ECHOS
Letter from the President
Greetings, alumni and friends of Truett McConnell University!
I write this letter as the new president of TMU. This position is one of the highest honors of my life and an incredible ministry opportunity for my family. I look forward to meeting you in the days ahead and sharing in the great work of this university for the sake of Christ our King.
While this letter, in many ways, marks the beginning of a new season at TMU, God’s faithful work here is not new. For over 80 years, we can trace God’s faithful hand at work in and through this university. The theme of this edition of Echos is the celebration of TMU’s 80-year history. The history of Truett McConnell is a testament to the faithfulness of Georgia Baptists across many generations. From its early days serving the Cleveland community as a two-year junior college, to its present standing as a doctoral degree-granting university is an amazing testimony to God’s faithfulness. What makes Truett McConnell such a special place is the generations of students, faculty, and staff who have called Alumni Drive home. Even in these earliest days, I have heard incredible stories of the impact Truett McConnell has had on the lives of those who have come, served, and gone out from this beautiful campus at the gateway to the Georgia mountains.
As a new member of this incredible family, I ask that you pray for Truett McConnell. Please pray that we continue to faithfully serve Georgia Baptists and their students. Pray that we are faithful to Christ and His Word. Pray that we share in the Great Commission work to which we have been called.
We are partners in this kingdom work together, and I look forward to joining hands with you to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. May Truett McConnell remain ever faithful as a liberal arts institution in the Baptist tradition for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Dr. Larry
Lyon
ECHOS: AN ALUMNI PUBLICATION OF TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY
Welcome to Echos: Where the name itself embodies the sacred mission of transmitting generations of wisdom and divine truth, as guided by Christian principles. Within these pages, we echo the reverberating resonance of God’s greatness. Throughout the pages, Echos will share testimonies of God’s work in the lives of TMU alumni.
2025-2026 TMU Alumni Executive Committee
Alumni A ssociation
TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY
Join the TMU Alumni Association and Get Involved!
Staying connected to the Truett McConnell University family has never been easier. Through Echos, our alumni magazine, we rejoice in your stories, milestones, and accomplishments. If we have your current email address, you’ll receive our monthly newsletter, Bear Blast, filled with updates about TMU and fellow alumni. We encourage you to share what’s new in your life so we can feature it in upcoming publications!
We invite you to return to campus, whether it’s for the annual Friends and Family weekend, a morning of prayer at the cross, or a walk on the front lawn.
By joining the TMU Alumni Association, you’ll help support the mission of TMU, foster alumni fellowship, and contribute to scholarships and essential programs through the Standing on Truth Fund. Annual memberships are just $25 for individuals and $40 for couples, while lifetime memberships are $375 for individuals and $575 for couples. Please prayerfully consider joining the TMU Alumni Association and help make a lasting impact on the next generation of TMU Alumni. To join the TMU Alumni Association or to update your contact information, visit tmu.edu/alumni.
“I will always cherish my time at TMU and the amazing friends that I made on campus. During my season at TMU, I was led to Christ and experienced my first role in ministry through the Baptist Campus Ministry. The school gave me the foundation I needed to serve in ministry for over 30 years, impacting hundreds of churches nationwide and seeing God’s impact in both rural and urban areas. My decision to regularly contribute to TMU merely reflects my thankfulness for the investment the school made in my life, ministry, and future .”
- Matthew Carter
Back Row: Hyatt Hendrix (‘21), Leanne Wilson (‘99), Sarah Newton (‘21), Glenn Jones (‘73), Michael Tull (‘75), Tate Gaines (‘17) / Front Row: Andrea Gray (‘88), Margie Webb DeLay (‘61), Patsy Benton (‘68), Vicki Thompson Doud (‘75), Jaye Copeland (‘77), Barry Thompson (‘73) / Not pictured: Amy Willis Clegg (‘91), Maggie Smart (‘24)
THE POWER OF YOUR GENEROSITY
God’s people are called to make a difference today, but we are also called to think generationally.
Psalm 145:4 speaks to this when it instructs
PHONE
Call us to give by phone: 706-865-2134 Ext. 3803
CHECK
Mail to: 100 Alumni Drive, Cleveland, GA 30528
Payable to: Truett McConnell University
Make your gift online: by visiting truett.edu/advancement
NON-CASH GIVING: A TAX-SAVVY WAY TO SUPPORT TMU
Did you know most people give from cash, even though the majority of their wealth is held in non-cash assets like stocks, real estate, or business interests? There's a more strategic way to support Truett McConnell University: non-cash giving.
By donating appreciated assets before the sale, you may significantly reduce your tax burden while maximizing your impact. When you give assets directly to TMU, you can potentially avoid capital gains taxes and receive a deduction for the full fair-market value of your gift.
This means:
• Less to taxes – More of your wealth goes toward a mission you care about.
• More to TMU – Your generosity fuels Christ-centered education and transforms lives.
• More for you – Enjoy potential income tax savings through a larger charitable deduction. IT'S SMART. IT'S IMPACTFUL. IT'S SIMPLE.
