FALL 2018

THE MONTREAT COLLEGE MAGAZINE

ENDURANCE Peter Ripmaster ’06 and His Dramatic Journey Through the Alaskan Winter +Page 5 in this ISSUE

FEATURES

5 Endurance Peter Ripmaster ’06 and His Dramatic Journey Through the Alaskan Winter By Adam Caress

11 The Perseverance of Christian Higher Education An Interview with Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) President Shirley Hoogstra

17 Education and Endurance Life Lessons from Montreat College Alumna Myra Rowell ’00, ’09, ’14 By Jessica Evans

21 Grit and Excellence Exploring the Concept of Grit in Education and Beyond By Dr. Paul Gratton and Dr. Brad Faircloth

5 DEPARTMENTS

4 Letter from the President

25 Faculty Book Review 27 College News

17 29 Faculty News 31 Class Notes

11 21 Reflection magazine is published twice a year by the Montreat College Marketing and Communications Office and is mailed to alumni and friends of the college. Reflection publishes articles, news, and information which seek to further Montreat College’s missional values of intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career. LETTER FROM Please contact the editor with story ideas or items of interest at [email protected]. Letters are welcome. THE PRESIDENT

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION Endurance. Perseverance. Grit.

EDITOR Adam Caress These are qualities that we as Christians are called to exhibit throughout the New Testament as a way to build character and preserve our hope in Christ. In the letter to the Hebrews, the author calls us to, “Run with DESIGN Eric Hollandsworth endurance the race that is set before us.” And in Paul’s letter to the Romans he writes, “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.” The Epistle of James asks us to, “Consider it CONTRIBUTING Adam Caress pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, WRITERS Dr. Paul Gratton because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Dr. Brad Faircloth But what do these qualities look like in the lives of some everyday Jessica Evans ’19 Christians? We explore that question in this issue of Reflection magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Hollandsworth Our cover story chronicles Peter Ripmaster’s ’06 dramatic journey through Jennifer Rodriguez ’02 Alaska on his way to winning the 2018 Iditarod Trail Invitational. I have Peter Ripmaster ’06 found Peter’s courage and endurance—both in competition and in life—to Council for Christian Colleges & Universities be inspirational, and I hope you do, too.

We also talk with Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which has provided much needed support and leadership for Christian higher education during challenging times. We PO Box 1267 (310 Gaither Circle) catch up with Myra Rowell ’00, ’09, ‘14, who persevered as she earned her Montreat, NC 28757 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees from Montreat College on her montreat.edu path towards executive leadership. And we learn about the concept of “grit” from professors Paul Gratton and Brad Faircloth.

©Montreat College 2018 Montreat College continues to move forward towards our vision of becoming a leader in Christ-centered education regionally, nationally, and globally. Please continue to pray for us, for endurance, perseverance, and grit, as we press on.

With gratitude,

Paul J. Maurer, Ph.D. Endurance Peter Ripmaster ’06 and His Dramatic Journey Through the Alaskan Winter

By Adam Caress

n March of 2018, Peter Ripmaster won the Iditarod Trail [Hewitt] had dropped out,” he recalls. “We looked at each other IInvitational (ITI) 1000, which organizers bill as “the world’s knowing this was a big opportunity for one of us. Tim dropped longest and toughest winter race.” Their claim is not an empty out, and we knew no one behind us was catching up. I didn’t want one. The Iditarod dog sled race may be more famous, but the to talk about it too much because talk is cheap, but I thought to ITI is more grueling. Competitors must travel 1,000 miles alone myself, ‘I’m not losing this. I’m going to win this Iditarod.’” through the Alaskan wilderness, from Anchorage to Nome, pulling their gear behind them on a sled through the brutal Over the last few hundred miles, Peter battled frigid temperatures Alaskan winter. There are two ITI 1000 competition categories, that dipped to negative 35 degrees and a debilitating case of a bike race and a foot race, and Peter won the latter category this Giardia, a stomach parasite. “At that point I wasn’t letting anything year, overcoming sub-zero temperatures, a daunting mountain stop me, and I wasn’t coming home again thinking that it’s going course, and a field of seasoned competitors that included defending to be another year. I knew that if I came home without doing it champion and course record-holder Tim Hewitt. this year I might never have another chance.”

It was Peter’s third attempt at the ITI 1000, having failed to finish Peter completed the race in 26 days, 13 hours, and 44 minutes, just the previous two years, but this time he was on a mission. He was over 12 hours ahead of his friend, Beat Jegerlehner. They were the over 500 miles into the race when he got an unexpected call. “My only foot-racers to complete the 2018 ITI 1000 course. friend and I were tied for second when we got the call that Tim . . .

5 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 but I loved it. And it really resonated with me because it’s all mental. You can do it if you’ve got a strong mind.”

Peter was back teaching 6th grade the next day, and he told his class about his impromptu marathon adventure. “There was a student that was in my class who came from a big running family,” he says. “So she comes in the next day and she says, ‘Hey Mr. Rip, my dad wants to know if you’ve ever heard of the 50 State Marathon Club?’ I hadn’t, of course, but it’s just what you’d think it is. You have to run in 10 different states before you are a member of the club, and then they support you through the rest of them. And I thought, ‘This is how I’m going to raise money for my mom.’ I had told her on her death bed that I was going to do something for her, raise money somehow to fight cancer, and here was my opportunity.”

