dale L. Harris &
Suzie B. Harris
Will A. Harvey
Donald B. Hastings & B.K. Hastings
Blake Hathcock & Lisa R. Hathcock
Randal L. Heisey &
Julie V. Heisey
David Helton &
Sharon R. Helton
Greg Herman
Katrina Herman
Jim T. Hiatt & Judy K. Hiatt
Donald W. Hicks & Marquita L. Hicks
Kenneth R. Higginbotham & Norma Higginbotham
Steven K. Hill & Heather Hill
Raymond S. Hiser
Gary L. Holt & Edith A. Holt
Laura Honeyman
Steve T. Hoskins & Stephanie R. Hoskins
David A. Howe
Harold K. Hughes & Teresa E. Hughes
Rena H. Irwin
*Deceased
TREVECCA SOCIETY MEMBERS
Continued
Rob B. Irwin &
Pam J. Irwin
Michael D. Jackson & Cheryl A. Jackson
Scott Jenkins & Suzanne W. Jenkins
Marlene R. Jernigan
Lynn M. Jewell & Jacque Jewell
Bill D. Johnson & Kellye Johnson
M. Chad Johnson & Amy F. Johnson
Michael T. Johnson & Sarah B. Johnson
Duane Jones & Faye Crawford-Jones
Scott Kendrick &
Lynn Lassiter-Kendrick
Bill L. Kerns & Shirley Kerns
Dale Killingsworth & Ruthie B. Killingsworth
Randall L. Kinnersley & Ruth T. Kinnersley
Jim D. Knight & Beverly G. Knight
Tim Knight & Sandy Knight
John E. Krumm Jr.
David M. Lennon & Pam Lennon
Patricia D. Long
Janice E. Lovell
Rebecca A. Lovell
Melanie Lowe
Chuck Magsig &
Jennie Magsig
Rick P. Mann & Cheri Mann
Bill N. McDaniel Sr. &
Barbara McDaniel
Herbert M. McMillian Jr. &
Dianna R. McMillian
James D. Means &
Susan R. Means
Mary Ann Meiners
Chris Merritt
Thomas L. Middendorf &
Jessica L. Middendorf
David E. Miller II
John R. Miller &
Melinda W. Miller
Carolyn Minton
Tommy W. Mitchell &
Teresa Mitchell
Amitava Mitra & Keesh-Lu Mitra
Paul Mock & Karen D. Mock
Paul R. Montemuro
Mariano Monzu & Lorena Lopardo
Dennis L. Moore & Wendy B. Moore
Sam H. Moran
Thomas Morris &
Millie J. Morris
Jonathan H. Mowry & Kathy Mowry
Troy L. Munn &
Kelli S. Munn
Delores Murray
Don R. Myers Jr. &
Debbie G. Myers
Ed Nash & Judy Nash
Shaun P. Newman & Lisa K. Newman
Wendel L. Nixon &
Judy C. Nixon
Bruce E. Oldham & Peggy L. Oldham
Stanley T. Pietkiewicz
Ronda L. Pitts
Kyle Poole &
Julie B. Poole
John R. Porter &
Karen E. Jones-Porter
Phillip L. Potter & Shelly H. Potter
Brian L. Powell &
Heather Powell
Martha Pulliam
Reese B. Quick
J. Dwight Ragsdale
Michael Reese &
Rebecca Reese
John A. Reigard & Rachelle L. Reigard
Michelle Reynolds
Philip K. Rickard & Connie Rickard
N. Greg Rickey & Karen T. Rickey
Jana K. Roberts & Anthony Roberts
Jackie Robertson
Larry E. Rodgers & Linda F. Rodgers
Greg S. Ruff & Amy Ruff
Greg P. Runyan & Ginny A. Runyan
David R. Saldana & Emily H. Saldana
Dale Schaeffer & Steph Schaeffer
Chuck Seaman & Peggi Seaman
Michael R. Shea & Lanita J. Shea
Andrew Shepard-Smith & Vanessa Shepard-Smith
Julie Silliman
Geneva J. Silvernail
Clifton T. Smith & Rachel Smith
Darrell Smith
David R. Smith &
Becky Smith
Jim Smith & Sharon K. Smith
Mark Smith & Dena B. Smith
David D. Snodgrass & Casey Snodgrass
Jon E. Sparks & Teresa F. Sparks
Ann Spear
Bob A. Spear & Trisha W. Spear
Marcella C. Staples
Joseph D. Storey & Pamela D. Storey
Deborah E. Story
Gary W. Streit & Marla M. Streit
Ira M. Strickland III & Beverly G. Strickland
