Carson-Newman honors its own during Alumni Awards Ceremony

During Homecoming week, Carson-Newman celebrated alumni who represent their alma mater with distinction during its annual Alumni Awards Ceremony on Nov. 3.

Alumni recognized demonstrate the traits of those in Scripture who, often with no fanfare, serve, lead, support and love in a manner indicative of the calling of Christian educators to help C-N students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders.


TRIUMPH AWARDS

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Lynn Baker, Class of 1976

A member of the class of 1976, Lynn Baker has served as assistant conductor and English diction coach at the New York City Opera as well as English diction coach and vocal consultant for the New York City Ballet.

She also serves as English diction coach and adjunct faculty coach at Mannes Opera/The New School. Since 2017, she has been the coach of English diction for multiple operatic productions at Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Philadelphia and the Curtis Institute of Music.

Holding a Master of Music degree in accompanying from Julliard, Baker is the director of the Berkshire Opera Festival Resident Artist Program and served as artistic director of Crested Butte Opera Studio from 2012-2018.

Her recording credits include pieces with the Baltimore Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestras.  A list of work that encompasses more than 25 operas and musical theater pieces, Lynn’s coaching and performing credits include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “A Quite Place,” “Antony and Cleopatra”and more at venues such as the Lincoln Center Theater, Seattle Opera, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Atlanta Opera, Louisville Orchestra, Washington National Opera, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Bard SummerScape Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Juilliard Vocal Arts, and the Juilliard Opera Center.

Baker is an associate editor for transcriptions at the International Dialects of English Archive. An avid vocal recital pianist and performer of contemporary opera and new art song, she was a longtime recital partner to soprano Harolyn Blackwell. She has performed in recital at The White House East Room, The Morgan Library Gilder Lehrman Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater just to name a few.


Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Richard “Bucky” Rosenbaum, Class of 1976

An Eagle Scout as a youth, Richard “Bucky” Rosenbaum is a 1976 cum laude graduate in psychology and Education. At Mossy Creek, Bucky served in various positions in student government, even helping rewrite the SGA Constitution.

Rosenbaum has had two careers; the first one was in Christian book publishing.

Merging two historic brands — Broadman Press and A.J. Holman Bibles, Rosenbaum was a co-founder of B&H Publishing Group. He oversaw production of more than 525 titles across multiple categories, including more than 20 national bestsellers.

He later became CEO of Pastors.com, Inc., and also served as Literary Agent of Record for “The Purpose Driven Life,” a New York Times bestseller with more than 50 million copies sold and translated into more than 80 languages.

From there, Rosenbaum became a co-founder of Purpose Driven Ministries, leading Purpose Driven Publishing at Saddleback Church and serving as a licensed pastor on the church’s staff.

In 2005 Bucky and his wife JoAnn returned to Tennessee to open a literary agency which grew to represent more than 50 non-fiction authors.

With the 2008/09 recession, the page turned. Bookstores closed; two major chains went bankrupt and the industry workforce was reduced by 45%. Within two years, he and JoAnn had lost their home and business.

Career No. 2: Rosenbaum joined the Tennessee Department of General Services, as management consultant and later as a customer relations manager serving all 95 counties. From there, he moved to the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, where he became the state’s first Talent Management Business Partner.

He provided executive coaching, leadership development, and talent management support to all 22 state cabinet agencies. He also served on several statewide leadership and development councils.


Biblical and Theological Studies
Dr. Stephen J. Andrews, Class of 1976

Senior Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, Dr. Stephen J. Andrews has served at Midwestern Seminary since 1998.

The 1976 Carson-Newman graduate received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion, a Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Before arriving at Midwestern, where he has earned Professor of the Year honors, Andrews served as associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southeastern Seminary.

Co-author of the Holman OT Commentary on First and Second Samuel, Andrews translated Zephaniah for the Holman Christian Standard Bible and edited Ezekiel for the same volume. He has contributed chapters in The Biblical World and Its Impact: Precept and Praxis and The World of Jesus and the Early Church.

A featured presenter at annual meetings of the International Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society, Andrews has published articles and reviews including IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament; The Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics and the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary.

He has served as executive editor of the Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament and its associated Law, Prophets, and Writings blog.

Beyond his teaching career, Andrews has pastored four churches and served as interim/transitional pastor in another 15. A frequent speaker at academic and Bible conferences, he has contributed to SBC denominational publications such as Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Curriculum, Open Windows, and Deacon Magazine. He is also a frequent contributor to Lifeway’s Biblical Illustrator.

