PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE The Dick Damron Story The Dick Damron Story Senior faculty member Dr. Dick Damron higher education, and his excellent Recently one of the members of the would never want this much attention, example of what it means to serve Damron family described Dick as so why are we devoting this issue of The Christ and the church. In a sense, the rock upon which the family leans Voice to telling his story? to honor Dick Damron is to honor and from which it draws its strength. S the noble profession of teaching in a There are many others who are There are several reasons. Christian college or university, and members of Dick’s extended family at to celebrate his life is to celebrate the the University and at the Oak Grove This year Dr. Damron reached a Christian ministry. He is a master Church of Christ where he has served milestone that few faculty anywhere teacher with a pastor’s heart. It for 27 years as senior minister that ever achieve. He has taught with would be accurate to describe him as would agree. Dick is always quick to excellence for thirty-five years at only a Christian minister disguised as a credit others and to focus attention on one university! Kentucky Christian university professor. the Rock of Ages which is Christ the University has many faculty with Lord. He does not desire, nor has he long tenures in higher education, but ever sought public praise or recogni- few began their professional career tion, which is all the more reason he on this campus. Most of those who is worthy. began their careers here are still some distance from the thirty-five year As you read through this issue of mark. The Voice, we hope that you will join us in the celebration of a life No one better embodies the KCU that continues to be an amazing faculty spirit and ideal than Dr. example of faith and courage. You Damron. On many campuses there will quickly see in the comments of are faculty who regard their employ- others that the impact of his life and ment as a job. They put in their time, ministry has been truly profound. He draw their check, perform adequately would be quick to say that whatever in the lecture hall, but rarely par- his accomplishments have been, ticipate in campus events or involve they would not have been possible themselves in the lives of students without Linda, his bride of 44 years. beyond the classroom. While KCU is Together they have labored to the blessed with many devoted faculty, glory of God and for the benefit of Dr. Damron has established a bench- I recall a particularly troublesome others. mark that will challenge even the time as President of the University. very committed. Without going into the details of that To Dick and Linda Damron I say experience, I will never forget that it thank you for 35 years of faithful Our campus family was recently was Dick Damron who came to me service and for providing the rest stunned by the news that Dr. Damron privately with a word of encourage- of us with a marvelous example has been diagnosed with stomach ment. He prayed for me as a true of the Christ-filled life. May God cancer. While we are praying for his brother who was genuinely con- strengthen your heart and fill your complete recovery, we are moved as cerned for my welfare. His prayers days with gladness and joy as you a campus community to celebrate his and words of wise counsel carried me continue to serve the church and the career, his significant contribution to through that difficulty. University. The Voice 1 COLLEAGUES The Dick Damron Story Dr. Dick Damron is one of the most highly regarded faculty at the University. He has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and several have written personal notes to express their appreciation. “...What a blessing you have been to “...You’re my brother. You’ve always “...You must know how valued, so many lives. I have always appreci- been in my life. We actually like each respected and loved you are around ated the Christian example you have other. No lies, no secrets; just love and this campus. I am awed by how your set before the students and your col- respect; watching out for each other. presence is comforting and important leagues. You have shown great wisdom You are also a role model to me because to so many of us....” in the choosing of your mate and the if Jesus is a friend who is closer than – Margaret McLaughlin rearing of Godly children....” MY brother, He HAS to be Lord of my – LaVern Karns life....” “...You are a cheerful, encouraging col- KCU Professor Emeritus – Mary Marshall (Dick’s Sister) league. You are a living example to us of the power of a long-term ministry in “...Dick, you are a man of strong char- one field – in this case KCU. We praise “...God has used you to touch the lives acter who always acts with integrity. God for your example....” of so many others in this generation You have contributed to the spiritual – Drs. Leonard & Fawn Knight and many to come. Thank you for growth and faith of many who are being a dedicated and faithful servant now leaders in the church. You have of our King, willing to share your life helped your colleagues in difficulty “...It has been delightful to labor beside with so many....” and you have been a spiritual guide a fellow professor at Kentucky Chris- – Kim Robinette to many students. Your remarkable tian University who speaks with much success is a testimony to the power practical wisdom on difficult issues. “...You have served here at KCU for and glory of the grace of God....” Many students have been deeply many years. You have been a witness – Dr. Donald A. Nash affected by your obvious love of his- for Christ both as a teacher and an KCU Professor Emeritus tory and of our God who invented and athletic coach. The number of students guides all history....” – Dr. James & Laurel Girdwood you have influenced must be in the “...You are enjoying a great life teaching thousands. This is your legacy and it is the Word of God and letting your light a good one....” shine very bright for our Lord wher- “...You have set and live such a – Dr. David Fiensy ever you are. As you well know, I never wonderful example for us as a pastor, had any concerns about your teaching. educator, parent, and by being such a You excelled at leading the basketball great person....” “...You have certainly been a friend to players to a number of national titles. – Jina Tackett me and the School of Nursing. I can You were “The Great Coach” among remember encouraging words you our sister colleges. Your peers stood in “...One only needs to live in a commu- have spoken to me and congratula- awe and respect because of your char- nity so long until it is discovered who tion to the nursing program in gen- acter and expertise in leading so many are its most influential citizens. You are eral as we passed various approval young men....” one of those in Carter County and the and accreditation points....” – Dr. L. Palmer Young surrounding area....” – Dr. Gail Wise KCU Chancellor – Drs. Robert & Karen Ford In This Issue The Voice • Summer 2007 Tribute to Dick Damron Campus News Editor: ©2007 The Voice is published by President’s Perspective 1 Players 7 Commencement Center Keith P. Keeran, Ph.D. Kentucky Christian University Colleagues 2 Coaches 8 It’s Academic 15-17 Consulting Editor: 100 Academic Parkway Interview 3-4 Friend 9-10 Giving & Growing 18 Terri Waggoner Grayson, Kentucky 41143-2205 Students 5 Family 13 Athletics Review 19-21 Assoc. Editor/Designer: Alumni 6 Celebration 14 Insider 22-26 David Bennett www.kcu.edu The Voice 2 INTERVIEW The Dick Damron Story An Interview with Kentucky Christian University is his career, his passion for teaching, proudDick of its faculty. MoreDamron: than the and his love for ministry. administration or operations staff, the faculty have a profound impact on VOICE: Dick, you have been on the Kour students and our commitment to faculty of the University for 35 years, being a genuinely Christian univer- but before you began your teaching sity. By their example, their mentor- career, you served two churches as senior ing, and their classroom instruction minister and you continue to serve as a they are shaping preaching and teaching minister today. the character of Why are you passionate about preaching students and and congregational leadership? molding the ment at KCU and served as head men’s image of the DR. DAMRON: It is my firm con- basketball coach for a nationally ranked University. viction that the world is going to be program. Somehow you have managed to reached for Christ through what the balance all of these responsibilities while Among the apostle Paul called, “the foolishness at the same time raising a wonderful faculty, no one of preaching.” We desperately need Christ-honoring family. What advice do has had a greater more young men who are challenged you have for the rest of us who are trying prolonged in the setting of a local congregation to balance our lives? impact on the of God’s people to accept the call to lives of KCU students than senior lead local churches and faithfully DR.