Associational Report 2018
Carson-Newman University
Your support helps us fulfill the Great Commission of going into “all the world.” We have not yet
made it everywhere, of course. but with time and resources, that is our hope.
This past year has included:
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At the start of the academic year, the University welcomed hundreds of families to
campus for its annual Prayer Walk and Welcome Ceremony. The tradition led one parent
to note: "This was an amazing way for my son to start his college adventure. This event
gave us as parents the added assurance that he's right where God led him."
Carson-Newman unveiled a new university logo proclaiming its mission in higher
education by prominently featuring "A Christian University" within the new logo.
The University's Board of Trustees and President O'Brien led the University to adopt the
2000 Baptist Faith & Message as guiding principals of operation.
Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) sent 115 students, faculty and staff members across
the world through spring break mission trips. Teams took part in a variety of projects
including serving others at the Iditarod in Alaska, hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico
and at the Baptist Children's Home in Chattanooga. Puerto Rico relief efforts were in
partnership with Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief, while the Alaska site was through a
partnership with a former NAMB missionary in service with Graceworks Ministries.
Other partnerships included LifeWay's BeachReach Ministry and local YOKE Youth
ministries. BCM programs and events saw 59 known professions of faith and over 30
known rededications.
Some 70 students donated their time to help with efforts in assembling over 100 Easter
baskets for children in need on behalf of a local Christian-based ministry, Food on Foot.
This past year, Carson-Newman athletic teams saw over 25 known professions of faith
and five rededications. The swim team held a baptism for a team member in the campus
pool.
Carson-Newman was ranked in the top 50 best Christian colleges in the nation by College
Atlas.
Colleges of Distinction recognized the University with its seal of approval, including a
separate designation as “Christian College of Distinction.”
Appalachian Outreach saw one known profession of faith and seven rededications. AO
oversaw home repair projects for 14 families across four East Tennessee counties. This
summer volunteers as far away as Mississippi and Indiana took part in ministry efforts.
Samaritan House served 52 families (52 adults and 28 children). The shelter provided a
total of 4651 days of care. In addition to providing shelter, Samaritan House provided
13,953 hot meals to residents and members of the community who attended its Tuesday
Night Bible Study.
Nursing students and faculty traveled to Haiti on a medical mission trip. The group made
home visits, worked with cancer patients and held clinics on the frontier for area villages.
Highlights presented here are possible because of the cooperation of Tennessee Baptists. Some
programs, like certain mission trips, are made possible by the underwriting of individual like-
hearted supporters who want to help Carson-Newman educate students and help share the Gospel.
Submitted by J. Randall O’Brien, President