University announces $25 million campaign

^{Some 200 guests were in attendance for Carson-Newman University’s announcement of its $25 million “Students First” campaign. Podium guests for the evening included (left to right) Carson-Newman Executive Vice-President and Provost Kina Mallard, C-N President Randall O’Brien, Ricky Skaggs, University Board Chair Tom Harmon, and congressman and C-N trustee member Zach Wamp.}

Carson-Newman University has announced the public phase of a $25 million campaign that will focus on student scholarships. Entitled “Students First,” the campaign announcement came during an Oct. 15 donor recognition dinner on campus.

The campaign’s silent phase began on Aug. 1, 2011, raising $16,501,211 toward the $25 million goal.

“Our students, under the Lord, are first,” said Carson-Newman President Randall O’Brien to the some 200 guests in attendance. “They are why we are here. Without them we would have no mission, no calling, no purpose for existence.”

O’Brien also thanked the leadership of the University’s Board of Trustees that committed 20 percent toward the overall campaign target.

As part of the celebration, former congressman and current Carson-Newman trustee Zach Wamp announced the establishment of the Ricky Skaggs Endowed Scholarship. The bluegrass and country music legend was on hand for the announcement and was recognized during the evening.

“I am very honored to have a scholarship in my name,” said an emotional Skaggs. “And there is no University that I know of anywhere that I’d rather have it sit and rest as Carson-Newman.”