To explore your non-cash giving options, contact Danny Hendrix at dhendrix@truett.edu SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please prayerfully consider making a donation in support of the Standing on Truth Fund that supports student scholarships, mission trips, facility enhancements, and academic programs.
Truett McConnell Reunion: Classes of ’76, ’77
& ’78
Join us back on campus for a special 50th Reunion celebration on October 17, 2026. Reconnect with classmates, revisit your favorite spots, and experience the heart of Truett McConnell all over again.
The day includes guided campus tours, a welcome from the Alumni Office and University President, and a time to share memories with fellow alumni and former faculty. Enjoy lunch in Carol Anne’s Cafe, a concert featuring current choir members alongside alumni, and an alumni basketball game with special halftime recognition.
This is a free event to all members of the Alumni Association.
For more information on how to join and updates closer to the event, visit www.truett.edu/alumni.
50TH REUNION CELEBRATION OCTOBER 17, 2026
One Night. Thousands of Calls.
Lasting Impact.
BEAR-A-THON
On September 18, 2025 nearly one hundred TMU students gathered for a night of calling and connecting with alumni. In three hours, they made 4,086 calls. Although over half of the numbers were no longer valid and 600 voicemails were left, TMU’s current students were able to have successful conversations with over 200 alumni.
Macy Walker, a freshman studying biology, made over 160 calls in the course of the evening. “The BearA-Thon was super competitive and moved fast, which made it so much fun! I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to alumni,” she shared.
Within two weeks of Bear-A-Thon, more than 200 alumni updated their contact information, enabling TMU to better connect with them in the future.
Felix Manz School of Music Holds 2nd Annual Benefit Concert
Over 250 people gathered for the 2nd Annual Friends of Music Benefit Concert on November 15th, 2025, for an evening of fellowship, listening, and worship led by select students, alumni, and faculty members from the Felix Manz School of Music. From masterpieces by Haydn to voices that sound like Frank Sinatra, the concert was a gift to everyone who attended.
The evening commenced with a set from the TMU “Bear-ly” Jazz Band, directed by Mr. Remus Morosan, who then led “Because He Lives” on trumpet, accompanied by the Jazz Band’s Rhythm Section. Faculty members showcased their gifts as Andrea Barnard blessed those in attendance with her rendition of “Donda Lieta” from La Boheme, and Caleb Ferguson, awed the audience with “Dein ist mein Ganzes Harz” from Das Land Des Lächelns
Lauren Chancey Lloyd, a 2015 graduate from the School of Music, returned to sing, accompanied by 2016 alumnus and adjunct instructor of composition Philip Simmons. Mr. Simmons played the premier performance of his latest piece, “Arthur’s Lullaby,” written for his infant son. Student performances included Joanna Hammock on piano, Elizabeth Pohl at the harp, and Blake Bishop singing Paul Anka’s “My Way.” Attendees were invited to prayerfully consider becoming donors to the School of Music, allowing the school to handle necessary updates and ensure that trips, such as this fall’s concert tour, will be able to continue in the future.
“Last year, when we hosted our first Friends of Music Dessert Concert, we were reviving a yearly event the Music department hosted during the 1990’s. Last year’s concert was such a resounding success that we knew we needed to host a repeat of the event,” shared Dr. Ken Gabrielse, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, “We are grateful so many friends and family came to enjoy the music of our students, faculty, and alumni this past Saturday. We hope to grow the event so that more people are aware of the great work being done by our music faculty, staff, and students. God continues to bless us in so many ways, and we are grateful for our growing group of ‘Friends.’”
The Felix Manz School of Music went on to finish a full fall season. In September, the Chorale and Jazz Band traveled over fall break, participating in concerts and mission activities across Georgia, Alabama and Florida. The season concluded with a Community Choir, Chorale, and Orchestra Concert, a night of Gospel and Big Band favorites from the Bear-ly Jazz Band, and a Christmas Concert by the TMU String Ensemble.
Founded July 23, 1946, Truett McConnell University began with just 55 students in temporary facilities in downtown Cleveland.
On July 23, 2026, Truett McConnell University marks its 80th Anniversary - celebrating eight decades of Christ-centered education and a legacy that continues to shape lives for the Kingdom.
TMU remained a junior college until 2003, when it gained accreditation to offer baccalaureate degrees.
What began as a small, mission-driven institution has grown into a fully accredited university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Established on biblical principles, TMU has welcomed students from across Georgia, the nation, and the world- each one part of a story still being written.
The university launched its first master’s degree program in 2014, expanding academic offerings significantly.
Eighty years after its founding in 1946, the mission remains unchanged. Once focused on preparing “mountain preachers” in North Georgia, the University now equips students through more than 80 academic programs, all grounded in the same commitment to Christian higher education.
The vision took shape when the Georgia Baptist Convention chartered Truett-McConnell College, responding to the need for a Baptist institution in North Georgia. Classes began in 1947 in downtown Cleveland, with construction soon underway on the current campus. By 1956, Miller Hall opened its doors, setting the stage for decades of steady campus growth.
In December 2024, TMU achieved Level V accreditation, allowing the university to offer doctoral degrees.
