President Fowler challenges university body to actively apply what it means to be a Christian university

In one of the traditional signals of the official start of a new academic year, Carson-Newman University today hosted its Fall Convocation.

In his address, University President Charles A. Fowler celebrated seniors as they enter their final year at Mossy Creek, and challenged all students, faculty and staff alike to never lose sight of the purpose of the institution and their responsibility as a part of its body.

Asking “What makes a Christian university Christian?,” Fowler told the gathering “at the most fundamental level, it’s the Gospel. The gospel provides the framework for truth and purpose, as well as establishes the necessary interdependence of faith, knowledge and learning.”

Fowler charged those in attendance with three questions, based on the three times “Christian” is mentioned in Scripture. Twice in the book of Acts and once in 1 Peter mark the appearances of the term, prompting the questions.

First, Fowler asked, “Who is Christ for us today in our identify as a Christian University?”

Noting it in Acts 11 verse 26 when the disciples were first called “Christians” in Antioch. It was in that city these followers of Jesus stood out, living distinct lives marked by obedience to Christ’s teachings and a “bold commitment to share the gospel across every boundary.”

“Their faithfulness became a defining characteristic,” Fowler said. “… Their identity was not claimed; it was recognized. In the same way, our identity as a Christian university must be built on a real life living out of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not simply a branding strategy. The word “Christian” should be descriptive of our foundational convictions, priorities and practices because they visibly reflect the gospel.

“We must be a gospel people regardless of our role in the University. Carson-Newman’s reputation must be established through those who teach, serve and lead while living lives that reflect the impact of the gospel and faithfully proclaim the gospel that others might come to know Jesus. Every choice we make contributes to and influences the shaping of our institutional identity.”

Secondly, Fowler asked: “Who is Christ for us in our mission as a Christian University?”

Referencing a conversation recorded in Acts Chapter 26 between the Apostle Paul and Herod Agrippa, he notes that in that passage Paul expresses his desire for the gospel to not only change Agrippa’s life, but the lives of all those who heard; that people would encounter the living Christ and be changed forever.

“For us, education is the pathway through which our mission travels,” Fowler said. “Our mission statement defines the nature of our education as being Christian. We are called to deliver education, to lead and to serve in ways that showcase the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Excellence in mission means faithfulness to Christ.”

Fowler reminded the crowd that in the spring of 2025, the faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees of Carson-Newman affirmed a statement that defines Christian educators as those “who are followers of Christ, who exhibit excellence in their work and whose teaching, service and leadership are distinctively Christian.”

“This applies to every employee,” Fowler said. “It means our relationship with Jesus does not just shape who we are personally; it shapes how we work. It defines excellence with clarity and purpose.”

Fowler went further, “A life worthy of the gospel reflects in practice what the gospel proclaims in truth,” he said. “That admonition should frame all we do; teaching, studying, serving, competing, leading and living. For Carson-Newman, Acts 26 reminds us that Christian mission cannot be separated from the proclamation of the gospel. We live it and we proclaim it. It’s why we are here!”

Lastly, Fowler pointed to 1 Peter 4:16, “If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed but is to glorify God in this name.”

“Here we see vision clearly,” Fowler said. “to glorify God as we bear His name, even in suffering. That is the ultimate purpose of both identity and mission. Since we bear His name – and our University bears his name – our vision must be to glorify Christ in all we do.”

Fowler said through teaching, service and leadership, it is the responsibility of Carson-Newman as a Christian university “through our teaching, service and leadership” to make Christ visible and understandable.

“This means we bring a gospel bias to our work,” he said. “We are not neutral. We advocate for a worldview shaped by Scripture, that recognizes Jesus as Creator, Savior and Lord.”

So, in returning to his original question, “What makes a Christian University Christian?,” Fowler concluded.

“As Image-Bearers and Name-Bearers of Christ we must engage every sphere of our work through the lens of the gospel if we are to be faithful to our call to be Christian. At a Christian university, this is not optional – it is expected.”