Dr. Randy Davis encourages students to live with “priority”

The cold December rain falling outside Holt Fieldhouse could not dampen the enthusiasm of Carson-Newman’s 2011 Winter Commencement ceremonies, as graduates and their families celebrated within. Executive Director and Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Dr. Randy Davis, was presented with an honorary doctorate just prior to delivering the commencement address. Following his remarks, C-N President Randall O’Brien conferred degrees on the 67 graduates.

Prior to the ceremony Davis had presented each of the graduates with a coin. During his address he explained that “this coin represents the cooperative program dollars that have helped support and undergird your education,” referring to the financial support the Tennessee Baptist Convention gives to Carson-Newman each year to assist with student scholarships.  He added that the dollars also represented the fact that “we (Tennessee Baptists) love Carson-Newman.”

Humbled by the bestowing of the honorary doctorate, Davis reminisced about his own path to college and a career in ministry. He accepted the honor for pastors and their wives across Tennessee who faithfully serve but may never be recognized with such an honor. Quoting Matthew 6:33, wherein Jesus says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.”  He closed by encouraging students to live their lives with priority; valuing faith, family and friends, and above all “living in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.”

The President’s Academic Achievement Award, a medallion which is presented to graduates with the most outstanding academic record, was given to Justin Kyle Whaley of Morristown, TN.