news at free will baptist bible college     Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1951. To find out more information about the school, visit their website at www.fwbbc.edu.

FOX NAMES GRAD ‘TOP TEACHER’

Stacey McVay, 2003 Elementary Education graduate of Free Will Baptist Bible College, was recently named “Top Teacher of the Week” by Fox television (Channel 17, Nashville). Stacey is the librarian at Coopertown Elementary School in Robertson County where she has taught four years.

During a televised interview in which she received a “Fox 17 Top Teacher” plaque from one of the program sponsors, Stacey told reporters she became interested in library science as a student at Free Will Baptist Bible College when the librarian (Mrs. Carol Reid) encouraged her to consider a career in a school library setting. At the time, Stacey worked as a clerk in FWBBC’s Welch Library.

“Many educators go unnoticed every day,” Miss McVay said, “and it’s nice when someone stops to say thanks.” She was nominated for the Top Teacher award by a parent or student at Coopertown Elementary.
Responding to queries about favorite classroom activities and memorable teaching moments, Stacey said, “The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the kids enjoy reading and watching them advance each year. My favorite activity is story time with the kids.

In addition to the B.S. degree from FWBBC, McVay holds the Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree from Trevecca University. She attends Cofer’s Chapel FWB Church in Nashville where she teaches toddlers on Sunday nights. She is also active on the church’s Decorating Committee.

STEVENS LEADS KOREAN WORKSHOPS

Dr. James Stevens, chair of the Music Department at Free Will Baptist Bible College, was the American clinician in January 2008 at the Sunmin Music Church Music Workshop in Seoul, Korea. While there he launched a new piano book of hymn arrangements and introduced two new anthems composed for the Korean churches.

Organizer Jang W. Choi said he expected 200-250 church musicians in the winter workshops scheduled January 10-12. Following the workshops, Dr. Stevens led more intensive master and private classes January 13-14; he taught all day on January 14.

Prior to departing for his Korean engagements, Stevens presented a piano improvisation workshop/class January 3-4 at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. The Thursday evening and all-day Friday workshop was offered as a graduate level class and promoted to area musicians.
Later in 2008, Dr. Stevens is scheduled to lead keyboard workshops during the Southern Baptist Church Music Week June 2-5 at Ridgecrest, North Carolina, and July 14-18 at Glorieta, New Mexico.
Dr. Stevens,a gifted and award-winning musician, has served on the FWBBC faculty since 2004.

PHILLIPS COMPLETES DOCTORATE

Mike Phillips, Exercise Science Program Director and Athletic Director at Free Will Baptist Bible College, completed requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree at Middle Tennessee State University in October 2007. The degree will be awarded during graduation ceremonies December 15.

Provost Greg Ketteman said, “We are so pleased for Dr. Phillips and his family. He has worked hard to complete his doctoral studies, while at the same time maintaining his teaching duties at FWBBC, his home responsibilities, and his local church involvement. Mike is such an encouragement and example to our students.”

Dr. Phillips’ degree is in Health and Human Performance with concentrations in Physical Education and Sport Management. The 60-hour Ph.D. degree program included a dissertation titled “Student-Athletes’ Perception of Head Men’s Basketball Coaching Competencies at 15 Selected NCCAA Division II Christian Colleges.”
Mike has been part of the FWBBC faculty since 2002. He is a member of Donelson Free Will Baptist Church in Nashville where he serves on the Global Outreach Committee.

“My major concern now,” Dr. Phillips said, “will be oversight of the Exercise Science Department at FWBBC and strengthening athletics in general at the college.”

LEWIS RESIGNS POST

Melissa Lewis plans to vacate her post as Administrative Assistant to the President in the spring of 2008, according to President Matt Pinson. Mrs. Lewis has served eight years with Free Will Baptist Bible College, six years as administrative assistant and two years with the college ’s Enrollment Management office.

