Kington awarded 2018 Founders’ Day Medallion

^{Randy Kington (center), a 1972 alumnus of Morristown, was awarded the 2018 Founders’ Day Medallion. With Kington is Executive Vice President and Provost Paul Percy, left, and University President J. Randall O’Brien.}

(Oct. 11, 2018) – During its annual Founders’ Day service, Carson-Newman University presented its Founders’ Day Medallion to 1972 alumnus and Morristown native, Randy Kington. The award is one of the most prestigious honors given by the University.

Kington’s life has been marked by courage and the strength to overcome adversity. He joined the Marine Corps in 1964. While serving as a rifleman and platoon radio operator during the Vietnam War, Kington was shot in the neck, an injury that left him in a wheelchair but brought him to his faith. He received 10 ribbons and six medals for his service.

Kington received his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Carson-Newman. He continued his education earning the Master of Science in accounting from the University of Alabama and his certified public accountant licensure. He taught accounting at C-N from 1973-1980 before opening his own CPA firm in Morristown. Meanwhile, he also wrote an inspirational memoir, “What A Life,” and became a popular speaker for civic groups and churches. He was the 2004 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Carson-Newman’s Department of Business. He was also recently awarded the University’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award last month. He is married to 1972 alumna Patty Kington.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts university located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.