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AS THE OFFICIAL COLLEGE of the Free Will Baptist denomination, Free Will Baptist Bible College has been helping students find their place in God's world since 1942.

57 graduate from fwbbc

NASHVILLE, TN Free Will Baptist Bible College graduated 57 students during commencement exercises on Friday May 5. Graduates came from 15 states and one foreign country. More than 900 people gathered for the ceremony, the largest attendance in many years.

Reverend Gary Fry, executive director for the Missouri State Association of Free Will Baptists and chairman of the FWBBC Board of Trustees, delivered the commencement address from Psalm 91.

The college honored Professor Emeritus Leroy Forlines for serving 50 academic years as a member of the Bible and theology faculty with a plaque of appreciation and a three-foot tall Bulova Wall Clock.

History Program Coordinator John Carter was honored for 25 years of service along with Mrs. Sara Steele, secretary to the Academic Dean, who is retiring after 37 years. Reverend Terry Forrest (Pastoral Ministry Program Coordinator) and Mrs. Barbara Riddle (Exercise Science instructor) were named Co-Academic Advisors of the Year.

The college is pleased to commend the members of the 2006 graduating class:

Associate of Science in Business Degrees

Ana Danielle Batts
Woodlawn, TN

Emily Suzanne Cobb
New Castle, IN

Elizabeth Spruill Colf
Nashville, TN           

Alan Ray Skiles
Ahoskie, NC

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Degrees

April Dawn Michaud
Wapske, NB, Canada

Alison Joy Sagraves
Antioch, TN

Associate of Christian Ministries Degrees

Rebekah Linn Caudill
Joelton, TN

Joshua Wayne Phillips
Nashville, TN

Associate of Arts Degree

Damien Carl Horne
Madison, TN

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Jenna Renee Altom
Business Administration
Cranberry, PA

Nathan Joe Altom
Youth Ministry
Ozark, MO

Keri Lynn Bartlett**
Business Administration
Castaic, CA

Stephen Craig Batts***
Pastoral Ministry
Elm City, NC

John A. Browning, Jr.
Pastoral Ministry
Knoxville, TN

Elizabeth Anne Chamberlin*
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Harrison City, PA

Jessica Lynn Crider*
Christian Education
Batesville, AR

Aaron J. DeMerchant*
Pastoral Ministry
Bristol, NB, Canada

Rachel Christina Forlines
English Education (7-12)
Nashville, TN

Monica Danielle Fowler*
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Winfield, AL

James Douglas Futrell
Business Administration
East Alton, IL

Allan Keith Gates**
Church Music
Walnut Ridge, AR

Tabetha Bowles Gedeon**
Business Administration
Abbeville, MS

Bradley Eric Gentry*
Business Administration
Limestone, TN

Samantha Dawn Graybill***
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Burns, TN

Sarah R. Hadley***
Business Administration
St. Marys, WV

Elizabeth Anne Hale
Exercise Science
Milan, IL

Joseph Bertis Hall
Youth Ministry
Rockingham, NC

AnnaGee Christen Harris**
Bible Education (7-12)
Joelton, TN

Nehemiah Luis Hernandez
Youth Ministry
Suffolk, VA

Heath Levan Hubbard
Business/Missions
Hot Springs, AR

Richard Adam James
Business Administration
Clarksville, TN

Donald Allen Kelley, Jr.
Business Administration
Trenton, MI

Melissa Lynn Kendall
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
New Castle, IN

Jennifer Michelle Kizzire
English Education (7-12)
Winfield, AL

Ashley Nicole Lewis***
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Cisne, IL

Bethany Joy Martin*
Business Administration
Nashville,TN

Jara Lea Miller***
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Colquitt, GA