And so he was off, running 10 or more marathons a year, flying to different states on the weekends and coming back in time to teach class on Monday morning. He finished all 50 states in less than five years, raising $62,000 for cancer research along the way. “It never mattered what my time Ultra-marathoners are a rare breed, and athletically again. “I wasn’t ready to be one was,” he says, laughing. “All that mattered the competitors who venture into the of those guys who only talk about their was that I was active and outside and I was Alaskan winter to compete in the Iditarod high school days,” he resolved. “I felt I still always doing something that affected other Trail Invitational are rarer still. What is it had a lot more to give athletically. I still felt people in a positive way. It was also really that drives them to leave the comfort of really strong and fit and in my prime, and I good for my depression. It’s probably the their homes and their families to compete felt like I was wasting a lot.” best anti-depressant that you could ever in a life-threatening race which offers come up with.” “I HAD MY WIFE no prize money, no expectant crowd of In 2007, Peter was working as a 6th Grade admirers awaiting them at the finish line? teacher at Asheville Christian Academy. Soon, Peter was looking for a new Anti-frostbite tape is essential on the Iditarod Trail. DROP ME OFF ON Their accomplishments are certainly heroic Then one day, after dropping some family challenge. He had run over 100 marathons testaments to the human will, but who in off at the airport, Peter turned to his wife at this point and had finished all of them. THE PARKWAY AT A their right mind would attempt such an Kristen, and said, out of the blue, “I’m “I was really determined to find something you’d write your local race director to see and the people cheering for you and the MILE MARKER AND endeavor in the first place? going to run a marathon today.” It took that would punch back, you know? I if you can sign up for the local 10k. But shower waiting for you when you get some time to convince his wife he was started trying these 50-mile races and did this was upper echelon, the who’s who done?’ It made me realize that this was a THEN I STARTED Peter Ripmaster did not always dream of serious, but she eventually agreed to drive that. Then I thought, maybe a 100-mile of adventurers. I knew I was a little bit whole other thing that I was getting myself conquering the Alaskan wilderness. He had him to the Blue Ridge Parkway. “It had race, so I did that and that went well. Then out of my league, but I said, ‘Hey, you’ve into.” RUNNING TOWARDS been a stand-out athlete in high school, but mile markers, so I could track my distance,” I got invited to the Tahoe 200, a 200-mile gotta have me up there because I’ve done MT. PISGAH.” he was sidetracked by personal struggles he says. “That was the only thing I was circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe which all these other races and I’ve finished all of As a prerequisite for participating in the that included depression and alcohol abuse. thinking.” took me 86 hours, but I finished that, too. them.’” ITI 1000, competitors must first complete “I have always been an athlete, from the And then I’m thinking, ‘Okay, that’s 200 the ITI 350, a shorter event in the same day I was born,” he says. “My dad was a “I had my wife drop me off on the miles. What’s next?’” Due to the danger of the course, the ITI conditions. In February of 2014, Peter quarterback at Michigan State, and my parkway at a mile marker and then I 1000 organizers screen their participants Ripmaster headed north to compete in his grandpa played football at Michigan State. started running towards Mt. Pisgah,” . . . very carefully. And suddenly, all of Peter’s first Iditarod. “A lot of times in my life I’ve I was a football, basketball, and baseball he recalls. “Little did I know that I was marathon and ultra-marathon experience felt like I wasted a lot of opportunities,” he player. I made all-state teams. It just came just going straight up a dang mountain. At that point, it was only a matter of time didn’t look quite as impressive. “The says wistfully. “I truly feel like if I had stuck naturally to me. But I wasted a lot of talent It was crazy. Who does that? My body before Peter found the Iditarod Trail funny thing about it is that they looked at with baseball I would be playing major during some of those tough times.” didn’t know what I was doing to it. But Invitational. “I eventually heard about this my experience like, ‘Oh, you think that’s league baseball. I could have done a lot of I finished, right? I just about passed out. 1000-mile race in Alaska where you pull enough for you to come up to Alaska things, but there I was at this middle-age It wasn’t until he was in his mid-thirties I fell on my back, and I was hot and cold all your gear behind you, and I was like, to run the Iditarod? All these little city point and those opportunities were gone. that Peter decided to apply himself and had chill bumps. I was feeling sick, ‘What!?’ I wrote the ITI race director—like marathons you’ve run with the aid stations I wasn’t going to be the guy in the Disney

7 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 8 button on my SAT phone and just be done. recommended Montreat College. “I really But then something way down deep inside hit it off with Dr. Ward in the Elementary you says, ‘Nope, this is all part of it, and Education Department,” he says. “I had you have to get up this mountain if you’re lost my mom at that point and my story gonna get to Nome.’ I got into this mode resonated with her. She said, ‘You really where all I was worried about was today. If need to come here. You were meant to you had asked me how far I had come on come here. We really want you here.’ And the overall route I wouldn’t have known. so I came.” If you had asked me how much farther I had to go I wouldn’t have known. Each “But I wasn’t a Christian,” he continues. day I had a goal and that daily goal was my “I would take New Testament classes and everything.” think, ‘Who is Matthew? And Mark and Luke? Who are these people?’ Everyone Then came the call that leader Tim Hewitt else in class would be answering questions had dropped out of the race, the final and talking about all the understanding “THERE WERE TIMES stretch battling Giardia and dehydration, they have, but it was a new story to me. I WHEN I WOULD collapsing at the finish line without any was really intrigued by it, and after a while fanfare, the flight home, the reunion with it just resonated with me that this is who CRY, TEARS JUST his wife and two daughters. “I do wish that I am. This is exactly how I feel. I can’t do my parents were alive to see, to see what it by myself down here. I had lost both EXPLODING OUT OF Peter with 2018 Iditarod sled dog race champion Joar Leifseth Ulsom their boy…” he begins to tear up. “But parents, and I was just kind of fumbling MYSELF, WANTING they aren’t, and that’s okay with me. My through. I hadn’t had kids yet so I was just wife and girls—they’re the ones I care about kind of selfish, but I knew there had to be TO PRESS THE congratulating me. People interviewing me more. And the teachers were great. I would movie that goes and tries out at age 36. I In 2016, Peter was 200 miles into the ITI mistake.’” Yet again, he would have to wait and stuff, that doesn’t matter. I am still the go up and say ‘Hey, I don’t really have an EMERGENCY BUTTON needed to find something that was a thing 1000 when disaster struck. While crossing a until next year. exact same person.” understanding of this. I want to learn, but for me. And I saw this race as being the frozen river, the ice broke beneath him and ON MY SAT PHONE I need some more help.’ We’d go out for cornerstone of my athletic life. I wasn’t suddenly he was plunged into the freezing Peter came into the 2018 race determined . . . lunch and I’d get to know them, and they AND JUST BE DONE.” able to play in the World Series or catch a arctic water. He managed to scramble to finish. “I was telling myself, ‘Now you’re really helped me with the foundations of touchdown pass in the Super Bowl because to the shore, and he was determined not gonna go back this year, and you’re going The endurance that Peter exhibits out on my faith. Without Montreat, I’m not sure I had made other decisions. But this was to quit. “I went 300 more miles after I to finish this thing. You might fall through the trail isn’t just his own. “Someone asked that I’d be sitting here with the faith that I bigger than those would have ever been to fell through the ice. I was thinking, ‘I the river and have to crawl out. And you me, ‘How is it to be out on the Iditarod have.” me.” got through it. I’m gonna dry my gear. might deal with minus 60 on the trail, and trail 30 miles from anyone else? How does Nothing’s hurt and I can keep going.’ But you’re going to get through it and get to it feel to be that alone out there?’ And I tell Peter’s faith has influenced his definition The match between Peter and the Iditarod mentally I was spent. I got to the Yukon the next checkpoint and regroup and keep them that I wouldn’t know. I don’t know of endurance. “I don’t think of endurance was a unique convergence. Yes, the course River, which is the halfway point, and going.’ The only way I was going to quit because I have never once felt alone out as always going further and further and was the logical extension of the ultra- I knew I didn’t have what it takes to go was with a bone showing—if I broke my there. Some of my most intense spiritual further. Endurance to me is confronting marathons he’d been competing in, but another 500 miles. That year I just said, leg, I wasn’t going to drag it for 400 miles. moments have been out in the middle of things, having things happen to you that it went beyond that. “I was a little kid ‘I’m safe. I want to get home to my girls.’ But I knew that the only thing that was nowhere, where I am literally talking to would usually make most people quit, and reading Balto stories and reading Jack So I quit. And, in case you can’t tell, with going to stop me was something really, God. I’m having conversations with Him finding a way to keep putting one foot in London,” he says, smiling. “And after I lost someone like me, quitting is the worst really bad physically happening. Otherwise, because He’s right there with me.” front of the other. Endurance is holding them for a month again.” my mom, I moved up to Alaska and ran thing in the world, going back home and I knew I had what it takes to get through your mom’s hand when she passes away, sled dogs for a couple of years. So I had having to wait another year before you go it.” Even in the midst of some of his most or getting a phone call telling you that Peter is ready for the next chapter in his been up there before. You know, no one up to try and redeem yourself.” difficult moments, Peter feels that God has your dad has driven off a cliff. Those were life. “I want to share my story via public will ever be able to know how comfortable There were no disasters in 2018, no been with him. “When I got through that more formational for me than the Iditarod speaking,” he says. “I love sharing my story. I am in the wilderness, way out there But Peter’s second attempt at the ITI falls through the ice, no prohibitive ice incident, I felt Him with me. If it was experiences and the marathon experiences I love when people come up to me after a with nobody else around. That’s where I 1000 also ended in disappointment. temperatures. There was just the slow, my time, He would have found a way for combined, because those things taught talk and say, ‘I appreciate you talking about find my strength. That’s where I feel the Temperatures plunged to 60 degrees below everyday grind. “There wasn’t any me to go under the water and not be able me to have the courage to keep going, depression,’ or ‘I lost my mother, and your most comfortable in a lot of ways. So the zero and only four of the 20 competitors one moment I remember being the to get out and that’s that. But I crawled out especially with my faith.” talk really connected with me.’ I want to be Iditarod didn’t sound crazy to me. It was a who had started the race made it to the difficult,” Peter says. “It was many most and I was like, ‘Okay, here I am, God.’ I someone who connects people and inspires natural progression.” 350-mile checkpoint, and at that point, the moments, where it would be three in the felt God so many times on the trail and it’s Is there another Iditarod in Peter Ripmaster’s people, especially people who feel like they remaining racers all decided to pack it in. morning and be minus 25. You have just beautiful.” future? “This was my last time going to are too far past or too far gone from their But Peter didn’t experience immediate “I had friends almost lose fingers and toes climbed up a huge mountain and down a Nome on foot without a doubt, because dreams. When they’re thinking, ‘I can’t.’ I success at the Iditarod. “I went up that first that year from frostbite, so it was a really huge mountain and now you’re at the base Peter’s faith in God is something he that is miserable,” he insists. “Nome was my can say, ‘Yes, you can.’” year and absolutely got my butt handed to challenging year,” he says. “But at the same of another mountain. And you look up that first began to cultivate when he came goal, so for me to finish and win—finish and me,” he says, laughing. “I finished in last time, I made it through okay. I took care mountain and you look at the route that to Montreat College as a 27-year-old win!—there is nothing that tops what I just For more information about Peter place. But I was learning. The next year I of myself. Should I have tried to make it all you’re supposed to take and you think, ‘I freshman in 2003. He had never heard of did. So I look at it as kind of the end to a Ripmaster, visit: peteripmaster.com finished third in the 350 and felt ready to the way? And then, after we quit, we saw don’t think I can do this.’ There were times Montreat, but he was looking for a smaller long, long chapter in my life. I still want to go for the 1000.” that the weather broke and was beautiful. when I would cry, tears just exploding out school with a Teacher Education program, get my fix, so I might do shorter races. But Adam Caress is the director of communications And all I can think is, ‘I made a terrible of myself, wanting to press the emergency and his wife’s former guidance counselor I miss my girls too much to be gone from for Montreat College. 9 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 10 THE PERSEVERANCE OF CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION An Interview with CCCU President Shirley Hoogstra

