Jim Tatum with “Suits for Servants,” right, fits Dr. Chris Conver, recruitment counselor and adjunct faculty member at Campbellsville University-Louisville, for a suit. (Campbellsville University Photo by Bayarmagnai “Max” Nergui)
Oct. 30, 2009
For Immediate Release
‘SUITS FOR SERVANTS’ VISITS CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
By Christina Miller, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.— Silk ties for $5.95? Jim Tatum, president of the Suits for Servants Foundation in Jacksonville, Fla., visited Campbellsville University recently. Tatum’s ministry involves traveling around the country providing mens’ suits and ties at a discounted price for those involved in Christian work.
Tatum was also the speaker for the President’s Club dinner Monday evening where he was honored with the Campbellsville University Leadership Award.
Tatum said he has been involved in this ministry for 42 years “to help preachers prepare for ministry.”
Otto Tennant, vice president for finance and administration at Campbellsville University, said, “Suits for Servants ministry is wonderful for students who are preparing to go into the ministry, especially if they will be graduating soon.”
The idea for Tatum’s ministry came about at a pastors’ conference. Now, he travels to university and seminary campuses selling suits and ties “at a special price for quality merchandise.”
When Tatum visits campuses he usually spends a couple days there and speaks to groups as well.
Tatum also works with the Florida Baptist Convention which has helped start over 800 churches in Haiti. Tatum visits Haiti and provides men with suits there as well; he does this as a charity.
Suits for Servants sells suits for $99.95 or three for $249.95 with $15 shipping and handling. Silk ties sell for $5.95 each or two for $10; the regular retail value is $45 and up. He can also order suits in almost any color.
Because he buys merchandise in volume, he is able to sell it for the “special” price. Suits for Servants, however, does not sell to the public.
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.
-30-