news at free will baptist bible college     Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1942. To find out more information about the school, visit their website at www.fwbbc.edu.

 

College Enrolls 283 Students

Free Will Baptist Bible College enrolled 283 students from 23 states and five foreign countries for the 2010 fall semester, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. Enrollment statistics indicate a diverse student body with a wide range of academic interests.

Dr. Ketteman said, “We thank God for the students who enroll at FWBBC. That’s especially true this fall as parents confront the harsh economic climate, and by faith send their sons and daughters for a Bible-based education.  What an amazing responsibility God has placed in our hands as the next generation of pastors and church planters, missionaries and Christian education leaders, as well as psychologists, musicians, business entrepreneurs, and more, register for classes. We’ve graduated almost 250 students in four years, and this impressive group of young adults will soon join that group of world-changers.”

At press time, the college reported 150 dormitory students, 56 commuter students, 23 Adult Degree Program students, and 54 Online/Lifetime Learning students. Officials set the fall semester 2010 full-time student equivalency at 228. One hundred seven students are enrolled in ministry-related fields.

This marks a 26-year high in local church ministry enrollment (pastoral, Christian education/youth ministry, and ministry studies) with 89 students, demonstrating the success of FWBBC’s online Associate of Science degree in Ministry.

By classes, they include 40 seniors, 52 juniors, 75 sophomores, 81 freshmen, 34 non-degree/part-time students, and one special student. There are 127 women and 156 men in the student body. Enrollment personnel were pleased that in spite of a harsh economic climate, the first-time freshman enrollment count increased slightly.

“Enrollment for our Online Degree and Adult Degree Programs will continue through mid-semester,” Dr. Ketteman said. “We are still enrolling new students in both programs, since enrollment takes place throughout the fall term due to each program having multiple modules. We project a total enrollment of 300 students for the fall term.”

-Alabama 12
-Arkansas 14
-Delaware 1
-Florida 5
-Georgia 9
-Idaho 1
-Illinois 8
-Indiana 7
-Kansas 2
-Kentucky 11
-Michigan 18
-Mississippi 6
-Missouri 14
-North Carolina 14
-Ohio 8
-Oklahoma 5
-Oregon 2
-South Carolina 3
-South Dakota 1
-Tennessee 104
-Texas 2
-Virginia 6
-West Virginia 2
-International 28 (Cuba, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Panama)

President Matt Pinson said, “There’s nothing like the excitement of fall enrollment on the FWBBC campus. The dreams of graduating seniors combine with the energy of incoming freshmen to put a smile on every face. This is a special time of year for us. We’re also delighted with the interest of a serious buyer for our current campus as relocation plans move forward. In addition, our expanding academic programs in pre-nursing and science, plus a strong response to Online/Lifetime Learning Programs, keep us in touch with the changing educational needs of our denominational constituency.”

Here are three ways to contact Free Will Baptist Bible College for more information: Call 800-76-FWBBC, email recruit@fwbbc.edu, or visit the college’s website at www.FWBBC.edu.

FWBBC Students Minister in Cuba

Four Free Will Baptist Bible College students traveled to Cuba this summer and spent 10 days (July 31-August 9) working in one of the Free Will Baptist youth camps in Pinar del Rio, according to Ron Callaway, FWBBC Missions program coordinator, who led the team. In addition to their youth camp outreach, the students received instruction in Cuban evangelism models and practices.

Mr. Callaway said, “The joy and faith of the Cuban Christians impacted our students’ lives. I believe the friendships started there will form lifetime bonds between them and the Cuban Free Will Baptist Convention.”

An invitation from the Youth Department of the Cuban Free Will Baptist Convention resulted in the FWBBC students serving five days on the campus of Los Cedros del Libano Bible Institute working with campers ages 12-15. Each FWBBC student was assigned to one of four teams of campers who competed in week-long Biblical Olympics (Theme: Book of Acts), athletics, camp work, and initiative projects.