Pinson said, “Melissa is the consummate professional—efficient, calm in times of stress, skilled with computers, and people-oriented. She has a can-do outlook and an uncanny ability to meet deadlines while coordinating multiple events and projects. She has been the contact person for my office since I came on as president, and we’re all going to miss her.”

An Illinois native, Mrs. Lewis is a 1997 FWBBC graduate. She expects to finish her duties with the college by March 1, 2008, and focus on the needs of her growing family. She and her husband (Brian) will travel to Korea in February where they plan to adopt 17-month-old Rory Katherine SaRang. Rory Katherine will be the Lewis’s second Korean child. They adopted Camden (now 4 ½) in 2004.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at FWBBC, both as a student and as an employee,” Melissa said, “and it has been a pleasure to work with President Pinson. While I won’t miss the daily drive or those ever-present deadlines, I will miss all my good friends.”

Brian and Melissa Lewis are members of Oaklawn Free Will Baptist Church (Chapmansboro, TN) where Brian serves as youth and children’s pastor and Melissa serves as pianist. Brian also teaches fourth grade at Pleasant View Elementary School.

After Melissa graduated from FWBBC in 1997, she worked two years with the Enrollment Management staff. She and Brian then relocated to Green Rock Free Will Baptist Church (Colona, IL) for three years where he served as youth and children’s pastor. They returned to FWBBC in 2002.

“I’m so excited that Rory Katherine will be joining our family. I can hardly wait to bring her home to Tennessee,” Melissa said. “Brian and I feel that this is God’s plan for us, even though we will all have some adjusting to do. Give us a few years, and we hope to see both of our children enrolled as students at FWBBC.”

WILLIAMS NAMED CIRCULATION MANAGER

NASHVILLE, TN—Mr. Lance Williams, 23-year-old English and Education graduate from Pocahontas, Arkansas, has been named Circulation Manager and Night Supervisor at Free Will Baptist Bible College’s Welch Library, according to Librarian Carol Reid. He began his full-time duties in January 2008.

Mrs. Reid said, “Lance is the kind of guy who always comes to your rescue. For the past four years, he has done everything we asked from moving boxes and assembling furniture to offering reference assistance and reviewing books. His responsibility and dependability, his love of books and reading, his affinity for libraries and reference work and our students—all qualify him well for his position here at Welch Library. We are delighted to add him to our staff as we anticipate growing demands on our library with the new online program.”

Williams completed his studies in December 2007 and was named to the President’s List (made all A’s). He will receive his bachelor’s degree in May. While a student, he participated four years in the Evangels drama group, serving as Team Leader in 2006. He also served as vice president of the Bunyan Society and as Prayer Band leader.

“I’m looking forward to working in Welch Library,” Williams said. “One of my goals is to pursue a master’s degree in library science. I hope to start those studies as soon as possible.”

HUBBARD TO LEAD RECRUITMENT

Heath Hubbard, a 2006 graduate of Free Will Baptist Bible College, has been named director of recruitment, according to Jeff Caudill, director of enrollment services. The 23-year-old minister from Hot Springs, Arkansas, began his new role in January 2008. He succeeds Ryan Lewis who previously served in the position.

Mr. Caudill said, “We’re excited to have Heath join the Enrollment Management Team (EMT). His energy and creativity will be an asset in our recruitment efforts. He already has a taste of the work ahead; he served two years as a student recruiter while enrolled at FWBBC, traveling to cities and sponsored events to recruit.”

In his new role, Hubbard will be the face of FWBBC recruitment efforts as he works closely with the director of enrollment services. He will supervise the EMT staff, travel to retreats, camps, Christian schools, and other venues as chief recruiter, oversee the EMT booth at the national convention, and schedule campus tours. Major areas of responsibility will include Welcome Days, Senior Days, summer visit days, call center, and summer travel.