For our readers who are not familiar with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), can you tell us a bit about what the CCCU is and what you do as an organization?

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. Our mission is to advance the cause of Christ- centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. To fulfill this mission and meet our institutions’ needs, we provide unique services for administrators, faculty, students, and friends of Christian higher education in three areas of strategic focus.

11 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 12 The first is public advocacy. As an effective In addition to these challenges, and respected advocate for Christ-centered Christian colleges and universities face “ONE OF higher education both in the U.S. and an additional set of challenges. What around the world, we highlight the have you seen as the biggest challenges CHRISTIAN contributions of our institutions to the for Christian higher education in recent common good and advocate for the right years? What do you see as the biggest HIGHER of each CCCU institution to practice challenges in the near future? What its sincerely held religious beliefs and resources does the CCCU provide EDUCATION’S to participate fully in the public square for colleges looking to navigate this without penalty. difficult terrain? GREATEST

The second is professional development. One of the greatest challenges to higher STRENGTHS IS We host numerous conferences for education broadly is sustainability in administrators to develop their skills, build regards to cost and affordability for ITS HOLISTIC connections with peer leaders, and equip students. This is a great concern to them in their work to provide a holistic Christian higher education as well, but APPROACH TO Christ-centered educational experience Christian colleges and universities also face for their students. We also invest in faculty the challenge of government regulations SHAPING AND development and scholarship through potentially affecting their ability to live out institutes and grants intended to help their religious missions. EDUCATING faculty excel in their scholarship and integrate faith into their discipline. We help campuses respond to these STUDENTS.” challenges by providing a superb Third is experiential education. We offer government relations office that engages nine unique off-campus, faith-integrated policymakers directly; by offering training study programs in three U.S. cities and and professional development through our graduates are more likely to be in fields six foreign countries that expand students’ conferences so campus leaders can keep that may not maximize earnings but deliver academic educational experience, provide up with changes and ideas and collaborate social benefits, such as human services and unique internship opportunities, and together to face challenges and embrace education, and they repay their college develop and deepen their spiritual lives. opportunities; and by providing program loans at the highest rate in all of higher options for campuses so their students can education. In other words, our graduates The past couple of decades have been utilize the skills and knowledge they’ve are committed to working for the common an increasingly difficult time for been learning on their own campuses in good and honoring their responsibilities small, private, liberal arts colleges. new context. and commitments. These are the kinds of What challenges have you seen in the thoughtful, engaged, faithful people the world desperately needs today. marketplace for smaller colleges? What The theme for this issue of Reflection conditions do you think have led to magazine is “endurance,” which is a “ONE OF THE these challenges? trait that Christian colleges will need How do you see the future of Christian to survive through difficult conditions. higher education in America unfolding over the next ten or twenty years? GREATEST Smaller colleges face more competition, What strategies do you see as most as there are new ways of delivering essential in order for Christian colleges CHALLENGES TO education that fit the new market for the to successfully persevere and thrive? The future for Christian higher education way people live and work today, such as What unique advantages do you believe is bright. All of the challenges we’ve HIGHER EDUCATION fully online models, cohort models, and Christian colleges have in the current discussed have caused institutions to other non-traditional approaches to the higher education marketplace? become creative and make needed BROADLY IS college experience. Smaller colleges also changes so they can continue to thrive. have a changing customer—no longer are One of Christian higher education’s These changes are led by brilliant, SUSTAINABILITY students fitting neatly into the 18-22-year- greatest strengths is its holistic approach dedicated faculty, staff, and leadership, old age range, nor are they singularly to shaping and educating students. In who are committed to the missions of IN REGARDS fitting into a single demographic type. looking at national reports on student their institutions and to training the next There are changing technology platforms engagement, graduating seniors from our generation of Christian leaders. TO COST AND and changing beliefs regarding the value of schools have had the highest engagement certain types of education. None of these with diverse views and critical thinking, We can also go into the future in AFFORDABILITY are inherently bad nor unexpected—they have had the greatest engagement in confidence knowing God is on our side. reflect the changes we are seeing in the serving their communities through their God is present whenever the Gospel is FOR STUDENTS.” U.S. overall—but together they can feel classes, and have had the highest quality of proclaimed, and we do that through the at times overwhelming or threatening interaction and support with faculty, staff, platform of education, preparing Christians because of the rapid rate of change. and administrators on campus. As a result, for their calling in the world.

13 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 14 “I would like to thank the donors of Montreat College for making it possible for me to afford a Christ-centered education. With your support, I am able to pursue excellence academically and athletically. Throughout my time at Montreat, I have learned what it means to have Christ as the foundation with everything built around Him. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Montreat College and the experiences that I have had thus far.”