Emilee Caralee Puckett
Exercise Science
Amory, MS

Khristi Beth Pugh*
Music Performance
Atoka, TN

Jamie L. Scrivner***
Early Childhood (PreK-3)
Millport, AL

Brandon J. Snowder
Missions/Christian Education
Nashville, TN

Christine Rachelle Spradlin
Psychology & Learning (K-8)
Walnut Ridge, AR

Michael Brandon Stutts**
Pastoral Training
Lawrenceburg, TN

Holly Lynn Tuck
Psychology
Norfolk, VA

Gerald Lynn Turner*
Youth Ministry
Tupelo, MS

Heath Austin Tyler
Psychology
Conway, AR

Melissa Carol Van Osdol
Physical Education (Non-licensure)
Bonne Terre, MO

Emily Rachel Walker**
Business Administration           
Nashville, TN

Renee Diane West
Business Administration
Willis, MI

Timothy Grant York
Pastoral Ministry
LaVergne, TN

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Victor Raymond Albright
English
Clarksville, TN

Joshua Lee Bennett*
Pastoral Ministry
Homerville, GA

Maci Rene Dukes
History
Lake Butler, FL

Justin Daniel Hogg
History
Nashville, TN

Patrick V. McDaniel
Missions
Vernon, AL

Elizabeth Brooke Nethercutt***
Bible
Charles Town, WV

Misty Ruth Ragan
English
Nashville, TN

STUDENTS HONORED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

NASHVILLE, TN More than 35 Free Will Baptist Bible College students were cited for academic excellence, Christian service, and other awards during commencement celebrations, according to President J. Matthew Pinson.

Lumen Medal (editor of 2006 yearbook): Sarah Bequette (MO)

Best All-Around Girl: Maci Dukes (FL)

Best All-Around Boy: Gerald Turner (MS)

Most Outstanding Students: Ashley Lewis (IL), Craig Batts (NC)

Student Body President Medal: Gerald Turner (MS)

Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities: Keri Bartlett (CA), Craig Batts (NC), Aaron DeMerchant (Canada), AnnaGee Harris (TN), Heath Hubbard (AR), Ashley Lewis (IL), Jara Miller (GA), Elizabeth Nethercutt (WV), Khristi Pugh (TN), Brandon Stutts (TN), Gerald Turner (MS), Emily Walker (TN)

Seniors inducted into Delta Epsilon Chi Honor Society (ABHE): Jara Miller (GA), Ashley Lewis (IL), Elizabeth Nethercutt (WV)

Graduating Senior with highest GPA (3.94): Jara Miller (GA)

Students with highest GPA (all with 4.0): Freshman: John Carter (TN), Teddie Collier (MO), Kristen Edwards (GA), Derek Lewis (IL) Sophomore: Ryan Akers (TN), Mary Elizabeth Hovies (TN), Brandy Howell (TN) Junior: Drew Bigley (IL), Jill McAlister (CA), Susan Stewart (TN) Senior (non-graduating): Ashley Coker (TN)

Christian Education/Youth Ministry Program Award: Gerald Turner (MS)

Picirilli/Outlaw Greek Award: Mark Headrick (MO)

Adult Degree Program Students of Excellence:

            Bible: David Inman (TN)

            Business: Mike Raybon (TN)

            Teacher Education: Louise Hickey (TN)

Christian Service Group of the Year: Conversation Partners

Christian Service Leader of the Year: Stephanie Whitt (NC)

Men’s Spirit Trophy: John Bunyan

Women’s Spirit Trophy: Louisa Mae Alcott

Ann Pate Outstanding Teacher Award: AnnaGee Harris (TN)

Early Childhood Outstanding Associate Award: Alison Sagraves (TN), 
April Michaud (Canada)

Music Leadership Award: Khristi Pugh (TN)

Music Excellence Award: Allan Gates (AR)

Music Theory Award: Jacob Riggs (TN), Shawn Birmingham (MS)

History Award: Maci Dukes (FL)

Freshman Essay Award:

First Place—Derek Lewis (IL)

Second Place—Kevin Hulguin, (VA)

Third Place—Lauren Webb (MS)

Scholarships:

Paul Ketteman Memorial: Kenny Gossar (KY)--$200

Alumni Memorial: Josh Owens (TN)--$1,000

SB Presidential Leadership Scholarship: David Jones (MO)--$750

Master of Leadership Scholarship: Alan Skiles (TN)--$500

Yearbook Dedication: Darrell Holley

HERITAGE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS HYMNODY

NASHVILLE, TN The annual spring Heritage Week Series at Free Will Baptist Bible College brought Christian hymnody alive to students April 11-14, according to Darrell Holley, English Department chair who also leads the Heritage Week Committee.

