TWC ARCHES Fall 2012

ARCHES 

The Magazine of Tennessee Wesleyan College 

TOP DOGS 

TWC BASEBALL BRINGS HOME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 

Fall 2012

Acknowledging Accomplishments 

A message from the President 

Dear TWC Family and Friends, 

Since arriving at Tennessee Wesleyan on July 1, 2011, I have had 

the opportunity to be a part of several exciting milestones in the 

life of the college. TWC had a near record year in fundraising, 

strong enrollment last year and a record number this year, and 

of course, an amazing year in athletics. Athletics has long been a 

special part of the heritage of the college. The walls of the James 

L. Robb Gymnasium are covered with many sports honorees. 

While there are always many TWC accomplishments to brag 

about, this past year will certainly go down as one of the most 

successful for our student athletes and coaches. Here are just a 

few of the highlights: 

• Nine regular or tournament championships 

• Six national tournament appearances 

• 34 all-academic student honors 

• Six conference coach or athletic director of the year 

• One national coach of the year 

• One NAIA national baseball championship 

All of these accolades were topped off by the national baseball championship win, a conference champion of 

character award and the Duard Walker All-Sports trophy. 

These peak achievements will forever be imprinted into the memory of those student athletes who worked 

together to attain top honors. What will not appear in the record books is the outstanding performance 

off of the court and field of our athletes as servant leaders doing numerous hours of service in the Athens 

community. Like many of our students, our student athletes are exemplary representatives of the spirit of 

Wesleyan – compassionate, hardworking and driven to achieve – sometimes against great odds. 

Please join me in congratulating our athletes, coaches and athletic administration for a memorable year that 

we will long cherish. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Harley Knowles 

President



Volume 12 | No. 2 | Fall 2012 

ON THE COVER: 

TWC’s men’s baseball team celebrated a record-setting 

season this year when they won the championship game of 

the NAIA World Series with a 10-6 victory over Oklahoma’s 

Rogers State University. The Bulldogs finished the season 

53-12, earning their first NAIA title in their third straight 

World Series appearance. Continue reading on page 10. 

18ALUMNI: 

TWC Alumni Mark Lefler and Bob 

Ketchersid are enjoying a successful radio career with 

local radio station WYXI, working together to provide a 

valuable service to the Athens community. 

13 

4 INAUGURATION 

This past April Dr. Harley Knowles was officially inaugurated as 

TWC’s 21st president. Community members, visiting colleagues 

and TWC faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered together 

in Townsend Memorial Hall for the inauguration investiture to 

celebrate his past nine months of work at the college. 

15 WOMACK 

GEORGE R. JOHNSON 

Through May and June, any gift contributed to Tennessee 

Wesleyan College’s general scholarship fund was doubled 

thanks to a matching challenge grant the George R. Johnson 

Family Foundation generously contributed to the college, 

matching up to a total of $50,000 and doubling the charitable 

impact of donations to the general scholarship fund. 

Maj. Gen. Fred Womack and his wife Teresa donated 

a Tennessee Wesleyan scholarship for veterans and 

their dependents. 

17 

NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 

Tennessee Wesleyan is now offering its first online degree, 

an RN to BSN, as well its first graduate degree, a Master’s of 

Science in Curriculum Leadership. 

21 RETIREMENT 

With 57 years of dedicated service and leadership between 

them, recent Tennessee Wesleyan College retirees Sam 

Roberts and Joyce Baker have left behind a legacy at the 

college they each spent nearly 30 years teaching at. 

24 

28 

Tennessee Wesleyan College adheres to the principles of equal education, employment 

opportunity and participation in collegiate activities without regard to race, color, religion, 

national origin, sex, age, marital or family status, disability or sexual orientation. This policy 

extends to all programs and activities supported by the college. 

Tennessee Wesleyan College is a four-year, private liberal arts institution 

affiliated with the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

FACULTY PERSPECTIVE 

Dr. Eric Love shares his thoughts on Tennessee Wesleyan’s 

theatre program and its talented student participants. 

PAMELA CLARK DONATION 

May 2013 one Sweetwater High School student will receive 

scholarship funding for Tennessee Wesleyan College thanks 

to the generous donation of Pamela Clark of State Farm 

Insurance Agency in Sweetwater, Tenn. 

Postmaster 

Send address changes to: 

Tennessee Wesleyan College 

Office of Alumni Relations 

204 East College Street 

Athens, Tennessee 37303

T 

Faith and Hope 

Dr. Harley Knowles 

inaugurated as 21st president 

his past April Dr. Harley Knowles 

was officially inaugurated as TWC’s 

21st president. Community members, 

visiting colleagues and TWC faculty, staff, 

students and alumni gathered together in 

Townsend Memorial Hall for the inauguration 

investiture to celebrate his past nine months of 

work at the college. 

Award-winning author and social activist Paul Loeb was 

the keynote speaker at the academic symposium in Trinity United 

Methodist Church, challenging faculty, staff, students and guests 

to be responsible citizens who live lives of empowerment. The 

inauguration investiture took place in Townsend Memorial Hall 

and was followed by an afternoon of lunch and music on the quad. 

A musical performance in Townsend Memorial Hall featuring the 

TWC Concert Choir, Vox Humana and Chorale wrapped up the 

day’s events. 

Celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Harley Knowles as TWC’s 21st 

president, community members and colleagues from McMinn County 

Mayor John Gentry to Chairman of TWC Board of Trustees Jim 

Winer officially welcomed Knowles and recognized the role that the 

college plays within the community. 

“Since 1857 Tennessee Wesleyan and McMinn County have enjoyed 

a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship,” said Gentry. “For over 

a century and a half, TWC has educated many of our students and 

in turn has produced many of our private and public sector leaders. 

McMinn County is grateful for the valuable role TWC has played in 

the development of this community.” 

Following welcomes from community leaders and visiting colleagues, 

Dr. Harley Knowles spoke proudly of the nine months he has spent 

serving as Tennessee Wesleyan College’s 21st president. Citing 

community support and a faculty that operates more like a family 

than a collection of employees, Knowles thanked colleagues and 

community members who have helped him transition smoothly into 

his presidential role. 

4 ARCHES | Fall 2012 

“It’s hard to imagine a community across this 

country that is more inextricably intertwined in 

the life and the future success of a college than 

this community,” said Knowles, who took over 

the office of TWC president July 1, 2011. “I’m 

inspired by your faith and commitment in seeing 

that Tennessee Wesleyan takes its distinctive place 

as a leader in higher education.” 

Knowles acknowledged the college’s faculty and staff for their 

unwavering dedication to the success of the college. 

“The Wesleyan community is a group of selfless, committed faculty 

and staff who believe in putting the college’s ambitions above and 

beyond their own personal considerations,” Knowles said. “I asked 

myself many times, ‘Why do so many of you act in solidarity to teach 

and guide generations of young people who walk under the Wesleyan 

arches?’ I think I’ve discovered why. 

“Because Wesleyan faculty and staff have experienced the power of 

learning in their own lives and they endeavor to offer up the same 

awakening in the lives of others. This college community values the 

transformational power of learning and the promise of career, spiritual 

and personal prosperity that a rigorous college experience provides, as 

well as the promise that it provides the community.” 

Knowles is currently finalizing a strategic plan with a strategic 

planning council comprised of trustees, faculty and staff. The strategic 

plan will highlight what the college’s focus will be as it looks toward 

future growth that would position the college to become a university 

offering newly formed graduate programs. 

Focused on five strategic themes, the strategic plan addresses launching 

new and distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs, substantial 

enhancements to campus life for all students, a significant 

expansion of outreach and growth opportunities 

that further strengthens the religious core of the 

college and maintaining an organizational culture 

and structure that’s supportive of a highperforming, 

comprehensive college.

“The college’s greatest resource is its faculty and staff,” said 

Knowles. “The success of the college is dependent on the creation 

and maintenance of a campus climate that values teamwork, 

open communication, professional development and unparalleled 

commitment to continuous improvement.” 

Looking to the future, Knowles sees endless opportunities for 

advancement at the college. 

“Despite challenging times, the Wesleyan community has faith and 

hope in a better day,” said Knowles. “An essential belief here is that 

anything is possible, if you bring all of your talents to bear on the 

important work ahead.” 

Living Lives of Empowerment: 

Social activist Paul Loeb shares views 

on social commitment, citizen responsibility 

A ward-winning 

That important work starts with the leadership and direction of the 

college president said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jim Winer 

in his welcome to Knowles. 

“In just over nine short months, Dr. Knowles has worked hard to orient 

himself in a complex organization, constituent base and new community, 

as well as reinvigorated Tennessee Wesleyan College’s strategic planning 

process, managed the successful negotiation with debt with the college’s 

lending partners, supported and encouraged the implementation of best 

practices and worked to create an atmosphere where faculty and staff can 

be the brilliant people that they are,” said Winer. 

“As a college community, we’re fortunate to have Dr. Knowles lead us.” 

ward-winning author and social activist Paul Loeb was the keynote speaker at the academic symposium 

that was held in Trinity United Methodist Church on the morning of Dr. Harley Knowles inauguration 

day. Loeb challenged faculty, staff, students and guests to be responsible citizens who live lives of empowerment. 

Loeb encouraged those on the TWC campus to take a leap of faith and have intentionality when it comes 

to being a part of great change – change on campus, change in the local community and change globally. 

“Anybody “Anybody in a TWC classroom could become the next global global leader who makes makes the the world a better better place,” place,” said Loeb. 

“Professors should challenge their students and work to get them involved, excited and charged up. We all need to be inspired.” 

www.twcnet.edu 5


The Light of 

the World 

More than 230 

students graduated 

at 155th Commencement

L 

ast May’s 155th Commencement started with a Thursday evening Nurse Pinning 

Ceremony in Knoxville and concluded with a Saturday morning Commencement 

service where more than 230 students celebrated their graduation and received their degrees. 

Held in McMinn County High School’s gymnasium because of inclement weather, the 

graduates were cheered on by more than 5,000 family members, friends and college faculty 

and staff. 

The commencement celebration was complete with dazzlingly decorated caps and excited 

cheers from proud parents and relatives who watched their student walk across the stage and 

accept their diploma. 

A message of hope and inspiration to this year’s TWC graduates was delivered by Commencement 

Speaker Dr. Claude Pressnell, Jr., president of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and 

Universities Association, and Baccalaureate Speaker Dr. Rev. Joseph Eldridge, a university 

chaplain and adjunct faculty in the School of International Service at American University. 

Eldridge’s speech from Friday evening’s Baccalaureate emphasized the power of love in the world 

and in the graduate’s futures. 

“You are heading into a world that needs you,” said Eldridge, a 1967 graduate of TWC. “A world in 

which civility and community are shattered, a world in which justice is denied to so many, a world 

fervently in need of help, a world longing for people to demonstrate the love that you have come 

to know. You can do it. You are up to the task. 

“You’re the ones we have been waiting for. You’re the ones you’ve been waiting for. You are the 

light of the world. A world in which people think they possess all kinds of knowledge but are 

lacking in the knowledge of the one thing that can actually transform communities and give hope 

to the world: love. That love is something you have. That love is something you know. And in 

the end, that love is all you need.” 

Pressnell’s Saturday morning Commencement speech echoed Eldridge’s emphasis on the 

importance of love and compassion and the role that they both can play in the lives of the 

students’ and the communities and world that they are entering as college graduates. 