RYLAN HINCHER ’19 Exercise Science

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15 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 EDUCATION AND ENDURANCE Life Lessons from Montreat College Alumna Myra Rowell ’00, ’09, ’14

By Jessica Evans

yra Rowell has a long relationship with Montreat College’s MSchool of Adult and Graduate Studies. She earned her associate degree from Montreat in 2000, her Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Montreat in 2009, and her Master of Business Administration from Montreat in 2014. She completed all of these degrees while maintaining a full-time job and other responsibilities, steadily working her way towards her current position as a senior vice president for cybersecurity at Bank of America in Charlotte, N.C.

Myra had started a degree in computer science at another school before setting her education aside to do consulting. But eventually her professional goals led her back to the classroom. “I decided I needed to finish my degree and that’s where Montreat College came in,” she recalls. “They had a Charlotte campus and, because I’d already started my career, I didn’t really want to go back to a traditional college environment. With Montreat Adult and Graduate Studies, everyone is already in their career, and it seemed like the right fit.”

17 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 18 BECOME A Myra credits the community she shared quality. And you have to be inclusive of table. We all do ourselves better justice by with fellow Montreat students for giving other people’s cultures and ideas or it’s not sitting at different seats of the table and BUSINESS her the focus and endurance to complete sustainable.” looking at things from different angles.” her education. “Building relationships allowed me to power through and stay Myra currently works with several The vision of diversity the Myra aspires LEADER on track with the curriculum in the MBA organizations that encourage diversity, the to also extends to a diversity of ideas and program,” she says. “Because we work most prominent being the National Center approaches. “Some people on a team want Montreat College’s business program is in groups and teams, that allows you to for Women & Information Technology, to go 24/7 the first few days, then they equipping students with the knowledge and understand how teams work best and it which seeks to address the longstanding burn out,” she explains. “And others are skills necessary to serve and lead in today’s allows you to have real live experience in gender bias in the technology field. She there for the long haul and they are more competitive business environment and leading teams and being on teams.” also believes that including voices from consistent over time. You have some that cultivating in all students an entrepreneurial different cultural perspectives is particularly lead the conversations; you have some that and ethical spirit. With seated and online One strength she recognized in the teams important within the cybersecurity field. observe the conversations. You have to graduate degrees in business administration she was a part of in the MBA program “Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical have all of those to meet the objectives that and management and leadership, students at Montreat College was their diversity. role,” she says. “Cybersecurity involves you need to meet.” will graduate with confidence to excel in “The MBA program is how I gained assessing business risk and other factors. their careers. experience and knowledge about how We need to have a lot of different cultures Myra believes diversity lends itself to long- important diversity and inclusion are,” and diversity in cybersecurity to be able to term sustainability, but diversity isn’t the Choose one of three MBA Tracks: General she says. “Diversity and inclusion are a recognize and defend against the threats we only factor for enduring success. Myra says MBA, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, number one priority; you have to have face… Perception is relative. Perception that endurance also requires tenacity and or Cybersecurity Management diverse perspectives to build anything of has to do with where your seat is at the flexibility. “Tenacity is important because you have to want it, whether you are Robin Pugh ’03 • Complete your MBA degree in just going for a first degree or a second degree President, Queen Associates 30 credits, in under two years. or whether you are in your career and you are looking to advance. Whether the • Take MBA and management and advancement you’re looking for is vertical To learn more visit success.montreat.edu leadership courses online or seated or lateral, you’ve got to have tenacity. You or call (800) 806-2777. at campuses in Asheville, Charlotte “TENACITY IS have got to be determined and believe that and Morganton. you are going to accomplish your goals.” IMPORTANT But Myra says it’s also important to be flexible. If you trust in who God is and BECAUSE YOU what He has for you, then you can adjust Join Montreat College President Paul Maurer, his wife your attitude and stance to better serve the HAVE TO WANT team or community that you are in. “God SCOTLAND AND Joellen, and Dr. Don King for an unforgettable 10-day has a plan for everybody and you have to tour of Scotland and England, visiting historic castles, IT, WHETHER YOU work your plan and not somebody else’s,” breathtaking cathedrals, legendary residences, beautiful she says. ENGLAND TOUR ARE GOING FOR A landscapes, and cozy pubs. This unique tour will feature a special focus on the life and legacy of beloved Christian Perhaps above all, Myra appreciates An Exploration of C.S. Lewis, the Scottish Reformation, FIRST DEGREE OR Montreat College’s focus on ethics and and Ancient and Modern England author C.S. Lewis and on the birth of the Scottish character. “Character and ethics is the Reformation. Space is limited. Learn more and reserve A SECOND DEGREE culture of Montreat,” she says.” As soon your spot at montreat.edu/tour. as you walk in, you know the bar is JULY 10-20, 2019 OR WHETHER being raised and that’s what is expected.” It’s a standard that has served Myra well YOU ARE IN YOUR in her career path. “Montreat College definitely builds the right kind of character, CAREER AND YOU and character and ethics are extremely important in all businesses or in life in ARE LOOKING TO general,” she says. “I think that, in the corporate environment, your character ADVANCE.” shows… People see it and they understand it and they know what it is. And that’s important.”

Jessica Evans ’19 is an environmental science major at Montreat College.

19 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 20 GRIT AND EXCELLENCE Exploring the Concept of Grit in Education and Beyond

By Dr. Paul Gratton and Dr. Brad Faircloth

hy can some people press on through difficult situations, while others give up? Are Wsome people born with “grit,” while others are not? How does grit contribute to excellence? Researcher Angela Duckworth taught seventh grade math for several years, and during that time she began to notice that the amount of effort students were willing to put towards learning made a big difference in their ability to be successful in the classroom. Duckworth went on to study the characteristics of people who are willing to work harder and longer than others, which led to her definition and development of grit as a measure of individual differences.

Since her time as a middle school teacher, Duckworth has published multiple scholarly articles on grit, a New York Times best-selling book entitled Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance, and she has made several presentations on grit, including a TED talk. Duckworth’s research has shown that grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long- term goals, can be increased over time, and that having grit is essential for accomplishing long-term goals and achieving success in life. “The gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon,” she writes. “[H]is or her advantage is stamina. Whereas disappointment or boredom signals to others that it is time to change trajectory and cut losses, the gritty individual stays the coursei.”

Consider two siblings—one sibling is of higher intelligence, but the other sibling has more grit. Which do you think is more likely to achieve greater success in school and in their career over their life? Surprisingly, the answer is the second sibling, the one with more grit.

