Dec. 22, 2015
For Immediate Release
 |
| Anna Mary Byrdwell, second from left, receives an honorary doctorate of public service at Campbellsville University’s commencement, from Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, left. Also participating were Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chair of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, and Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney) |
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Anna Mary Byrdwell, a 1960 graduate of Campbellsville University who serves on the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, was presented an honorary doctorate of public service at commencement Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, made the presentation to Byrdwell, along with Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chair of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, and Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs.
Carter said, “Mrs. Byrdwell is known far and wide as a strong advocate of Christian missions and her servant leadership for nearly four decades in the state and national WMU Organization.
“Anna Mary Byrdwell has been a shining example of a woman who has devoted her life to ministering to others and especially to other women. Her strength and humility combine to make for a wonderful example of a Christian servant leader!”
Byrdwell served as a consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Women’s Missionary Union from 1967 until 2004 and has served for many years as a member of the Campbellsville University Church Relations Council and served as Church Relations Council chair and has served on the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees since 2008.
Byrdwell is a 1956 graduate of Leitchfield High School and graduated in 1960 from Campbellsville College with a Bachelor of Science degree with an Area in Music.
She earned a Master’s degree in Religious Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall of 1962. She taught music in the LaRue County school system from 1960 until 1962 and also served as elementary director for kindergarten at Campbellsville Baptist Church from 1964 until 1967.
Carter said Byrdwell has been a faithful servant in her church as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and choir member and has served in a number of leadership roles with the Long Run Baptist Association and other faith-based organizations.
Byrdwell shares her home in Louisville with her prized silky terrier Prince Charming.
Carter said the greatest honor that can be granted by any college or university is that of the honorary doctoral degree. The honorary degree, which requires approval by the CU Board of Trustees, is given to those individuals who have displayed excellence in leadership, made extraordinary contributions to humanity, and distinguished themselves in their respective professional fields.
“Mrs. Byrdwell has certainly met all of these requirements in her career,” Carter said.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master’s degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.