Heath answered the call to preach at age 15. He graduated from FWBBC with a B.S. degree in Bible with minors in missions and business. While a student, he was president of the freshman and sophomore classes, and president of the Alpha Chi Omega Society. He served on the Student Council and played four years on the Flames basketball team. He was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

A motivated self-starter, Heath served six months (2006-2007) with Free Will Baptist International Missions (FWBIM), teaching English as a second language in Kazakhstan. He worked nine weeks in 2004 with the FWBIM Overseas Apprentice Program in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan teaching English and assisting with sports and music camps for teens.

Heath married Joni Thomas in November 2007. Joni serves as student mission coordinator and mobilization assistant with FWBIM.

98 FWBBC Students Make President’s / Dean’s Lists

NASHVILLE, TN—The fall 2007 semester at Free Will Baptist Bible College ended with 98 students earning academic recognition, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. Twenty-eight students made all A’s and were placed on the President’s List—10 seniors, five juniors, eight sophomores, four freshmen, and one post-baccalaureate student. Seventy students earned a B average or higher and were placed on the Dean’s List—22 seniors, 15 juniors, 16 sophomores, and 17 freshmen.

President’s List: “A” Honor Roll

Akers, Ryan (Sr.) Monterey, TN
Anderson, Cason (Soph.) Nashville, TN
Austin, Jared (Sr.) Lavergne, TN
Baumann, Kristy (Soph.) Marietta, GA
Benninghoff, Samuel (Soph.) Murfreesboro, TN
Bridgeman, Audra (Sr.) Geff, IL
Carter, John David (Jr.) Nashville, TN
Conner, Jacob (Jr.) Riner, VA
Dederick, Timothy (Sr.) Nashville, TN
Edwards, Kristen (Jr.) Turbeville, SC
Eidson, Rachel (Sr.) Goodlettsville, TN
Gaskins, Grace (Sr.) Aynor, SC
Hill, Christa (Fr.) Norton, VA
Hovies, Mary Elizabeth (Sr.) Lebanon, TN
Howell, Brandy (Sr.) Pulaski, TN
Hulquin, Kevin (Soph.) Norfolk, VA
Jolly, Lauren (Fr.) Glasgow, KY
Landing, John (Jr.) Dearborn, MI
Lewis, Brian (Post-Baccalaureate) Chapmansboro, TN
Lewis, Derek (Sr.) Cisne, IL
Parks, Lindsey (Jr.) Pleasant View, TN
Payne, Alisa (Soph.) Bonnie, IL
Pool, Elizabeth (Soph.) Aulanda, NC
Richards, Shawn (Fr.) Joelton, TN
Stokes, Sara-Ann (Soph.) Nashville, TN
Trimble, Nathan (Fr.) Greeneville, TN
Ward, Kurston, (Soph.) Van Buren, AR
Williams, Lance (Sr.) Pocahontas, AR

Dean’s List: “B” HONOR ROLL

Seniors
Barbour, Crystal---------------------Wilson, NC
Bishop, Jennifer---------------------Hokkaido, JAPAN
Bosers, Ashley-----------------------Columbia, TN
Bracey, Matthew---------------------Ashland City, TN
Bridgeman, Luke--------------------Nashville, TN
Davenport, Joshua------------------New Brunswick, CANADA
Detherage, Jennifer-----------------Fairfield, IL
Douglas, Katie------------------------Macon, GA
Helms, Lauren------------------------Allen Park, MI
Ison, Natalie---------------------------Lewisburg, OH
Landers, Daniel-----------------------Batesville, AR
Lane, Heidi-----------------------------Marysville, OH
Morgan, Phillip-------------------------Cedar Hill, TN
Postlewaite, Hannah-----------------Florence, SC
Robinson, Daniel----------------------Indian Trail, NC
Runion, Lindsey-----------------------Goodlettsville, TN
Saunders, Kyle------------------------Wilson, NC
Spradlin, Shelby-----------------------Walnut Ridge, AR
Stegall, BreeAnna---------------------Edwardsville, IL
Wheeler, Benjamin--------------------Wilson, NC
Williams, Marlena----------------------Kingston, TN
Zink, Christina---------------------------Belleville, MI