The graduates were encouraged by the speakers and college faculty to be committed to 

bettering their communities and living lives of fulfillment. They answered that call of 

responsibility with excited cheers, hopeful smiles and a sigh of relief that they can finally 

check their bachelor’s degrees off of their life to-do list. 

As the graduates looked forward to life on the 

other side of their academic degrees, Pressnell 

advised them that the on-going pursuit of knowledge 

does not end once academic study concludes. 

“You thought you were done but you’re not done,” said 

Pressnell. “You’re going to be pursuing knowledge your 

whole life. You will not completely understand that which 

you have studied until you have a broader understanding of 

the human experience around you.” 

Townsend Awards 

Grant Beeler and Karessa Cunningham 

Honored for Retirement 

Dr. Sam Roberts and Dr. Joyce Baker 

The Harry Steadman Award 

Dr. Sam Roberts and Dr. Stella Roberts 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award 

Jeff Cunningham (pictured left) 

The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award 

Jerri Bryant (pictured right) 

The Athens Area Chamber 

of Commerce Awards 

Ashley Yell 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award 

Gray Wattenbarger (pictured left) 

The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award 

Merriam Krahala (pictured right) 

www.twcnet.edu 7

T 

Making a Difference 

62 nursing students receive pins 

at graduation ceremony 

ennessee Wesleyan College’s Fort Sanders Nursing Department 

pinned 62 graduates during May’s senior convocation and 

pinning ceremony. Faculty, students, friends and family gathered 

at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., to 

celebrate the academic achievements of the 62 graduates. Class 

President Afeni Henderson delivered the student address while the 

keynote address was given by Diane Oliver, vice president and chief 

nursing officer of Parkwest Medical Center. 

Henderson congratulated her fellow classmates on making it to “a day 

that [she] thought would never get here.” 

“All of the hard work and dedication has finally paid off,” said 

Henderson, who equated nursing school with going through the 

five stages of grief. “We survived countless hours of studying, various 

assignments, gut-wrenching exams and clinical rotations that spanned 

across Anderson, Blount, Davidson and Knox counties. For this, we 

can be proud.” 

From anger over a tremendous work load, to bargaining with God to 

get a passing grade on a test, Henderson believes her and her fellow 

classmates went through denial, anger, bargaining and depression 

before reaching the final stage of grief: acceptance. 

“Now that we are here at the end, we must know that nursing is not 

just a profession,” said Henderson. “It is a lifelong commitment to 

making a difference in people’s lives. Regardless of the paths we 

choose to take from this point on, whether it is quickly entering 

the work place, beginning graduate school in the fall or taking some 


much needed time off for vacation, we are in the position where our 

decisions as nurses can greatly impact the lives of others.” 

In her keynote address, Oliver underscored Henderson’s emphasis on 

the impact her and her classmates will have on their patients and 

their patients’ families. 

“It is my hope that you will 

practice always within the 

scope and standards that 

have been defined by our 

profession,” said Oliver. 

“Today you are pledging to 

always keep the patient and 

their family at the center 

of your practice. You are 

committing today to be an 

avid and lifelong ambassador 

for our profession and to 

always promote both the art 

and the science of nursing.”

“You are committi ng today to be 

an avid and lifelong ambassador 

for our profession and to always 

promote both the art and the 

science of nursing.” 

Diane Oliver, vice president and chief 

nursing offi cer of Parkwest Medical Center. 

www.twcnet.edu 9

TOP DOGS 

TWC BASEBALL BRINGS HOME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 

T 

he successful history of Tennessee Wesleyan athletics is no 

secret. Eleven All-American Athletes, 16 All-American 

Honorable Mentions, 27 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes, five 

Champions of Character Teams, one Champions of Character 

Institution Award, one AAC Duard Walker All Sports Trophy, 34 

Conference Titles, 26 National Tournament Appearances and now 

one National Championship are all accomplishments the 155 yearold 

college can be proud of. 

TWC’s baseball team celebrated a record-setting season this year 

when they won the championship game of the Avista NAIA World 

Series with a 10-6 victory over Oklahoma’s Rogers State University. 

The Bulldogs finished the season 53-12, earning their first NAIA 

title in their third straight World Series appearance. While the 2012 

baseball season ended with a boisterous championship win, it started 

with a quiet determination. 

“At the beginning of every athletic year, our athletes meet in the 

gym and the coaches and I talk about what we expect out of them,” 

said Donny Mayfield, TWC athletic director. “This year I told them, 

‘Guys, we have close to 300 student athletes on this campus. We need 

to have 300 student leaders on this campus.’” 

“It was uncharted territory.” - Head Baseball Coach, Billy Berry 


And lead the 2012 men’s baseball team did. With a season that 

included a nation’s best 21-game winning streak that was followed 

by a 17-game winning streak that took them to the World Series, this 

season TWC Head Baseball Baseball Coach Billy Berry continued coaching 

under under a restructured approach he implemented in in 2010, while his 

Bulldogs embraced their their coach’s techniques and focused their efforts 

on playing hard. 

“Three years ago we started to change the way we did things,” said 

Berry, who just finished his seventh season coaching coaching at the college. 

“After all of these years coaching, coaching, I started to realize that I was 

coaching somebody somebody else’s else’s son and that it it was up to me to not just be 

their coach but to be somebody that they could trust, somebody they 

could look up to, somebody they could learn from.” 

Berry believes it’s not a fluke that in 2010, the first year he began 

to change his coaching strategy, his Bulldogs made it to the NAIA 

World Series for the first time. They once again made an appearance 

at the World Series the following year before ultimately winning the 

championship this 2011-2012 season. 

“Good things happen to good people and we had a lot of good people 

this year,” said Berry. “This group had a rare combination of talent 

and chemistry and I think we knew early on this could be 

something special. I don’t know if I’ll ever have another 

group like them.” 

Words of encouragement from Berry coached and inspired 

the TWC Bulldogs before each game throughout the 

season, especially those they played in the World Series. 

“Before every game I told them, ‘You’re going to find 

out something after this game about yourself, you as a 

person, that you didn’t know before it started. That’s 

what it takes. You have to find another gear. And I know 

that’s hard,’” said Berry. “I told them before those last few 

games, ‘You’re going to be able to ask yourself a question 

at the end of each night, and you’re going to find out 

something new and different about yourself.’” 

Berry compared playing in the final games of the NAIA 

World Series to being out in the ocean without a compass.

“It was uncharted territory,” he said. 

Uncharted territory or not, the Bulldogs brought home the 

national title to Athens, Tenn., stepping off of the bus to a 

crowd of hundreds of supporters. Family members, friends, 

TWC faculty and staff and Athens community members 

welcomed home the new national champions with pride. The 

championship win was a dream come true for the TWC men’s 

baseball team players and coaching staff. 

“Dreams are a funny thing,” said Coach Berry. “Now I 

have to find a new dream. I had it written on my bucket 

list that I wanted to win a national championship. I 

didn’t know if it was possible. I know now that it was. 

It is. Dreams come true.” 

Having accomplished a 308-114 record under Berry, 

the TWC baseball team team has established a a legacy legacy of 

achievement for for new players and TWC recruits to to 

live up to and become a part of. 

“I don’t want to be one of of those teams teams that win 

the championship and and then you never never hear from 

them again,” said Berry. 

Although Berry and his assistant coaches are 

moving forward forward with plans for their their future 

players, Berry will always remember his national 

champion group with pride. 

“This was a special group group who played hard 

and were dedicated to doing doing their best,” said 

Berry. Berry. “They “They were great student student athletes and and 

exceptional student leaders.” 

2012: A SEASON OF ACHIEVEMENT 

NOTABLE SEASON ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

2012 NAIA Nati onal Champions 

Appalachian Athleti c Conference regular season 

champions, sixth in the past seven years 

Appalachian Athleti c Conference tournament 

champions for sixth straight year 

NAIA fi rst-round bracket playoff champions 

A third straight appearance in the NAIA World Series 

A 5-1 record in the World Series 

Single season school record for wins (53) 

Win streaks of 21 and 17 games 

The program’s fi rst-ever No. 1 fi nal Top 25 poll ranking 

No. 1 nati onally in total hits (716) 

No. 1 in total runs scored (573) 

No. 1 in total RBIs (531) 

No. 1 in RBIs per game (8.2) 

No. 2 in slugging percentage (.541) 

No. 2 in home runs per game (1.4) 

No. 2 in total runs per game (8.8) 

No. 3 in total batt ers struck out (508) 

No. 7 in batti ng average (.337) 

www.twcnet.edu 11

Building Momentum, 

Now and for the Future 

A 

s the momentum continues to build at Tennessee Wesleyan, I want 

to invite you to be a part of the excitement. As you know, it takes a 

significant amount of financial resources to enhance, maintain and launch 

new academic programs as well as modernize and construct new facilities. 

Most importantly, it takes a group of compassionate people to provide 

scholarship support for students with limited financial resources so that 

they will have the opportunity to pursue their dream of a college education. 

We sincerely appreciate the support that has come from our alumni and 

friends that have helped make this past year a tremendous success. Some 

chose to make an unrestricted gift while others elected to support an area 

about which they are passionate such as technology resources, facility 

improvements, athletics, scholarship support and much more. 

I encourage you to continue supporting the college with your gifts so that 

the momentum will continue to build but I also want to remind you of the 

mutual benefits to a planned gift. After launching Tennessee Wesleyan’s 

“Heritage Society” several individuals have contacted the Advancement 

Office to let us know of their estate plans that has helped them maximize 

personal financial objectives while providing for the future of the college, 

its programs and its students. 

Here are a few types of gifts that can have mutual benefits: 

Securities: save capital gains tax by donating appreciated stocks, bonds 

or other securities while receiving a charitable deduction on the full 

market value 

Real Estate: real estate gifts can provide a stable, long-term contribution 

to the college and can complement your overall estate plan. Real estate 

gift options include homes, farms, condominiums, undeveloped land, 

commercial property and other types of real estate. 

Bequest: reduces the size of your taxable estate 

Charitable Gift Annuity: provides a guaranteed life income 

Charitable Remainder Trust: pays you a fixed income for your lifetime 

or a set term, at which time the principle transfers to the college 

Life Estate: gives you the right to use property or receive its income 

during your life and then passes tax-free to the college 

Tennessee Wesleyan College is proud to bestow membership in the 

Heritage Society on donors who have planned gifts, bringing together 

and honoring the special friends of the college who, through their vision, 

provide a legacy of support for generations of students. 

Sincerely, 

Randy Nelson, Chief Advancement Officer 


Benefi ts of charitable 

gift annuity include: 

• Stability and safety from market downturns 

• Income for life with a payout rate oft en higher than 

CDs and other fi xed-income investments 

• A charitable income-tax deducti on, parti ally tax-free 

income, and possible capital-gain tax avoidance with 

appreciated property 

• Supporti ng our mission now and in the future 

• Membership in the Heritage Society 

Immediate-Payment 

Gift Annuity Rates 

ONE LIFE 

Age Rate 

60 4.4% 

65 4.7% 

70 5.1% 

75 5.8% 

80 6.8% 

85 7.8% 

90 9.0% 

TWO LIVES 

Ages Rates 

60-60 3.9% 

65-65 4.2% 

70-70 4.6% 

75-75 5.0% 

80-80 5.7% 

85-85 6.7% 

90-90 8.2% 

To notify us of your estate plan intentions or if you 

would like to know more about how you can support 

the mission of Tennessee Wesleyan College through 

your estate, please contact: 

Randy Nelson 

Randy Nelson 

Chief Advancement Officer 

Email: rnelson@twcnet.edu 

Office 423.746.5330 

Fax: 423.746.5326 

www.twcnet.edu 

The information contained in this article is offered for general informational 

and educational purposes. The figures cited in the examples are illustrations and 

are accurate at the time of writing and are based on federal law as well as IRS 

discount rates that change monthly. You should seek the advice of an attorney for 

applicability to your own situation.

