news at welch college   Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1942. To find out more information about the school, visit www.Welch.edu.

Welch College Graduates 44 in Commencement Exercises

GALLATIN, TN — Welch College conferred degrees on 44 students during its May 9 Commencement ceremony, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. Commencement exercises were held in the Student Activities Center. The gymnasium space was converted into a 700-plus seating auditorium for the Baccalaureate service on Thursday evening, May 8, and the Commencement ceremony on Friday morning, May 9. The college awarded degrees in multiple programs, including associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, and the Master of Divinity degree.

Dr. Philip Dearborn, president of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, delivered the Commencement address. Dr. Jeff Crabtree, head of biblical instruction for the Ohio Free Will Baptist Bible Institute and Welch Board of Trustees Chairman, delivered the Baccalaureate sermon.
Dr. Rebecca Deel, professor of business and program coordinator for business, was named Teacher of the Year. The college also awarded the Academic Advisor of the Year to Dr. Darrell Holley, instructor of English.

The college congratulates the 2025 graduating class and commends them to the service of Christ and the transformational work of His Kingdom.

Associate of Science Degrees

Madeline Claire Burns
Gallatin, TN
Biology

Gavin Tyler Goodson
Jacksonville, NC
Business

Kelsie Elise Southerland
Whites Creek, TN
Business

Halley Nichole Turner
Hendersonville, TN
Ministry

Marilyn Frances Voorhies
Pleasant View, TN
Biology

Associate of Arts Degree

Madelyn Kay Henson
Owasso, OK
Teaching

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Faith Ashley Austin
Gallatin, TN
Psychology

Jackson Daniel Baer*
Gastonia, NC
Business Administration

Makayla Ann Binkley**
Ashland City, TN
Child Development and Learning

Laura Ann Boivin**
Gallatin, TN
Child Development and Learning

Ariana Skye Brachvogel***
Murfreesboro, TN
Pastoral Ministry

Lukas Allen Carter*
Madison, IN
Business Administration

Johannah Marie DeBruhl***
Westland, MI
Child Development and Learning

Isaiah Tullos Hatfield***
Sumerco, WV
Business Administration

Andrew Bryant Henley
Muscle Shoals, AL
Psychology

Reilly Glenn Holloman**
Knoxville, TN
Business Administration

Emily Brooke Lassiter**
Washington, NC
Child Development and Learning
Mathematics Education

Maci James-Brown Lindsay*
Red Bay, AL
Mathematics Education

Jason Elijah Miller
Ozark, AL
Exercise Science

Andrew Jonathan Moody*
Smithville, MS
Business Administration

Elizabeth Cheyenne Puckett***
Gallatin, TN
History

Zoe Bella Rae Robinson*
Mount Juliet, TN
Psychology

Joshua Jermaine Shapiro
Jacksonville, NC
Exercise Science

Ellie Grace Simpson*
Fenton, MO
Business Administration

Hanna Grace Snow***
Alpedrete, Spain
Psychology

Alexander Nichole Tuttle***
Portland, TN
Child Development and Learning

Kimberly Ann Veteto**
Springfield, TN
Biology

Mary Itzel Villarreal Alvarez
San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
Psychology

Lauryn Grace Willis
Tifton, GA
General Christian Ministry

Landon Matthew Wolfe*
Circleville, OH
Theological Studies

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Jaron Andrew Austin**
Clarksville, FL
English

Alex Brunell Awtrey***
Svishtov, Bulgaria
History

Katherine Eleanor Crabtree
Etna, OH
English

Peter Alexander Gedeon***
Wakefield, RI
Pastoral Ministry

Kaylen Paige Hagan**
Alford, FL
English

Aidan Scott Lytle
Mount Juliet, TN
English

Daniel Luís Rodríguez***
Miami, FL
English; History

Derek Corbin Whited**
Hendersonville, TN
Humanities and Arts

Bachelor of Music Education Degree

Jacob Charles Snow**
Hokkaido, Japan
Music Education; Music Performance

Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

Michelle Hilsinger Berry
Goodlettsville, TN
Special Education

Chandler Ray Binkley
Ashland City, TN
Teaching

Dallas Tyler Erdman
Murfreesboro, TN
Teaching

Stephanie Leigh Hendricks
Hendersonville, TN
Teaching

Master of Divinity Degree

Jacob Adam Johnson
Smithville, MS

*** Summa Cum Laude - 3.75
** Magna Cum Laude - 3.50
* Cum Laude - 3.25
Honors awarded only to recipients of Bachelor’s degrees.

Upcoming Dates Announced for 2025-2026 School Year

GALLATIN, TN — Each academic year, Welch College provides numerous opportunities to visit our campus. If you are a prospective student or alumnus or simply wish to visit campus, there is something for everyone. Take advantage of these exciting opportunities for the upcoming academic year.

September 18–19, 2025 • Junior/Senior Days

This event is specifically for high school juniors and seniors. Students who attend will have the opportunity to stay in the dorm, visit classes, participate in fun activities, and have their questions answered regarding enrolling in Welch College. Sign up at welch.edu/seniordays/.

October 16–17, 2025 • Welcome Days

This event is for high schoolers. Students who attend will have the opportunity to stay in the dorm, visit classes, participate in fun activities, and have their questions answered regarding enrolling in Welch College. Sign up at welch.edu/welcomedays/.

November 20–22, 2025 • Fall Play

Secure tickets at welch.edu/events/.

December 5, 2025 • A Welch College Christmas

Welch’s music department will provide an inspiring Christmas performance. This is a free event open to everyone.

March 8–10, 2026 • FORUM26

A free event, these two and a half days are filled with Bible preaching and teaching. Sign up at welch.edu/forum/.

March 26–27, 2026 • Welcome Days

This event is for high schoolers. Students who attend will have the opportunity to stay in the dorm, visit classes, participate in fun activities, and have their questions answered regarding enrolling in Welch College. Sign up at welch.edu/welcomedays/.

April 16–18, 2026 • Spring Musical

Secure tickets at welch.edu/events/.

May 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m. • Baccalaureate

Join us for a worship service honoring 2026 graduates.

May 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m.• Commencement

If you would like to visit campus on a day or time not listed above, schedule your visit at welch.edu/visit