James Sweat & Deborah A. Sweat
Baylor B. Swindell
Jeff W. Swink &
Esther C. Swink
Jeffrey S. Sykes & Dinah H. Sykes
Mike Tardif & Patricia C. Tardif
Brodrick R. Thomas & Lauren C. Thomas
Brad Thomason
Linda Thompson
Brad J. Turner & Rebecca A. Turner
William Tuttle & Gwen Tuttle
Frank T. Twohig &
Doris A. Twohig
G. Neil Tyler &
Chris J. Tyler
Jared R. Usrey
James G. Van Hook
Gerry Vance
Marc A. Vann &
Sheree Vann
S. Paul Vann Jr. &
Jennie D. Vann
Guy A. Victor &
Deborah Victor
Howard T. Wall III &
Kimberly K. Wall
Steve Welch & Lena Hegi Welch
Timothy L. Welch & Angela S. Chapman-Welch
Dudley West
James A. Whitby &
Holly M. Whitby
Irmgard L. Williams
Toby W. Williams
Robert A. Young & Kristin Young
Anonymous donors
YOUNG ALUMNI TREVECCA SOCIETY
(Annual gifts totaling $500-999 from graduates of the past five years)
Hunter A. Elliott
ORGANIZATION DONORS
PLATINUM LEVEL
$10,000 and above
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
Duke Corporate Fidelity Charitable Idezi Group, LLC
Jones Legacy Group Sodexo Operations, LLC
GOLD LEVEL
$5,000-$9,999
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Caterpillar Foundation
The Columbus Foundation Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Delta Air Lines Foundation
Eaton Corporation
National Christian Foundation
R3 Contractors, LLC
R.C. Mathews Contractor, LLC
Schwab Charitable Fund
SILVER LEVEL
$1,000-$4,999
American Solutions for Business Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Earl Swensson Associates
Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America
First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet GHA Technologies, Inc.
Halltown Baptist Church
The John and Celeste Gillespie Family Foundation
The Nancy M. & Victor S. Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Nashville Predators Foundation
OUTFRONT Media Pollock Printing Prisma
Purity Foundation, Inc.
Republic Bank
Roberts Toyota of Columbia, Tenn.
Three Boot, LLC
Vanguard Charitable WKRN
A SPECIAL
THANK YOU to the hundreds of Nazarene churches on the Southeast Field. Through their generous members, more than $2 million in support is given to Trevecca Nazarene University annually.
Friends Remembered
Milton E. Akey (’70)
Jack Archer (’51)
Erwin L. Bailey Sr. (friend)
Mariellyn Barnum (’61)
Kathleen Adele Basford (’64)
Gwenave Bell (friend)
Alfred Dave Boone (’50)
Ron Craig Brubaker (’96)
Ramona Kathleen Bruey (’99)
Mary Ada Burke-Kimball (’97)
Ruth E. Butler (friend)
Mary Kathryn Cagle (alumna)
David Leon Carter (’92)
Jimmie L. Chapman (friend)
Jennifer Lynn Cherry (former faculty member)
Sue J. Coltharp (’79)
Tom Copeland (friend)
Peggy A. Croft (’80)
Fred M. Cunningham (’64)
Linda W. Darsey (alumna)
Carl V. Dennis (alumnus)
Jean Densford (’60)
Steven Brian Dial (’11)
Karen S. Disbro (’76)
Pat Diane Dunlap (’74)
Ruth Ellen Ellison (’73)
Sidney E. Gholson (friend)
William M. Golden (’07)
John David Gouldener (’89)
John M. Grant (’57)
Eric Lee Growden (’98)
PLEASE JOIN US IN HONORING THE MEMORY OF THESE MEMBERS OF THE TREVECCA COMMUNITY WHO PASSED AWAY IN RECENT MONTHS.
