By Casie Anderson, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – “We’re proud of them and the fact that they have found strength inside of themselves to give to others,” said Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University.
Campbellsville University hosted her annual Servant Leadership Awards Luncheon recently in the Winters Dining Hall on campus.
Corri Irving, a junior at CU from Hopkinsville, Ky., and Lindey Nelson, a junior from Jacksonville, Ala., were the student recipients of the awards.
Dr. Patricia Cowherd, dean of the School of Business and Economics, and the Rev. Ed Pavy, director of campus ministries, were the faculty and staff recipients, respectively.
The Servant Leadership Program, according to Carter, is awarded to students, faculty and staff and recognizes them for their skills as leaders.
Nelson is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art with a biblical studies minor. She has been a member of Disciple Now creative ministries team, the CU women’s tennis team, a student mentor and a resident assistant.
She has been a member of Spin 4, a juggling group that shares the truth about God at churches, camps and schools. In February she participated in the CU Valentine Pageant where she was named 2nd runner-up.
“God has taught me much through my roles as an resident assistant, in Disciple Now and in Spin 4 to define more of who God has made me to be,” said Nelson.
“I’ve learned that I love people and need people. I know God has a plan for me to serve Him and others.”
She will be donating a portion of her Servant Leadership Award money to the Skateboard Ministry at Campbellsville Baptist Church.
Irving is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. He has been a member of the CU football team for three years and received the 110% award two years in a row. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a resident assistant and a junior class officer.
“I’ve always had a dream to help people and be personally impacted each time I help someone,” said Irving,
“I try to apply a servant attitude in my everyday life and enjoy being a role model while sharing Christ.”
Irving will be donating a portion of his Servant Leadership Award money to The Salvation Army.
Cowherd and Pavy were also honored for their servant leadership during the luncheon.
“Being a Christian in higher education today is not an easy task,” said Carter.
“We need each other to stand together. I think the path will become harder with time.”
Campbellsville University is most appreciative to the Barney II and Moore Foundations, particularly William Reichardt, president of the Barney II Foundation, and Martin Moore, president of the Moore Foundation, for their initiative to help those of us in Christian higher education take our students to the highest form of leadership – servant hood in Christ’s name, according to Carter.
Campbellsville University, founded in 1906, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Campbellsville has an enrollment of 2,197 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 13 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his seventh year as president.