Dr. J. Chester Badgett, left, and Dr. Forest Shely, long-term trustees at CU, unveil the new plaques naming the Badgett Academic Support Center, formerly the Student Union Building, and the Shely Science Center in their honor at the Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 27. Shely’s son Bill helps uncover the plaque.
Nov. 12, 2009
For Immediate Release
Campbellsville University Renames Two Campus Buildings Honoring Long-Term Trustees Badgett and Shely
By Christina Miller, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.– The Student Union Building, long known as the SUB on Campbellsville University’s campus, along with the Science Building, were renamed the Badgett Academic Support Center and the Shely Science Center, respectively, during a recent ceremony.
Both buildings were renamed after long-term Campbellsville University trustees, Dr. J. Chester Badgett and Dr. Forest Shely.
Dr. Jay Conner, chair of the Board of Trustees at Campbellsville University, said, “These two men without question have learned the right to be honored…both have served with unprecedented longevity and dedication to CU.”
Badgett has served for 40 years and Shely for 49 years on Campbellsville University’s Board of Trustees.
Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, said, “These men rank in the top five for the most influence in my life. They have stepped up when (then) Campbellsville College was going through hard times. They not only gave of their resources, but gave of themselves…To name these buildings after them is the right thing to do.”
Badgett’s son, Dr. James Thomas Badgett, spoke on behalf of the Badgett family at the naming ceremony. He recalled that, as a child, family meal discussions consisted of two things: Campbellsville Baptist Church, where his father was a preacher at the time, and CU’s
campus. He said his family would always pray for the college. “We were nurtured by this campus,” he said.
Shely’s daughter, Karen Shely McMahan, spoke on behalf of her family. Since her mother died, she said she has had the “privilege of being Daddy’s date…and it’s been a privilege to learn more of what the college means to him. CU is very near and dear to Daddy’s heart, and Daddy is very near and dear to the university.”
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said in regard to their service on the Board of Trustees, “Think about how many issues these men have helped resolve to improve our campus. Thank the Lord for them to help us move forward.”
Carter also thanked Badgett and Shely for dedication and help in “building the bridge for the next generation of servant leaders…the next Forest Shelys and Chester Badgetts.”
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.