TMU now houses 10 academic schools across three colleges, reflecting major institutional expansion.
The university’s strategic vision includes equipping 3,000 students through its 2024–2029 strategic plan.
The 80th anniversary marks a significant milestone reflecting the university’s enduring legacy, impact, and growth over the last eight decades and looks ahead to how the Lord will continue to use TMU in the future. TMU stood as a junior college until 2003, when it gained accreditation to grant baccalaureate degrees. Eleven years later, TMU began offering its first master’s degree program, and in December of 2024, SACSCOC awarded TMU’s membership as a Level V institution, allowing the offering of doctoral degrees.
TMU maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, emphasizing personalized, Christ-centered education.
Students represent many U.S. states and multiple countries worldwide, with the majority from Georgia.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day reach, TMU has impacted thousands of students across generations. As the University looks ahead, it remains committed to equipping each new class to live out their calling— wherever the Lord leads.
69 full-time faculty members served students in Fall 2024, with 61% holding doctoral degrees.
Fall 2024 undergraduate enrollment totaled 2,526 students, including a large dual-enrollment population of 1,780 high school students.
EIGHTY YEARS LATER, AND THE MISSION REMAINS — TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION.
Serving Community Favorites
Preston Bowen’s connection to Truett McConnell University began long before his time as a student. His grandparents, Garvis and Judy Kinsey, faithfully served on TMC’s campus for 30 years, and Preston grew up just minutes away, often attending basketball games as a boy. During his years at TMU, his parents purchased The Soda Fountain Café in Cleveland, sparking what would become a meaningful chapter in Preston’s professional journey.
Not long after, a second location opened in Clarkesville, which was eventually sold to Preston and his business partner, Andrew Kelley. Together, they
rebranded and expanded the business as Midtown Grill, launching in 2013 and later growing to a Cornelia location in 2015. After years of steady success and community support, Preston transitioned out of ownership, leaving behind a restaurant that had become a local favorite.
Today, Preston is recognized as a successful TMU alumnus whose entrepreneurial spirit was shaped in part by his time at the University and his roots in the Cleveland community. In December of 2013, he married his wife, Hannah, and together they have two sons, Grayson and Ezra.
Prepared to reach those around her during her time at TMU, Jessica Frank’s life has been one of service and love. At TMU, Jessica was heavily involved with Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and participated in school-led mission trips. One of the most memorable trips was to New Orleans, Louisiana, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, where a TMU team helped gut houses and connect with those who had been affected by the hurricane.
After graduating from TMU with a degree in education, Jessica initially struggled to find a teaching job, because there were few positions available for those without experience. She messaged a friend working as a teacher in China, and her friend’s school had openings. Though Jessica’s husband initially thought she was crazy to consider
teaching in China, after prayer, they decided to interview. Both Jessica and her husband were offered positions at the school, and their time in China was an eye-opening experience.
“I learned what a true picture of the church looks like while there,” Jessica shared, “It was a body of believers working for Christ – when we were sick, others took care of us, and when we needed prayer, people stopped and dropped. It was beautiful!”
After two years in China, the couple returned to the States, landing in the Mississippi Delta, where Jessica taught at a public middle school for two years before they returned to Georgia in 2015. In 2018, Jessica completed her master’s degree from UGA, was named Teacher of the Year, and adopted their daughter. Love
& Service in the Classroom
Jessica Frank
Preston Bowen
Perseverance & Faith in Challenges
At TMU, Xavier Holland learned the value of perseverance and faith through challenges. Through the balancing act of sports and study, he learned consistency and discipline pay off, and that relationships are pivotal in the shaping of life. His favorite memories from being around the basketball team, whether that was on long road trips, competing in big games, or celebrating wins together, as well as campus community found off the court.
After graduating from TMU, Xavier knew that he wanted to stay connected to the game and pursue coaching. He started as a student assistant at TMU, building from there and taking opportunities as they came. He now
Dennis Whitley
Coaching with Character
Since graduating from TMU in 2014, Dennis Whitley has become a husband and father, built a career as a CTI coordinator, and, as of spring 2025, stepped into the role of head basketball coach at Walnut Grove High School in Walton County, GA. From starting his career as a paraprofessional to becoming a behavior specialist and later CTI coordinator, he has supported students from the get-go.
The emphasis on faith and character, mentorship received, and sense of community had a lasting impact on Dennis’s life. The experiences that he had on campus taught him to lead with integrity, invest in people, and persevere through challenges. Through his years on
the basketball team, he gained friendships and learned the value of teamwork and perseverance. His time at TMU was peppered with gamedays that were made bright by an atmosphere fueled with the camaraderie with teammates and pride in representing the school.
“Those moments captured the best parts of competition, community, and lifelong friendship,” Dennis shared.
serves as Assistant Coach of Men’s Basketball at Wichita State University.
“TMU gave me a foundation, but life after college has pushed me to become more independent, disciplined, and intentional with my time,” Xavier stated, “I learned to take challenges as opportunities to grow and to value the lessons in every situation.”
Coaching is a career and passion as it allows him to pour into young men, as coaches once poured into him. Having the chance to impact players’ lives is great source of pride for Xavier, and he delights in getting to watch them grow on and off the court.