Matching gift from 

George R. Johnson Foundation 

supports TWC 

T 

hrough May and June, any gift contributed to Tennessee 

Wesleyan College’s general scholarship fund was doubled 

thanks to a matching challenge grant the George R. Johnson Family 

Foundation generously contributed to the college. The foundation 

matched up to a total of $50,000, doubling the charitable impact of 

donations to the general scholarship fund until the end of the college’s 

fiscal year, June 30. 

“We made this grant to Tennessee Wesleyan because it is such an 

important part of life in Athens,” said Janice Wilson, executive 

director of the foundation and daughter of George R. Johnson. 

“The faculty and students at Tennessee Wesleyan are great assets 

to the community.” 

George R. Johnson, who attended Tennessee Wesleyan in 1949 and 

1950, was an entrepreneur who made the first franchise agreement 

for a Hardee’s restaurant in Tennessee, building the first restaurant 

in Athens, Tenn., in 1966 and the second in Cleveland, Tenn., in 

1967. Today there are 43 Hardee’s restaurants currently operated by 

the Johnson family in East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. 

Before passing away from cancer in 1996, Johnson expanded his 

business and started his foundation to benefit the communities 

where his Hardee’s restaurants are located. Today, Johnson’s 

philanthropic goals are being carried out through his children and 

the family foundation. 

“The foundation wanted to support Tennessee Wesleyan because it is 

good for the community as a whole,” said Wilson. “It’s important that 

our local colleges have the resources and facilities to bring in students 

from both in and out of state.” 

Wilson hoped that the foundation’s matching gift would motivate 

others to give to Tennessee Wesleyan. The $50,000 total was 

reached and matched by the foundation at the end of June. TWC 

President Harley Knowles saw the impact the foundation’s gift made 

at the college. 

“A gift like this is a catalyst that motivates others to show support for 

Tennessee Wesleyan,” said Dr. Knowles. 

Gifts that came in through the month of June helped the college 

exceed its $50,000 challenge. 

“We are so grateful to the donors and the many other alumni, friends 

and community partners for their help in successfully reaching the 

challenge gift goal,” said Randy Nelson, TWC’s chief advancement 

officer. “The George R. Johnson Foundation has once again made an 

incredible contribution to Tennessee Wesleyan.” 

“We made this grant to Tennessee Wesleyan 

because it is such an important part of life in Athens.” 

~ Janice Wilson 

www.twcnet.edu 13

Donor Spotlights 

We are grateful for all of our donors. 

Below are just a few spotlights on a few of our generous supporters. 

Tennessee Wesleyan College’s President Harley Knowles (right) accepts a generous gift 

from SouthEast Bank President Tom Hughes. SouthEast Bank made this contribution 

in support of the college’s general scholarship fund which will help underwrite the 

scholarships received by students from the McMinn County area who will be enrolling 

at the college. This donation will be doubled because of the George R. Johnson Family 

Foundation’s matching gift. 

“We appreciate what the college does for our community,” said Hughes. “We want to do 

all that we can to support the college and we donated now so that our donation could be 

doubled through the matching gift. We wanted to be a part of that impact.” 

Athens Federal Community Bank recently presented Tennessee Wesleyan College 

with a donation of five thousand dollars ($5,000) in honor of TWC Senior Vice 

President Larry Wallace. 

In lieu of an employee appreciation outing in 2011, the staff of Athens Federal elected 

to make a local charitable contribution; the bank’s board of directors designated 

Tennessee Wesleyan College as the recipient of the $5,000 gift. 

“Throughout his storied career, Larry Wallace has represented the highest level of 

honor and integrity and Athens Federal is proud to recognize his contributions to 

TWC and this community,” said Jeff Cunningham, president and CEO of Athens 

Federal Community Bank. 


BB&T recently contributed a donation to the college’s general scholarship fund which 

will be doubled because of the George R. Johnson Family Foundation’s matching gift which 

doubled donations to the college up to a total of $50,000 throughout the month of June. 

Tennessee Wesleyan College’s Chief Advancement Officer Randy Nelson (left) and 

President Harley Knowles (right) accept the contribution from BB&T Senior Vice 

President Bo Perkinson (center) on behalf of the college. 

“We sincerely appreciate the support of this community,” said Knowles. “We truly value 

the partnerships with local businesses and community leaders such as BB&T.” 

Citizens National Bank, one of TWC’s longtime banking partners, recently made a 

generous gift to Tennessee Welseyan’s general scholarship fund in response to the George 

R. Johnson Family Foundation’s $50,000 challenge gift. 

“We appreciate the long partnership that the college has had with Citizen’s National 

Bank and the Willson family,” said TWC President Harley Knowles. “They have been 

faithful in their support of the college for many years.” 

From left to right: Citizen’s National Bank Chairman/CEO Paul Willson, TWC President 

Harley Knowles, Citizen’s National Bank Senior Credit Officer Charles Davis and TWC 

Chief Advancement Officer Randy Nelson. 

“This gift has put us over the top of the $50,000 challenge gift from the George R. Johnson Family Foundation,” said Randy Nelson, TWC’s 

chief advancement officer. “We are so grateful to Citizens Bank and the many other alumni, friends and community partners for their help in 

successfully reaching the challenge gift goal.

VALUING VETERANS 

Womacks donate scholarship for veterans 

and their dependents 

M 

aj. Gen. Fred Womack and his wife Teresa value an education on to graduate from the Air War College in 1984, later becoming the 

more than anything. While the two are passionate about 

flying planes, traveling and spending time with family, their principal 

Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard. 

passion is giving back. For the next five years they are “returning the “My goal in life was to be an Air Force pilot,” said Fred, now a 

favor” for Tennessee Wesleyan College students who are veterans or member of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. “The only way I 

spouses or dependents of veterans. 

could be an Air Force pilot was to get a college degree. I enrolled in 

Tennessee Wesleyan College with the desire in my mind to go to Air 

“Fred has always wanted to give back,” said Teresa. “That’s his big Force pilot training. After I got into college life, that priority was still 

motto, giving back. I know he feels like he was mentored by some there but it slipped a little bit because I realized I was really getting a 

people in his career and so this scholarship is a good way to return good education. There’s definitely a difference between training and 

that favor.” 

education. There’s a big difference.” 

The Womacks recently made a 

major gift to the college and have 

pledged to donate funds every year 

for five years to TWC students 

with military backgrounds. 

“I’m a veteran,” said Fred, a former 

chair of TWC’s board of trustees 

and current member of the board 

of directors of the East Tennessee 

Foundation. “I feel like there are a 

lot of veteran’s out there that have 

served served their their country country and this is just 

another pat on the back back for them.” 

Graduating from TWC in 1963 with 

a business degree, Fred completed 

his U.S. Air Force undergraduate 

pilot training in 1966 and continued 

Valuing the personalized education a 

small liberal arts college can provide, Fred 

and Teresa hope that their scholarship 

donation will be one component in the 

college’s continuing growth. 

“As long as we have the faculty and staff 

that we have, this college will continue to 

grow and prosper,” said Fred, who finished 

out his TWC board of trustees term by 

serving as acting president at the college 

in the spring of 2010. 

“This country needs small liberal arts 

colleges like Tennessee Wesleyan. Students 

need that type of environment to learn. 

I don’t think I could have succeeded at a 

bigger university. I needed the special help 

and attention that a small college offers.” 

www.twcnet.edu 15

M 

TWC recognized 

at PBL National 

Leadership Conference 

ore than 1,700 of America’s best and brightest college 

students traveled to the historic city of San Antonio to make 

some history of their own as they showcased their talents as future 

business leaders and vied for the opportunity to win over $54,000 

in cash awards. Among the nearly 2,000 students were five TWC 

business students who headed to Texas this past June to compete at 

the Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda National 

Conference. 

Nine TWC students tested at the state level and qualified to move 

on to the national conference. Russell Watters, Michael Howard, 

Mallory Hayes, Meagan Akins, Lauren Flores, Justin Smith, Grant 

Beeler, Heather Gibson and Richard Zuzart tested on topics ranging 

from Accounting for Professionals to Marketing Analysis and 

Decision Making, qualifying in multiple categories. 

“We couldn’t be prouder,” said Martha Maddox, TWC professor 

and associate dean and chairwoman of the department of business 

administration. “It was an honor for our students to be representing 

Tennessee at this competition.” 

There were 26 qualifying Tennessee scores at the state level and 

TWC had 13 of them. 

“Our students made up 50 percent of the qualifying scores from 

the state,” said Stacy Swafford, a TWC instructor of business 

administration and Phi Beta Lambda co-sponsor with Tony Bryant, 

assistant professor of business administration. “We did that with only 

nine students, some placing in more than one discipline.” 

Forming a Phi Beta Lambda chapter just this past year, Swafford 

and other business faculty members entered their students into the 

competition hoping that the scores would be comparative to 

other schools’ scores and would give them an indication of the 

success of the college’s business program. 

“It really tested us as faculty,” said Maddox. “We wanted to 

make sure that we’re keeping up the standards of what we need 

to offer. With 50 percent of the state’s qualifying scores coming 

from us, it reassures me that our department is successfully 

educating these students.” 


After qualifying in the spring semester, five of the nine TWC business 

students traveled to Texas to represent TWC at the conference. 

Watters, Howard, Hayes, Akins and Flores were among participants 

from across the United States and two countries who attended 

the conference to sharpen their core business skills, expand their 

networks and participate in more than 55 business and businessrelated 

competitive events. 

Hayes received national recognition at the PBL Awards of Excellence 

on June 27. She competed in the open event, Management and 

Labor Relations, and brought home first place. Flores competed in 

Accounting Principles and placed ninth in the nation. 

The awards were part of a comprehensive national competitive 

events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL that recognizes and 

rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related 

areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone 

activity of their academic careers. In addition to the competitions, 

students immersed themselves in educational workshops, visited an 

information-packed exhibit hall and attended motivational keynotes 

on a broad range of business topics. 

Traveling arrangements for the conference were made possible 

thanks to the support of Tennessee Wesleyan’s Student Government 

Association and the college’s William R. Bennett Student 

Leadership Fund. 

As the TWC FBLA-PBL chapter enters its second year this fall, TWC 

business students will attempt to double TWC’s number of qualifiers 

for next year’s national conference, which will be held in Anaheim, 

Calif., in June, 2013.

NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 

AT TENNESSEE WESLEYAN 

MASTER’S DEGREE IN CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP 

T 

ennessee Wesleyan College enrolled graduate students this past 

August in its first Master’s program. Developed by the college’s 

education department, TWC’s Master of Science in Curriculum 

Leadership will train future academic and business leaders, producing 

teachers and leaders who will be competent professionals, serviceoriented 

individuals and reflective practitioners. 

This 15-month, 30-hour degree can be completed through an alternating 

combination of 6-hour fall and spring semesters coupled with 12 hours 

spread throughout three accelerated terms during a summer semester. 

All degree classes will be offered in the afternoon and evening hours, 

with some online options included. 

