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 Carson-Newman announces new scholarship to benefit state employees Carson-Newman University officials announced the creation of a new scholarship for dependents of state employees. The Ben W. Hooper Scholarship will be offered for the 2026-2027 academic year and match […]
Campus News ‘He makes no mistakes’: C-N professor releases new children’s devotional Carson-Newman University’s Dr. Anita Azeem has a message for young people: “God created all in His image, and He makes no mistakes.” It’s a message that Azeem addresses in her […]
Campus News Campus onlookers brave weather, find something fishy at Mossy Creek Those who frequent historic Mossy Creek on Carson-Newman’s campus are commonly treated to glimpses of active wildlife along the creek’s grassy banks and cool, winding waters. Herons, otters, beavers, frogs […]
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