He has served as a board member of the Liberty Women’s Clinic in Liberty, Missouri, and Up Next! Leadership Foundation in Kearney, Missouri.

Business
Mark Cate, Class of 1987

In his career, 1987 graduate Mark Cate, has served as an executive in real estate management and development and later invested 16 years in higher education leadership.

Whether his various job titles specified it or not, Cate has served as a chief development officer, chief planning officer, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer — working on budgets ranging from $10 million to $30 billion.

For more than five years, he served as chief of staff for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In that role, he was the governor’s top advisor, strategist and negotiator, serving as liaison for the governor’s cabinet, more than 20 state departments and the state legislature.

As chief of staff, Cate led several legislative policy initiatives, including K-12 education reform, workers’ compensation reform, civil service reform, an alternative approach to Medicaid expansion, and post-secondary education reform, including the nationally-acclaimed Tennessee Promise program.

Now, as co-founder and president of Stones River Group, Cate has built one of the most-respected “go-to” agencies in business and politics, not just in the state but the broader region. He is a seasoned executive, public policy and political strategist with extensive experience in lobbying, strategic communications, issue advocacy, business development, project management, and for profit and not-for-profit strategic planning.

Cate helps clients navigate political risks, launch compelling advocacy campaigns, capitalize on business and engagement opportunities, and strengthen comprehensive lobbying and public relations efforts.

From helping attract revenue-generating events to Tennessee to serving as advisor to several governors and elected officials on their transitions into office, Cate and his team have developed a nationwide network of relationships.

A Maryville native, he lives in Nashville with wife Cathy, the former executive director of Leadership Tennessee.


Education and Counseling
Kay Free, Class of 2011

Kay Free’s mission is to help her clients find solid footing on a journey to wellness.

The 2011 graduate with a Master of Science degree in counseling, Kay states it very simply.

“Life on life’s terms can be challenging at best,” she says.

Those terms can mean experiencing life’s hardships: current or past; in the form of grief, anxiety, depression, toxic, or at least damaged, relationships. Trauma or struggles with drugs or alcohol only add to those difficulties.

Free, however, believes there is hope. She counsels that everyone has the capacity to move beyond those challenges and experience strong, healthy lives and relationships. Taking the first step toward seeking help is often the hardest part of the journey but Free says searching for that help shows strength and capacity for resilience.

The author of Ecclesiastes states in Chapter 4, verse 9, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.” In her counseling, Free assists couples needing healing. Realizing two are better than one and there is a good reward.

Her training and experience support couples and individuals searching for a fresh start and harboring a desire to move beyond their struggles toward a life of well-being.

Ensuring her practice is welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental and confidential Free serves clients in making positive changes in creating a life of well-being that perhaps at one point seemed out of reach.

Family and Consumer Sciences
Lauren Cromer, Class of 2002

A 2002 graduate, Lauren Cromer is a registered dietitian nutritionist and WIC director for Davidson County, Tennessee.  A supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, WIC provides low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five with healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education and healthcare referrals.

After earning her Master of Nutrition Science degree, Cromer then completed her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2005.

She has worked in a variety of areas within the nutrition field including food service and teaching. But her passion and main career focus have been working with families on developing healthy behaviors at home and early in life.

Cromer serves on the Board of Directors for The Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

Made up of more than 1,300 professionals and students, the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to improving the health of Tennesseans and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

A former instructor of nutrition and food sciences at Middle Tennessee State University, Cromer is a recipient of the Young Dietitian of the Year Award from the Tennessee Dietetic Association.

Past president of her district’s association, she has served as dietitian manager with a skilled nursing facility and as a clinical dietitian at a diabetes weight management clinic. Her service includes experience as a dietary and kitchen manager developing meal plans and assessing nutritional needs of patients.

Cromer also serves as a preceptor/mentor with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Dietetic Internship Program.


Health Sciences
Andrea Coffey, Class of 2015

Native Tennessean Andrea Coffey had a decision to make. Born and raised in Cookeville, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee. From there, she served a decade as a registered nurse before thinking about the next direction her career would take.

She made the decision to return to school, to further her education.

Arriving at Mossy Creek, Coffey pursued, and completed, a Master of Science degree in nursing and obtained her board certification as a family nurse practitioner.

Coffey’s area of expertise is in gastroenterology/hepatology. Gastroenterology focuses on the entire digestive tract—including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, pancreas and gallbladder. Whereas hepatology is a specialized branch focusing specifically on liver diseases and related conditions.