Each student shared with campers what Christ meant to his life. Junior Christian Education major Tim Clements (North Carolina), senior Psychology major Josh Coker (Mississippi), and sophomore Pastoral Training major Zach Maloney (Kentucky) also preached at the camp or in local churches in Havana. Junior Music major Kimberly Harden (Missouri) played the guitar and sang for the campers.

Since one purpose of the trip was to acquaint students with cross-cultural adaptation, they were hosted by the Free Will Baptist Church of the La Lisa neighborhood in Havana. The local congregation provided meals, friendship, and a translator. The students spent one day walking through “Old Havana.”

The four FWBBC students expressed their gratitude for the U.S. Free Will Baptist churches and individuals who prayed for them and gave offerings so they could experience Cuba and the friendship of the Cuban Christians.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks FWBBC Among Nation’s Top Colleges

Free Will Baptist Bible College was notified in mid-August that the institution is ranked 54th in the Top Tier among “Best Regional Colleges” (South Region) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 edition of America’s Best Colleges guidebook, according to President Matt Pinson. Highlights of the college rankings were published in the August 31, 2010, issue of U.S. News.

President Pinson said, “How gratifying it is to see FWBBC ranked again among America’s best colleges in this prestigious national study. We are delighted that the college’s academic programs are recognized not only by our supporters but also by those beyond the institution. This recognition reassures prospective students and their parents that FWBBC remains a top quality institution of higher learning that delivers on their educational investment.”

The “Best Regional Colleges” category where FWBBC is ranked includes 319 institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts, and in professional fields such as business, nursing, and education. The colleges in this category are ranked within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.

The U.S. News rankings offer the opportunity to judge the relative quality of institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and more.

Mr. Wayne Spruill, director of institutional research at FWBBC, said, “Once again, U.S. News lets us tell the broader community what a great school we have, plus it gives prospective students an opportunity to make sound decisions about enrolling here. I find it rewarding that one of the numerous annual surveys and questionnaires we prepare has placed FWBBC in this highly regarded national publication.”

FWBBC received particularly high marks in four strategic areas—percent of classes with under 20 students (88%), student/faculty ratio (9/1), freshman retention rate (65%), and graduation rate (49%).

Provost Greg Ketteman said, “This marks the third time that FWBBC has been included in U.S. News’ list of best colleges. What a testimony this is to the hard work our faculty and staff pour into the college. They prepare themselves to teach in a rigorous collegiate academic setting or serve in administrative or other vital support roles. We have a great team at FWBBC. They make it easy for me to say that I believe every Free Will Baptist student should look at FWBBC first when considering a college.”

More information is available about the rankings and methodology in the annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook at: www.usnews.com/collegemeth.

President Speaks at Free Will Baptist Heritage Conference

JESUP, GA—Free Will Baptist Bible College president Matt Pinson spoke four times August 6-7 during South Georgia Association’s historic Free Will Baptist Heritage Conference which met in concert with the quarterly meeting at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Jesup. Under the leadership of Moderator Wayne Miracle, some 160 pastors and members from four local associations came together Friday evening and Saturday morning for the conference and business sessions.

Dr. Pinson addressed the group on the subjects: “Renewal Through Retrieval: On the Value of Tradition,” “Our General Baptist Heritage and Roots in the Reformation,” and “Traditional Values: Things We Can Learn From Our Tradition.” The fast-paced, 50-minute lectures were tightly researched and designed to raise awareness regarding the significance of Free Will Baptist origins and doctrine, and the importance of those traditions in a shifting postmodern culture.

Moderator Wayne Miracle said, “The seminar was extremely well received, and we’ve had many positive responses from those who attended. One of our goals was to be proactive regarding a market-driven approach to ministry and call our churches back to a more biblically-centered ministry. Dr. Pinson was the ideal choice to handle the subject—he understands the issues confronting our churches today, and he is most capable of articulating how to explain and deal with the cultural and theological challenges.”