“This program was developed for certified teachers as well as students 

with undergraduate degrees in a behavioral science-related field,” said 

Dr. Patricia Jones, a TWC professor of education and chairwoman of 

the college’s department of education and psychology. 

Developed as the college’s first Master’s program, the degree has 

been designed with a broad range of learning opportunities and will 

provide the foundation, skills and knowledge necessary for students 

to succeed as curricular leaders and to pursue both academic and 

other leadership prospects. 

The inclusion of a graduate level program in Tennessee Wesleyan’s 

curriculum has expanded the college’s academic reach said Stan 

Harrison, TWC’s vice president of enrollment. 

Brooke Tilley Satkowiak ’03 

J 

“This is without a doubt the most monumental advancement in 

academics that this institution has seen in decades,” said Harrison. “To 

go from a four-year liberal arts college to a graduate degree granting 

institution, it’s an excellent next step into the college’s future as an 

academic leader in East Tennessee.” 

For more information on the Master of Science in Curriculum 

Leadership or to apply to the program, visit http://www.twcnet.edu/ 

curriculum-leadership. 

ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE 

uly 20 Tennessee Wesleyan College 

began offering its first online degree, 

an RN to BSN nursing program that offers 

a flexible schedule designed specifically 

for registered nurses returning to school to 

obtain a Bachelor of Science in nursing. 

An extension of Tennessee Wesleyan’s 

Fort Sanders Nursing Department 

located at the college’s Knoxville 

campus, the online RN to BSN degree 

can be completed in a year or more, 

depending on an incoming student’s 

existing college credits and the rate at 

which the courses are taken. 

“Like the traditional program, students enrolled in TWC’s online RN 

to BSN will experience personal contact and close communication 

with experienced nursing faculty. The student’s clinical setting will 

continue to provide an opportunity for meaningful and collaborative 

relationships between faculty and students. 

“I would put my nursing education up against any,” said Denise Miller, 

a recent graduate of the college’s RN to BSN program in Knoxville. 

“The Fort Sanders Nursing Department faculty is top notch. I could go 

through each name of the ones I had contact with and tell you how each 

one has encouraged, supported and challenged me to be a better nurse.” 

TWC’s online RN to BSN is structured to accommodate nursing 

students who are already working and are looking to continue their 

education while maintaining their career responsibilities. 

“With the recent changes in the healthcare system, it is imperative 

that a highly-educated workforce be prepared and trained to deliver 

exemplary quality and safe patient care,” said Dr. Hine. “The RN to 

BSN online program provides an excellent means for such learning to 

occur and allows faculty to fulfill their role as facilitators of the adult 

student learner and nursing professional.” 

For more information on Tennessee Wesleyan’s online RN to BSN 

program and how to register, contact Nancy Ferguson, admissions 

coordinator for the nursing department, at 865-777-5100 or by email at 

nferguson@twcnet.edu. 

www.twcnet.edu 17

All these years later Ketchersid still doesn’t understand how those 

voices, his voice now, can be transmitted throughout the world. 

“I’ve got a license, I’ve studied this stuff,” said Ketchersid. “I understand 

that God created it, he put it there, but for man to be able to find it, to 

harness it…” 

This fascination with the how and why of radio is what has also kept 

Lefler passionate about the craft all these years. 

“I have always thought it was so amazing that somebody could sit in a 

little room, miles and miles, hundreds and thousands of miles away and 

speak to me directly, entertain and inform me,” said Lefler. “I thought 

that was fascinating.” 

“Uncle” Bob and “Cousin” Mark believe radio will out-survive all other 

forms of mass communication throughout the years to come. 

“If we were ever wiped out, under attack, the one means of 

communication that would probably still be alive is A.M. radio,” said 

Ketchersid. “It’s simple. F.M. is complicated. An A.M. signal could be 

created with an eraser, a safety pin and a few small items. How radio 

works still amazes me after all these years.” 

Ketchersid and Lefler proved that radio is an invaluable means of 

communication in March of 1993 when a blizzard hit southeast 

Tennessee and left many families stranded in their houses for several 

days. During the winter storm, WYXI became the primary means 

of communication between households and businesses in the local 

Athens community. 

“We helped callers coordinate with one another regarding who needed 

supplies like kerosene or food,” said Ketchersid. “It was really special for 

us to help community members during that time and it’s experiences 

like that that prove that WYXI is a perfect balance between providing 

entertainment and crucial services to the local community.” 

Looking back over the growth of their business throughout the years, 

Ketchersid and Lefler remember their time at Tennessee Wesleyan and 

how it prepared them to be business owners and radio hosts. 

“I went on to attend larger universities but my time at TWC was 

monumental for my educational experience,” said Ketchersid. “I 

thoroughly enjoyed my time at the college and still remember that it 

felt more like a family than an institution. The classes were small, the 

professors were attentive. I’ve been proud to have WYXI partner with 

TWC to offer internships for students who are interested in the radio 

business. It’s important to Mark and I that we always maintain a close 

relationship with Tennessee Wesleyan.” 

Throughout the years, “Uncle” Bob and “Cousin” Mark have expanded 

their business, offering more than just local radio commentary to 

their subscribers. “The Morning Fax” was developed in 1997 and has 

been distributed daily to local community members for over a decade. 

Currently a two-page PDF offering local and national news, “The 

Morning Fax” has grown to be one of the most popular WYXI projects, 

reaching an estimated 8,000 people daily. 

“We started out faxing one page of news and announcements to 

local fax numbers,” said Lefler. “It has been an extremely rewarding 

experience watching it grow these past few years.” 

Now 26 years into running WYXI, Ketchersid and Lefler are looking 

forward to growing their brand, serving the community and having the 

opportunity to continue pursuing their passion for radio every day. 

“Radio is special,” said Ketchersid. “WYXI is special. The Athens 

community is special. Mark and I couldn’t be happier with our jobs 

owning and cultivating a hometown radio like WYXI. From TWC to 

WYXI, we’re proud to call Athens our home.” 

“TWC was monumental for my 

educational experience.” 

- Bob Ketchersid 

www.twcnet.edu 19

T 


Holston Conference 

SUMMER CAMP 

held at Tennessee Wesleyan 

his summer Tennessee Wesleyan College hosted the Holston 

Conference Junior High & Senior High Assembly, a youth 

ministry tradition that takes place every summer at a conference-related 

college. A week-long spiritual gathering, this year’s camp had 152 

youth and 31 adult participants who in addition to worship led by the 

Rev. Chris Brown, enjoyed concerts and games as well as worship arts 

“interest groups” such as dance, visual arts, multimedia and praise music. 

“This is a good place for youth to be themselves and to be Christian,” 

said Cody Quillen, adult counselor and youth director at Abingdon 

United Methodist Church. “They’re pushed out of their comfort 

zones by being with new people, away from Mom and Dad and with 

new freedoms but they’re still in a safe place to share what they’re 

feeling or thinking.”

SERVICE & DEDICATION 

Retired professors refl ect on TWC teaching career 

W 

ith 57 years of dedicated service and leadership between 

them, recent Tennessee Wesleyan College retirees Sam 

Roberts and Joyce Baker have left behind a legacy at the college 

they each spent nearly 30 years teaching at. 

“I came to TWC because it was so similar to my undergraduate 

experience,” said Baker, who received her bachelor’s in chemistry 

from Ohio Northern University in 1967 before getting her doctorate 

degree in analytical and organic chemistry from Texas A&M 

University in 1970. “I had such a great learning experience in the 

atmosphere of a smaller college and I wanted the opportunity to teach 

in that environment.” 

Baker began teaching at Tennessee Wesleyan as an associate professor 

in chemistry in 1981 and continued on to become a professor, 

eventually becoming chair of the chemistry department and an 

associate dean of natural sciences and mathematics at the college. 

“I’ve taught some absolutely fantastic students during my time at 

Tennessee Wesleyan,” said Baker. “Many of which have done very 

well for themselves. I always enjoyed the relationships I had with my 

students and I’m proud of what they have gone on to accomplish.” 

Student relationships and successes are also valued by Roberts, who 

came to TWC in 1986 to fulfill the role of college chaplain before 

continuing on to become a professor of religion and philosophy at 

the college. 

“I came to Tennessee Wesleyan 26 years ago because I believed 

strongly in the school’s identity as a small-church related institution 

and I believed in its mission,” said Roberts, who graduated from West 

Virginia Wesleyan College in 1973 with a bachelor’s in bible and 

religion before receiving a master’s in divinity from Yale University 

Divinity School in 1976 and a master’s in philosophy as well as a 

doctorate degree from Drew University in 1985. 

“When I first came to TWC, then President Jim Cheek told me 

something I’ve never forgotten, and something I hope I’ll always 

remember. He told me that our students’ parents have entrusted us 

with their most cherished possession: their children’s minds. I still 

cannot look out at a classroom full of students without recalling that 

and I hope I’ve always honored it.” 

While Roberts sought to fulfill his role as professor by honoring his 

duty to teach his students to the best of his ability, Baker sought to 

push her students to work hard and do their very best academically. 

“Tennessee Wesleyan gave me the opportunity to provide challenges 

to my students as well as to challenge myself,” said Baker. 

After 26 and 31 years at Tennessee Wesleyan, Roberts and Baker are 

now enjoying their well-deserved retirement. Baker plans to travel 

and has already made plans for a trip to New Zealand and Queensland, 

Australia for Sept. and Nov. of this year. 

In addition to Roberts’ own traveling dreams as well as plans to 

cultivate hobbies like being a model railroad craftsman, he is 

continuing to teach at TWC as a part-time professor of religion and 

philosophy and still approaches every new set of students he teaches 

with President Cheek’s old advice. 

“Regardless of how good they are, or how bad they are, and in whatever 

respect they are good or bad or something in between, students are the 

children of parents who love them,” said Roberts. “And I’m supposed 

to care for them too.” 

www.twcnet.edu 21

TRACK ADDED TO 

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN 

ATHLETICS ROSTER 

Tennessee Wesleyan College is known for its excellence in 

both academics and athletics. With more than 75 percent of 

the college’s residential students participating in athletic programs 

in addition to their academic responsibilities, TWC has renewed its 

commitment to cultivating successful student-athletes by adding a 

tenth sports program to its athletics line-up. Men and women’s track 

teams are the college’s newest athletic addition. 

A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 

(NAIA) and the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), 

Tennessee Wesleyan has competed at the highest levels of competition, 

including conference, regional and national tournaments. This 

December TWC’s new men and women’s track teams will participate 

in indoor competitions with their outdoor competitions taking place 

in March. 

“We want to build a solid track program here at the college,” said, 

Shawn Jakubowski, TWC head men’s and women’s cross country 

and track coach. “The addition of a track program here at Tennessee 

Wesleyan will help the college compete at a more comprehensive 

level. With track now on the athletic roster, the college has a fully 

well-rounded athletics program.” 

Track at Tennessee Wesleyan has brought 26 new athletes to 

campus to date, 13 men and 13 women who are new freshmen 

student-athletes. 

“Overall, we should have a team of close to 40 people this year,” said 

Jakubowski, who competed in track at Berea College, where he received 

his bachelor’s in industrial technology, and East Kentucky University, 

where he went on to get his master’s in sports administration. “As a 

new program, its important that we have a fully-committed group of 

students participating.” 


While TWC’s cross country teams participate in distance 

competitions, the new track teams will be participating in sprint 

competitions including jumps and hurdles and will also be competing 

in shot put throwing. 