21 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 22 the common factor that differentiates those and strengthening a growth mindset who succumb from those who overcome will undoubtedly enhance your grit. their circumstances. Developing skills to remain focused and purposeful in the face of adversity and Growing and Encouraging Grit challenge will increase the likelihood that goals will be achieved and successes will So how can we as teachers, parents, or come your way. In a day and age where managers, support others in growing challenge is often resisted and avoided, we their grit? First, model a growth mindset can all stand to be a little grittier. to them. None of us have “arrived.” We can all grow, no matter our age and Dr. Paul Gratton is an assistant professor circumstance. Be willing to explore new of business at Montreat College. Dr. Brad ideas with your students, children, or Faircloth is an associate professor of psychology employees. Show them how to dive into a and human services at Montreat College. subject with excitement rather than the fear of not knowing. Share with them the joy of learning. Second, praise others for their effort and growth rather than their fixed Endnotes Ernest Shackleton attributes. Rather than saying, “You are smart and talented; good job,” encourage i Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. others by saying “You put forth great D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and effort, I can see you are growing in your passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality Island. For fifteen days Shackleton and and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. Research has shown that grit (as measured successful, and these efforts often span the academic arena as well as in the wider five of his men braved hurricane-level abilities. Keep it up!” Remember, growing ix ii by the Grit-S questionnaire assessment long periods of time. And according to realm of life outside of school .” winds in frigid waters, miraculously in grit does not take natural ability; Duckworth, A. L., & Quinn, P. D. (2009). Development and Validation of the Short Grit Scale developed by Angela Duckworth and Duckworth and her fellow researchers, grit navigating their way to South Georgia people of varying abilities and personality Patrick Quinn) is more highly related to also “overlaps with achievement aspects of types can develop grit and become more (Grit-S). Journal of Personality Assessment, 91(2), Grit in Action Island. Unfortunately, the crew found 166–174. successful outcomes than IQ; and unlike conscientiousness but differs in its emphasis themselves on the opposite side of the successful contributors. Third, provide iii IQ, a person’s level of grit can change on long-term stamina rather than short- History provides many notable examples of island from the whaling station, unable to clear and timely feedback to those you are Suran Lee, & Young Woo Sohn. (2017). Effects of v Grit on Academic Achievement and Career-Related over time. A study conducted at West term intensity .” Additionally, grit shares people who have exhibited a high degree circumnavigate the rocky coast. Leaving encouraging. Feedback is one of the key Attitudes of College Students in Korea. Social Point Military Academy found that some qualities with Albert Bandura’s of perseverance and tenacious focus toward two of his crew behind, Shackleton and tools available for motivating others toward vi Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, cadets higher in grit were less likely to notion of self-efficacy . The two primary their goals. One story is that of explorer two others traveled 32 miles over glaciers growth. Providing both encouragement 45(10), 1629–1642. drop out than cadets with less grit—even components of self-efficacy are competence Ernest Shackleton, whose goal was to and treacherous mountains, finally and constructive critique, encourage others iv Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. when controlling for SAT scores, high and confidence. In other words, self- become the first person to cross Antarctica. arriving at the South Georgia whaling in what they are doing well, and provide school rank, and conscientiousness (as efficacy is an indicator of a person’s insight where they need to improve. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and station on May 20, 1916. passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality measured by the Big Five personality test, confidence that, given a specific challenge, After many previous expeditions were and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. a psychological assessment measuring one’s they can overcome that challenge and stymied by the harsh environment, Shackleton immediately organized a But what about developing grit in yourself? v Ibid. openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, achieve a successful outcome. However, Shackleton departed Buenos Aires rescue for his crew on Elephant Island, Duckworth recommends employing a ii agreeableness, and neuroticism) . Studies of self-efficacy is context specific, whereas September 27, 1914, with a crew of 28 cycle of deliberate practice. This cycle vi only to have his efforts cut short, three Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of college students have shown that students grit is a global measure of a person’s men. En route to the Antarctic coast, times, by sea ice. The fourth rescue consists of first setting a goal, then applying control. New York: Freeman. with higher grit scores tend to have higher commitment and determination to be his ship, The Endurance, became trapped effort was finally successful, and on 100 percent focus to achieving the goal, vii Dweck, C. S. (2006). . New York: GPAs and change majors less often than successful. and crushed in the ice. As his ship sank, August 30, 1916, the remaining crew getting constructive feedback on your Mindset iii Random House. those with lower grit scores . Additionally, Shackleton’s goal shifted from crossing the on Elephant Island were saved. Against performance, reflecting on and refining people high in grit attain higher levels of Encouraging Grit Antarctic continent, to leading his entire all odds, Shackleton achieved his goal— what you are doing, and then setting a viii Hochanadel, A., & Finamore, D. (2015). Fixed iv education than those with less grit . crew to safety. Despite being stranded on every single one of his original 28 crew new goal. This cycle of deliberate practice and growth mindset in education and how grit helps vii students persist in the face of adversity. Having a growth mindset is one of the ice floes hundreds of miles from the nearest members survived the ordeal. is intended to produce smart and effective Journal of personal growth. Additionally, spending International Education Research, 11(1), 47-50; Snipes, The Makeup of Grit strongest contributors to the development habitation, Shackleton did not lose heart. J., Fancsali, C., & Stoker, G. (2012). Student academic viii of grit . Students who believe they can He encouraged and buoyed the spirits of While Shackleton’s story is an time with gritty people will rub off on you. mindset interventions. IMPAQ International. Grit is related to many established grow in their abilities are more likely to his crew for months as they dragged their extraordinary example of grit, it highlights When an individual spends time with a ix Anderson, C., Turner, A. C., Heath, R. D., & Payne, psychological constructs. Those with exhibit grit, and thereby exhibit success. lifeboats across the ice and searched for the kind of self-efficacy, growth mentality, group, the individual will often adopt the group’s values and viewpoints. Therefore, C. M. (2016). On the Meaning of Grit...and Hope... high levels of grit are likely to have a high Research has shown that, “Students’ land. Eventually, the crew risked a five- and goal-focused attitude that we can all and Fate Control...and Alienation...and Locus of internal locus of control and thus believe mindsets predict their trajectories: those day open sea journey, navigating their employ. Even though you have not had to find and pay attention to people who Control...and...Self-Efficacy...and...Effort Optimism... that they can influence events that happen who believe they can improve actually lifeboats to tiny, inhospitable Elephant deal with your ship sinking in Antarctic exhibit positive behaviors and mindsets, and... The Urban Review; Dordrecht, 48(2), 198–219. in their lives. People with a high internal do. Students who believe they can Island across the icy Southern Ocean. waters, you have likely faced setbacks and such as grit, that you would like to develop locus of control are achievement oriented improve their abilities are better able to trials that seemed insurmountable at the in yourself. and display hope in a brighter future, and accommodate setbacks (a hallmark of Knowing they were no closer to rescue time. Each of us faces our own challenges, they exemplify perseverance and stick-to- both grit and locus of control), as well on Elephant Island, Shackleton quickly and the grit exhibited by Shackleton and Conclusion itiveness. The notion of grit goes beyond as apply themselves to challenging tasks outfitted one of the remaining lifeboats his men looks different than someone who that of locus of control in that it focuses (again, reminiscent of grit), and all of the to make the nearly 800-mile trip to is employing grit to overcome generational Whether you are an educator, student, on long-term, herculean efforts to be aforementioned skills are useful both in the whaling station at South Georgia poverty, abuse, or a learning disability. parent, entrepreneur, athlete, or minimum Nonetheless, in all of those situations, grit is wage employee, developing 23 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 24 FACULTY BOOK REVIEW