Xavier Holland
“We loved him, and we would have run through a brick wall for him,” stated Ms. Martha Moss as she reflected on her time playing for Coach Colby Tilley. Ms. Moss is just one of the members of the 1980 NJCAA National Championship team who attended the Colby Tilley Celebration Dinner held on February 13, 2026. The room was filled with tears of joy and bright laughter as alumni, former players, and friends were reunited in honor of the coach who left a lasting legacy on Truett McConnell University’s athletics.
Ms. Moss’s words were echoed by anyone who played for Coach Tilley. Many recalled his “quotes of the day,” which were to be recited at the end of practice, and his consistent work to unite the team. Over the course of his ten-year tenure at TMU, Coach Tilley led the women’s basketball team to five consecutive Georgia State Championships and four national tournament appearances, including the 1980 NJCAA National Championship.
Coach Tilley’s career was successful wherever he went. Over the course of his career, he earned 15+ Coach of the Year honors and was inducted into the Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Auburn University at Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame, the Kennesaw State University Hall of Fame, and the Truett McConnell University Hall of Fame.
The night of celebration marks a change for basketball at Truett McConnell University. The Benjamin F. Brady Arena’s court was renamed in honor of Coach Tilley, and an endowed scholarship for TMU women’s basketball in his honor was created. Tilley’s influence on TMU’s athletics continues to resonate in the lives of the athletes he coached and the community he helped to shape. This recognition is a sign of Truett McConnell University’s deep appreciation for his service.
“My foundation, not only in basketball, but my foundation with the Lord, is here in Cleveland.”
Colby Tilley
“There are so many of you whose name could be on the court,” Tilley humbly stated in his acceptance, before asking for former players to stand.
Coach Tilley has remained near and dear to the university, and his praises were sung by all present, whether former colleagues or the players he led through their college years.
“He kept the calmest mouth and the cleanest attitude of any coach,” said Dr. Jerome Smith, retired professor of religion, “He was totally dedicated to his players.”
The love Tilley’s players had for him was not one-sided. The relationships that he had with his players and students had a lasting impact on his life, and Cleveland’s campus never left his heart.
“I was young myself, and they just made me feel almost like I was one of them. That was the most rewarding thing for me, you know, that we, today, are friends, fifty years later,” Coach Tilley stated, “Truett McConnell’s unique…It’s hard for me to explain what it meant to me, but my foundation, not only my foundation in basketball, but my foundation with the Lord, is here in Cleveland.”
Emily Blair
A Joyful Noise
The School of Music aided greatly in making Emily Blair the musician and teacher that she is today. In teaching lessons to her students, she will often catch herself saying the same things as Mr. Allen and conducting herself like Dr. Gabrielse.
“Whereas many music schools live on a sense of anxiety and competition, our program was never like that,” Emily stated, “We were surrounded by encouraging and godly friends and faculty members.”
Emily graduated from TMU in 2020, and her plans for her senior recital and grad school quickly disappeared. During the pandemic, she worked at a family medicine office, and, after a while, felt the Lord’s tug to return to music. She teamed up with friends who serve as missionaries in Peru and served for three weeks with them, teaching music at a church in Tarapoto. Upon returning, she left her job and began teaching private music lessons, and she now has a studio of close to thirty students!
Emily also serves as music ministry assistant at McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee. In her free time, she plays violin for local theaters and weddings, as well as playing viola for the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra. Emily is a gifted composer, and her works have been played by the Piedmont Conservatory Strings and the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra. The performance of her fourmovement suite, “The Celtic Storm,” was particularly special, as it premiered the main piece she composed for her senior recital in 2020, which had been canceled due to the pandemic. Emily met her husband, Alex Giles, in 2021, and married in spring of 2024.
Scott Folsom
Still, I Will Sing!
The experiences that Scott Folsom had at TMU had a lasting spiritual and leadership impact on his life. From rededicating his life to then leading at the Baptist Student Union, Scott learned valuable lessons from those around him. At TMU, he made lifelong friends and met his late wife, Glenda Long Folsom. Their relationship developed through the BSU ensemble, Inner Peace, as they traveled to perform at churches across the state and at BSU conventions. Scott and Glenda were married for thirty-four years, until her passing in 2020, and had three daughters, Susannah, Caroline, and Lucy. He spent thirty-eight years as a banker, working in three states and six cities.
“My time at TMU helped shape me into the man I am today,” Scott stated, “The spiritual foundation that my experiences there gave me helped provide the strength and resources needed to get through life’s greatest challenges. My life friends that I made there have been there for me no matter what journey I was facing.”
Scott always hoped that he would be able to be an author one day, and the circumstances of the last five years led him to write his book, Still, I Will Sing!, published in June of 2025. After losing his wife to breast cancer, his parents, and his job, God began prompting him to tell his story. After his own battle with leukemia in 2024, it became clear that the Lord wanted him to write and share his circumstances to encourage and inspire others as they walk through their own difficulties.
In July of 2025, Scott married Carolyn Ferwerda. Through her help and through the prayers of friends and family, he is cancer-free and enjoying life again!