“I grew up running track,” said Jakubowski. “Track is more individualfocused 

while cross country is more of a team sport. Track is all about 

how hard you work. It’s important to have people around you to 

support you but you’re also going to get out of it what you put into it.” 

Coach Jakubowski hopes the college’s new track program will 

challenge and inspire the student-athletes participating in it. 

“Being a student-athlete allows students to learn time management 

skills and teaches them how to be responsible,” said Jakubowski. 

“College athletics teaches students skills and traits that they can carry 

on into the workforce as they embark on their careers.” 

Jakubowski’s goal for this year’s track teams is a top-two finish in the 

AAC as well as a chance to see his athletes set and achieve their own 

personal goals. 

“The most important figures in my life have always been my coaches, 

my high school and college coaches,” said Jakubowski. “They helped 

me get where I’m at today. As a coach now myself, I enjoy being able to 

help others. It’s actually more monumental for me watching my athletes 

achieve their goals than when I was out there achieving my own.”

TWC ALUMNA CELEBRATES 

100th BIRTHDAY 

O 

n Sunday, July 29, Tennessee Wesleyan College Alumna Nelle Ward celebrated 

her 100th birthday in TWC’s Glenn Lowe Dining Room. Director of Alumni 

Relations and Annual Fund Jessica Edwards presented Ward with a certificate and nd a 

gift at the party, celebrating her important milestone. 

“I was so homesick when I first got to Tennessee Wesleyan,” said Ward, who graduated 

from the college in 1936 with an associate’s degree in education. 

“My father came and visited me my first weekend in school and I asked him to take me home. He said 

he had paid my tuition and if in three months I still wanted to come home I could. Three months later 

you couldn’t have pulled me away from the school.” 

Ward’s time spent at TWC is among her most cherished memories. 

“I learned so much as a little country girl at Tennessee Wesleyan,” Ward said. “I had some wonderful 

teachers. I learned so many things. Not just in the classroom but in the dormitory and on campus. I 

enjoyed every minute of my time at Tennessee Wesleyan.” 

Ward is the widow of A.C. Ward and has two daughters, Marilyn Ward of Sweetwater and Alma Ward Sliger of Athens. She also has three grandchildren 

and two great-grandsons. Ward has been a 50-year member of the Home Demonstration Club, is a former Sunday School teacher and is a 37-year member 

of the Rhea-Craig Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Ward was in the last graduating class of Tennessee 

Wesleyan Preparatory High School. 

FEATURED FOLK ART 

TWC ART PROFESSORS SHOWCASE WORK 

IN LOCAL ART EXHIBIT 

I 

n August, Tennessee Wesleyan College 

art professors and husband and wife Jerry 

Hagaman and Julie Jack had the opportunity to 

showcase several pieces of their artwork in the 

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum’s 

exhibit, Contemporary Interpretations of Folk Art. 

When invited to participate in the exhibit, the 

husband/wife duo began selecting pieces of art 

they had worked on and completed throughout 

the years. Some pieces were directly inspired by 

folk art while others had elements relating to a 

“primitive” or “outsider” perspective. 

“I use transparency, advertising and found 

objects layered with background images of paint, 

chalk and crayon to evoke a unique 

feeling,” said Jack, TWC associate 

professor of art. “The unexpected 

environments are inspired by the 

wit and charm of folk art.” 

Hagaman sees folk art as a sincere 

form of creation. That sincerity has 

inspired him to produce this type 

of artwork throughout the years. 

“I became interested in folk art as a graduate student and still find the 

sincerity and directness of the outsider artist a grounding influence,” 

said TWC adjunct professor of art and owner of Athens Art and Frame. 

“It reminds me not to try to be too profound.” 

www.twcnet.edu 23

S 

ince joining Tennessee Wesleyan College in 2008 as an 

assistant professor of theatre and speech, it has been my 

honor to see TWC theatre grow and find a place as an integral part 

of student and community life. Augusto Boal, Brazilian author and 

theatre artist said, “Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and 

can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us 

build our future, rather than just waiting for it.” In this spirit, TWC 

theatre has created positive change through service to the campus 

and community. 

In 2008 student involvement in theatre was low and we had to find 

a way to increase it through offerings students were interested in. A 

new concept arose out of my speech classes. The first assignment for 

my speech class was to tell a short story from your life. One after 

another, I heard gripping stories that needed to have a voice outside 

of the classroom. That is how the WORKS IN PROGRESS series 

was born. Our actors learn and then perform the true stories of other 

students. The final aspect comes from music students creating and 

performing original compositions, giving the performance another 

level of creativity and beauty. 

In March we performed the fourth installment of WORKS IN 

PROGRESS, HIT OR MISS, in the new quad space on campus. HIT 

OR MISS told stories of the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, and 

raised almost $400 for relief efforts through The Salvation Army. 

WORKS IN PROGRESS has achieved what we set out to do: student 

involvement in theatre is up from a handful of students to nearly 40! 

We have also harnessed that energy for other productions encouraging 

community engagement. 

In Fall 2010, we inaugurated the TEN FOR TENN Festival. The TEN 

FOR TENN produces 10 ten-minute plays by Tennessee playwrights, 

or which feature Tennessee themes. We are in our third year of the 

TEN FOR TENN, and have had well over a hundred plays submitted 

in that time. We have increased awareness of TWC Theatre on a 

regional and national level. We have produced plays by TWC 

students and alumni, Athens writers, as well as writers around the 

state and nation. This September we present the TEN FOR TENN 

at the Athens Area Council for the Arts in what is truly a “town and 

gown” event. 


the FACULTY 

PERSPECTIVE 

DR. ERIC LOVE 

In that same spirit, we are producing William Shakespeare’s A 

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in April at the Athens Area 

Council for the Arts as part of their 2012-2013 performance season. 

It will feature the musical score by Felix Mendelssohn and the voices 

of the Athens Community Chorus under the direction of Dr. Nathan 

Windt. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a fitting way to 

celebrate our new bachelor of arts degree in the fine arts. In one of the 

most significant developments since I arrived at TWC, students in 

theatre and art no longer must settle for a minor but may now major 

in the fine arts with a concentration in theatre, art or music. 

We have also expanded student opportunities in the world of theatre 

beyond TWC through the WordBRIDGE Playwrights Laboratory. 

WordBRIDGE brings promising new playwrights to the Centerstage 

Theatre in Baltimore for two weeks of intensive work with some 

of the country’s best directors, actors, designers and artists. This 

year I directed the new “Student Artists Project.” The producers of 

WordBRIDGE heard about WORKS IN PROGRESS and asked me if 

I could do something similar for WordBRIDGE. The Student Artists 

arrive a week early and we put them through a rigorous training 

process to learn the WordBRIDGE method of play development. 

The Student Artists also create a new play to perform for the entire 

company. Two Wesleyan students participated this year and I could 

not be more proud of them. They made the most of a tremendous 

opportunity and opened the door for future Wesleyan students. 

It really is an exciting time for TWC theatre! The Drama Team keeps 

growing and gets bigger every semester. The Drama Team is engaged 

and inclusive: anyone who shows up at 8 p.m. on Tuesday nights in 

Townsend is welcome to join us. We have also re-activated Alpha Psi 

Omega, the national theatre honor society, and it continues to grow. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose 

yourself in the service of others.” That sums up the attitude of TWC 

theatre. Most of our students are not theatre emphasis majors, or 

even theatre minors. They do theatre because they feel it makes a 

difference for their campus and community. Fortunately, we have 

dedicated, talented and generous students who give tirelessly for what 

they believe in. We are all familiar with Servant Leadership and the 

phrase, “Learn, Serve, Lead…and Believe.” For our students 

these are more than words. It is how they live.

T 

THEATRE STUDENTS ATTEND 

SUMMER PLAYWRIGHT WORKSHOP 

his summer two Tennessee Wesleyan College students 

participated in the WordBRIDGE Playwrights Laboratory 

program in Baltimore, Md. WordBRIDGE provides a generous 

environment for students with the goal of empowering the preprofessional 

playwrights to explore both their script and their process 

during two weeks of collaboration and conversation with an ensemble 

of multidisciplinary artists. 

TWC Seniors Lisa Latham and Alex Boris spent their two weeks in 

Baltimore working on developing plays with directors, dramaturgs, 

actors, psychologists and many other individuals who helped the 

students learn the process of creating a play from original script to 

final production. 

“My experience with WordBRIDGE is one that will be with me 

forever,” said Latham, who will graduate in May with a degree in 

secondary education with an emphasis in English and a minor in 

theatre. “I had the opportunity to be stage manager for one of the 

plays and to see where it started and how it finished within those two 

weeks was amazing.” 

Boris also cherishes the experience she had at WordBRIDGE with 

her fellow theatre classmate. 

Did you know? 

In 1957, Tennessee Wesleyan graduates were the first to 

receive four-year degrees in 100 years of the institution’s 

history and the first ever to receive a bachelor’s degree 

from a school named Tennessee Wesleyan College. Fiftyfive 

years later, the college has been approved to offer its 

first graduate degree. As of 2012, Tennessee Wesleyan 

is now offering its first graduate program, a master’s in 

curriculum leadership. 

“I learned so much about theatre that I could not have learned if I 

had just stayed in Athens this summer,” said Boris, a music education 

major with a theatre minor who will also graduate this May. “I gained 

so much from WordBRIDGE and I couldn’t even begin to explain how 

amazing the journey there was for me. This is something that I will 

take with me when I graduate and hold on to as I go off into the world.” 

ONE QUESTION 

In this section of ARCHES, we utilize our social networks to ask 

students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff to answer One Question. 

“Dr. Sam Roberts and Dr. Joyce Baker retired 

in May. What are your fondest memories of 

these two longtime professors?” 

“Dr. Baker was an exceptional professor. She really pushed 

students to be the best that they can be. Her love for chemistry 

is amazing, but her love for teaching is even greater. Dr. Baker 

took pride in teaching her students to think critically, which 

can be hard to find these days.” ~ Bailey Noel Harmon 

“Hearing Dr. Roberts call me Sister Deal from across the street 

is one of my greatest memories from TWC.” ~ Kirby Deal 

“Dr. Baker’s class was one of the most challenging I had at 

TWC. She was incredible and patient! I enjoyed our night field 

trips/class to star gaze. My fondest memories of Dr. Roberts are 

from a summer TWC trip to England and a class that forced 

me to be bright-eyed at 8am. Both professors are phenominal 

& both will be missed. I am blessed to have had them both as 

professors & now as friends.” ~ Shannon Earle 

“Dr. Roberts has to be one of my most favorite professors. He 

was the first teacher I meet when coming to tour TWC my senior 

year of high school. When I sat down with him, he told me he 

would do whatever he needed to get me in the school I wanted. 

This meant so much to me, that a professor wanted what was 

best for me even if it was not TWC. Needless to say, I choose 

TWC and have become very close to Dr. Roberts.” ~ Tara Bugg 

www.twcnet.edu 25

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN 

STUDENT WINS 

MISS TENNESSEE 


A 

t five months old Tennessee 

Wesleyan Junior Ashley 

Ingram competed in her first 

pageant. Twenty years later she’s 

the reigning Miss Tennessee in the 

Miss United States pageant. 

“Competing in pageants has been such 

a wonderful experience,” said Ingram, a 20-year-old business 

administration major who won the 2012 Miss Tennessee title after 

taking an 11-year break from pageants. “I came back to pageants 

after taking a hiatus from the age of 7 to 18 because I saw the 

opportunities that competing in pageants could provide. I’ve met 

some amazing people.” 

