By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Dr. Frank Cheatham quoted John Maxwell at the Campbellsville University School of Education's first pinning ceremony recently. He quoted: “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, told the students and educators present that it is “important to care for students.”

Dr. Jay Conner, chair of the university's Board of Trustees, told the students the pinning ceremony and graduation are “great events and real milestones in life.”

“We are proud that CU played a role in your life,” he said.

He congratulated Dr. Brenda Priddy, dean of the School of Education, and said, “It's always a pleasure to see who is leading the School of Education.”

Susan Blevins, right, assistant professor of education, talks with graduate Geoffrey James at a reception following the School of Education pinning ceremony. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

He told the students to follow the mission of CU which is based on Christian values. “Go into education to be of service to others,” he said. “Our prayer is that you embody the servant leader.”

Brittany Asbury, a senior from Louisville, spoke to her fellow classmates and said, “We are so blessed. Our teachers have done an amazing job in preparing us.” She said each education teacher at CU is a “role model and they get to know the students and are available to give advice.”

She asked the students to think about teachers they've had and to think about what kind of teacher they want to be and what kind of legacy they want to leave.

Those attending the pinning ceremony were: Brittany Asbury of Louisville, Ky.; Lauren Thornsberry of Campbellsville, Ky.; LaKesha Frye of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Tonya Lewis of Radcliff, Ky.; Bonnie Webster of Campbellsville, Ky.; Felechia Wainscott of Worthville, Ky., and Melissa Taylor of Liberty, Ky. Second row - Whitney Vaughn of Canmer, Ky.; Morgan Bullock of Frankfort, Ky.; Geoffrey James of Campbellsville, Ky.; Drew Simpson of Campbellsville, Ky., and Evan Pierce of Benton, Ky.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.