New students in the Conrad Grebel School of Humanities aren’t in the program long before they hear about Morgan Lomax, a treasured graduate from the Class of 2023. Morgan started at TMU as a dualenrollment student in 2017 and, in 2019, she joined as a full-time student, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Music. After graduation, Morgan obtained an MFA from Liberty University in 2025.
TMU left a profound impact on Morgan’s personal and professional life. A gifted writer with the tendency to describe in excess, she learned the importance of “showing, rather than telling.” Professors pushed her to be creative and refine her literary voice, as well as helping her pursue the goal of shining a Christian worldview through everything that she wrote.
Since graduation, Morgan has published the first two books in a Christian fiction trilogy, Broken Mirrors and Burning Letters.
Her other passion, music, also developed significantly during her time at TMU. Though she had been taking piano lessons since she was six, she learned more in her years at TMU than she had her whole life.
“I actually learned how to make music instead of just mechanically pecking all of the right notes out of the keys,” she stated.
Since graduating from TMU, she has had the courage and confidence to expand her callings in writing and music. She currently serves as a staff accompanist for the Felix Manz School of Music, accompanies choirs at White County High School and East Hall Middle School, and serves as pianist in her home church, New Holland Baptist Church. In Fall 2025, she began a position as an online adjunct instructor in English at TMU’s School of Humanities.
Morgan Lomax
Literature & Music for the Kingdom
Marc Drake spent two full and laughter-filled years at Truett McConnell College, graduated in 1971, and went on to spend a career in pastoral ministry. TMU provided a unique opportunity to form friendships that have lasted to this day. The opportunity to be involved in Baptist Student Union (now Baptist Collegiate Ministries) was formative during his college years.
While at TMC, Marc majored in music ministry and later earned his bachelor’s degree at Carson-Newman University. Afterward, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), where he received his Master of Divinity. Years later, he attended Luther Rice Seminary, where he received a Doctor of Ministry. After graduation from SWBTS, Marc spent forty-five years in ministry across four states. He has been happily married for forty-eight years.
In September of 2024, Marc was able to publish his first book: The Power of Truth in Perilous Times . Initially grown out of a teaching and writing project at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marc’s work is based upon the teaching of Scripture as it relates to the issues of the nation and world, and proclaims the hope that comes through Christ.
Marc Drake
The Power of Truth
Drew & Caroline Weber
The First Years: Marriage, Business, & Trusting God
Drew and Caroline Weber, 2024 graduates of TMU, were married less than three weeks after graduation, but their love story began when they met on the first day of class during their freshman year.
TMU provided Drew with a stronger foundation than he realized at the time. The classes taken prepared them for the financial side of running a business. Beyond the coursework, TMU played a major role in shaping how Drew and Caroline think about the calling to work and serve people with integrity.
Drew is the owner and founder of Weber Strategic Solutions, a business that provides marketing, advertising, and website design services. His days are spent building and managing ad campaigns, building websites, consulting with clients, and creating content to help them grow. Caroline works full-time with him as the company’s social media manager, leading content creation, handling SEO-driven copywriting, and contributing to design work across projects.
Starting a business on the heels of graduation and at the very beginning of their marriage brought a lot of pressure. As they sought to build a company, they were also beginning to build a life together. They look back at that stressful season with gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.
“Every step has required trust, hard work, and faith that God would lead us where we needed to go,” Drew stated.
Drew and Caroline love that they get to build something together, and they are grateful to have a place to pour their time and energy into a business that carries their name and reflects what they care about. They get to help other businesses grow, free up their time, and support their families, and the opportunity to do that as a team has been one of the best parts of the whole journey.
They both deeply enjoy the outdoors, finding it to be a place of great peace and restoration.
“I deeply value solitude, so getting outside and being alone with God with my thoughts, whether it be on top of a mountain or in a deer stand, is how I recharge and also functions as an act of worship,” Caroline shared.
From the day-to-day work they do as they establish their company to the time they spend hiking or adventuring, Drew and Caroline exemplify honoring the Lord through their efforts.
“God has shown us the importance of relying on Him, not ourselves, and being faithful with the gifts and opportunities He’s given us. He’s been teaching us diligence, humility, and the value of doing what is right even when the path feels uncertain,” Drew concluded.
Friends & Family Weekend Draws Crowds to TMU
Preview Day, Alumni Luncheon, and an unforgettable concert
Truett McConnell University’s 2026 Friends & Family Weekend was an overwhelming success, buzzing with energy as prospective students, current students, alumni, and community members joined for a day of fun on campus. From long-awaited reunions in the Harris Athletic Complex to alpaca petting on the Front Lawn, capped by a night of worship led by Charity Gayle, the weekend brought the entire TMU family together.
PREVIEW DAY
Nearly 100 guests attended Preview Day, which featured a “Chair Fair” and campus tours. Students met with chairs and professors from each school, exploring opportunities in the School of Business, the power of rhetoric in the School of Communication, and the tools and techniques of the School of Criminal Justice. Families also heard from Dr. Larry Lyon, who encouraged prospective students to join the Truett McConnell family and shared what makes TMU unique as he continues to learn in his role as president.
