Carson-Newman event to feature new novel by 1949 alumnus, honor military veterans

(March 7, 2019) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman University will host an evening celebrating the work of Jefferson City’s Joe Mack High on Monday, March 18. The event will feature his recent book “The Centurion: A Tale of the Crucifixion,” as well as serve as a time to honor military veterans.

Sponsored by the University’s Appalachian Cultural Center, the evening is free and open to the public. The University extends a special invitation to veterans.

“Hearing Joe Mack High share his journey as a soldier, a C-N student, a businessman, and now as a novelist makes me proud to be part of the Carson-Newman community,” said Dr. Jennifer Hall, director of C-N’s Appalachian Cultural Center. “He represents the commitment to lifelong learning and servant leadership that C-N strives to foster.”

High was a senior in high school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. On his nineteenth birthday, High enlisted and spent three years with the Fleet Marine Force, making four assault landings as a telephone lineman, laying lines up and down the beaches and into command posts.

Upon returning stateside, High enrolled at Carson-Newman with a bachelor’s degree before earning a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Graduating in 1949, he became a CPA and returned to C-N as a professor of business administration.

Following retirement, High, with the help of friends and family, began a new role: author and novelist. “The Centurion: A Tale of the Crucifixion” traces three generations in an adventurous, thought-provoking story as a Roman soldier sets out on a journey of self-discovery. As First Centurion of the Tenth Roman legion, Cornelius befriends the itinerant teacher, Jesus. The intertwining paths of these two men bring them together for a final encounter.

High will discuss how his World War II and Carson-Newman experiences led him to write his first novel. A special tribute by the University’s ROTC and music students will honor High and veterans in attendance.

The 7 p.m. event will be held in Thomas Recital Hall, located in Tarr Music Center. The Center is located on Russell Ave. in Jefferson City.