news at welch college   Welch College (formerly Free Will Baptist Bible College) in Nashville, TN, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1942. To find out more information about the school, visit their website.

 

Ralph Hampton, Free Will Baptist Educator and Leader, Dies

Reverend Ralph Hampton (pictured below), former chairman of the Biblical and Ministry Studies Department at Welch College, and a member of the college faculty for 50 years, died September 7, 2012, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 77. The Oklahoma native was converted at age 12 during a youth camp and ordained to preach in 1960.

President Matt Pinson said, “Ralph Hampton was a rock of stability on campus for five decades—a man of prayer, a scholar with a warm heart, and a teacher who challenged students to give their best. He demonstrated spiritual and intellectual leadership as a faculty member, and faithfulness in his local church. We thank God for the influence of this great man.”

Hampton’s ministry to the broader denomination included six pastorates in Tennessee and Missouri, articles for Contact and ONE Magazine, and writing curriculum for Randall House Publications. His signature leadership role came during a 15-year span when the National Association of Free Will Baptists elected him moderator nine times (1987-1996) and assistant moderator six times (1981-1987).

Ralph began his 50-year tenure at Welch College in 1958 at age 23. Like most young educators, he wore several hats, which meant that he taught 15 hours per semester, served as Christian Service director, and was the dormitory supervisor.

The son of a Free Will Baptist preacher and oldest of four brothers, he spent half a century changing the landscape of denominational education, preparing students for ministry in a world-wide community, and raising a family of three children with his wife Margaret. All three children graduated from Welch College.

He pushed himself hard as an educator, earning five degrees—A.A. degree from East Contra Costa Junior College (1955), B.A. degree from Welch College (1958), M.A. degree from Winona Lake School of Theology (1961), M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary (1970), and the D.Min. (ABD) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Dr. Robert Picirilli, Professor Emeritus and retired academic dean at Welch College, said, “Ralph graced the campus with a lifetime of quiet, dependable service. We could always count on him to be there, to do what was needed, and to do it without making a fuss. He was dedicated to keeping the school true to its founding mission, and he never swerved in his thinking from that ideal.”

Two of Ralph’s brothers (Charles and Larry) eventually joined him on the faculty at Welch College. His younger brother Larry said, “Ralph had a profound influence on my life. I came to the college as a student because of him. He was my teacher—one of the best I ever had. I am convinced there has been no better man who has taught here. I once told a young lady I dated that I wished I were more like Ralph. She asked why, and I replied, ‘Because he’s more like Jesus than I am.’ ’’

Ralph Hampton is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Margaret Evans Hampton, who served 37 years at Welch College as manager of Welch Library; daughter Mrs. Laura Fleming; sons Reverend Clayton Hampton and Mr. Kenny Hampton; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Reverend Larry D. Hampton.

Enrollment Increases

Fall Full-Time-Equivalent Enrollment Increases 5% For the first time since 2007, fall enrollment numbers at Welch College rose two consecutive years, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. College administrators reported a five percent rise in student full-time-equivalency (FTE) to 235. Total enrollment statistics indicate 315 students from 22 states and five international countries enrolled for the fall semester. Rebounding from a nine-year low of 283 students in 2010, enrollment climbed to 290 in 2011 and increased another 8.6% to 315 in 2012.

The most significant enrollment rise came in two areas—the state of Tennessee and international students. The Tennessee student population jumped 40% from 95 in 2011 to 136 in 2012, while international students increased 20% from 46 to 57. The rise among international students is due in large part to the warm and growing Welch College partnerships in Cuba and Panama.

Dr. Ketteman said, “We may have turned the corner with student enrollment. Numbers are up for the second consecutive year. Thank God for our students! They have a sense of optimism in spite of uncertainty about the national economy and worldwide political unrest. They’re serious about serving God, and we’re eager to prepare them for ministry in local churches, schools, medical and science fields, and the business community.”

At press time, the college reported 157 dormitory students, 55 commuter students, 18 Adult Degree Program students, 74 Lifetime Learning students, and 17 online students. Almost one-third of the students are enrolled in ministry-related fields.

By classes, they include 40 seniors, 42 juniors, 77 sophomores, 80 freshmen, 57 non-degree/part-time students, and 19 special students. There are 161 women and 154 men in the student body. Enrollment personnel were pleased that, in spite of a harsh economic climate, the number of new students (both first time and transfer) increased nine percent from last fall, while dormitory student numbers registered a slight increase with a 1.2% rise.