“The block party and campus tours were great, but what stood out most was how personal everything felt,” remarked one student. “It didn’t feel like just another college visit.”
Photography by: Austin Poffenberger
ALUMNI LUNCHEON
Two hundred fifty alumni gathered for lunch and fellowship—some reconnecting after many years, others celebrating their most recent graduation. Awards for Young Alumnus and Outstanding Alumnus of the Year were presented.
Gideon Hendix, Young Alumnus of the Year, earned a B.S. in Psychology from TMU in 2019 and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022. She now serves as TMU’s Counseling Center Coordinator.
Doug Roberts, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, graduated in 1993. A former TMU baseball player, he has remained deeply involved in the program and currently serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Spirent Communications.
“Events like this bring together students, families, and alumni in a way that reinforces our shared history, Christ-centered mission, and lasting sense of community,” said Tate Gaines, president of the Alumni Executive Committee. “At TMU, alumni seeing the value of investing in the next generation of believers is paramount. I’m grateful we had such an incredible day!”
BLOCK PARTY
The Front Lawn came alive with yard games, bounce houses, rock climbing, and a petting zoo, while the TMU Jazz Band performed by Folsom Fountain. Inside the Nix, the Walpot School of Education hosted face-painting and coloring stations for children.
The day concluded with a sold-out concert by Charity Gayle, attended by over 1,200 people. Her worship-filled performance included hits like “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” and “I Speak Jesus,” raising the roof as attendees praised and celebrated together. Gayle, a Dove Award recipient for “Benediction (As You Go),” has amassed over half a billion streams worldwide and continues to draw people to worship through her music.
CHARITY GAYLE CONCERT
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MILESTONE CELEBRATION DINNER
The Hans Hut School of Business hosted a night of celebration and reflection as alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the University gathered at the Elevate Milestone Celebration Dinner. With almost 140 in attendance, the evening was a thrilling success.
The event, sponsored by Howard Brothers, Burman Printing, United Bankshares, Abernathy Development, and the Georgia Baptist Foundation, raised nearly $200,000 for the Standing on Truth Fund, TMU’s general fund, which is vital to the operations of TMU and provides significant financial support for the School of Business.
Dr. Kimberly Maiocco, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, delivered an address on the state of the School of Business, which has grown exponentially over the last five years. Bachelor’s degrees in accounting and cybersecurity management, as well as master’s degrees in accountancy, business with accounting, sports management, and public administration have all been added to the opportunities available at TMU. Additionally, the School of Business launched TMU’s first doctoral degree: the DBA in Actionable Leadership and Innovation.
“What truly makes the School of Business special is not simply programs or curriculum. It is people,” stated Dr. Maiocco, “It is the faculty who love Jesus and invest deeply in their students, our academic advisor who faithfully guides and supports them, the alumni who represent this institution with excellence, and the students who are preparing to fulfill the Great Commandment as they live out the Great Commission.”
The night featured keynote speaker Glenn Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Primerica–a leading provider of financial products and services that helps middle-income families in North America achieve long-term financial security through education, needs-based planning, and solutions such as term life insurance and investment strategies. Williams served as the company’s President from 2005 to April of 2015, and as the Executive Vice President of Field and Product Marketing for international operations from 2000 to 2005. He served on the Georgia Baptist Foundation’s board of trustees from 2019-2023 and has been serving on the board again since October 2024. Williams shared a heartfelt message on walking with Christ in the workplace and urged students to trust God’s plan for their lives as they launch their careers.
Awards for significant contributors to the School of Business were distributed towards the event’s close. Habersham EMC was given the “Friend of Business Award” for their longstanding partnership. Sabrina Rosser (‘23), Manager of Baseball Operations at the Sacramento River Cats, received the “Young Alumnus Award,” and Leanne Wilson (‘99) of Carter’s Clothing Company received the “Outstanding Alumnus Award.”
“This was a truly special night for the Truett McConnell community. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our donors, alumni, corporate partners, students, and many friends from our local community who came together to celebrate and invest in the future of the Hans Hut School of Business,” shared Dr. Stacy Hall, “Gifts to the Standing on Truth Fund are vital to sustaining the mission of TMU and ensuring we continue equipping the next generation of Christ-centered business leaders.”
Pictured L to R: Dr. Johnathan Gray, Dr. Larry Lyon, Karen Williams, and Glenn Williams
PICK UP THE MIC: ASK ME ANYTHING
Truett McConnell University’s chapter of Turning Point USA hosted a “Pick Up the Mic: Ask Me Anything” session with Riley Gaines, political activist and former collegiate swimmer. Students and professors alike kept a steady stream of questions coming, and the event boasted a crowd of over 150 from both campus and the Cleveland community.
Gaines addressed a number of topics and fostered conversations on politics, culture, and living out your calling in a world that often shuns the light. Students questioned Gaines on living out their faith in various settings, whether on the playing field, in the classroom, or as they go out into the world. Gaines encouraged students to hold fast to their convictions.
“When they want you to be silent, you must speak louder,” Gaines urged students.
