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.

Whitney Lute Named Dean of Students

Gallatin, TN — Mrs. Whitney Lute has been named dean of students at Welch College, according to Dr. Daniel Webster, vice president for administration and student engagement.

Lute has served in Student Services at Welch College since 2020, most recently as women’s resident director and interim dean of students. “During her six years of service, Mrs. Lute has demonstrated effective leadership in residence life, student development and conduct, as well as counseling support and crisis response,” Webster noted. “Her service has earned the confidence of the college’s administration and the respect and support of Welch students.”

President Matt Pinson expressed gratitude for Lute’s commitment to the college: “I’m so happy to announce Mrs. Lute’s appointment as dean of students. Whitney is deeply committed to the mission of Welch College and to the spiritual, personal, and academic development of our students. We look forward to her continued leadership in Student Services.”

Webster, who led the search process, said Lute emerged as the strongest candidate. “Having observed Whitney’s leadership over the past six years, we have seen her compassion and effectiveness,” Webster said. “She has the relational gifts to serve students and the administrative ability to lead this program.”

Lute earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Welch College and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Tennessee State University. Throughout the search process, she demonstrated a vision for a Christ-centered campus community where faith and learning are intentionally integrated.

Her qualifications were also affirmed by respected leaders beyond the Welch community. Even prior to the public announcement of the position, the administration received strong letters of recommendation commending her character and leadership. These endorsements affirmed Lute’s gifts and abilities are recognized not only by those who serve alongside her at Welch, but also by leaders beyond the institution.

Lute said she is honored by the institution’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Welch students. “It is a privilege to serve the student body as dean of students at Welch,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of those who have served before me. I am grateful for the trust the administration and Board have placed in me and am excited to continue facilitating holistic student growth in an atmosphere centered on Christ.

Welch Offers Theater Education Major

Gallatin, TN — Welch College began offering a Theater Education major in the Secondary Education bachelor’s degree during the fall semester of 2026, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. Welch has a long history of extracurricular theater performances that have been well-received by students, alumni, and community guests since former Speech and Drama faculty member Mrs. Laura Thigpen first arrived at the college in the 1940s.

In recent years, AnnaGee Harris, theater director and coordinator for enrollment events and student representatives, has produced and directed many popular plays and musicals at Welch, such as Fiddler on the Roof, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Sense and Sensibility, as well as training Welch’s touring team The Evangel Players. These productions have coincided with Harris’ roles in Enrollment Services and as adjunct instructor of theater for the Humanities and Arts degree since fall 2021.

The new program will be directed by Dr. Stephen Beck, undergraduate dean of the school of education. Harris will serve as the primary instructor. Harris is a 2005 Secondary Education and Theology graduate of Welch and holds two master’s degrees, one in teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University and one in theater from Regent University.

“Serving as the theater director at Welch College continues to be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience,” said Harris.

Dr. Beck said about the new major, “I am excited about the new opportunities this degree brings to students who are passionate about theater! Our desire is that this program will prepare students to share their love of the arts with the next generation from the perspective of a Christian worldview.”

Students studying Secondary Education with a major in Theater will be prepared to pursue state licensure for teaching theater, continue their studies in theater on the graduate level, and engage in professional work as an actor, director, and dramatic writer.

To learn more, visit welch.edu/GoToWelch to apply. Visit welch.edu/theater for more information about the Welch College Theater Department.