MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 28, 2026) — Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan recognized outstanding student achievement during its annual academic awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in biblical studies, theology, ministry and service.
The Randy and Gigi Huffines Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies – Old Testament was presented to Kalani Miller, who also received the Stone-Campbell Journal Promising Scholars Award. The Randy and Gigi Huffines Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies – New Testament award was presented to Alyvia Haagen.
Destiny Fulton received the Fred P. Thompson Award for Excellence in Christian Doctrine and Theology. Marlee Kastens was honored with the Dean E. Walker and William J. Richardson Award in Church History. Olivia Powell earned the Larry and Marion Hostetler Award for Worship Arts, and Priviledge Yesaya received the Joseph Dampier Award in Christian Ministries.
Lindsey Black was recognized with the Dennis Helsabeck Sr. Award for Excellence in Christian Care and Counseling. The Dean’s Award was presented to James Mullins.
Several students were also inducted into Theta Phi, an honor society for theological students, including Ellie Beth Potter, Ryan Leonard, Matthew Decker, Alyvia Haagen and Destiny Fulton.
The Theta Phi Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating high academic achievement and strong character, was presented to Matthew Decker and Alyvia Goss Haagen. The $1,500 scholarship will be applied to recipients’ accounts for the 2026–2027 academic year.
“These students exemplify a deep commitment to academic excellence and faithful service,” said Dr. Ron Kastens, the academic dean of the seminary. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and the impact they are making in their communities and ministries.”
Emmanuel Christian Seminary, a graduate school of Milligan University, prepares men and women for lives of ministry, scholarship and service through rigorous academic study grounded in the Christian faith.