For Gaines, the event was a breath of fresh air. Though she speaks at universities coast to coast, being on a campus where Christ is King was a blessing.
“I love being here specifically at Truett, because the values generally align. I would imagine there are things that students and I disagree on – cultural topics, political topics, social topics – but for the most part, knowing you’re around people with like-minded beliefs is certainly comforting,” Gaines shared.
For many students, meeting Gaines was a surreal experience, and the effort of TMU’s Turning Point chapter was evident. Though the chapter only launched in
Fall ’25, the group is already strong, and a full leadership team executed the event well.
“It was definitely a lengthy process, between working everything out with Turning Point and the school, not to mention all the security and extra measures we had to take, but God’s hand was over the whole thing, and it was a fantastic event,” stated TMU TPUSA President Maggie Dowd.
Bryce Ledford ‘23
Phyllis Malcom ‘72
Nancy Daniel ‘80
Bryce Ledford, a 2023 graduate from the School of Theology and Missions, experienced significant changes in his life during his TMU days. His father passed away unexpectedly, and professors and staff members surrounded him with encouragement through that season. Though forged in the fire, Bryce looks back at his time at TMU fondly, remembering the camaraderie between the Christian studies majors and how they challenged each other to grow in their faith.
Following his graduation from TMU, Bryce spent a year in camp residency, which reminded him how much he loved student ministry. Building on this experience, he was soon led to Stone Ridge Baptist Church, where he now serves as student minister. “There is no greater accomplishment than seeing students come to know the Lord,” he stated. In addition to his ministry work, Bryce is engaged and will be married in June 2026!
Few display grace and a welcoming spirit like Phyllis Malcom, who attended TMC in 1971-72. She met her husband, Harris, early on in their time here, when Phyllis was a cheerleader for the Danes basketball team.
She entered TMC’s campus as a shy freshman but was stretched through learning and experiences to become what God had created her to be.
She has been a pastor’s wife for over forty years, and is mother to three daughters and grandmother to eight. Phyllis served as an International Mission Board trustee from 19922000, and she and Harris were cast to play Mr. and Mrs. Holt in the 2008 film, Fireproof, which is still being used to touch lives around the world.
After her time at TMU, Nancy Daniel graduated from UGA with a degree in Child Development. In the days following graduation, Nancy assisted in starting a daycare for students and employees at UGA and worked for Floyd County’s Division of Family and Children Services.
She later worked as the director of the Chattooga Parent Child Center and with Babies Can’t Wait before spending twenty years as a special education teacher at Chattooga High School until her retirement in 2024.
Nancy is married and is proud of her three sons. The eldest serves as a youth pastor in Alabama, her middle son serves as a senior pastor in Tennessee, and her youngest is a mechanic. She is proud of how they serve in their communities!
Caleb Ferguson’s experience with the music faculty had a profound impact on him – the way professors invested in him as a student shaped the way he now teaches. After graduating in 2017, it wasn’t long before the Lord brought Caleb back to TMU, coming not as the homeschool student from years prior, but as a professor.
His time at TMU was marked by the close-knit community found in Garrison. The extrovert in him thrived in an environment where he was surrounded by students who shared the same excitement he experienced during his freshman year. Another highlight of Caleb’s time at TMU was traveling with Chorale to England and Scotland on a mission trip.
The Lord used TMU to grow Caleb significantly, and it was at TMU that he met his wife, Emily. They were married in 2018 and recently celebrated the first birthday of their daughter. Now, he is in the final rows of completing his doctorate.
From late nights practicing in the chapel to soaking up fresh air on the front lawn to countless choir tours and concerts, Kathryn Wyatt had a full four years while at TMU. Working with the Calloways, learning from Dr. Woodward, and piano lessons with Dr. George had a major impact on her life. From them, she learned a number of techniques that she still uses in teaching classes.
Since 2007, Kathryn has taught at Peachtree Ridge High School and has tripled the program since her arrival. She has held multiple positions in the Georgia Music Educators Association and has been a finalist for Teacher of the Year three times. Kathryn is happily married to TMU alum Josh Wyatt and is the mother of three boys.
Kathryn is a glowing example of the gifts and talents developed by TMU’s School of Music. Her students know of her faith and come to her for guidance, enabling her to be a light in a dark world.
From days in the classroom shaped by Dr. Young and Dr. Nunley to experiences on Student Life staff and as an RA in Merritt, Bailey Humphrey’s time at TMU was a rewarding season of preparation for what would come later. While at TMU, Bailey met her husband, Fletcher, and they served as residential directors together after getting married.
Following graduation, Bailey moved to Virginia to study for a Master’s in English from Liberty University. After moving back to Georgia, she began teaching high school English while working on her Doctor of Education through Liberty.
In 2021, Bailey began teaching English courses online at TMU, and, in 2024, transitioned out of high school into upper education at Lanier Technical College. In December of 2023, Bailey and Fletcher welcomed their son, Phineas, into the world.