This year’s Heritage Week events featured presentations from four distinct periods of Christian hymnody by FWBBC music faculty members James Stevens and Jared Martin.

Mr. Martin began the four-day emphasis on Tuesday with “A History of Christian Hymnody.” Dr. Stevens, who chairs the Music Department, followed with, “Reformation Hymnody.” Martin’s second contribution was titled “Early Evangelical Hymnody.” Dr. Stevens closed out Heritage Week with “Early American Hymnody.”

Students learned some “new” old hymns that have been sung by Christians for hundreds of years. They also sang hymns from The Free Will Baptist Hymn Book: Rejoice! that were written by hymn writers whose music was discussed by presenters, along with its value to the Christian Church at critical points in history.

STUDENT BODY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

NASHVILLE, TN The following students were elected in March to serve as 2006-2007 student body officers at Free Will Baptist Bible College.

David Jones, junior youth ministry major from Fenton, MO, was elected president. The vice president is sophomore Lynsey Stripling, business major from North Little Rock, AR. Leslie Meadows, a junior business major from Lexington, KY, will serve as secretary-treasurer.

Sophomore Clint Adams, a pastoral ministry major from Nippa, KY, was elected chaplain and will provide spiritual leadership for the student body while Derek Altom, a senior Bible major from Nauvoo, AL, will serve as worship leader.

FWBBC ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

NASHVILLE, TN The Free Will Baptist Bible College Board of Trustees approved changes in job titles for five senior administrative officers, according to President J. Matthew Pinson. The changes will create one new position (Vice President for Institutional Planning) and rename four existing positions.

Effectively immediately, the following titles change: Academic Dean becomes Provost; Treasurer becomes Vice President for Financial Affairs; Director of Institutional Advancement becomes Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Dean of Students becomes Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students.

The newly-created position, Vice President for Institutional Planning, will be filled by Dr. Milton Fields, who shifts from Academic Dean, a position he has held since 1998. He will report directly to the president and serve as advisor to the president. He will also take on institutional planning duties, as well as records, registration, and information in what has traditionally been called the Registrar’s office. Fields will spend the first year mentoring Dr. Greg Ketteman in his role as Provost, FWBBC’s chief academic office.

President Pinson said, “This restructuring process will place FWBBC’s executive level leadership in a position to make those decisions necessary for institutional turnaround and advancement. We are on the leading edge of a long-term growth period as a college. We need our key personnel in place to gather and analyze data, to understand how each decision impacts the implementing of our Strategic Plan, and to know how day-to-day operations play out in the classroom and in the lives of our students.”

For the past several years, the president has maintained a leadership team acting as his executive council consisting chiefly of officials who lead the college’s financial, academic, advancement, and student services areas. The revision process to update administrative roles impacts new Provost Greg Ketteman, Academic Dean Milton Fields, Treasurer Tom Sass, Director of Institutional Advancement David Williford, and Dean of Students Jon Forlines.

KETTEMAN NAMED PROVOST

NASHVILLE, TN Dr. Greg Ketteman, 29-year professional educator in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system and principal of H.G. Hill Middle School, has been named to the newly-created position of Provost at Free Will Baptist Bible College, according to President J. Matthew Pinson.

In his role as Provost, Dr. Ketteman (50) will be the chief academic officer, fulfilling duties similar to the Academic Dean in previous years. He succeeds Dr. Milton Fields, current Academic Dean, who will be become the college’s Vice President for Institutional Planning.

President Pinson said, “Dr. Ketteman is the ideal person to fill this position. He has served admirably as a teacher and principal, as well as a member of the FWBBC Board of Trustees. He brings solid academic preparation in both public administration and educational administration. This, combined with his heritage, his love and support for FWBBC, his noteworthy church ministry, and his commitment to integrity and holy living, give him unique credentials for this administrative position.”