“On the last day of a recent year, I buried a woman on what his can be thwarted. The way the Jerusalem Bible translates felt like the coldest day of that year, on the top of a hill in a this, ‘What you conceive, you perform,’ reminds us that, more country cemetery overlooking the Delaware River,” Rutler than passing on to God…metaphysical compliments, Job has begins. “There the couple of children and I stood in about a declared the root affirmation of Moses, Augustine, Aquinas, foot of snow, my black cloak acting like a sail against the wind and every burst of chromosomes into conscious life: the very and it seemed to me that the last thing I wanted to read was will of God that things should be causes them to be. Ideal and Job’s sorry lines, so I moved on to the alternate reading. At action which are so disparate in human attempts at creation are that moment a particularly strong gust of wind blew the two one and the same and always perfectly effectual in the mind of bunches of hothouse flowers off the grave and down the side God. God conceives perfection and thus it exists and the only of the hill and our little group stood still and black against the distinction between heaven and earth is that in heaven there is snow. So Job will always manage to be heard: he comes forth no delaying the volition of God… The “world without end” like a flower, and withers.” is not an absent-minded place for those disinclined to stop; it is the absence of delay, the pure state in which reality totally From that starting point, Rutler moves through the touchstones exists, ‘in the twinkling of an eye’ and where Demosthenes of Man, God, and the Devil in relation to the jarring potholes and Daniel Webster are not different in age or syntax. Job’s The Impatience of life. His voice is an accomplished one, having studied at encounter with this melts his frustration at what he wants to be the Gregorian University in Rome as well as Oxford and and what he is, no longer impatiently seated with chin on hand of Job Dartmouth. Yet he’s also been a hospital chaplain and pastor and tongue stuck out like a gargoyle or existentialist spitting George W. Rutler to denizens of both Wall Street and Hell’s Kitchen. He was as water on each passing intimation of loveliness or hope.” Sherwood Sugden, a priest on the ground in New York City in the aftermath of LaSalle, IL, 1981 9/11. That combination of experiences makes him a one-of- It’s all heady stuff, with more than a few lines that may a-kind tour guide whose rapid-fire mind whirs along so fast at prompt a double-take or re-reading. But as a pastor as well Reviewed by Associate Professor of points you may just decide to lean in and enjoy the ride versus as an academic, Rutler manages to pull application from the trying to keep up with him. This is a writer who throws down theological reflection and philosophical musings. A concluding Communication Dr. Joseph Martin words in a manner reminiscent of William F. Buckley. Rutler’s chapter calls Job “Food for the Fed-Up.” There he observes, rhetoric is so seamlessly readable (Dartmouth’s alumni magazine “The wrestling match between heavenly Father and earthly said his delivery “both disarms and knocks you out”) that a son is the vigor of true religion. The whole practice of the The Book of Job is supposed to answer the question of why sampling of his punchy prose is as persuasive as any imprimatur. prayer life is called ascetics, which comes from the Greek word bad things happen to good people. And even though it contains meaning athlete, and whenever pious writers speak of the the longest soliloquy attributed to God in all of the Bible, most The Devil, of course, is an unavoidable character in Job. And school of the soul we should expect to think of the gymnasium people who manage to wade through its winding stanzas of despite modern intellectual discomfort with the concept of discipline and exhilaration. This is where sweat comes in… conversation still can’t find an answer. Pope Gregory the Great, personified evil in the spiritual world, Rutler doesn’t hesitate to Jesus is not just a memory. He has a voice and it coaxes fruit incredibly, wrote a 35-volume commentary on the book in give him more credence than the latest Avengers villain: from fruitless trees, fish from empty nets, and patience from the Middle Ages. What may seem more accessible to some, impatience.” however, is a more recent 124-page paperback by George W. “God asks, ‘Where have you been,’ and Satan replies, ‘Roaming Rutler entitled The Impatience of Job. about.’ …It is not an evasive reply. Indeed, its precision is “The patience of Job” was a phrase that sprang from the King devastating, making it the most dangerous line in the Bible. James Bible’s rendering of James 5:11. But later versions Rutler begins by commenting on some dour verses: Satan is all over the place. Incessantly busy, he never rests. He also translated the Greek word hupomone as “persistence” or has no bed. He wears every uniform and possible outfit on “endurance.” That variety helps explain how Rutler can present Man that is born of a woman is of few days, every corner and at every party. He met Jesus alone in that the Hebrew patriarch as one both impatient and yet very most barren wilderness and incited the crowds in Jerusalem. He patient man. Much of what the Christian publishing juggernaut And full of trouble. spoke systematic logic to Jesus with one voice and later shouted serves up these days as devotional fare doesn’t demonstrate out of a madman’s mouth, ‘I am legion. I am everywhere.’ He much staying power. The Impatience of Job, combining He comes forth like a flower, and withers; has been legion in every generation: on field, in the court, scriptural substance with stylistic elegance, has it in spades. in the church. Sometimes he puts on the drab of generals, Since it’s wrongly gone out of print, Rutler’s little book may He flees like a shadow, and continues not. (Job 14:1-2) sometimes the black of judges or the purple of bishops— take some effort to track down. But try finding it through an consistently smiling, polite, gallant, mannered, and sincere.” interlibrary loan…and some patience. This is one that will reward the effort. But fear is no match for faith in Rutler’s extended exposition, which excels at marshaling paradoxes to frame life as a journey, one that that can be not just endured but transformed by intentional, faith-full choices. “Job proclaims that God can do all things and that no plan of