Jim A. Growden (alumnus)
Shirley Jean Hanner (’91)
Brenda S. Hardin (’90)
Rod H. Harrison (alumnus)
Everett Timothy Hartsfield (’76)
James Hathcock (alumnus)
Wilma L. Hearn (’52)
Sharon Hodnett (friend)
James G. Kimos (friend)
Helen Charlene Leeper (’60)
Orval Dean Lejeune (’61)
Rudy Allen Lindsey (’79)
Ted Joseph Lovelace (’71)
Ralph Manning (alumnus)
Theodore E. Martin (’65)
Joan B. McBryant (’50)
Joyce Roslyn McCrory (’56)
Norma Jean McRae (’66)
Gladys Smith Menzies (’87)
Honey Vee Michael (’76)
Inez Milby (friend)
Robin Letitia McGhee Moss (’19)
Mark William Myers (former employee)
Mike Myers (’99)
Sarah Anne Nelson (’99)
Dennis Orner (’65)
Cathy L. Owens (former employee)
Timothy J. Parrish (’05)
Leroy D. Powers (friend)
William P. Prevost (friend)
Alfred N. Raby (friend)
Jim W. Reed (’97)
Richard P. Reed (’66)
Shirley K. Riley (’58)
George Ritter (friend)
James R. Robert (alumnus)
Hollis Hutchinson Robinson Jr. (’65)
Mark D. Sartin (’83)
James Howard Sexton (’65)
Rosaleen A. Siders (’48)
Stephen E. Silliman (faculty member)
David Simmons (’06)
Sharon Norrick Simmons (’63)
Denzil Ray Smith (’60)
Michael Spalding (friend)
Norma Spear (’56)
Morris Stevens (friend)
Floyd E. Strasbaugh (friend)
Donald L. Talbert (’03)
Marvin E. Tanner (friend)
Tab Steven Taylor (’82)
Lynda Cheryl Thompson (’66)
Otis Thompson (’69)
Margaret J. Tucker (friend)
Betty M. Tyndall (former employee)
Hazelteen Moore Vernon (’91)
Billie K. Watson (alumna)
M.L. White (former employee)
Mary Anne Whitley (’70)
Judi Williams (friend)
Pat Williams (friend)
Mert Winkle (friend)
Sharon Denise Wise (’97)
ALUMNI 2025 WINNERS AWARD
EACH YEAR AT HOMECOMING, THE TREVECCA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS GRADUATES AND OTHERS WHOSE LIVES EXEMPLIFY THE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY. HERE ARE THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS.
IS PRESENTED TO THOSE WHOSE LIVES AND SERVICE REFLECT TREVECCA’S VALUES BUT WHO DID NOT GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY. THIS YEAR’S AWARD WAS GIVEN POSTHUMOUSLY.
The McClurkan Award STEVE SILLIMAN
Stephen Silliman enjoyed a career of teaching, research and service that spanned more than 35 years. Before arriving at Trevecca in 2021 to serve as the first dean of the School of STEM, he worked for significant periods at the University of Notre Dame and Gonzaga University
A civil engineer and hydrogeologist, he spent much of his career collaborating internationally with students and colleagues to help provide groundwater resources for people in Haiti, Benin and East Africa. His work provided numerous opportunities to seek a reflection of God's creation in the people, nature and geology that he encountered.
Silliman passed away in late March from pancreatic cancer. During Trevecca’s inaugural nurse pinning ceremony in May, the University honored his memory by presenting the first Steve Silliman Nursing Excellence Award. A scholarship has been established in his name as well.
“Steve enjoyed being part of a God-centered community at Trevecca,” said his wife, Julie. “He always loved teaching and watching students grow in knowledge and confidence. He was dedicated to his job and fortunate to be able to draw on a wealth of past experience to help create positive outcomes for programs, students and the University.”
The Generational Impact Award
IS GIVEN TO A CURRENT OR FORMER TREVECCA EMPLOYEE WHO HAS IMPACTED STUDENTS FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES.
LENA WELCH
Lena Welch (’81, ’05, ’24) came to Trevecca in 1977 as a quiet and reserved student. The tight-knit community she experienced on campus helped her come out of her shell, as did participating in University theatre productions. She went on not only to find her own voice, but has spent her 37-year career helping other students find theirs, too.