Ingram sees an overlap between the skills she learns in competing in 

pageants and the skills she needs going into her career field. 

“Pageants have been a great outlet for me to work on my public 

speaking,” said Ingram, a native of Sweetwater, Tenn. “I’m pursuing 

a degree with an emphasis in healthcare management. The ability 

to communicate with confidence is a skill that pageantry helped 

me develop.” 

After only two years back on the pageant circuit, Ingram’s Miss 

Tennessee win has reassured her that returning to the stage was the 

right decision. 

“College is my first priority,” said Ingram. “What I’m doing at 

Tennessee Wesleyan is my main focus. My role as Miss Tennessee and 

my involvement in pageants comes second to my education but it’s 

still a role that I take very seriously. I want to be a role model to young 

women in the south.” 

Ingram’s platform during the Miss Tennessee pageant was antibullying, 

an issue that she feels is very close to her heart because of her 

experience in high school. 

“I was definitely bullied,” said Ingram, who has an eight-year-old sister 

and a three-year-old brother that she feels protective over. “I want to 

empower the new generation of young students. They need to be able 

to recognize right from wrong, how to treat one another with respect.” 

Ingram continued sharing her anti-bulling message with others as she 

went on to compete in the Miss United States pageant in Washington 

D.C. She placed in the Top 15 at the pageant and is looking forward to 

continuing her Miss Tennessee reign. 

“I am so grateful for Miss Tennessee and all of the positive influences 

pageants have had on my life,” Ingram said. “I hope to return to the 

Miss United States pageant in a few years, after I graduate. It has been 

a lifelong dream of mine to be a national titleholder.” 

For more information on Ingram and her role as Miss Tennessee 

United States, like her “Miss Tennessee United States 2012, Ashley 

Ingram” Facebook page or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ 

MissTN_US.

Meet the Advancement Office Staff 

Randy Nelson, Chief Advancement Offi cer 

Randy Nelson received an associate’s degree from Hiwassee College in 1991 and went on to earn a bachelor of 

science degree in human services at Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1993. As chief advancement officer, Randy 

provides senior leadership for all aspects of development and communications, including the offices of alumni 

relations, annual giving, public relations, major gifts, foundation/government relations, planned giving, stewardship 

and marketing. Randy has 15 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and administration with 7 years of 

experience in the higher education field. 

Stacie Clift on, Advancement Coordinator 

Stacie attended Middle Tennessee State University and Arkansas Northeastern College. She joined the 

advancement team in June 2012 after nearly ten years in public service. As the advancement coordinator, Stacie 

coordinates advancement functions and oversees the college’s stewardship efforts. She maintains records for daily 

advancement office operations and provides support for the advancement and communications staff. She hopes to 

continue her education at Tennessee Wesleyan College in the future. 

Jessica Edwards, Director of Alumni Relati ons and Annual Fund 

Jessica graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 2006 with a bachelor of science in business administration 

with an emphasis in general management and has worked at TWC since 2008. As the director of alumni relations 

and annual fund, Jessica is responsible for a portion of the college’s fundraising efforts, plans homecoming and other 

events for alumni participation, organizes the annual fund phone-a-thon and other events and serves as a liaison 

for the alumni from the college. 

Bridgett Raper, Director of Major Gift s and Grants 

Bridgett graduated from Tusculum College with a bachelor of science in business. As director of major gifts and 

grants, Bridgett establishes relationships with donors and friends of TWC to better involve them both physically and 

financially with the college. She informs them of plans, new projects and the growth the college is experiencing. 

Bridgett also works with college staff and faculty to determine and better define the needs that the college has that 

could qualify for grants, writing college grant proposals as needed. Bridgett has more than 30 years of experience in 

public relations and marketing. 

Jared Wright, Advancement Specialist 

Jared received his bachelor of science degree in business administration: accounting & finance from Tennessee 

Wesleyan College in May of 2009. He joined the advancement team in December of 2009 and currently serves 

as the office’s advancement specialist. Jared oversees and facilitates the entering of donor gifts, as well as creating 

the reports for all giving to TWC. He maintains the advancement database, ensuring that data is entered correctly 

and efficiently. 

Blake McCaslin, Director of Public Relati ons and Marketi ng 

Blake received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 

2000 and has past work toward an M.B.A. Immediately following graduation, his TWC career began in the alumni 

relations office and has evolved to oversee the entire communications and marketing efforts of the college. 

Tracy New, Graphic Designer 

Tracy holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 

and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration through Medaille College. She joined the 

advancement team in August 2011 and serves as the college’s graphic designer. She designs and provides printing 

services of all marketing materials for every department of the college. 

Britt any Shope, College Editor and Web Coordinator 

Brittany graduated from East Tennessee State University in May 2011 with a bachelor of science degree in mass 

communication, journalism, continuing on to complete a year of a master’s degree in English before relocating for her 

job as college editor and web coordinator at TWC. She is preparing to transfer to a new master’s program. Joining the 

advancement team in February 2012, Brittany writes and edits all TWC public relations materials and the college’s 

magazine ARCHES. She also produces college newsletters and video packages as well as maintains the college website. 

www.twcnet.edu 27

M 

ay 2013 one Sweetwater High School student will receive 

scholarship funding for Tennessee Wesleyan College thanks 

to the generous donation of Pamela Clark of State Farm Insurance 

Agency in Sweetwater, Tenn. The Goldie Barefield Annual Scholarship 

will honor Clark’s late father, Goldman “Goldie” Barefield, a native of 

Etowah who served in the U.S. Army National Guard. 

“I want to honor my father’s legacy with this scholarship,” said Clark, 

who graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan in 1988 with a bachelor’s 

in business management and accounting. “Although my father 

didn’t have the opportunity to pursue an education of his own, he 

always encouraged and supported my sisters and I to complete our 

college degrees.” 

Clark’s donation to the college will annually help fund a Sweetwater 

High student’s first year at Tennessee Wesleyan. 

“Scholarships helped me attend Tennessee Wesleyan and having the 

opportunity to honor my father’s memory with a scholarship for a 

student to attend my alma mater means the world to me,” said Clark. 

A review committee established by Clark will annually review 

applicants for the scholarship. The award criteria for an applicant to be 

considered include academic excellence, leadership and service within 

the school and the community. 

“It’s always great when a community leader or business leader steps up to 

the plate and provides a scholarship award, especially to an institution 

like Tennessee Wesleyan, which Sweetwater High School has always 


TENNESSEE WESLEYAN SCHOLARSHIP 

TO HONOR DONOR’S FATHER 

had a good relationship 

with,” said David 

Watts, Sweetwater High 

School principal. 

“Scholarships like this 

one could help students 

who academically meet 

the criteria and need 

an avenue like this to 

help them get a college 

education. It’s a win-win 

for the community and 

it’s a win-win for Pamela Clark who gets 

to honor her father with generosity and 

charity in his name.” 

Barefield’s reputation for caring and 

kindness, which inspired Clark’s 

decision to fund a Tennessee Wesleyan 

scholarship, is well-known throughout 

the local community. 

“Goldie encouraged his daughters and cared deeply for all his children 

and his wife Joretta,” said Paul Willson, chairman and CEO of 

Citizen’s National Bank and a family friend of Clark’s who will be on 

the scholarship’s inaugural selection committee. “To remember his 

kindness through a Tennessee Wesleyan scholarship is monumental 

for Pamela and her family.”

IN LOVING MEMORY 

IN LOVING MEMORY 

Friends of Wesleyan 

Geraldine H. Kennedy 

Zebulon, NC 

March 26, 2012 

Betsy McKenry 

Knoxville, TN 

April 15, 2012 

Nancy R. Wood 

Bluff City, TN 

July 16, 2012 

Attended 

Jacqueline Alexandria Sutton 

Athens, TN 

August 15, 2012 

1937 

Evelyn G. Cass 

Knoxville, TN 


1938 

Don R. Watson 

Maryville, TN 

May 8, 2012 

1939 

Sammye A. Sloan 

Cleveland, TN 


1941 

Ernestine G. Lewis 

Decatur, GA 


Registrar’s Off ice 

Grad Finale for December 2012 graduates 

Tuesday, October 30 | 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

Lawrence Hall Parlor 

December Mini Term Begins 

Monday, December 10 

Classes Begin for Spring Term 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 

Commencement 

Beginning February 2012 

Ending August 2012 

1947 

Ann M. Haun 

Bulls Gap, TN 


Harry C. Johnson 

Athens, TN 


1948 

Frances P. Barley 

Hope, NM 

June 13, 2012 

John R. McPherson 

Chestnut Mountain, GA 


1950 

David B. Gennoe 

Knoxville, TN 


Cecil E. McFarland 

Richmond, VA 


Gerald H. McFarland 

Maryville, TN 


Richard P. Rosenbaum 

Knoxville, TN 


1951 

Charles E. Shorter 

Winter Haven, FL 


Save the Date: 

December 7, 2012: Baccalaureate/Commencement 

Townsend Memorial Hall Auditorium 

May 2, 2013: Nurses Pinning Ceremony 

May 3, 2013: Baccalaureate Service 

May 4, 2013: Commencement Exercises 

1952 

Geraldine V. Herring 

Zebulon, NC 


1953 

Charles C. Stone 

Harrison, TN 


1954 

Robert L. Gibson 

Cleveland, TN 


1957 

W. A. Cofer 

Soddy Daisy, TN 


Robert J. Wilson 

Chattanooga, TN 


1959 

Glenn Cagle 

Vonore, TN 


Clyde R. Grubb 

Athens, TN 


Joan O. Hill 

September 12, 2012 

Knoxville, TN 

Career Development 

Career Coach Mobile 

March 12, 2013 

Professional Dress Fashion Show 

sponsored by BELK 

March 12, 2013 

Behavioral Science Career Fair 

March 13, 2013 

Career Carnival 

March 19, 2013 

Exercise, Sport & Sciences Career Fair 

March 20, 2013 

RésuMania ALL DAY! 

March 20, 2013 

1961 

Betty P. Moss 

Knoxville, TN 


1967 

Paul F. Reeverts 

Norris, TN 


1975 

Philip Jeff Ford 

Stockbridge, GA 


1982 

Louise M. Galloway 

Etowah, TN 


1984 

Debra P. McSpadden 

Athens, TN 


1995 

Stephen T. McCarroll 

Sweetwater, TN 


2003 

Marie-Claire P. Landers 

Athens, TN 


News You Can Use 

Graduate School Fair 

March 26, 2013 

Business Career Fair 

March 27, 2013 

Kaplan Gre Practice Exam 

March 28, 2013 

Career Services Connections: 

Career Services Alumni Page 

Facebook Page 

Twitter - @employabulldog 

Google Talk 

– username **TWC Careers** 

Mobile Text Only – 423-788-5082 

www.twcnet.edu 29

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS 

IN HONOR OF 

James T. Baird 

Mr. and Mrs. James Baird 

Joyce Baker 

Shannon Earle 

Grant and Bridgett Willhite 

Don Banner 

Lynn Nicholas 

Norma Blair 

Chris and Anna Lee 

Matt Brookshire 

Mr. and Mrs. William Brookshire 

Alma Broyles 

James and Judy Moore 

Chuck and Faith Burke 

Korey and Ashley Kemper 

Hal and Susan Buttram 

Alex and Nancy Buttram 

Children and Grandchildren 

Jo A. Jackson 

Class of 1949 

Patricia Thompson-Waters 

Class of 1950 

Bill Hudson 

Class of 1958 

Ramona Hyberger 

Class of 1961 

Richard Besch 

Class of 1962 

Beth Nelson 

Class of 1971 

William Brock 

Class of 2011 Nursing Graduates 

Kristen Stuart 

Class of 2012 

Student Government Association 

Harold Coker 

Nona Hamilton Morgan 

Clarence and Evelyn Coulson 

Harley Knowles and Cynthia Coulson 

Lou Ann Harris Cristy 

Stephen Cristy 

Rev. Walter Cross, Jr. 