Juniors
Collier, Teddie---------------------------Fair Grove, MO
Corn, Paul--------------------------------Ashland City, TN
Clark, Tiffany-----------------------------Dothan, AL
Craft, Brittany----------------------------Pryor, OK
Deckard, Matthew----------------------Thayer, MO
Downing, Jennifer----------------------Blytheville, AR
Drake, Eric-------------------------------Springfield, TN
Gladson, Ashley------------------------Franklin, TN
Hajek, Samantha-----------------------St. Charles, MO
Inman, Brett------------------------------Lebanon, TN
Johnson, Tiffany------------------------Mayesville, SC
Kernodle, Michael----------------------Newport News, VA
Stutts, Laura-----------------------------Lawrenceburg, TN
Webb, Lauren---------------------------Macon, GA
White, Mallory---------------------------Bristol, VA

Sophomores
Collins, Rachel--------------------------Harrisonburg, VA
Crozier, Megan--------------------------Lancing, TN
Dankson, Lydia--------------------------Ashland City, TN
Driggers, Mary Kathryn----------------Turbeville, SC
Gibson, Jennifer-------------------------Sesser, IL
Gilliken, Paul------------------------------Harkers Island, NC
Higgins, Miranda-------------------------Cookeville, TN
Holloway, William------------------------Albany, GA
Jones, Keesha----------------------------Red Bay, AL
Lanvermeier, Carrie---------------------Johnsonville, NC
McMillion, Jason--------------------------Aberdeen, MD
Owens, Jesse ----------------------------Franklin, TN
Peterson, Katie----------------------------McDavid, FL
Provow, Joshua---------------------------Fredericktown, MO
Pugh, Karyn -------------------------------Drummonds, TN
Wolf, Lindsay-------------------------------Brownstown, MI

Freshmen
Bequette, Rachel-------------------------Marquand, MO
Bogart, Robin-Lynn----------------------Tecumseh, MI
Boss, Danielle-----------------------------Oregon City, OR
Christian, Alyssa--------------------------Plant City, FL
Dennis, Nicholas--------------------------Vilonia, AR
Ellis, Melinda-------------------------------Florence, SC
Franks, Nathan----------------------------Mt. Olive, AL
Hoover, Brittney---------------------------Greenbrier, TN
McAllister, Sara----------------------------N. Little Rock, AR
Nelson, Megan-----------------------------Nashville, TN
Peck, Christina-----------------------------Carrollton, VA
Price, Lacey---------------------------------Wheelersburg, OH
Riley, Jimmie--------------------------------Clay, KY
Scrimpshire, Jacob------------------------Fairview, TN
Shaffer, Hannah----------------------------St. George, WV
Talbot, Christopher------------------------Tecumseh, MI
Weeks, Bradley-----------------------------Nashville, TN

STUDENTS HONORED IN WHO’S WHO

The 2008 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges will include the names of 14 students from Free Will Baptist Bible College who have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders, according to Provost Greg Ketteman.

Campus nominating committees and editors of the annual directory have included the names of these students based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities, and potential for continued success.

They join an elite group of students from more than 2,000 institutions of higher learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign nations. Outstanding students have been honored in the annual directory since it was first published in 1934.

Students named this year from Free Will Baptist Bible College are:
Matthew Ryan Akers (TN)
Jared Wade Austin (TN)
Matthew Steven Bracey (TN)
Ashley Marie Boshers (TN)
Jennifer Megan Detherage (IL)
Grace Anne Gaskins (SC)
Kenneth Edward Gossar (KY)
Mary Elizabeth Hovies (TN)
Brandy Renay Howell (TN)
Heidi Nichole Lane (OH)
Derek Nelson Lewis (IL)
Jacob Douglas Riggs (TN)
Lynsey Marie Stripling (AR)
Benjamin Wayne Wheeler (NC)