VOLUME 17 NO. 3 SPRING 2020 Ashli Watts (’04) Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and New CU Trustee THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI + FRIENDS OF CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY FOR ALUMNI THE MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 1 The Campbellsvillian is published three times yearly by the Office of University Communications for alumni and friends INSIDE of Campbellsville University. THIS ISSUE Cover photo provided by Jacqueline Pitts, Director of Communications for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Michael V. Carter President CU alumna, Ashli Watts (’04), named EDITORIAL BOARD CU trustee and first female president Joan C. McKinney 4 and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Editor, Director of University Communications Commerce [email protected] Amber Meade (’18) Neuroscientist, neurosurgeon and Assistant Editor, researcher, Brian K. Whitlock (’97) Communications Operations Manager 6 isn’t sheepish [email protected] Dr. H. Keith Spears Senior Vice President and Driving Dr. and Mrs. Carter – Al Assistant to the President Hardin serves as parade chaperone [email protected] 10 Benji Kelly (’95, M ’05) Vice President for Development [email protected] Ashley Farmer (M ’17) From the war-torn Democratic Director of Alumni Relations Republic of the Congo, to the [email protected] 12 Bluegrass state, Aline Murerwa’s Darryl Peavler (’03, M ’05) life has been uncertain Athletic Alumni Director [email protected] Jordan Alves (’13, M ’15) December commencement Sports Information Director sees 1,189 students graduate [email protected] 14 OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Campbellsville University 1 University Drive #787 Men’s and Women’s soccer makes Campbellsville, KY 42718-2190 NCAA semifinal appearance Phone: (270) 789-5214 | Fax: (270) 789-5095 22 [email protected] or [email protected] for information regarding pictures. Lady Tiger wrestlers are Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools national champs again Commission on Colleges to award certificates, 27 associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the Tiger Tracks status of Campbellsville University. In compliance with federal law, including provision 29 of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Campbellsville University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of color, national or ethnic origins, age, disability or military service in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; or employment. 2 Campbellsvillian A message from the president Campbellsville University and has become a catalyst for an entrepreneurial spirit. From Kentucky’s Green River, to California, to India, Campbellsville University is expanding her reach further than ever before. And, lives are being changed through Christian higher education. Campbellsville University Conover Education Center at Harrodsburg continues to be a shining star for the university. You will read in this edition how the grand opening of the Pioneers’ Athletic Complex personifies the efforts of this main campus offspring. The raising of scholarship funds and the providing of support is creating opportunities for students who may face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They are now part of the Campbellsville University family. On the main campus, we are seeing continued progress. Construction has begun at the former Caulk Hardware building, which will soon be the new home of the Mass Communication program as well as Broadcast Services, including 88.7 FM – The Tiger and WLCU-TV. Finley Stadium is being given a rebirth. A new brick seating façade with high tech media and game control tower, presidential skybox and (Photo by Qiaochu Gai) crowd hosting services is coming for 2020 from the ground up, complimenting the recently As we head into the final weeks of the university’s 2019-2020 academic completed Athletic Fieldhouse and newly year, Campbellsville University continues a pattern of growth and service landscaped athletic pavilion. to our students. On-campus construction, record enrollment For the second year in a row, our Spring term enrolled more than 11,600 numbers, off-site expansions and global students. Recently, a reporter inquired as to how CU is “bucking the trend” outreach are great ways to start 2020. They are that many universities are having with lower enrollments. The answer is all possible thanks to you, the friends, family not simple. It has taken a lot of energy and courage, stepping out to serve and alumni who have provided the foundation. through a more comprehensive curriculum and in new locales to make Campbellsville University is following her Christian higher education available and affordable. calling to develop servant leaders in new and The underlying foundation of the Campbellsville University mission has exciting ways. We are entering a new decade. always been training servant leaders. Your university is doing just that. With your continued prayers and support and Highlighted in this issue are alumni who embody the servant leader with God’s blessing, may 2020 be the start of a mindset. Graduates like Jacqueline Caldwell (’96), now serving on the strong and prosperous era for Campbellsville Kentucky Court of Appeals, and Ashli Schmidt Watts (’04), recently University! named president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as a new CU trustee, are leading in some of the most Most cordially, influential roles in the Commonwealth. As societal expectations change, so must higher education. While maintaining its mission to Christian higher education, your university Michael V. Carter has developed new programs of study, adopted new delivery methods, established new locations and has strived to identify unmet educational needs. This all involves critical thinking - an asset that is abundant at SPRING 2020 3 FEATURES NEWS ATHLETICS UPDATES Ashli Watts, 2004 alumna, balances family and work as president of Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and newly appointed member of Campbellsville University’s Board of Trustees BY LINDA WAGGENER, FREELANCE WRITER The year 2019 will be one Ashli Schmidt Watts, a 2004 Campbellsville University alumna, will always remember. In November 2019, Watts, 37, was named president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, making her the youngest female state Chamber of Commerce president in the nation, and the first woman president of the Kentucky Chamber. In October 2019, Watts was recommended as one of the newest members of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees. Watts was installed as a trustee in in February, 2020. In these leadership roles, Watts is in a unique position to keep the lines of communication open between the leaders of Campbellsville University and state government in Frankfort. After college, she worked for the Legislative Research Commission and the Kentucky Bar ASHLI WATTS, left, testifies on unemployment insurance reform Association before starting as an entry level at a committee meeting with Kentucky State Rep. Russell Webber. lobbyist at the pro-business Kentucky Chamber (Photos courtesy of Kentucky Chamber of Commerce) of Commerce in 2012. She moved up through 4 Campbellsvillian the ranks in the organization until being named to the top she said. “There is stress in overseeing an organization the position in fall 2019, eight months and a national search size of the Chamber, but it really helps that I love what I do. after the announcement of David Adkisson’s retirement. I often say there is not one day that I have not wanted to She received her political science and history degrees from come to work at the Chamber. I love what we do and being Campbellsville University where, she said, “As a political the voice of Kentucky businesses, working to produce real science student, my professors really influenced me to love results that will move our state and economy forward.” the political process, the history of government, how laws Watts and her husband, Ryan, executive director of the are passed and having important discussions around policy. Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, and their children, “I would especially point to Dr. John Chowning, who was Emma and Carter, live in Frankfort. She moved there in her my professor throughout my time at Campbellsville, and senior year of college to do an internship with the Kentucky who helped connect me with an internship at the Capitol in Legislature. Frankfort, which began my career. She said, “Balancing work, family, friendships, obligations, “Also, Max Wise was my professor during college and etc. can be challenging, but I think being rooted in my faith was a great influence. I still remember how tough his and family really helps keep things in perspective. I also exams could be! It has been a full circle experience having make an effort to practice ‘self-care’ and do things that learned about politics, government and the political process I really enjoy - traveling, going to watch a movie, having from him and now years later working together to pass dinner with friends. If you don’t maintain that balance, I do legislation.” think you could burn out really quickly.” Wise has served since 2015 as the Republican Kentucky Soon after Watts was named to the top position with the State Senator in District 16,