Vietnam War veteran, renowned surgeon among alumni honorees

^{Pictured from left at the 2018 Pinnacle Awards Dinner are: Dr. Ross Brummett, recipient of the R. R. Turner Spirit of Carson-Newman Award; John “Randy” Kington, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award; and Dr. Jesse F. Doty, Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient.}

(September 24, 2018) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman University honored three exceptional individuals during the 2018 Pinnacle Awards Dinner Sept. 21 in Stokely Memorial Cafeteria.

The University recognized Vietnam War-era Marine John “Randy” Kington, class of 1972, with the Distinguished Alumni Award, while Dr. Jesse F. Doty, an orthopedic surgeon and 2003 graduate, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

“Our alumni are doing amazing things around the world, but these individuals are outstanding among the field — not just for their professional successes, but for their love of God, love for others and dedication to Carson-Newman,” said Amy Reed, director of Alumni Relations.

Kington’s life has been marked by courage and the strength to overcome adversity, attributes that well qualified him for the University’s highest honor for its graduates.

The Morristown native 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.

He and his wife, Patty, graduated from C-N together in 1972. Kington then received his Masters in Accounting from the University of Alabama and earned his certified public accountant licensure. He taught accounting at Carson-Newman 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.

In the 15 years since his graduation, Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Doty has achieved considerable success within his profession. He currently serves as director of foot and ankle surgery for the Erlanger Health System and assistant professor and assistant residency program director for the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga.

Following his graduation from C-N with a biology degree, Doty graduated with honors from the UT Health Sciences Center. He went on to also complete a five-year surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the UT College of Medicine Chattanooga and a one-year fellowship with a renowned surgeon at the Saint Alphonsus Foot and Ankle Clinic in Boise, Idaho.

In addition to numerous scholarly publications and lectures, Doty and his wife, 2013 graduate Cristin Cook, also established the Emerson Grace Doty Foundation in honor of their daughter, who was born deaf. The foundation supports the UT Health Sciences Center Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology.

C-N also celebrated Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and longtime Professor of Religion, Dr. Ross Brummett, with the R. R. Turner Spirit of Carson-Newman Award.

“Ross Brummett is a name that is well known across our campus and within our C-N community,” said University President J. Randall O’Brien. “He’s been there to support and guide First Lady Kay and me through our tenure, just as he’s always there for our students, faculty and staff.”

Brummett received the Turner Award by exemplifying the highest ideals of service and leadership on campus. Since 1987, he has served Carson-Newman in a manner that has earned notice from students and peers. He received the 1992 Research, Creativity and Mentoring Award, the 1996 Advising Award, the 2011 Distinguished Faculty Award and the 2018 Twin Pillar Award.

His servant-leadership, commitment to Carson-Newman and personal involvement in seeing the campus thrive fulfill the award’s intent of honoring faculty whose dedication and service embody the spirit of the University.

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.