Scotty Wilbanks of the Christian music group Third Day speaks at Truett-McConnell’s commencement service on May 14, 2016.(PHOTO/TMC)
(CLEVELAND) – Truett-McConnell College officially became Truett-McConnell University on commencement day, May 14. “On July 23, 1946, Truett-McConnell College was chartered,” said TMU President Dr. Emir Caner. “The hope and dream was to simply raise up a generation of ministers who will pastor churches and a generation of students who will love Christ. I’m pleased to say that 70 years later, that vision is still intact.”
The name change, which also coincides with the school’s 70th anniversary and their first master’s degree graduate, comes after approval from the TMU Board of Trustees last October.
“The mission of Truett McConnell University will remain the same: to equip students to fulfill the Great Commission…”
Board of Trustees Chairman, Phillip Jones, said: “In Joshua 4:24, the Bible states “all peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty”. Like the children of Israel who set up memorial stones to remember God’s mighty hand allowing them to cross the Jordan River on dry land, today we mark this day as the day we become a University. When future generations ask us about this day, we can say the Lord was mighty by allowing us to see more students saved, called, equipped and sent.”
“God continues to raise up a school for His glory in the North Georgia mountains,” said Board of Visitors member, Ken Hall. “Congratulations Truett McConnell for reaching University status. What a great day for Georgia Baptist and for future students.”
TMU Class of 2016
The 2016 graduating class was the first to receive their diplomas from Truett McConnell University, including the first master’s graduate, Ben Garrison.
Scotty Wilbanks, a member of the Christian band Third Day and multiple Dove award winning record producer, delivered the commencement address to the 134 graduates.
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“This life is not about me or you,” Wilbanks said. “It’s about focusing on the journey.”
A monumental day for TMU
As the first official TMU graduates turned their tassels over, the audience erupted in applause. The gymnasium was full of excitement; fully aware this service was an immense day in Truett McConnell history.
Jordan West is proud to be a member of the university’s first graduating class.
“I am excited for the opportunities the new university status will bring to TMU and for the 2016 graduates as we enter into our careers and mission fields,” West gleefully shared.
The university’s strategic plan includes additional undergraduate programs as well as new graduate programs, adding to the current Master of Arts in Theology. The additional graduate degree programs already approved by faculty include: Master of Science in Biology, Master in Business Administration, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Missions and Master of Arts in Education, all of which need approval by SACSCOC [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges].
“While we continue to grow,” Caner added. “The mission of Truett McConnell University will remain the same: to equip students to fulfill the Great Commission by fostering a Christian worldview through a biblically-centered education.”
By Jenny Gregory, TMU
