Carson-Newman graduates challenged to “sprint toward goals”

Click here to view photos from Spring Commencement 2015 on the University’s Facebook page.

(May 8, 2015) – Carson-Newman University held its 2015 Spring Commencement on Friday, May 8. Bradley Williams, president and CEO of Holston United Methodist Home for Children in Greeneville addressed the some 260 graduates and their families during the morning’s undergraduate ceremony. The event was held at the University’s Burke-Tarr Stadium.

Williams focused on what he called “subtle details in the Easter story” to draw graduates’ attention to their “faith and future.”

He offered a life lesson from John’s gospel where the writer notes having outrun Peter to the empty tomb on resurrection morning. Supposing that Peter was hindered by his memory of betraying Christ, Williams counseled his audience, “Do not let guilt or regret keep you from sprinting toward your goals.”

Williams has been with Holston Home since 2002, beginning as vice president for program services before being promoted to chief operating officer and eventually president and CEO. He has served as the board president of the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families, and as the former deputy director of the Cumberland County Department of Social Services in North Carolina.

With more than 20 years of service in the field, Williams has served in numerous leadership roles at various faith-based private non-profit and for-profit family services agencies.

The University also held its graduate commencement ceremony Friday evening with Dr. David Crutchley addressing some 90 graduates. Crutchley serves as chair of Carson-Newman’s Religion Department.

Crutchley teaches upper-level New Testament electives that include “Sermon on the Mount,” “The Fourth Gospel” and “Paul.” He joined Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2004. He grew up in southern Africa and leads Carson-Newman’s annual summer trip to Cape Town, South Africa for his course, “Being Fully Human: Spirituality Out of Africa.”

Crutchley is involved in the Baptist World Alliance and serves as senior interim pastor at First Baptist Church of Dandridge.

Commencement 2015 at Carson-NewmanThe future of our graduates is so bright they need shades! We hope you enjoy these. From University Relations to the Class of 2015: Congratulations!We’re cheering for you!

Posted by Carson-Newman University on Friday, May 8, 2015