Our Alumni
God used my time at Â鶹ÊÓƵ to shape me into who I am as a believer and a professional. Through the wonderful faculty who poured into me, and with whom I was able to build impactful and long-lasting relationships. The worship degree focused on honing and developing skills every worship leader should have. I can say Â鶹ÊÓƵ was tremendously helpful in preparing me for success in a vocational ministry role both spiritually and skill-wise.
AUSTIN LUTRELL ('22)
Worship Arts Resident, Two Rivers Baptist Church, Lenoir City, Tenn.
My time devoted to Â鶹ÊÓƵ was invaluable because of the amazing relationships that were created with professors, classmates, and colleagues in my area of study, Worship Leadership. I was exposed to a staff that was solely devoted to providing excellent musical and spiritual training. Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Department of Music has prepared me to share the love of Jesus with music in and outside of church settings and I will be forever grateful because of it.
KOLBY ATKINS ('22)
Worship Ministry Associate, Thompson Station Church, Thompson's Station, Tenn.
I left Â鶹ÊÓƵ prepared academically for study at the graduate level, while also being grounded in my faith and able to stand firm as a Christian in a secular environment. Through graduate school, in six years as a middle and high school music educator, and as a minister in the music ministry of a church, I have leaned heavily on the skills and values I gained at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
ANDREW SMITH ('09)
Music Associate and Director of the School of Performing Arts, Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn.
The department of music at Â鶹ÊÓƵ provided me with opportunity to be exposed to many ensembles and experiences. This helped round me as a musician and also prepare me to excel in areas outside my own particular focus. Without the caliber of professors that Â鶹ÊÓƵ has to offer, the opportunity that I was granted would have been impossible to obtain.
SAM RITTER ('12)
Doctoral Student in Conducting, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University
I am thankful for all the experiences I had at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Not only did I develop as a musician but I made lifelong friendships. Â鶹ÊÓƵ also prepared me to become the music teacher that I am today. I still use the information I learned through leading worship, educating young musicians, and ministering to people.
CANDICE BLACKARD ('10)
Orff Music Teacher, Dunbar Elementary, Memphis, Tenn.