A spirited question-and-answer exchange followed Dr. Pinson’s second lecture Friday evening. During a scheduled book-signing, attendees purchased copies of his books, A Free Will Baptist Handbook (1998) and The Washing of the Saints’ Feet (2006). Both volumes focus on Free Will Baptist heritage, beliefs, and ministry. Conferees also purchased Heritage Conference DVDs as well as copies of two other Pinson books, Four Views on Eternal Security (2002) and Perspectives on Christian Worship (2009).

“One pastor who attended called thanking me for scheduling the Heritage Conference,” Reverend Miracle said. “He said that as Brother Pinson spoke during the seminar it seemed that a light came on in his mind, and suddenly he understood the issues and the cultural battles confronting our churches. I think all of us had several of those ‘Ah Ha’ moments during these seminars.”

The Free Will Baptist Heritage Conference was sponsored by South Georgia Association’s Executive Board. The gathering was also an unofficial open-house for host New Hope Free Will Baptist Church’s 300-seat sanctuary. A first-ever Friday night session was added to the quarterly meeting schedule, and officials minimized Saturday business to allow Dr. Pinson more time to speak.

Following the conference, Pinson traveled to Statesboro and preached at New Life Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church where Moderator Wayne Miracle pastors.

Dr. Pinson said, “What a great weekend to remind us of the importance of Free Will Baptist doctrine, polity, and heritage. I was delighted for the opportunity to speak to the South Georgia Association on a subject that stirs me and is dear to my heart. It was a time to remember what is so special and unique about our denominational heritage. I hope to continue sharing the story with other Free Will Baptists beyond Georgia.”

Alumni Join Enrollment Management Staff

Mrs. Deborah Mouser (B.S., 1985) and Mr. Nathan Willhite (B.S., 2008) joined Free Will Baptist Bible College’s enrollment management team, filling two newly-created staff positions, according to Rusty Campbell, director of enrollment services. Mrs. Mouser has been named office manager; Mr. Willhite has been named senior enrollment counselor.

“We are excited to have Debbie Mouser and Nathan Willhite coming on board in EMT,” Mr. Campbell said. “Their previous experiences with our students as well as their personal achievements will be positive assets in our efforts to increase enrollment. Debbie and Nathan embody those principles of strong Christian character and a firm commitment to the college’s mission that mark them as special people who understand the purpose of FWBBC.”

Well known for her musical skills, Mrs. Mouser has toured with the College Choir as pianist since 2008. She developed a sales team of 50 women while working as an independent sales director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. During that 15-year period, she oversaw regional and local events and was responsible for monthly newsletters and correspondence. She previously served five years as receptionist with The Mathews Company, a major Middle Tennessee construction firm.

Mr. Willhite, FWBBC’s athletic supervisor, has been an adjunct faculty member since 2003. He currently serves as men’s basketball coach (2008- ). He coached the Lady Flames five years (2003-2008) and led them to a national championship in 2007. He will continue as coach of the Flames basketball team, but will step away from responsibilities as gym supervisor and intramural coordinator in order to focus on his primary duties as senior enrollment counselor.

Missouri Volunteers Return to Campus

For the third consecutive year, Missouri pastor Rick Dement led a five-man work team from First Free Will Baptist Church in O’Fallon on a volunteer mission at Free Will Baptist Bible College, according to Ernie Thompson, cleaning operations supervisor. The group chose August 2-6, the hottest week of the year in Middle Tennessee, to work nine-hour days applying epoxy to floors in the men’s residence hall and painting walls in renovated campus buildings.

“We always look forward to the Missouri Volunteers arriving on campus,” Mr. Thompson said. “When they roll in, we know they can handle the tough jobs, the heavy lifting, and the long hours. All they want us to do is provide a place to sleep at night and point them to the work when the sun rises. They take it from there.”