25 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 26 COLLEGE NEWS

April 26, 2018 1 April 3, 2018 April 19, 2018 6 6 8 Montreat College hosted the second 1 Montreat College announced that College. In addition to student and On Thursday, April 19, Montreat rd annual8 #BrittenStrong 5k Run/Walk on it had received a $100,000 grant from alumni performances and testimonies, the College held its 3 Annual Cavalier Court the college’s Black Mountain campus. The Cannon Foundation towards the event featured remarks from Montreat of Excellence Banquet to showcase and The event attracted over 140 runners and renovation of Howerton Residence Hall. College Board Chair Dr. David Bruce and honor the most exceptional, academic reaised over $5,000. All proceeds from the Howerton houses 112 men, roughly Montreat College President Dr. Paul J. student athletes who pursued excellence event went towards medical expenses for 20 percent of the students on Montreat Maurer. The keynote address was delivered in personal character, spiritual growth, Montreat College Assistant Track & Field College’s traditional campus. The residence by Dr. Stan Gaede, president of the and athletic competition for the 2017-18 Coach Britten Olinger, who was severely hall received a new roof in 2016. Further Christian College Consortium. academic year. Over 140 students, faculty, injured in an auto accident in February renovations include repairing water administrators, and trustees attended the 2017. The event was organized by faculty damage to eight second and third-floor banquet. Senior Brien Lancaster ’18 earned 2 and students in the college’s Exercise 7 rooms, remodeling of additional rooms, April 17, 2018 the Cavalier Award of Excellence—the 4 Science Department. switching to high efficiency water heaters, Montreat College hosted a special highest honor a Cavalier can earn at switching to electric LED lights, and more. “Meet Montreat” event in Charlotte, Montreat College. In addition to Lancaster 4 1 The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of N.C., focused on cybersecurity. The (Track & Field and Cross Country), the event featured a panel of Charlotte-based April 28, 2018 the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. court also honored Montreat College 9 Montreat College hosted its annual cybersecurity professionals and introduced Cannon, an industrialist and humanitarian athletes Tori Klose ’19 (Soccer), Jesse Pops Concert in Montreat’s Anderson Montreat College’s rapidly-expanding 9 who was president and chairman of Daniel Collins ’18 (Baseball), Derrick Auditorium. The concert included classical cybersecurity program. Panelists for the Cannon Mills Company for more than half Cusano ’19 (Basketball), Darah DeWalt ’19 pieces, selected patriotic songs, film scores, event included Queen Associates President a century. The Foundation continues Mr. (Basketball), Jessica Evans ’19 (Volleyball), a medley of George Gershwin tunes, and Robin Pugh ’03, FBI Special Agent Brian Cannon’s philanthropy through funding Sara Gwillim ’19 (Golf), Alona Kosenko ’18 much more. “Some Enchanted Evening” Cyprian, Cybersecurity Professional 3 in healthcare, higher education, human (Track & Field and Cross Country), from the musical South Pacific featured 8 Akira Shavers ’16, and Montreat College services, and community, predominantly in Aubrey Sluder ’18 (Softball), and Miguel soloist Timothy Wilds, and highlights from cybersecurity student Raygan Dunlap ’19. . Tudon ’18 (Soccer). The event also Elgar’s Cello Concerto featured soloist Dr. President Paul J. Maurer also outlined featured addresses from 1996 Heisman Benjamin Smith. The concert also included how Montreat College is responding to Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel and a musical tribute to local songwriter Billy the exponentially growing demand for April 5, 2018 Asheville Christian Academy Director of Edd Wheeler, whose songs have sold over 2 Montreat College announced that its cyber professionals who can solve today’s Athletics Joe Johnson. 57 million copies and have been recorded School of Adult and Graduate Studies cybersecurity problems through an ethical, by over 150 artists, including Elvis Presley, is re-launching a completely retooled Christ-centered framework. 7 Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Neil Young, MBA degree program and launching April 20, 2018 Jefferson Airplane, Glen Campbell, and new undergraduate business degrees Montreat College hosted the inaugural more recently Florence and the Machine. 4 in marketing and human resource April 19, 2018 Coda Music Festival on Gaither Commons, 9 5 management. All of the new degrees are Montreat College announced that overlooking the beautiful Montreat Cove. be offered in Charlotte, Asheville, and two students, Ben Jakobowski ’20 and The festival featured critically-acclaimed Jessica5 Evans ’19, were awarded Ledford May 12, 2018 online. Montreat College’s redesigned Asheville-based acts Floating Action 10 Montreat College celebrated Spring Scholarships by the Appalachian College MBA degree can be completed in just 30 and Tyler Ramsey (of Band of Horses) Commencement exercises in Montreat’s Association (ACA). The award funded 10 credit hours—under two years for most as co-headliners, along with supporting Anderson Auditorium. The college their summer research project with students. Optional concentrations in bands Doc Aquatic, MYFEVER, and welcomed Dr. David Chadwick, senior Environmental Science faculty member cybersecurity management or innovation God Bless Relative. In addition to the pastor of Charlotte-based Forest Hill Joshua Holbrook. The project inventoried and entrepreneurship add nine credit hours. college’s standard Aramark food service, Church and host of the popular radio reptiles and amphibians in a specific food trucks from Foothills Meats and The program “The David Chadwick Show,” as region of the Southern Appalachian Hop Ice Cream were on-site. The event 5 the keynote speaker for commencement. 10 Mountains, filling a significant gap in April 12, 2018 was planned and executed by students in Dr. Chadwick was also honored with an 3 On Thursday, April 12, Montreat the understanding of this ecosystem. The Montreat’s Music Business program, and honorary doctorate. Montreat awarded College3 hosted its annual Keystone Ledford Scholarship, named for Colonel was made possible by sponsorships from 14 diplomas to 113 students who had Scholarship Dinner at the Lee B. Ledford, offers financial assistance local businesses. completed associate, undergraduate, and Training Center at The Cove. The for summer research by ACA students in graduate degrees. Warren Campbell ’18, event raised $347,450 for the Keystone the fields of laboratory and field work, School of Adult and Graduate Studies Scholarship Fund, which provides need- interviews, analyzing special collections, graduate, and Emily Berry Lancaster ’18, and merit-based scholarships for students and participant observation. School of Arts and Sciences graduate, gave who desire an education from Montreat addresses to their class.

27 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 28 FACULTY NEWS

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December 2017 June 2018 1 Associate Professor of Accounting/Finance Dr. Stephen Dukas 6 On June 16, 2018, Isaac Owolabi was installed as the 92nd completed his Masters in Accountancy from Western Carolina district governor of Rotary International for Western North 3 4 5 University in December. Carolina District 7670 at the District Governor Installation at Cascade Resort, Hendersonville, N.C. As governor, Dr. Owalobi will be responsible for the management and direction of the 48 January 2018 regional Rotary Clubs with approximately 2,200 members for 2 Professor of Business Dr. Hub Powell was granted a research Fiscal Year 2018-19. Rotary International is a community of 1.2 sabbatical for the Spring 2018 term during which he gathered million men and women from all continents, cultures, professions, 400 survey participants—with help from students at Montreat and experiences who connect through 35,000 global clubs. Rotary College, UNC-Asheville, Mars Hill College, , Clubs in have worked with MANNA , and Western —for Food Bank, local area schools, and many other charities to address a study that will examine Generation Z’s perceptions of effective problems locally as well as internationally. leadership. He hopes to conclude this project and have it ready for conference submission and publication by the conclusion of the Fall 2018 academic term. July 2018 7 Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Paul Gratton published the

6 7 8 article “Organization Development and Strategic Planning for March 2018 Non-Profit Organizations” in the 3 Adjunct Professor of Bible and Ministry Dr. Stephen Organization Development Journal (Volume 36, Issue 2). Woodworth published the article “How Can Pastors Reclaim the Role of Father?” in the Spring 2018 edition of Christianity Today: Pastors. He also taught a New Testament survey course in Albania August 2018 in February (pictured) and a hermeneutics course in Siberia in 8 Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Brad Faircloth published March. the article “The Effect of an Outdoor Program on Participants’ Biophilic Expressions” in the Journal of Outdoor and Environmental April 2018 Education with co-authors Dr. Andrew Bobilya, Dr. Nathan 4 Adjunct Professor of Math and Science Jack Howard spent Meltzer, Dr. Denise Mitten, and Dr. Resa Chandler. 10 days in Chile as part of the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program of the National Radio Astronomy October 2018 Observatory. He is also currently editing an astronomy 9 Adjunct Professor of Natural Sciences Dr. Sam DeMent 9 supplement for publication by Bedford, Freeman, and Worth. has been invited to lecture for the 30th consecutive year at the Regional Hematopathology Conference at the Vanderbilt April 2018 University School of Medicine, to be held in October 2018. 5 On April 20, 2018, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Dr. Mark Lassiter gave the Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Spring 2018 STEM Presentations and hosted an afternoon workshop: “Measuring Stress Indicators and Role of Esterases—From Trees to Alzheimer’s.” He was also selected to co- author the 11th edition of Beran’s Laboratory Manual for Principles of General Chemistry (Wiley and Sons) with Dr. Jo Beran.