Kathryn Wyatt ‘07
Caleb Ferguson
TMU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SERVES IN NICARAGUA
In January, TMU’s School of Business went on their third mission trip with Chosen Children’s Ministries to Nicaragua. A team of ten students traveled with Dr. Kimberly Maiocco, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, and her husband Pastor Chris Maiocco, to spend a week working in a barrio outside of Managua, hosting a Vacation Bible School and Bible study, doing door-to-door evangelism, and building a house for a church member.
The trip made a lasting impact on each person who went. Seeing God’s faithfulness to provide and His goodness even in difficult circumstances was a life-altering experience. They had the opportunity to pray over many church members and their struggles as well as share the gospel with many different families, leading to 16 salvations.
Dr. Maiocco wrote, “I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to share in missions alongside our students in Nicaragua. Experiences like this help young adults understand the importance of praying, giving, and going. Developing a Great Commission mindset is essential in today’s global world, and I am grateful to serve at a university where that calling is not just taught—but lived.”
MISSIONS AT TMU
Senior Global Studies student, Michael Gilmore, felt the Lord prepared him to serve through putting him in a place of obedience, “Throughout the week, I sought to just let Him use me and be obedient to his plan. To be bold in all that I do, and to not shy away from an opportunity God is placing in front of me.”
Many students who went on this trip noted the importance of obedience. Though several felt nervous or unprepared to serve, they realized that the Lord had already equipped them in many ways. Being obedient to the Lord’s call to go, but then continuing in obedience to pray for others, share the gospel, and do the difficult work of building a house was what made this trip impactful.
One woman stood out to the team: during door-to-door ministry, she invited the group of students into her home. She asked them to bless her home and shared that God had told her that she would receive a mattress that month for her bedframe. She had been sleeping on little cloth rags on top of the wooden frame. The team had the opportunity to play a part in answering her prayer. On the last day in the neighborhood, they delivered the mattress to her house, and the team was blessed by the opportunity to serve.
HANDS-ON IN COSTA RICA
The TMU Women’s Volleyball Team spent the 2026 Spring Break serving in Costa Rica alongside missionaries from Score International, where they presented the Gospel to students through school visits, playing games, and singing songs. Additionally, the team distributed food to families in Los Guido and Alajuelita.
Through a volleyball clinic for 7th and 8th graders, TMU’s players shared their testimonies with the kids there while playing in games versus a local club. The team spent a day serving in a daycare, face painting, playing with children, and sharing the Gospel through the assembly of salvation bracelets.
“Being able to go on the Costa Rica mission trip was such an eye opener. Serving those in need in San Jose impacted my relationship with God and encouraged me to rely on Him more deeply and intentionally,” shared Madison Ward, a freshman on the team, “It made me realize more how significant and loved every single person is in the eyes of the Lord.”
The Costa Rica trip was an eye-opening, lasting experience for TMU’s volleyball team, serving as a reminder of God’s blessing in their lives and a call to be a blessing in the lives of others.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
The Hans Denck School of Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Minor in Communication
The Conrad Grebel School of The Humanities
Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing
Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of Arts in The Humanities
Minor in Biblical Languages
Minor in English
Minor in Greek
Minor in History
The Balthasar Hubmaier School of Theology & Missions
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Concentrations available in:
Biblical and Theological Studies
Missions
Student Ministry
Women’s Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
Minor in Biblical Languages
Minor in Christian Studies
Minor in Great Commission Studies
Minor in Greek
Minor in Missions
Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
Master of Arts in Global Studies
Master of Arts in Theology with Thesis
Master of Divinity
The Felix Manz School of Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Concentrations available in:
General Music
Worship and Church Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music with Outside Studies
Bachelor of Science in Music Education
Minor in Music
The Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology & Biblical Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Concentrations available in:
General Psychology
Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Development, Marriage and Family
Neuroscience
Social Services
Minor in Neuroscience
Minor in Psychology
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Sports Psychology
Master of Arts in Global Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Global Mental Health Counseling with Sports Psychology
The Pilgram Marpeck School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Minor in Biology
Minor in Chemistry
Minor in Forensic Science
The Martha Rielin & Elizabeth Salmen School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Hans Hut School of Business
Bachelor of Science in Accounting (MBA or MBAAc track)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Minor in Applied Business
Minor in Cybersecurity Management
Master of Accountancy
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration with Accounting
Master of Public Administration
Master of Sports Management
Doctor of Business Administration in Actional Leadership and Innovation
The Michael Sattler School of Public Service
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Concentrations available in:
General Criminal Justice-MPA track
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement-MPA track
Law Enforcement-POST certification
Leadership and Executive Management
Leadership and Executive Management-MPA track
Pre-Law
Pre-Law-MPA track
Minor in Criminal Justice
The Peter & Gredel Walpot School of Education
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education
Concentrations available in:
Language/Social Studies
Math/Science
Bachelor of Science in Music Education
Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education
Bachelor of Science in Secondary History Education
Master of Education in Elementary Education
Dyslexia Endorsement
Address Service Requested
The DBA expands TMU’s online graduate offerings, including the MBA, MAcc, MBA in Accounting, and MPA, many of which can be completed in as little as 12 months. Applications remain open for future cohorts.
NOWs Online Postgraduate education in as little as 27 months