Coffey is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP). She continues her education by participating in conferences/programs specifically in GI/hepatology.

In her time away from work, Coffey enjoys being a busy mom to three children and a wife. She also enjoys hiking, running, spending time with family and friends.


Natural and Applied Sciences
Dr. Larry Hobson, Class of 1990

Dr. Larry Hobson left Mossy Creek in 1990 with a double major in chemistry and biology. These days, Hobson is a general surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in caring for patients with a wide range of surgical needs. He has practiced at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta with expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical care.

From Carson-Newman, Hobson did his postgraduate work at the Emory University School of Medicine with a residency in general surgery. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville. There he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and was named Outstanding Medical Student Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Hobson’s clinical experience includes bariatric surgery, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, colon surgery, and other procedures to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system. Certified by the American Board of Surgery, his research interests include laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.

As co-author or contributor, he has been published multiple times in medical journals, including a 2019 article on Adopting Robotics Training into a General Surgery Residency Curriculum.

Combining surgery and curriculum is something Hobson certainly knows about, serving on faculty at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta in the Department of Surgery.

He has twice been the recipient of the William Lynn Weaver, MD Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, earned the Outstanding Faculty in Surgery Award as well as the Above and Beyond Faculty Award.

Hobson has spent his career focused on providing experienced surgical care and helping patients understand their condition, treatment options, and what to expect before and after surgery.


BEACON AWARD
Dr. Heather Nolan, Class of 2003

After earning her communication degree from Carson-Newman in 2003, Dr. Heather Nolan spent the next few years both in front of the camera and behind it. But, working as director and producer at a pair of TV stations in Cincinnati, she began wondering if there was something else she was being called to do.

Some of her off hours were spent volunteering at a hospital; in the gift shop, then dealing directly with patients. One of her favorite TV shows at the time was “Doctor 90210,” a reality show that took viewers into the operating room.

“It showed me the impact surgery could make in patients’ lives,” she said. “… I told my husband, Matt, ‘I think I want to be a doctor,’ and he said, ‘Let’s go.’”

Go she did.

Four years at University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Five years of training in general surgery residency at Mercer University in Georgia.

Two more years in a fetal surgery fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. During which she also earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati.

She then invested two more years as a fellow in pediatric general surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Taking the long road in a second career may have frustrated some. Entering a new field later than many of one’s peers could foster impatience. Nolan said the process was worth it, helping prepare her for anything that may come through the door.

Just last summer Nolan and her partners opened doors to a clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the team specializes in pediatric surgery.


DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
J. Howard Murphy, Class of 1990

Howard Murphy was just 15 when he started serving in emergency medical services in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina. Inspired by two uncles, at 17 he joined the South Carolina National Guard to go into combat medicine.

Departing Mossy Creek with a degree in psychology, Murphy also left with a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving the next decade-plus in the national guard.

His education continued as well. Beyond his Carson-Newman degree, Howard holds a Master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s in Strategic Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership.

Following the devastation of September 11, 2001, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld developed a counterterrorism program through an army reserve unit, Murphy, who already was in the field as a civilian, was recruited to join.

His responsibilities included serving as liaison officer and chief strategic planner for the United States’ support of the United Nations program of prohibition of chemical weapons …  specifically to demilitarize Syria’s chemical weapons program.

He retired in 2019 as a colonel.

But he has not stopped serving.

He is associate professor and program coordinator for the Homeland Security and Emergency Services curriculum at Anderson University.

He has served as part-time command officer with the Anderson County EMS and assists in the emergency management division of the county sheriff’s office. Just last year he traveled to Sierra Leone as part of a medical mission team providing free care to more than 300 patients – 39 of whom accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Writer or co-author of more than 30 publications for bachelor’s and graduate level curriculums, The International Association of Emergency Managers honored Murphy with its Lifetime Certified Emergency Manager credential.


LEGACY AWARD
The Darby Family

To qualify for the Legacy Award, a minimum of three generations of a family must attend Carson-Newman.

This year’s recipients not only qualify with a minimum of three generations up and down the family tree, but multiple branches extending from the trunk.

Earning degrees from Carson-Newman in both undergraduate and graduate curriculums, leaving as educated citizens, the Darby family for generations has been filled with servant leaders.

Engineering, consulting, pharmacology, attorney, business management, accounting, teachers and doctors, this family represents a broad universe of service.

From the 1950s through the 2010s, nearly two dozen mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, cousins, uncles, aunts and in-laws of this family studied at Mossy Creek.