29 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 30 CLASS NOTES Mary Lou Gray Snead ’56 Gordon Gartrell ’74 establishing 10 church planting teams in Chris (who starts school with Montreat this Mary Lou is married to Dr. George Snead. Gordon and his wife, Dorothy, continue countries in the 10/40 window. Lisa is a nurse fall, as well), working on becoming a foster/ They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and missionary work in Brazil with the United working in the neo-natal intensive care unit at adoptive parents, running a heritage meat farm, three great-grandchildren. They have lived in Presbyterian Church of Brazil in partnership Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. and running 5Ks on some weekends. Danville, Va., for almost 60 years. with the Presbyterian Church USA. They are just beginning their new term. They have been Shawn Lombardia ’00 Tifaney Jones ’12 appointed through December 2021. This is Shawn graduated from Montreat in 2000 4 Tifaney graduated from Montreat College Joan Schrenk ’56 in 2012 with a double major in biology Joan still lives in Waynesville, N.C. Most the first time in over 25 years that Gordon and and can’t believe he is getting close to 20 years and environmental studies, and a minor in of her time is spent with activities at First Dorothy have come back to the same town since his time at Montreat! He is a pastor at 1 chemistry. She is currently in her 4th and final Presbyterian Church. She is an elder with the they were in prior to going to the States for Sunrise Baptist Church in Arcadia, Fla. He year of veterinary school. She will graduate oversight of Christian education. She is also six months to speak in churches about their has been married to Stacey Lombardia for 10 with a DVM from Ross University School active with Presbyterian Women. As a part mission work. Their big news is that they are years and they have a nine-year-old daughter, of Veterinary Medicine in May 2019. She of their crafters guild, she helps with making grandparents for the second time. They have a Peyton. is currently completing her clinical year at knitted items for their Fall Festival. This is two-year-old granddaughter, and now she has Louisiana State University School of Veterinary a great fundraising activity for many local a little brother born June 28. They have only Robb Wells ’00 2 Medicine. Tifaney recently had the wonderful agencies who care for people who have so seen him in photos because they returned to Robb was recently named president & CEO opportunity to complete an externship in the many needs. It also includes their overseas Brazil June 6. of the Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention Galapagos, Ecuador. After she graduates in May mission programs. and Visitors Bureau. He and his wife, Candida, Victoria (Vickie) live in Beaufort, S.C., with their two daughters, 2019, she will be looking to settle back down Alyssa and Annie Grace. in her home state of South Carolina to practice Annette Jordan ’64 Moore Hayes ’76 veterinary medicine. She is very grateful for the Vickie and her husband, John, will be Annette is a retired customer service path that God has led her on, and she is looking celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary in representative living in Villa Hills, Ky. She has Amy Tipton Bledsoe ’03 forward to the future. 2 3 two grandchildren. September. They are proud to say that their Amy still resides in her hometown, Gate two daughters are both serving their country. City, Va. She is beginning her 13th year Tanner Wilhoit ’17 Brenda Orr Beaty ’68 Their daughter, Valarie, is a nurse in the Navy. teaching special education. She and her Brenda retired in 2012 after teaching Their daughter, Almira, is a combat medic in husband, Andy, will celebrate their 15th Emily Wilhoit ’17 5 Tanner and Emily were married this past physical education and health for 42 years. 39 the Army. Next summer, Vickie and John are wedding Anniversary in September. Their th November in Olin, N.C., and they recently of these years were at Seneca Middle School. planning to celebrate their 35 anniversary children, Luke (13), Landee (nine), and Larsyn moved to Swannanoa. Tanner recently Since retirement, she has done some part-time a little early by taking a British Isles cruise. It (three) are such blessing to their lives. Amy and celebrated his one-year anniversary working at teaching in two local elementary schools and fulfills a dream of Vickie’s of many years. They Andy find themselves on a ball court, ball field, the Biltmore Company, and Emily is working at Anderson University. She has been married hope to retire in the next couple of years and or a dance studio each week. They are busy but as the Montreat Volleyball graduate assistant to Jim Beaty for 46 years; they were married move from the hectic D.C. area to a quieter blessed! coach while continuing to pursue her master’s at Montreat. Much of Brenda’s time is now place with less traffic. Vickie will always be degree in clinical mental health counseling at spent taking care of Jim, who has Parkinson’s thankful to the Lord for the two incredible Andrew Bauman ’05 3 Montreat’s Asheville campus. disease. Brenda and Jim have two sons, Will years she had at Montreat—so many precious Andrew is an author and licensed mental friends in the Lord! health counselor. He holds a Master of Arts in 4 5 (43) and Jake (40). Will is a minister at the First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, S.C. He has two Counseling Psychology from the Seattle School Brien Lancaster ’18 sons, Austin (6) and Collin (4). Jake is also a Charles A. Norwood, Jr. ’78 of Theology & Psychology and is currently Brien has recently moved to Colorado minister and helped start NewSpring Church Charles retired from a career in social work working on his doctorate at Northeastern Springs to work in the Advancement in Anderson, S.C. He has two children, in 2014. University. Andrew has written two books, The Department at Colorado College. Peyton (15) and Lauren (13). Brenda enjoys Psychology of Porn and A Brave Lament, and will her small group Bible study and Sunday school Rick Scholla ’80 be releasing his third book, Stumbling Towards class at Clemson Presbyterian Church. She Rick worked for 12 years with the Atlanta Wholeness, with NavPress in Fall 2018. Andrew also enjoys decorating cakes, working in her Braves from 1987 until 1999 as a marketing is married to Christy Bauman, who is also a yard, watching her former students play ball representative, ticket sales manager, and therapist, and they have three beautiful children: in high school and college, and cheering for customer service manager. He transferred to Wilder, Selah, and River. You can follow her Clemson Tigers. She even got to cheer Philips Arena when the building opened in Andrew’s work at andrewjbauman.com. for Clemson the last three years at the ACC 1999 thru 2016 as box office manager. Rick Football Championship and at the National has been the box office manager at the Cobb Jen Strickland ’06 Football Championship in 2016. Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta since Jen completed the first half of her master’s March of 2018. degree in 2018 and is loving everything she is Kathy Stegall ’72 learning in Montreat’s Clinical Mental Health Kathy is a registered veterinary technician Shawn Stewart ’85 Counseling program (2020). She intends and medical laboratory technician. She holds a Lisa Henderson Stewart ’85 to utilize her degree to work with veterans, bachelor’s degree from the Medical University 1 Shawn is currently the coordinator of orphans, and trauma victims via psychotherapy of South Carolina. Her current hobbies include mobilization for World Outreach, the mission- and equine facilitated psychotherapy. She is photography and visiting zoos and lighthouses. sending arm of the Evangelical Presbyterian also applying to to obtain Church (EPC). EPC World Outreach is her doctorate in clinical mental health. And she is raising a son with her wonderful husband, 31 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 MONTREAT.EDU 32 Introducing Our Expanded President’s Circle Society SAVE THE DATE

LOYALTY Loyal donors who give year after year SOCIETY THE GIFT Donors become part of the Loyalty Society when they have provided a gift of any size in each of the last three consecutive years. OF

LEADERSHIP Those who show leadership in their support each year CHRISTMAS SOCIETY Donors become part of the Leadership Society when they have given a total of $1,000 or more in a single year. A MUSICAL CELEBRATION WITH MONTREAT COLLEGE

GALAX Visionary donors whose legacy will build our future AND SOCIETY Donors become part of the Galax Society when they include Montreat College in their estate plan. PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE RECEPTION LIFETIME Donors who show significant lifetime financial commitment SOCIETY Donors become part of the Lifetime Society when they have contributed $100,000 or more in their lifetime. SATURDAY, DECEMBER  PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE RECEPTION BY INVITATION CHRISTMAS CONCERT: : PM

ANDERSON AUDITORIUM

33 REFLECTION | FALL 2018 Lookout Road, Montreat, NC MONTREAT.EDU 34 P.O. Box 1267 Montreat, NC 28757

Gift planning allows you to create a lasting legacy to provide for future generations of students. The Galax Society is a special group of Montreat friends and alumni of who choose to make a lasting investment in the college through planned giving.

For more information regarding planned giving, contact Joe Kirkland by phone at 828.419.2045 or by email at [email protected].

LET YOUR PASSION FOR MONTREAT COLLEGE LIVE ON