Western history buff Don Clifton joined the work team this year. The 72-year-old retired carpenter plays a guitar and sings, and spent a month in Wyoming this summer before loading his tools for the trip to Nashville. He has been part of the O’Fallon Church family for two years.
Another carpenter, Mike Hei, returned for his second year. Mike had been laid off five months in 2009 when he made the trip to FWBBC. He now calls himself a “free lance handyman” who stays busy with word-of mouth work referrals. “The Lord cleared my schedule this week so I could be here,” he said. “I’m so glad He did, because I wouldn’t want to miss the time on campus.”
Retired factory worker Roger Drennen and 19-year-old Ben Osterkamp arrived Monday afternoon in a pickup truck with Hei and Clifton, and complete the five-man Missouri crew. This is Drennan’s second work trip to FWBBC and Osterkamp’s third.

“I always enjoy helping out at FWBBC,” Osterkamp said. “I’m not an expert at anything we’re doing, but the guys I travel with are.” A Pre-Med student studying to become a sports orthopedic physician, he plans to “take it oversees” as a medical missionary.

Pastor Dement served three years as Moderator of the Missouri State Association of Free Will Baptists. He now serves on the state Mission Board. “FWBBC is our college,” he said, “and we’re needed here. We want our students educated here. We want them to grow and mature and to be encouraged when they look around after enrolling, knowing that we cared enough to make things look nice for them.”

Arkansas Youth Work at FWBBC

A group of nine Arkansas youth and three sponsors from Sutton Free Will Baptist Church in Pocahontas spent five hot days (July 26-30) at Free Will Baptist Bible College in campus-wide work projects, according to Ernie Thompson, FWBBC’s cleaning operations supervisor.

“They sure showed up at the right time,” Mr. Thompson said. “The work was waiting, and these young people seemed to be everywhere on campus. They painted walls, power washed, moved equipment as needed, removed carpet, and more in five campus buildings. One of their first projects involved some heavy lifting and climbing as they relocated the Lumen office from a ground-floor office to the third floor of the Johnson Classroom Building. That was hard to do, and they did it with smiles.”

The group arrived by van late Monday and stayed in college dorms Monday-Friday, loading for the return trip Saturday morning. But it was not all hard work and no play. They toured the Free Will Baptist National Offices and Randall House, prowled a large mall, attended a Nashville Sounds night baseball game, did some ice skating, and worshipped at a Free Will Baptist church Wednesday night.

Joey Postlewaite, assistant pastor and youth minister at the Sutton Church, and a 2000 FWBBC graduate, said, “This is our first mission trip with the church youth. We wanted to serve the Lord beyond our local church, do something to help FWBBC, and acquaint the kids with the college and what it has to offer. I’m proud of the group—they organized two fundraisers to underwrite expenses for the trip, and as you can see, they mean business when it’s work time.”

The group ate at different ethnic restaurants each night and discussed missions—Monday night was India, Tuesday was Hispanic, and Wednesday was Cajun style. Adult sponsors Shawn and Dana Kelly “believe in missions” and brought four of their five children so they could experience mission work first-hand. Shawn teaches biology at Pocahontas High School; Dana taught math at the same school and just opened a photography shop. Dana has been to Kenya on a mission trip and plans to return in 2011.

PHOTO (Dana Kelly Photography): (L) Jacob Kelly, Jonathan Kelly, Sammy Cowgill, FWBBC student worker, and Austin Brown move boxes across campus.

Lynsey Riggs Accepts New Post

Mrs. Lynsey Riggs has been named administrative assistant to the provost at Free Will Baptist Bible College, according to Dr. Greg Ketteman, provost. Mrs. Riggs, a 2008 FWBBC graduate with a B.S. degree in Business Administration, currently serves as enrollment assistant. She succeeds Mrs. Sara Steele who is retiring after 41 years at the college. Mrs. Riggs begins graduate studies for an MBA degree this fall.

“When I began as provost in 2006,” Dr. Ketteman said, “Mrs. Steele agreed to work a few more years and help me transition to the new position. From the beginning, Mrs. Steele and I discussed the need to find a uniquely gifted and experienced individual as her eventual successor. Mrs. Lynsey Riggs has demonstrated those qualities of Christian character and strong, professional work ethic in her duties with Enrollment Services, qualities that prepare her to follow Mrs. Steele in the complex administrative assistant’s role. I am confident that she will do an excellent job.”

Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Steele will work together for several weeks this summer and complete the transition in September. Mrs. Riggs’ duties will include assisting the provost’s office in serving faculty and students, including budget, policy construction and maintenance, providing and coordinating technological and academic and record keeping support, catalog revision, management of historical data, statistical reporting, management of faculty records, and other related matters.

“This new role is a big challenge,” Mrs. Riggs said, “but I couldn’t ask for a better team of colleagues to bring me up to speed and get me ready for the hand-off in September. FWBBC is such a special part of my life; both of my parents attended here. I’m honored to be trusted with the broader responsibility of working with people I love and respect in a place where the mission is to honor God and educate students for Kingdom service. I’m eager to get started, and I want to use my skills to make a difference at the college.”

During her senior year, Mrs. Riggs began working at FWBBC with the institutional advancement staff. She was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Active in campus events, she traveled to represent the college as a member of Rejoice Ministry Team and the College Choir. She also served as vice president of the student body 2007-2008. Her husband Jacob, a 2008 FWBBC graduate, is an associate editor at Randall House Publications.

Mrs. Sara Steele will be retiring for the second time in September. After serving 37 years in the administrations of four FWBBC presidents, she retired in 2006 and then agreed to continue while Dr. Ketteman shifted from his role as a school principal to college provost. She began her tenure at FWBBC in 1969 working on a manual typewriter. She and her husband Wayne, a retired Tennessee Highway Patrolman, have been married 50 years.

“I have enjoyed working here,” Mrs. Steele said, “and will miss the faculty and my co-workers. They’re great people and good friends, but I will not miss getting up at 4:45 every morning!”

FWBBC to Add Cross Country in 2011

Free Will Baptist Bible College will be adding cross country as an intercollegiate varsity sport in the fall of 2011, according to Gary Turner, athletic director. Both men’s and women’s cross country will be offered. FWBBC currently has baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, and volleyball as intercollegiate sports.

“As we look to the future for athletics, this is the next logical step for us,” Mr. Turner said. “We are starting golf this fall, and cross country will fit right in with our plans to expand varsity athletic programs. We can add cross country without adding facilities. We hope to attract a number of Free Will Baptist student-athletes who already run cross country in high school and who wish to participate in varsity athletics at the college level.”

Recruiting for the fall of 2011 has already begun, and the search for a new coach is underway. High school athletes who are interested in running on a college cross country team are asked to contact FWBBC’s athletic director, Gary Turner, at gturner@fwbbc.edu, or call him at 615-844-5276.

Hubbard Shifts from FWBBC to Hanna Project

Heath Hubbard, director of recruitment at Free Will Baptist Bible College since 2008, informed the college administration that he and his wife plan to work with the Hanna Project in southern Spain beginning this fall, according to Rusty Campbell, director of enrollment services.

Mr. Campbell said, “Heath did a great job as a member of the Enrollment Management Team, and we will miss his can-do attitude. His energy and creativity kept recruitment efforts focused. He was our point man on the road meeting people, encouraging prospective students, and representing the college. We wish him well as he takes this next important step in ministry.”

The 26-year-old Arkansas native, graduated from FWBBC in 2006 with a B.S. degree in Bible with minors in Missions and Business. While a student, he was president of the freshman and sophomore classes, and president of the Alpha Chi Omega Society. He played four years on the Flames basketball team and was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

“This has been the ideal job for me,” Hubbard said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to go out and interact with current and future FWBBC students. I am thankful for my time at the college. I have learned so much from the numerous people with whom I’ve rubbed shoulders.”

Hubbard taught English as a second language six months (2006-2007) in Kazakhstan. Prior to that experience, he worked nine weeks in 2004 with the Overseas Apprentice Program in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, teaching English and assisting with sports and music camps for teens.

Heath married Joni Thomas in November 2007. Joni has served as student mission’s coordinator with Free Will Baptist International Missions since 2006. The Hubbards are expecting their first child in November.