Welch serves as the dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, associate provost of traditional undergraduate programs and a professor of communication studies. Since joining Trevecca’s faculty in 1988, she has coached the speech team, taught a variety of communication classes and led the way in helping Trevecca complete its first Quality
Enhancement Plan (QEP), a project that established the University’s undergraduate research program.
Known for her leadership, mentoring skills and dedication to advocating for students, Welch’s perspective on teaching is intertwined with her determination to help young adults know themselves and their purpose.
“I firmly believe every student needs to find what’s most important to them and what they need to share with those around them,” she said. “That may be in a speech class, but it can also be in a writing, music or science class. It’s discovering how to confidently communicate the message they believe will most benefit others.”
The T-Award, Ministry
IS PRESENTED TO A TREVECCA ALUMNUS/ALUMNA IN A MINISTRY PROFESSION WHO HAS EXHIBITED A LIFE OF DEVOTION TO SERVICE AND MINISTERING TO OTHERS.
LAMAR COURTNEY
For Lamar Courtney (’20, ’22), Trevecca has been a place of belonging since he first visited campus for Top Nazarene Talent (TNT) as an eighth grader. After wrestling with a call to ministry throughout his high school years, he surrendered to God’s direction and enrolled at Trevecca, launching a lifelong journey in ministry. He earned two degrees from the University and credits Trevecca with providing not just an educational experience, but a family and a home.
Courtney serves as senior pastor at United Church of the Nazarene in Orlando, Florida. His passion for ministry was shaped by his own experience as a “bus ministry kid,” where he witnessed firsthand the love and commitment of the local church through a mobile outreach ministry that
regularly visited his neighborhood and shared Bible stories.
“We had nothing to offer but we were loved into the Kingdom of God by a missional church,” he said. “I am a Christian, a Nazarene and a pastor because of people who were driven by the Great Commission.”
Now, Courtney continues to pour into others the same way, helping lead people into lives of faith, service and love.
“Trevecca wasn’t just a place for me to learn and prepare. It was a family that I gained. I have seen the Church in action and it has motivated me to serve and love as many as possible into the Kingdom the way I was.”
The T-Award, Layperson
RECOGNIZES A TREVECCA ALUMNUS/ALUMNA WHO IS DEVOTED TO SERVING AND MINISTERING TO OTHERS IN A NON-MINISTERIAL ROLE.
DEAN DIEHL
From leading as an executive at a Fortune 100 music company to teaching at Trevecca throughout the past 15 years, Dean Diehl (’87, ’19) has made serving others a priority in his professional life and in his community. Diehl is a professor of music business and entrepreneurship in Trevecca’s Skinner School of Business.
Through his church, he’s served as a Sunday school superintendent, church board secretary, worship band director, small group leader, curriculum writer and chair of multiple committees. He also authored a book to serve as a resource for his church.
Diehl has a Trevecca heritage that goes beyond his instructor role. His father joined the University’s administrative team when he was a young child; his grandparents both worked on campus in the ’80s; he himself worked on the grounds crew and in the cafeteria during high school; and during his undergraduate years at Trevecca he met his wife, Judy. Their four daughters have all attended Trevecca as well.
“Trevecca taught me how to think, study, research, ask good questions and communicate well—in other words, I learned how to learn and express myself,” he said. “This place is simply part of my life and always has been. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
The First Chapter Award
IS PRESENTED TO A RECENT TREVECCA ALUMNUS/ALUMNA WHO HAS BEGUN A DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL CAREER.
CODY BALLARD
After earning his bachelor’s degree in physics, Cody Ballard (’11) charted an impressive path in quantum technology. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Maryland and began his career with Northrop Grumman, an aerospace company and government contractor in metropolitan Washington, D.C.
Ballard progressed from experimental design to overseeing modeling, fabrication and testing. He now serves as chief technical lead working on the development of an entire technology library. He has integrated expertise, leadership and strategic planning to grow into a leader skilled at
managing people, technology and diverse interests, embodying Trevecca’s commitment to excellence and service.
