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 www.Welch.edu.

 

College Listed as "Best Christian Workplace"

Welch College received notification it has been certified as a 2018 Best Christian Workplace in the United States, according to Dr. Kevin Hester, vice president for institutional effectiveness. This is the fourth time the college has participated in the survey.

“This is the most widely used assessment instrument for gauging the health of workplace culture,” Hester said. “Welch regularly uses it as one of several means whereby we judge the health of the overall organization and constantly strive for improvement. We’re excited to learn that once again our results have qualified us as a Best Christian Workplace. The survey results indicate that not only is Welch College a great place to study and learn, but it has a flourishing culture and engaged staff committed to our mission of educating leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world. I love going to work at Welch College, and I am grateful to have such a Christ-like, committed group of fellow believers as coworkers.”

To be certified as a Best Christian Workplace, organizations must complete the BCWI employee engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. The survey covers such issues as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian witness, supervisory effectiveness, work satisfaction, personal growth and development, management effectiveness, supporter satisfaction, teamwork, communications, and pay and benefits.

The anonymous survey of full-time employees at Welch College had a 97% response rate. The survey posed 60 questions to employees, grouped in nine major areas: fantastic teams, life-giving work, outstanding talent, uplifting growth, rewarding compensation, inspirational leadership, sustainable strategy, healthy communication, and engagement overall. Welch scored above average in all nine.

Welch Provost Dr. Matthew McAffee said, “One of the top marks of effective organizations is that a lot of people want to work there, and when they come to work there, they don’t want to leave. We’re grateful we have this at Welch, and it’s gratifying to see it evidenced in this national survey.”
For more information on Welch College, visit Welch.edu. To give a gift to fund the construction of the new Welch campus, visit BuildingontheLegacy.com.

Mahler Named Business Officer of the Year

The Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC) recognized Welch College Vice President for Financial Affairs Craig Mahler as the 2018 H. G. Faulkner Distinguished Business Officer of the Year, according to President Matt Pinson. ABACC, a professional society of 183 Christian colleges in the United States and Canada, recognizes outstanding individuals in the field of Christian higher education business and financial management. Mahler was presented the award February 15 during ABACC’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

“It is clear from Craig’s staff’s nomination of him for this award that he goes above and beyond his job description to serve his institution and that his colleagues hold him in great respect,” said Bruce Hoeker, executive director of ABACC.

Mahler was named vice president for financial affairs at Welch College in January 2012. He previously served six years as comptroller (2006-2012). Mahler additionally oversees the business office, financial aid office, and plant operations. He has been an essential part of the campus relocation, serving on the transition planning committee and relocation task force. The Welch student body recognized Mahler as the 2017 recipient of the Bert and Dianne Tippett Award in honor of his diligent work.

Pinson stated, “We could not have faced the challenges of relocation without Craig Mahler’s integrity, work ethic, and expertise. He is wholeheartedly committed to the ministry of Welch College, and we are so proud of him for receiving this singular honor.”
Mahler graduated with honors from Tennessee Technological University, receiving a B.S. in business administration in 2004. He earned the MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2016. Mahler spent several years in Trevecca’s internal audit division while a student at the university and was involved in specialized management training at DeKalb Community Bank, now Wilson Bank & Trust, in Smithville, Tennessee.

Craig and his wife Sabrina have two daughters, Lily and Madeline, and live in Carthage, Tennessee.

Summer School Introduced With Money-Back Transfer Guarantee

Welch College recently announced a new expanded summer school program for 2018, according to Dr. Charles Lea, special assistant to the president.

“College students who are home for the summer from both public and private colleges and universities or new students waiting to begin in the fall can attend Welch and improve their chances of completing a bachelor’s degree in only four years,” Lea said. “Welch College is expanding offerings, simplifying the admission process, and reducing tuition for new students, as well as transient students from other colleges or universities while home in Sumner County for summer break.”

Courses will also be available for high school juniors and seniors who wish to obtain dual enrollment credit. General education, Bible, and selected science courses will be offered in two five-week and two two-week summer sessions.

“In addition to the expanded offering, Welch will introduce a new instructional delivery option, which allows students to attend class five days a week for two weeks and complete the remainder of the course through an independent study option during either five-week term,” said Welch Provost Matthew McAffee. “Most importantly, transferability is guaranteed.”

The lower tuition structure will make Welch the most cost-efficient Christian college in the mid-state. “This summer, students can have it all: lower cost, highest quality, guaranteed transferability, innovative instructional delivery, and a Christian environment,” Lea said. “Don’t waste the summer break. Experience a summer at Welch and see the difference!”

Those interested in applying can visit the Welch College website at welch.edu/summerschool or call 615-675-5336. Classes begin on May 21.