Daniel and Beverly Smith 

Betty Davidson 

Janet Hunter 

Carey Davis 

Judi Davis 

James and Karen Dawson 

Regenia L. Mayfield 

James Hunter Dees 

David and Tracy Dees 


We wish to recognize those who have made gifts 

in honor or memory of friends or loved ones. 

IN MEMORIAM 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Adams 

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Adams 

Carl Rhea Athearn 

Helen Clark 

Goldman “Goldie” Barefield 

Pamela Clark 

Jeffrey Lee Barnes 

Karl Schwarzmann 

Jean Biddle 

Hugh Biddle 

Floyd Jack Bowling 

Shelley and Judi Griffith 


Edith Shields Bray 

Jonah Eng 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Buttram 


General John Calhoun 

Jerry and Shirley Smith 

Grace Evelyn Cass 

Daniel and Beverly Smith 

Joan Clift 

Dr. and Mrs. Philip Johnson 

Mrs. Ginger Robinson 

Robert and Janice Roseberry 

Nellie Coates 

Grace Keith 

Bill Coker 

Shirrell Coker 

Joe Edwin Coleman 

Myra Coleman 

Charlie Davidson 

Betty Davidson 

Elizabeth Davis 

James and Judy Moore 

H.L. and Lucile Davis 

Charles and Anne Fleenor 

Thomas H. Edds 

Rachel Edds 

J.E. “King” and Mary Sue Edwards 

James Edwards 

Richard Edwards 

McMinn County Retired 

Teachers Association 

Col. John B. Elliott 

Virginia Elliott 

Drannan Z. Elliott 


Herschel A. Elliott 


Kenneth M. Elliott 


Mary Ada Elliott 


John B. Elliott, Jr. 


K.M. Elliott, Jr. 


Brody & Ruth Ellis 


Mary Ruth Ellis 

William and Judy Biddle 

James and Barbara Dodson 

Dwain and Sally Ealy 

Betty Grater 


Neal Ensminger 

Mr. and Mrs. John Ramage 

Dwain Farmer 

David Birkholz 

Deborah Cole 

Harley G. Fowler 

Kathleen B. Jones 

Janet Rosemary Lovingood Foxall 

Larry Foxall 

Kenny Gamm 

Gene Griffitts 

Fran Palmer 

Rev. Marvin Gass 

Walter Evans 

Ann Gass 

Charlotte McDonald 

Pauline Pitsinger 

Mr. and Mrs. Grady Gay 

Gary Gay 

Bob Gibson 

Bill Allen 

Danny and Beverly Hays 

William C. Grater 

Betty Grater 

Bud Graves 


Lynne Gylani 

Julie Adams 

Jennifer Aly 

Alona Berkstresser 

Anne Catron

Mildred Conner 

Catherine Emanuel 

Jodi Hilderbrand 

E.A. “Betty” Keirn 

Scott and Kathi Mashburn 

Juliann Mathis 

Arch Pendleton 

Evelyn Rommerskirchen 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Royer 

William and Elizabeth Ruleman 

Faculty, Staff, and Students 

of Tennessee Wesleyan College 

William S. Haga 

Marian Haga 

C.D. Hagaman 

Jerry Hagaman and Julie Jack 

Bill and Gertie Hairrell 

David Hairrell 

Mr. and Mrs. William Hairrell 

Hoyle and Dorothy Hambright 

Rebecca Newman 

Doris Weary Hamilton 

Roy and Joan Patton 

Rose Hammond 

Rebecca Penney 

Jean Wilson 

Rev. Jim and Virginia Hankins 

Charles and Judi Davis 

Mildred A. Harris 

Ed and Barbara Deal 

Jim Harrison 

Charles and Judi Davis 

D. Hunter Hass 

Mr. and Mrs. James Hass 

Mattie Lou Hawkins 

James and Nancy Grant 

Dr. Carl Honaker 

Dan Self 

Jack Houts 


Virginia O’Reilly 

Coach Rankin Hudson 

Bill Hudson 

B.T. Hutson 

Douglas Hutson 

Hal Y. Roe 

Hershell Jack 

Diane Freeman 

Jerry Hagaman and Julie Jack 

Harry C. Johnson, Jr. 

Allen and Lucille Boyd 


Pam Drummond 

Dwain and Sally Ealy 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hamilton 

Edward Kam Sr. 

Eleanor Meyer 

Frankie Kinser 


Mr. and Mrs. R.V. Koehl 

Gary Gay 

Thelma Hall Kramer 

Elenor Van Pelt 

Kate Kress 

Joseph Townsend 

Annabell Hall Kyle 

Clyde A. Kyle, Jr. 

Ernestine G. Lewis 

Mathew and Susan Pinson 

Ralph G. Lewis 

Anna Lewis 

James C. Liner 

Polly Liner 

Justin Lucas 

Stephen Lyons 

Tom Mayfield 


Austin McDonald 

Deborah Walker 

Rev. Cecil McFarland 


Paul Fancher 

Beginning January 2012 


Betsy McKenry 

Mr. Richard Anderson 

Dr. and Mrs. George Dorsey 

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fisher 


Furrow Auction Company 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hunt 

Mr. and Mrs. Graham Hunter 

H. Finley and Susan Moses 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pryor 

Mr. and Mrs. John Ward 

Margaret Hale McKenzie 



IN HONOR OF 

Amy Eastridge 

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Eastridge 


Kristie Atwood 

Linda Garza 

Shannon Earle 

God 

Jo A. Jackson 

Michelle Hahn 

Deborah Hahn 

Beverly Hays 

Danny Hays 

Dr. Danny Hays 

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Simerville 

Heather Honeycutt 

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Honeycutt 

Jennifer Honeycutt 

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Honeycutt 

Rev. Roy Howard 

John and Sara Jo Bardsley 

Becky Hoyal 

James and Peggy Hoyal 

Rev. Dennie and Mrs. Sondra Humphreys 

Henrietta Humphreys 

Rev. Bill Jackson 

Jo A. Jackson 

Becky Jaquish 

Sam Nesbitt 

Sara Inscho Johnson 


Harmon and Jane Jolley 

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Wyatt 

Travis Jolley 


William Kam 

Eleanor Meyer 

Grace Keith 

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Keith 

Jessica Keith 

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Keith 

Dr. Harley Knowles and Mrs. Cindy Coulson 

Carlton Ealy 

Henry and Cynthia Knowles 

Harley Knowles and Cynthia Coulson 

Hristo Y. Kolarov 

Naomi Clarke 

Faye Lowe 

Jason Hitt 

Hazel Lowry 

Amy Jo Castor 

www.twcnet.edu 31


IN HONOR OF 

Dr. Martha Maddox 

Archer and Mary Coppedge 

David O. Mahery 

John and Margaret Mahery 

Kaitlin and Trenton Mashburn 

Scott and Kathi Mashburn 

Oveline Massingale 

Lynn Massingale 

Bill Mayfield 


David Mayfield 


Debbie Mayfield 




Rob Mayfield 


Adra McCaslin 

Blake and Julie McCaslin 

Dean Robert C. Mildram 

James Richardson 

Anne Montgomery 

Shannon Earle 

Past and Future Science Students 

Megan Hamblen 

Eula Wade Peavyhouse 



Myra Peavyhouse 

Dr. and Mrs. Claude Shearer 

Margaret Phillips 

Lynn Phillips 

Mathew and Susan Pinson 

Korey and Ashley Kemper 

Mary Katrina Quist 

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Quist 

Hollie Blake Reagan 

Dr. and Mrs. Carroll Reagan 

Minnie B. Rees 

Ethel Blevins 

Dr. Sam Roberts 

Shannon Earle 

Chris and Anna Lee 

Marcia McDonald 

Carol Wilson 

Holly Rogers 

Sandra Jenkins 

Cindy Runyan 

Robbie Ensminger 


We wish to recognize those who have made gifts 

in honor or memory of friends or loved ones. 

IN MEMORIAM 

Paul McMahan 

Jerry and Shirley Smith 

Dr. Norman W. Meyer 

Eleanor Meyer 

E. Mac Miller 

Allen and Lucille Boyd 

Ben Nelson 

Donny and Angela Mayfield 

Charles Peavyhouse 

The Rev. John Bacon 

Mr. and Mrs. William Bennett 

Jane Brown 

Mary Jo Buttram Banner 


Stephen and Becky Condon 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dammann 


Mr. and Mrs. John Deanes 

Shannon Earle 

Barbara Garrison 

James E. Heath 

Hixson OES #310 

Hixson United Methodist Church 

Louise Huskey 

Dean Jackson 


Kappa Kappa Iota - Lambda Chapter 

Patricia Kean and Family 

William and Mary Kilbride 

Lisa Leiderman 

Collin and Diane Lord 

Maxine Mantooth 

Randy and Patsy Martin 

Homer Mincy 

Debbie Moon 

Kenneth and Emily Moore 

Mr. and Mrs. James Moore 

Pamela Moore 


Elizabeth Norris 

Eula Peavyhouse 


Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Perkins 

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Phillips 

Jamie Sharpe 

Dr. and Mrs. Claude Shearer 

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Shields 

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Shrum 

Siskin Hospital for 

Physical Rehabilitation 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Skillern 

Mr. and Mrs. William Skipper 

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Smith 

Sandra Stoddard 

Third Army Reserve Rifle Team 

Thomas and Margaret Tomlinson 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wade 

Stella Wade 

Patricia Thompson-Waters 

Mr. and Mrs. James Williams 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wilson 

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Wyatt 

Ray Myron Peavyhouse 


Mildred Stephenson Pemberton 

Bob Stephenson 

William B. Pemberton 

Carolyn Pemberton 

Fred and Greta Perachio 

Frederick Perachio 

William B. Petty, Jr. 

Jack Edmonds 

Judge Pewitt 

Jack Miller 

Willie and Pearl Posey 

Nellie Stanley 

C. Herbert Reed 

Mr. and Mrs. James Reed 

Elizabeth Reed 

Phillip Reed 

Matney Reed 


Elizabeth Chapel United 

Methodist Church 

Hugh M. Reynolds 

Jevon Strasser 

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Strasser 

Rev. Ray E. Robinson, Jr. 

Dr. and Mrs. Douglas 

Vanderbilt, II 

Dr. and Mrs. L.A. Roseberry 


Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rowan 

Sara Rowan Huggins 

Dixon, Lena, and Donald Rule 

Andrew and Carolyn Nardo 

Anthony Sands 


C. Courtney Senn 

Charles Senn

Dr. Harry W. Sherman 

Robbie Ensminger 

William and Mary Kilbride 

M.C. “Tip” Smith 

E. Boyd Woody 

Robin Torrance Smith 

Scotty and Lela Tinney 

Thomas and Margaret Tomlinson 

Santiago Snellgrose 

Martyn Blankley 

Kimsey Sparks 

Glenn Sparks 

Carla Bowden St. Clair 

Nancy Kizziah-Bryant 

Patricia Price 

Rev. Henry Stamey 

Anne Stamey 

William D. Sullins, Sr. 