“The grounding in faith I received at Trevecca was extremely important,” he said. “Getting to learn complex subjects like math and physics from professors who cared deeply about the connection between science and faith prepared me for entering a world where religion and science do not always see eye to eye. Having that foundation has helped me maintain my focus on what’s most important as a physicist and as a Christian.”
The Mackey Leadership Awards
ARE PRESENTED TO TREVECCA ALUMNI WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN LEADERSHIP.
TRACEL LOCKHART
Tracel Lockhart (’23) began her career as a therapist for children and adolescents with autism. After a professional mentor pushed her to expand her skill set in healthcare technology, she worked for several tech companies to help providers implement electronic medical and health record systems.
That’s when she noticed an unmet need. Providers were paying a premium for software systems yet struggling to implement them and train their staffs. Lockhart started a software operation management firm, Evia Solutions, in 2016 to support providers in organizing data efficiently so they can meet compliance and regulation standards, file insurance and complete billing.
As her company grew, Lockhart earned her Doctor of Education in leadership (Ed.D.) with an emphasis in healthcare administration from Trevecca in 2023. She currently
serves as an adjunct faculty member in Trevecca’s Master of Arts in organizational leadership (MOL) program and a dissertation advisor in the Ed.D. program.
Today, Evia Solutions manages a diverse client base, serving the two largest mental and behavioral government entities in Louisiana as well as health organizations in Tennessee, Illinois and Maryland.
“The best part of my work is that moment when I see clients take a deep breath or exhale in relief. Most of them come to us at a crossroads because they’re at risk of having to close their doors. It’s rewarding to give them hope and set them back on a path toward success so they can care for patients and bring healing to their communities.”
RYAN JOLLEY
At Trevecca, Ryan Jolley (’16, ’21) earned a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry before completing an MBA. He also worked on campus, and was involved in founding Trevecca’s student employment program and its first coffee shop.
His time at the University sharpened his skill set and his understanding of vocation outside of the church. Applying his faith, knowledge and personal experience with Stargardt disease, which causes vision loss, he recently stepped into a leadership role as an accessibility coordinator for Tennessee State Parks.
Jolley is leading the charge to make outdoor spaces accessible for people regardless of age or disability. His team is
investing in innovative projects like all-terrain wheelchairs, educational programming and trails with guide ropes to make Tennessee parks a model for accessibility nationwide.
Jolley approaches his job as Kingdom work: ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the outdoors.
“At Trevecca, you learn the hard skills. You learn the competencies and the knowledge,” he said. “But I think it’s the character development and the rootedness in values Trevecca taught that shaped me to pursue my calling. I learned who I was in the context of my faith and then how to carry that out and lead and serve.”
The Mackey Leadership Award
IS PRESENTED TO TREVECCA ALUMNI WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN LEADERSHIP.
DANIEL JETTON
A former resident assistant, resident director and leadership development coordinator at Trevecca, Daniel Jetton (’10) has always sought to lead in ways that empower others. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in religion, he eventually returned to the University as an adjunct professor to teach a first-year leadership course, helping freshmen explore calling, character and servant leadership and mentoring students just as others once mentored him.
“Trevecca became a place where I truly belonged,” he said of his time on campus. “I didn’t just find a school—I found a home. I came to Trevecca unsure of who I was or what I was capable of achieving. I was met by people who believed in me and saw things in me that I didn’t yet see in myself.”
Today, Jetton serves as a senior executive at Growve, a multimillion-dollar wellness platform where he oversees several top health brands and manages international sales across the company’s portfolio. His teams support more than 50 nonprofits and work with more than 15 million clients worldwide.
Inspired by Trevecca mentors like Tim Green and Matt Spraker, his team’s core value—“Healthy Things Grow”— directs its purpose. “When people feel safe, seen and valued, it changes how they engage,” he said. “We’ve built a team that genuinely enjoys the journey together.”
A CALL TO Intercultural Humility
IN THE BEAUTIFULLY DIVERSE KINGDOM OF GOD, FACULTY MEMBER KATHY MOWRY SHARES HOW WE REALLY DO BELONG TOGETHER.
Trevecca has changed dramatically since I was a student in the 1980s. At that point, most people looked like me—with the exception of a couple of international students. Sadly, I didn’t get to know any of them well.
