category: Campus News Carson-Newman presents 2025 Sparks Award category: Campus News | November 12, 2025 Dr. Roc Collins (center) was awarded Carson-Newman University’s Ken Sparks Award during C-N’s alumni dinner held at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. Pictured with Collins is Dr. Jonathan Akin, C-N’s vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries (left) and University President Charles A. Fowler as they present him with a game-worn Eagles helmet. Carson-Newman University presented the 2025 Ken Sparks Award to Dr. Roc Collins, III. The Nov. 11 presentation came during C-N’s Alumni and Friends Dinner held at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Jackson, Tennessee. Named for long-time Carson-Newman football coach Ken Sparks, the award recognizes pastors or lay people within the church who exemplify the traits of the legendary coach. “It is evident that Dr. Collins’ service to Baptists across Tennessee and beyond comes from his desire to first serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Carson-Newman President Charles A. Fowler. “His compassion for others, love of life, and passion to share the gospel has impacted countless lives for eternity. And we at Carson-Newman are proud to call him one of our own.” Collins is a 1989 Carson-Newman alumnus who serves as evangelism team leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB), as well as special assistant to the executive director of TBMB. His passion for evangelism and discipleship is evident as he travels throughout the state.Prior to joining TBMB’s staff in 2017, the North Carolina native served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee. Beyond the volunteer state, Collins has served as pastor in multiple churches in Virginia, Louisiana and Mississippi.His multiple service roles within the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) included him serving as TBC’s president in 2015-2016. He also served as TBC vice president, chair of the Executive Board, and as president of the TBC Pastor’s Conference. He held roles within the Southern Baptist Convention which led to serving on the Committee on Nominations as well as chair of Committee on Committees.After earning his undergraduate degree from Carson-Newman, Collins continued his education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), receiving his Master of Divinity and doctorate degrees. He also serves on the NOBTS Board of Trustees.He and his wife Jeralyn have two sons. Dr. Roc Collins (center) was awarded Carson-Newman University’s Ken Sparks Award during C-N’s alumni dinner held at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. Pictured with Collins is Dr. Jonathan Akin, C-N’s vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries (left) and University President Charles A. Fowler as they present him with a game-worn Eagles helmet.
Campus News Colleges of Distinction COO praises Carson-Newman in latest national recognition Carson-Newman University “delivers on equipping students” according to Tyson Schritter, COO of Texas-based organization, Colleges of Distinction. Carson-Newman was named a “College of Distinction,” as well as a “Christian College […]
Campus News Picture of Head and Heart: New initiative has students discovering God-given strengths Preparing the next generation of servant-leaders is at the heart of Carson-Newman University. It even says so in its mission statement. It is that process of “preparing,” from when students […]
Campus News Spring commencement celebrates Class of 2026, Robert Reedy Bryan Society inductees Carson-Newman University held its Spring Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 1. During the event the University inducted five new members into the Robert Reedy Bryan Society, as well as celebrating […]
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