news at welch college   Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1942. To find out more information about the school, visit www.Welch.edu.

Welch College Unveils New Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership

Welch College is now enrolling students in a new Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Organizational Leadership, with classes beginning this fall, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, vice president for strategic initiatives.

Designed for leaders of non-profit and for-profit organizations, the interdisciplinary program aims to provide organizational leaders with graduate education in the art and science of Christian leadership, inspiring professional excellence through integration of biblical thought and life.

The 33-hour degree program will be delivered in a 100% online format, accessible to busy Christian men and women who serve as leaders in nonprofits, businesses, communities, athletics and recreation, educational organizations, and ministries.

Dr. Ketteman will serve as coordinator of the new program. In addition to his doctorate in educational leadership, his background in organizational leadership includes doctoral-level study in public administration, more than 15 years as a school administrator, and 18 years of executive leadership in higher education.

“We’re so excited about this new program,” Ketteman said. “There has never been a greater need for Christian leaders with integrity who live out the timeless, unchanging truths of Scripture. We believe the M.A. in Organizational Leadership will strategically position strong, well-prepared, servant-leaders to serve God in building His Kingdom.”

The first courses in the degree begin in September. For more information, visit welch.edu/MAOL or contact Dr. Greg Ketteman at gketteman@welch.edu. Apply now online at welch.edu/MAOLapply.

Welch College Graduates 57 in Commencement Exercises

Welch College conferred degrees on 57 students in its May 3 commencement ceremony, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. Commencement exercises were held in the student activities center. The gymnasium space was converted into a 700-plus seating auditorium for the baccalaureate service Thursday evening, May 2, and the commencement ceremony Friday morning, May 3. The college awarded degrees in multiple programs, including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, the Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Master of Divinity.

The Honorable John J. DeBerry, Jr., senior advisor to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, delivered the commencement address. Dr. Will Beauchamp, pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church of Tampa in Seffner, Florida, delivered the baccalaureate sermon.

President Matt Pinson recognized Angie Edgmon, financial aid coordinator, and Tina Tolbert, assistant professor of speech, for 25 years of service. Dr. Etta Patterson (associate undergraduate dean of the School of Education), Christopher Talbot (program coordinator for youth and family ministry), and Frank Thornsbury (program coordinator for English) were recognized for ten years of faithful service.

Dr. Ian Hawkins, assistant professor of biology and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, was named Teacher of the Year. The college also awarded Academic Advisor of the Year to Dr. Barry Raper, associate professor of ministry and dean of Welch Divinity School.

The college congratulates the 2024 graduating class and commends them to the service of Christ and the transformational work of His Kingdom.

Associate of Science Degrees

Sarah Elena Bernui
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Business

Chandler Ray Binkley
Ashland City, Tennessee
Business

Walker Hamilton Cummins
Gallatin, Tennessee
Business

Kenadee Athens Osborne
Cross Plains, Tennessee
Biology

Kade Aaron Riddle
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Ministry

Associate of Arts Degree

Samuel Jae Riggs
Pleasant View, Tennessee

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Isabella Nicole Alvarez**
Sherwood, Arkansas
Music Performance

Ellis Keaton Bass**
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Exercise Science

Owen Riley Bass*
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Business Administration

Eliza Grace Bernui
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Business Administration

Chandler Ray Binkley
Ashland City, Tennessee
Exercise Science

Anna Grace Blades***
Pleasant View, Tennessee
Psychology

James Harrison Boyd*
Northport, Alabama
Business Administration

LeeAnn Branch*
Darlington, South Carolina
Business Administration

Edward Keith Byrd, Jr.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Exercise Science

Emily Hope Cruz*
Alpedrete, Spain
Psychology

Ellie Breann Daniel*
Wabash, Indiana
English—Licensure 6-12

Olivia Grant Delk*
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Exercise Science

Rebecca Eve-Ann Dotson***
Morristown, Tennessee
General Christian Ministries

Justin Tyler Feight**
Marion, Ohio
General Christian Ministries

Megan Michelle Gates*
Pleasant View, Tennessee
Child Development and Learning—Licensure K-5

Joy Faith Green***
Pleasant Shade, Tennessee
Child Development and Learning—Licensure K-5

Rachel Michelle Haralson**
Atkins, Arkansas
Child Development and Learning—Licensure K-5

Amelia Grace Harkleroad
Bristol, Tennessee
Psychology

Charles Jackson Houske*
Gallatin, Tennessee
Psychology

Sarah Katherine Lovett***
Madison, Alabama
Theological Studies

Matthew Warren Markins***
Gallatin, Tennessee
Business Administration

Mason Thomas McClure
Springfield, Tennessee
Theological Studies

Noah Layne Midgette*
Midlothian, Virginia
Psychology

Marlon Raymond Mitchell
Gallatin, Tennessee
Exercise Science

Lindsey Sue Padden*
Allen Park, Michigan
Business Administration

Colson Laine Puckett***
Gallatin, Tennessee
Business Administration

Serenity Joann Smith
Benton, Kentucky
Psychology

Eden Elizabeth Rose Suggs
Tifton, Georgia
Mathematics Education

Jordan Wayne Teem
Dunlap, Tennessee
Pastoral Ministry

Robert Michael Mackinley Waddell
Joelton, Tennessee
Biology, Youth and Family Ministry

Hunter Douglas Walker
Sevierville, Tennessee
Exercise Science

Brianna Eileen Weems
Cottontown, Tennessee
Psychology

Truman Dana White
Pleasant View, Tennessee
International Business

Stephen Andrew Yerby
Madison, Alabama
International Business

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Bayley Louise Floyd
Turbeville, South Carolina
Intercultural Studies

Anna Marie Gedeon**
Wakefield, Rhode Island
Biblical Studies

Olivia Mae Harrell**
Pleasant View, Tennessee
English

Justin Charles Hester
Gallatin, Tennessee
History

Silas Graham Houser**
Chesterfield, Virginia
Intercultural Studies

Abigail Saige Pace**
Hendersonville, Tennessee
English

James Matthew Pinson, Jr. ***
Gallatin, Tennessee
Humanities and Arts

Master of Arts Degrees

Adam William Brown
Eldorado, Illinois
Theology and Ministry

Devin Lyle Cominskie
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Theology and Ministry

Jonathan Edward-Ray Cribb
Cramerton, North Carolina
Theology and Ministry

Canaan Brick Crowder
Grifton, North Carolina
Theology and Ministry

Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

Jenna Elizabeth Fleming
Gallatin, Tennessee
Instructional Leadership

Ashley Elizabeth Holland
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Special Education

Bethany Rose Moody
Huntsville, Alabama
Teaching

Makenzie Paige Rankin
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Teaching

Victoria Anne Rogers
Angier, North Carolina
Special Education

Kelly Smith Thompson
Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructional Leadership

Master of Divinity Degree

Alexander Ray Johnson
Gallatin, Tennessee

*** Summa Cum Laude - 3.75
** Magna Cum Laude - 3.50
* Cum Laude - 3.25

Honors awarded only to recipients of Bachelor’s degrees