Dr. Milton Fields said about Ketteman’s appointment, “This has been one of my dreams for three years. Bringing Dr. Ketteman on board is a strong move to solidify academic excellence at FWBBC, and this will be an easy transition. Greg is a life-long Free Will Baptist, an outstanding educator, and one of the best men I’ve ever met. We are fortunate to have him as our chief academic officer.”

Ketteman is a 1977 FWBBC graduate (B.S.). He earned the M.Ed. at Middle Tennessee State University (1981) and the Ed.D. at Tennessee State University (2005). His career includes 15 years as a teacher and 14 years as a principal. He is a member of Cross Timbers FWB Church in Nashville where he serves as a deacon, music director, and Sunday School teacher.

“I’m honored that President Pinson believes I’m the person for this job,” Ketteman said. “Everybody there knows something about the job that I’m supposed to do. I’ll ask them all. I’ll need time to earn the trust of the faculty and staff, time to observe and listen and learn.”

Dr. Ketteman has been part of the FWBBC family his entire life. His father, the late Paul J. Ketteman, was the college’s first student in 1942, and later worked for the college 25 years in fundraising and public relations. His mother, Mrs. Helen Ketteman Smith, taught business 20 years at the college. Greg’s wife Jill and their two children graduated from FWBBC. His sister, Mrs. Carol (Ketteman) Reid, is the college’s Librarian.

“I believe that President Pinson has cast a wise, confident vision for FWBBC, and I’m delighted to be part of making it become a reality,” Ketteman said. “I look forward to playing a role in the preparation of young men and women for a lifetime of effective service for Christ.”

WARRENS TO BE MISSIONARIES-IN-RESIDENCE

NASHVILLE, TN Sean and Jill Warren, missionaries to France, will serve as missionaries-in-residence at Free Will Baptist Bible College for 2006-2007, according to missions program coordinator, Ron Callaway.

“Sean and Jill form part of the Mediterranean Team (M-Team) in southern France,” Callaway said. “In addition to their ministries to the supporting churches, Sean will teach at FWBBC, and the Warrens will work with the students on campus.”

The Warrens are both FWBBC graduates. They have two children—Sophia and Lola. Sean completed a Master of Arts degree at Columbia International University. They will succeed Dennis and Trena Owen who are scheduled to return to Uruguay this summer where Dennis will complete his doctorate.

Missionaries-in-residence generally serve a one-year term before returning to the field. During that year, the missionary lives on campus in the Laura Belle Barnard House, teaches classes, and promotes missions among the students.

The goal of the missionary-in-residence (MIR) program is to help students develop a vision for and accept the challenge of global evangelism. The MIR program is operated in cooperation with the Free Will Baptist International Missions Department.

THREE-GENERATION PIANO RECITAL

NASHVILLE, TN Music Major Khristi Pugh’s senior recital on April 7 included two piano pieces by three generations of her family, according to Dr. James Stevens, chairman of the Music Department. “This is very unusual,” said Stevens. “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen anything like it, and I don’t expect to ever see it again.”

Miss Pugh’s recital, while designed to demonstrate instrumental expertise and the ability to memorize and perform difficult music from several musical periods, included two special moments when she performed piano trios with her mother and grandmother.

Three grand pianos strategically placed in FWBBC’s Memorial Auditorium focused the attention of recital attendees on Khristi, her mother Rebecca Pugh (a pastor’s wife from TN), and her grandmother Maude Coffey who taught piano at the college. The three played a trio-version of a work from the early 20th century by Ravel and a concerto from the Romantic Period by Mendelssohn.

The graduating senior has been active in the college family, serving two years as pianist for the college choir. She also plays during chapel services, and served as secretary-treasurer of the senior class.

Dr. Stevens said, “Khristi’s recital was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her and for the college family.”

FLAMES WIN 20 GAMES

NASHVILLE, TN The Flames basketball team ended their 20th season with a 20-9 overall record in 2005-2006, according to Athletic Director Mike Phillips. “This was only the third time in team history that a Flames team won 20 or more games,” Phillips said.