I grew in many areas as a disciple of Jesus during my time on campus, but learning how to be interculturally competent was not one of those. It would take years before I was fully awakened to this vital area of Christian formation.
The development of intercultural competency in the lives of Jesus’ disciples can be traced back to the books of Luke and Acts. Luke’s gospel shows Jesus constantly crossing barriers and leading his disciples out of their comfort zones. Jesus always drew the circle wide enough to include those whom others excluded.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples must have been aware that following Jesus would never mean staying comfortable with the familiar. Still, it took them by surprise when they had to make cultural adjustments or learn cultural humility.
In Acts 10, Peter had to receive a rooftop vision three times before he was ready for the knock on the door that would take him into a different world where Gentiles were already hearing directly from God. If Peter had learned one thing growing up, it had been not to consume forbidden foods or eat in the home of a Gentile. He had no imagination that he might have to change these cultural habits to follow Jesus.
Yet the vision he received in Acts 10:15 was unmistakeable: “And the voice clearly said, ‘Do not call unclean what I have called clean.’”
For the early disciples, learning intercultural competence was a huge part of waking up to their new calling.
Years after I graduated from Trevecca, I was working at First Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles when I experienced what I refer to as my own rooftop vision. In the spring of 1992, the city went up in flames after a not-guilty verdict was issued in the Rodney King case. We had all seen the video of violence and injustice based on race. We all knew it was wrong, but someone was calling it acceptable.
I watched as angry crowds, hurt by a blatant disregard for their humanity, began to march through the city. Ash floated in the air. The smell of smoke wouldn’t leave our clothes for days.
Our pastoral staff set out to walk the blocks of our neighborhood. There was much to see and even more to hear. I needed to learn to listen to the experience of those different from me. I needed to sit beside them in the rubble of their storefronts and hear their stories. I needed to work beside them for the healing of our city.
Discipleship in those days became about more than me and Jesus; discipleship also meant developing intercultural humility, becoming a listener and becoming aware of my limited understanding of the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom includes those of every culture group. Discipleship means practicing holy ways of relating to and honoring those who sit with us at the Savior’s table.
And so, in that weekend following the riots, our local church practiced what the Kingdom of God looks like as we gathered four different language-based congregations to worship together on Sunday. There, in the middle of a city with ash, fear and hatred still in the air, we proclaimed that we lived by a different story.
“The Kingdom of God includes those of every culture group.
Discipleship means practicing holy ways of relating to and honoring those who sit with us at the Savior’s table.”
In recent years, Trevecca has become a place where we cannot help but interact with people from different cultures. Individuals from various religious traditions sit together in classes about the Christian faith. Students and faculty make regular runs to a Somalian coffee shop or a Guatemalan food truck.
Dozens of international students bring vast richness to the campus with their cultures and traditions. Many commuter students are recent immigrants and refugees. Clubs on campus celebrate groups such as African American students, Spanish-speaking business majors and Arabic-speaking Orthodox Christians.
These changes open the door for all our students to become interculturally competent. This isn’t a political agenda, but a form of Christian discipleship. At a time when society is lessening its commitment to embracing the richness of cultural differences, Trevecca is heading the other direction. As the diversity of our student population continues to increase, Trevecca has an opportunity to proclaim by our actions that we live with a redeemed imagination.
And so this year, you will find students, faculty and staff who are not only investing in the development of their own intercultural competency but also coming to see this as a vital part of Christian formation. Book groups across campus are becoming places to build relationships and to dialogue about cultural issues. Students, faculty and staff are beginning to take the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) so they can identify needed areas of personal growth.
We’ve also introduced a new program called the Kindom Fellows, a cohort of 12 students chosen for a yearlong fellowship on intercultural competency. Composed of students from nine cultures, the fellows are working to embody what the Kingdom of God looks like as they share life and learn from each other.
Developing intercultural competence is not easy. If we slide in any direction, it will never be toward cultural humility. Yet, we embrace this work because it reflects a true and beautiful picture of Christian community. We are a people who imagine and embody a different Kingdom. We really do belong together.
Kathy Mowry (’85) is the J. P. Elizer chair of Christian ministry; a professor of intercultural studies and Christian education; and director of the Master of Arts in church and community degree program.