“Enrollment for our Adult Degree Program will continue through mid-semester,” Dr. Ketteman said. “We are still enrolling new students, since enrollment takes place throughout the fall term due to multiple modules. We project a total enrollment of 325 students for the fall term.”

Enrollment Posts Filled

Mrs. Deborah Mouser and Mr. Corey Minter (pictured below) have been named to positions in the Department of Enrollment Services at Welch College as the institution takes a pro-active role following the resignation of Rusty Campbell, director of enrollment services.

Mrs. Mouser, who served two years as enrollment office manager and enrollment counselor, will now provide leadership as interim director of enrollment services. Mr. Minter, student pastor at New Hope FWB Church (Joelton) since 2009, joins the enrollment staff as a part-time volunteer and will serve as recruitment ambassador and event host.

President Matt Pinson said, “We are delighted these gifted individuals are bringing their energy, creativity, and vision to the college’s Enrollment Services.”

Mouser, a 1985 graduate of Welch College, is pursuing her Certified Enrollment Professional certification through ABHE (Association for Biblical Higher Education). Well known for her musical skills, she tours annually with the College Choir as pianist. As an independent sales director for 15 years with Mary Kay Cosmetics, she developed a sales team of 50 women, oversaw regional and local events, and was responsible for monthly newsletters and correspondence. She previously served five years with The Mathews Company, a Middle Tennessee construction firm.

She and husband Marvin have been married 26 years and have three children—Matt, Amanda, and Megan. Two of their children (Matt and Amanda) are enrolled at Welch College.

“I want to do more than recruit students,” Mrs. Mouser said. “I also want to recruit their parents. When I sit down with students and their parents, I want them to know their child will receive a top quality education based on godly principles.”

Corey Minter, a 2008 graduate of Gateway Christian College, was converted at age five, answered the call to preach at age 12, and was ordained in 2008. He married Rachel, his high school sweetheart, and they have one child.

“God has placed a burden on my heart for Free Will Baptist students to ‘own their faith,’” Minter said. “I believe that Christian higher education plays a vital role in maturing students for Christian service. I look forward to working with Welch College in this capacity, and I feel that the college’s success will impact the future of our movement like none other.”

The landscape for recruiting students has shifted in recent years. Today’s parents are more active in the college selection process and eager to participate in students’ ongoing educational experience.

Lila Thompson Retires

Mrs. Lila Thompson (pictured below), versatile member of the Welch College staff since 2004, retired September 28, 2012. Mrs. Thompson worked two years in the college’s Financial Aid Office (2004-2006) before shifting to receptionist duties (2006-2010), and on to her part-time role as Business Office Associate in 2010. She developed neuropathy in her hands and feet three years ago, a diagnosis that influenced her decision to pursue early retirement.

While delivering professional service in the Business Office, Lila has also been a surrogate mother to many students, inviting them to her home for weekends and special events, and providing a welcome haven for weary students away from mom and dad.

“My most enjoyable moments at the college have been reaching out to students as needs arose in their lives,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Sometimes a home-cooked meal or a quiet talk is what a student needs to cope with homesickness or write that next term paper. These young men and women are like family to us, and we love them.”

The Kirksville, Missouri, native enrolled at Welch College in 1965, transferred to Truman State University, and returned to Welch College where both she and her husband Ernie graduated in 1970. She worked briefly at Randall House Publications (1969-1970) as a proofreader and typesetter.

Lila and Ernie spent the next 32 years in Missouri raising their family (three sons—Brent, Bryan, Bryce). Lila worked 20 years as a bookkeeper at a public high school. For 15 years, the Thompsons led Child Evangelism Fellowship clubs and camps, and served on the Adair County Board of Directors. Lila impacted the local church and community for 30 years as she taught teen Sunday School at Hazel Creek Free Will Baptist Church (Kirksville).

Since returning to Nashville in 2002, the Thompsons have been members of Cross Timbers FWB Church (Nashville) where Lila served five years as secretary. She and her husband became involved in prison outreach, and Lila wrote an article about their prison ministry titled “The Razor-Wire Church” (ONE Magazine, June-July 2007).