Homer and Ann Underdown 

Pat Sutherland 

Colby and Jodi Glass 

E.P. Thomas 

Colonel and Mrs. Talmadge Thomas 

Mama Tola 

Harold Tompkins 

Patricia Townsend 


Mr. and Mrs. J. Louie Underwood 

Mike and Margaret Fleming 

Robert Ward 


Don Watson 


Clyde Webb 

Don and Linda Higdon 

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Mincy 

Clark M. Welch 

Margaret Welch 

Harold D. White 

Norma Corn White 

James P. Wilson 

Damon and Jeannine Mitchell 

Beginning January 2012 


Special Note: 

Every entry within this report has 

been carefully reviewed and every 

effort has been made to ensure that it 

is accurate and complete. 

If there are errors or omissions, please 

accept our apologies and contact 

Jared Wright at 423.746.5210. 


IN HONOR OF 

Charlotte G. Shaver 

Kenneth and Connie Webster 

Lewis and Eunice Sherlin 

Mark and Rebecca White 

Ray and Helen Sliger 

Sharon S. Brown 

Jimmy Small 

Linda Garza 

Lynnette Smith 

Steven Smith 

Richard and Konnie Streeter 


Carl “Sonny” Tarpley 

D. Greg Rooker 

Jim Thompson 

Shannon Earle 

Claire Tucker 

Donna Whitfield 

TWC Baseball Coaches & Players 


Two Summers Project 

Ailene Chambers 

Larry Wallace 

Athens Federal Community Bank 


Claire Tucker 

Ken Webb 

Hal Y. Roe 

Don Weir 

Lee “Doak” and Johnnye Willett 

Pam Weston 

Archer and Mary Coppedge 

Bob and Billye White 

Mark and Rebecca White 

Kymberly Travis Wierman 

Rev. and Mrs. Michael Travis 

Lee “Doak” and Johnnye Willett 


Dr. Grant Willhite 

Bridgett Willhite 

Mintie C. Willson 

Paul and Debbie Willson 

George Wilson 

David Tucker 

Burkett Witt 

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cristy 

Harold Tompkins 

Jane L. Wolfenden 

Jeffry Wolfenden 

www.twcnet.edu 33

Cathy Adderhold ‘70, was featured as an 

exceptional educator in the Knoxville News 

Sentinel on August 21. Adderhold has taught 

for 30 years and currently teaches fifth grade 

social studies at Alcoa Middle School where 

she has taught at for more than a decade. 

Laura Hopper Fleenor ‘94, completed 

United States Air Force Basic Military 

Training at Lackland AFB, Texas in April 

2012. She then completed Security Forces 

Technical School Training also at Lackland 

AFB and graduated as a Distinguished 

Graduate August 6, 2012. Throughout her 

time at Basic Training and Tech School she 

served as an Airman Leader. She is currently 

serving in the SC Air National Guard at 

McEntire Joint National Guard Base and 

continues to teach special education at Alice 

Drive Elementary School in Sumter, SC. 

Dustin Long ‘01 has completed his Ph.D. 

in Biostatistics from the University of 

North Carolina in Chapel Hill and is 

now an assistant professor of Biostatistics 

at West Virginia University. He resides 

in Morgantown, WV with his wife Leann 

Hamblen Long ‘04, who is working toward 

her doctorate in Biostatistics as well, and 

their son Charlie. 

Karen J. Baker ‘95, has joined Life 

Uniform in Knoxville, TN after working 

for Walmart and Pond’s Family Clothing 

in recent years. She loves working with 

the public and professionals and says Life 

Uniform is a great company. Baker has two 

grandsons, Jacob Fisig, 6 and Landon Fasig, 

3, from her daughter Adrianne and her sonin-law 

Adam. 

Become a TWC Fan on Facebook 

Follow us on twitter @TWCNews 

View TWC videos on YouTube 


AFTER COLLEGE 

Nate Davis ‘01, is releasing his first official 

CD titled “Born 2 Win.” It is available for 

purchase on zerodoubtmusic.com, iTunes, 

CDBaby, Spotify and Facebook. 

Sid Derrick ‘76, and his wife Sandra, 

of Dalton, GA., recently celebrated the 

college graduation of their daughter, Lindsey 

Derrick. Lindsey graduated in December 

2011 from the University of Georgia with a 

Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from 

the Grady College of Journalism and Mass 

Communication. Lindsey received a degree 

in magazines with a minor in history. She is 

freelancing with the Daily Citizen News in 

Dalton in the sports department. 

Hartwell Ray Hatfield ‘70, will retire 

May 31 from his position as Warden of the 

Tennessee Department of Corrections as 

well as from his position as a criminal justice 

instructor at Walters State Community 

College. He was with the Tennessee 

Department of Corrections for 25 years and 

was with Walters State for 17 years. 

Fred Zeigler ‘69, will retire in July after 

42 years as the United Methodist minister 

in the Alabama-West Florida Conference. 

Zeigler lives in Montgomery, Alabama and 

will be part of the FUMC Montgomery 

Congregational Care Ministry Team as of 

Sept. 1. 

MARRIAGES 

Frank Horning ‘75, was married July 18, 

2012 to Suzan Clark Horning in Panama 

City Beach, Fla. The wedding was a happy 5 

o’clock ceremony on the beach. 

FUTURE BULLDOGS 

Chad and Tonya Mizer Martin ‘98, of 

Madisonville, announce the birth of their 

daughter Mallory Jolette Martin, born May 

13, 2011 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical 

Center at 11:25pm. She was 7lb1.8oz and 20 

1/2 inches. She is the granddaugter of Jerry 

‘81 and Kay Martin of Englewood, TN. 

Maria Salgado ‘09, 

announces the birth of 

her daugher Paola who 

was born January 24, 

2012. 

Jaclyn Reynolds Martin ‘02, and her 

husband Jeremi C. Martin gave birth 

to their second child, Walker Reynolds 

Martin on July 2, 2011. He is the brother of 

Annabeth Martin. 

If you would like to share news or updates in 

“After School” or in our monthly online newsletter, 

“Bulldog Bytes,” please email Jessica Edwards 

at alumni@twcnet.edu or by mail, 

TWC, Attn.: Alumni Relations, 

204 E. College St., Athens, TN 37303. 

PHONATHON 

Stay Connected to TWC! Thank you to everyone who made generous donations and 

pledges during our Annual Fund Fall Phonathon in September. 

Please remember to send in all pledges by June 30th. If you 

have any questions you may contact Jessica 

Edwards, director of alumni relations 

and annual fund at 423-746-5331 or 

jedwards@twcnet.edu.



Chief Executive Officers 

Dr. Harley G. Knowles, President 

Larry Wallace, Senior VP 

Randy L. Nelson, Chief Advancement Officer 

Stan Harrison, VP for Enrollment Services 

Dr. Suzanne Hine, VP for Academic Affairs 

Gail Harris, VP for Financial Affairs 

Dr. Scott Mashburn, VP for Student Life 

Traci Williams, Assistant VP for 

Institutional Research & Effectiveness 

Chief Information Officer 

ARCHES is published three times a year 

by the Office of Advancement 

at Tennessee Wesleyan College. 

Bulk rate postage paid at Chattanooga, Tenn. 

Blake McCaslin ’00 

Director of Public Relations & Marketing 

mccaslin@twcnet.edu 

Tracy New 

Graphic Designer 

tnew@twcnet.edu 

Brittany Shope 

College Editor & Web Coordinator 

bshope@twcnet.edu 

Randy Nelson ’93 

Chief Advancement Officer 

rnelson@twcnet.edu 

Stacie Clifton 

Director of Public Relations & Marketing 

mccaslin@twcnet.edu 

Jessica L. Edwards ’06 

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund 

jedwards@twcnet.edu 

Bridgett Raper 

Director of Major Gifts and Grants 

braper@twcnet.edu 

Jared Wright ’09 

Advancement Specialist 

jwright@twcnet.edu 

Alumni Association 

Board of Directors 

President 

Anne Montgomery ’93 

Past President 

Tenna Hornsby ’84 

President Elect/ Board of Trustees 

Representative 

Jo Lundy ’88 

Secretary 

Darlene Peel ’95 

Members 

Norma Corn White ’59 

Michelle Dannel ’83 

Jim Dodson ’63 

Relus Flemming ’65 

Linda Higdon ’73 

Diane West Hutsell ’98 

Amy Burros Jackson ’99 

Melody Moses-Alexander ’98 

Sheilah Farmer Grubb ’72 

Brenda Sewell ’68 

2011-2012 Student Government 

Association Officers 

President Matt Harper 

Vice President Rachel McDonald 

Secretary Tally Burke 

Treasurer Ramon Rivera 

ARCHES | Volume 12 | No. 2 | Fall 2012 

Please recycle this magazine. 

Tennessee Wesleyan College is committed to environmental stewardship. 

We ask you to please recycle this magazine and 

support recycling efforts in your community. 

For more information about the TWC 

Alumni Association, please email 

alumni@twcnet.edu 

or call 423.746.5331. 

Become a fan of the 

TWC Alumni Association on 

Facebook! 

Board of Trustees 

Ms. Claire Tucker ’75, Chairman 

Mr. Joe Riley ’73, Vice Chairman 

Mr. W. Matthew Brookshire ’95, 

Secretary 

Rev. Dennie Humphreys, ’73 

Rev. Thomas Reed, ’73 

Honorable Carl Colloms, ’64 

Rev. Dan Moore, ’74 

Ms. Sharon Brown 

Mr. Jerry Smith, ’61 

Mr. Don Webb, ’81 

Rev. Charles Harrison, Sr., ’79 

Mr. Allen Carter 

Ms. Tenna Hornsby, ’84 

Ms. Mintie Willson 

Mr. Bryan Jackson, 

Ms. Ailene Chambers, ’65 

Mr. Charles “Buddy” Liner, ’58 

Ms. Laurie Hallenberg 

Dr. Regenia Mayfield, ’59, ’06H 

Mr. Mark White, ’76 

Mr. Paul Ottaviano 

Ms. Angie Green, ’92 

Ms. Mary Williams 

Mr. Hugh Queener, ’77 

Mr. Jim Winer 

Special Representatives 

Mr. Larry Kleinman, Covenant Health 

Dr. Dan Gilbert, faculty 

Ms. Jo Lundy ’88, alumni 

Mr. Keith Altshuler, Fort Sanders 

Regional Medical Center 

Mr. Matt Harper, student 

Ex-Officio 

Dr. Harley Knowles, President 

Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, 

Resident Bishop 

of the Holston Conference 

Rev. Joe Green, 

District Superintendent 

Honorary Trustee 

Dr. Danny R. Hays ’57 

Trustee Emeritus 

Mr. George Oliphant ’43

Tennessee Wesleyan College 

204 East College Street 

Athens, Tennessee 37303 

www.twcnet.edu 

ARCHES | Volume 12 | No. 2 | Fall 2012 

$20 per person | 65 spots available 

RSVP’s must be received in advance 

Meet there or shutt le from TWC 

will leave around 1 p.m. 

Please RSVP to Jessica Edwards 

at jedwards@twcnet.edu 

ALUMNI HAYRIDE 

Saturday, October 27 at 3 p.m. 

Cades Cove Riding Stables

TWC ARCHES Fall 2012

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