Back Row: (L-R) Head Coach Mike Phillips, Cody Truett, Clint Adams, Chris Dobbs, Jamie Futrell, Ricky Hogue, Damien Horne, Assistant Coach Mike Shepard.

Front Row: (L-R) Caleb Ferguson, Jonathan Sawyer, Heath Hubbard, Matt Dunlap, Joseph Hall, Hughes Jeannott.

The 20-win team was led by four seniors: Matt Dunlap, Jamie Futrell, Joseph Hall, and Heath Hubbard (who played four years in a Flames uniform). Highlights of the year included winning all three games in the North-South Shootout Tournament in Florida, winning the Warren Wilson Tournament, and defeating both the third-ranked team in the nation (Kentucky Christian University) and the seventh-ranked team in the nation (Cincinnati Christian University).

The Flames also recorded outstanding individual achievements. Senior point guard Matt Dunlap scored his 1,000th career point. Sophomore center Chris Dobbs was named Warren Wilson Tournament MVP, and along with sophomore guard Jonathan Sawyer was named to the All-Tournament team.

Sophomore shooting guard Caleb Ferguson earned a place in history as he led the nation in three-point field goal shooting percentage (49.1%). He is now the Flames’ all-time leader in three-point field goal shooting percentage. Three players were named to the NCCAA Mid-East All-Regional Second Team: Senior Matt Dunlap, Senior Jamie Futrell, and Sophomore Chris Dobbs.

When the FWBBC Athletics Department held its annual awards banquet in April, five players came away with individual awards. Matt Dunlap was named “Offensive Player of the Year,” Senior Jamie Futrell “Defensive Player of the Year,” and Sophomore Caleb Ferguson “Most Improved Player of the Year.”

Senior Heath Hubbard won the “Matt Fouch Award” which is given to the student/athlete displaying the most hustle and hard work throughout the year.

The prestigious “Robert E. Picirilli Award” was presented to Senior Joseph Hall, the first time since 2002 that the award has been presented to a student. To win the award, a student/athlete must meet several criteria, including not only athletic achievement but academic quality and spiritual leadership on and off the court.

The Athletics Department thanks FWBBC students, faculty, and staff, and Flames’ fans across the country who supported the team all year.

FLAMES BASEBALL TEAM named MID-EAST REGION CHAMPS

NASHVILLE, TN The Flames baseball team finished the season ranked number one in the Mid-East Region of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), according to first-year head coach Joey McGlashan. The team was preparing to travel to Knoxville and compete in the regional tournament when inclement weather caused the tournament to be cancelled.

This marks the first time the Flames have won the Mid-East Region. Their 5-2 regional record includes three wins over last year’s regional champions, Cincinnati Christian University. The team’s overall record (9-12) reflects losses to several non-conference teams from larger colleges.

Front Row: (L-R) James Judkins, Jerod McNeal, Dan Brown, Derrick Parker, Jamie Futrell, Brandon Roysden, Sean Mercer (not on team).

Back Row: (L-R) Assistant Coach Kent Berkley, Samuel Donahue, Donald Kelley, Brandon Davis, Daniel Robinson, Assistant Coach David Teague, Head Coach Joey McGlashan.

Coach McGlashan said, “This has been a great year for us. We struggled at times, because we only have 11 players on the roster. I’m really proud of these guys. They’re an iron-man squad; everybody goes all-out every game. They worked hard and were good ambassadors for the college. They pulled together when things got tough and brought the regional banner home.”

“Four of our players graduate this spring, so we’ll need more players next fall. I’ll be contacting young men across the denomination about enrolling at FWBBC and joining the Flames baseball team.”

Athletic Director Mike Phillips said, “Winning this championship is a great confidence builder for the team. I’m excited for the squad and for the college. This will help put FWBBC on the baseball map, and it will go a long way toward stabilizing the school’s baseball program.”

The college reintroduced the baseball program in 2003 as an intercollegiate varsity level sport. If the Flames win the Mid-East Region next year, they hope to compete in the national tournament.