They have gone on to teach hundreds, if not thousands of students, treat the sick, provide counseling to individuals and businesses and so much more.

More than one member of the family has returned to Carson-Newman to serve on faculty, staff, on a board or advisory council.

“Carson-Newman is home,” said 1999 graduate Laura Darby Purdom. “And we are excited to share its educational excellence and spiritual formation with the next generations.”

SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dr. Stacy Hollingsworth

Forensic psychologist, missionary, advocate for vulnerable women and children.

Dr. Stacy Hollingsworth is all three.

The 1986 graduate says she has “been deeply committed to sharing the love of Christ by walking alongside people in some of their most painful and vulnerable moments.”

In 2015, while serving with Mission to the World in Kenya, Hollingsworth was asked to teach women about the realities of human trafficking within their own communities. Her research revealed the widespread problem that existed in Kenya. The extreme economic instability many women face creates heartbreaking vulnerabilities leaving women and girls trapped in cycles of exploitation and poverty.

Her research for a “simple” presentation turned into what she calls, “a life-changing calling.” The Esther Project Shop was born. A ministry and mission dedicated to supporting and empowering women and children through sustainable opportunity, advocacy and the love of Jesus Christ, the Esther Project puts compassion into action.

Most women in Kenya struggle to feed their families on less than $2 a day. The food and economic insecurity this creates contributes to the trafficking of more than 50 children per week in Kenya.

Many of the women Hollingsworth worked with had skills but few options to sell their goods other than open-air markets in town.

Through the Esther Project Shop, Hollingsworth developed a place for women to market their products, providing them with a sustainable income.

What started with five women is now a 501c3 Nonprofit serving 369 artisans who support their families; Glory Rescue Home with more than 79 children saved from abuse and/or trafficking; and Glory Christian Education Centre providing learning and hope for more than 780 students.


VISION AWARD
Bobby and Phyllis Tuck

Bobby and Phyllis Tuck pursued different academic paths during their time at Carson-Newman. Bobby was in pre-engineering, helping him prepare for a life’s work of analyzing the earth – the lay of the land – and what could be done with it.

Phyllis earned a degree in sociology – studying human and social interaction; a mental and behavioral lay of the land and what could be done with it.

Both areas involve having a vision, an inquiring mind and a desire to see where it leads.

More than 40 years ago, Bobby formed Tuck Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering services to coal mining companies in Southwest Virginia.

Over the years, that vision has grown with the technology to advance services to clients.

Tuck Mapping has become a leader in the aerial mapping industry and is recognized for innovation and creativity in providing solutions to needs of clients – a list which extends across the U.S. and around the globe.

Bobby and Phyllis’ team of trained professionals have completed more than 25,000 projects.

But with all this activity, the Tucks have found ways to focus on several projects right here at Mossy Creek.

Just six years ago, the Eagles athletic facilities looked very different than they do today. In the last five years, new playing surfaces have been installed at the Vickee Kazee-Hollifield softball and Silver Diamond baseball complexes. The McCown Field soccer pitch at Harvey Stadium. New grandstands at the softball stadium, new pitching machines.

The list is longer than that. Support from Bobby and Phyllis has transformed Carson-Newman’s facilities to not only some of the finest in the South Atlantic Conference, but throughout the Southeast.


R.R. TURNER SPIRIT OF CARSON-NEWMAN AWARD
Dr. Alden Starnes

Named for a legendary English professor at Mossy Creek, The R.R. Turner, Spirit of Carson-Newman Award was established by the Alumni Association. It is designed to honor current faculty and staff whose commitment and service personify the spirit of Carson-Newman University.

Recipients exemplify the highest ideals of service and leadership on campus and are committed to excellence in their roles at Carson-Newman.

Recipients must be current faculty or a staff member with at least five years of service to the University.

This year’s recipient has invested more than 25 years at Carson-Newman.

An esteemed member of the faculty, this professor has found unique ways to make what, for some, can be an incredibly difficult subject, more understandable and even fun.

But the multiple contributions of this year’s recipient do not end in the classroom.

Athletic events, late night breakfast, student activities, campus get-togethers — this year’s recipient is at all of them.

The recipient is involved in his church as teacher and pianist and various community projects as well. Serving as faculty sponsor for multiple student organizations, two years as faculty chairman, faculty dual enrollment facilitator and 22 years as PA announcer at Carson-Newman football games — his enthusiasm is contagious.

This year’s recipient is Dr. Alden Starnes