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Director of Niswonger Foundation to speak
MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 23, 2007) — Milligan College will recognize local leaders who have demonstrated servant leadership in their careers and community at their annual Leaders in Christian Service program on Tuesday, April 24, at 11 a.m. in Seeger Chapel.
“The purpose of this program is to provide examples of people who are doing an outstanding job of integrating their faith with their profession,” said Milligan President Donald R. Jeanes. “We see in these individuals wonderful examples of what servant leadership is all about, and what it can look like on a daily basis in a variety of professions.”
Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, executive director of the Niswonger Foundation, will serve as the keynote speaker for the program.
Thomas, a former minister, attorney, author, teacher, and community leader, has co-authored two books, “The Right to Religious Liberty” and “Finding Common Ground,” a First Amendment handbook endorsed by the Department of Education and used in many of the nations’ public schools. His newest book, “10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You But Can’t Because He Needs the Job,” was published earlier this year. Thomas’ opinion column, titled “Having Faith in Women,” recently ran in USA Today’s “On Religion” section.
Thomas is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, he holds a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a master of law from the University of Virginia.
The 2007 Leaders in Christian Service include:
(Read their bios!)
Sandy Babel, Johnson City, is a special education teacher at Science Hill High School. She attends Crossroads Christian Church in Gray.
Stephen Baldwin serves as director of community development for Johnson City. He attends Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City.
Linda Wilson Calvert, Kingsport, serves as the dean of community education at Northeast State Community College. She attends Shiloh Baptist Church in Kingsport.
Homer G’Fellers , Jonesborough, is the general manager for the Johnson City Power Board. He attends First Baptist Church in Jonesborough.
Joe Knisley, Johnson City, is a pharmacist and owner of West Towne Pharmacy. He attends First Christian Church in Johnson City.
Dennis T. Powell, Johnson City, is the former owner of Dennis Powell Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge. He attends Central Baptist Church in Johnson City.
Denise Sibley, M.D., Johnson City, is a physician with Wellspring Healthcare. She attends Central Baptist Church in Johnson City.
Peggy Willocks is a retired principal with the Elizabethton City Schools and is a volunteer Parkinson’s disease advocate and leader. She attends First Christian Church in Johnson City.
Ambers Wilson, Jr., Johnson City, is the owner of Masengil’s Speciality Shop. He attends Central Baptist Church in Johnson City.
Calvin L. Wilson, Jr., is a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services. He attends First Christian Church in Johnson City.
Milligan introduced the Leaders in Christian Service program in 2001. According to Jeanes, the program identifies examples of individuals from all walks of life who advance the cause of Christ in everything they do. Character, professional/vocational leadership, and church and community service are all considered.
For more information, please call the Institute for Servant Leadership at Milligan College at 423.461.8316.