Montreat College: A Legacy of Influence and Transformation
Montreat College, nestled in the serene landscape of Montreat, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1916. Originally established as Montreat Normal School, its mission was to provide Christian education and train teachers. Over the decades, it evolved from a junior college to a four-year baccalaureate institution, and eventually, to an accredited university offering master's degrees. This journey of growth and adaptation has been shaped by dedicated individuals, significant historical events, and a steadfast commitment to its Christian ethos. The college's enduring legacy is perhaps best exemplified by its notable alumni and faculty, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the institution and beyond.
The Enduring Influence of Dr. Don King
For over half a century, Dr. Don King, an English professor at Montreat College, has been a central figure, embodying the college's mission. His dedication to teaching students and researching the poet and theologian C.S. Lewis has profoundly impacted generations of learners. King's tenure at Montreat is a testament to his deep connection with the institution, a connection he shares with his wife, Jeanine, whom he met through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He acknowledges that his path to Montreat was not without its challenges, recalling a time when securing a desired academic position was incredibly difficult. However, his interview with Dean Dr. John Akers, which began with a question about his faith, set the tone for his long and fulfilling career.
King's commitment to Montreat is underscored by his recognition as one of only thirteen professors to receive the prestigious Professor of the Decade award. This honor, shared with his colleague David Parks in the 1980s, celebrates his ability to inspire students, much like the surrounding mountains inspire awe. He views his mentors, Elizabeth Wilson and Rev. David L. Parks, as exemplars of the Montreat spirit. Wilson, whom he described as one of the two saints he has known, and Parks, a former dean and Bible professor, profoundly shaped his understanding of teaching and service.
King's pedagogical philosophy evolved significantly in the 1990s, a decade he identifies as his most impactful in terms of teaching improvement. He credits a particular mentor for introducing the concept of "active learning," a revolutionary approach that shifted his focus from merely "covering the material" to truly engaging students. He likens teaching to preparing a feast, emphasizing that the goal is to reveal the food, not to cover it with a tablecloth. This philosophy translates into a teaching style that prioritizes understanding individual student needs and tailoring approaches to appeal to them, a feat he found particularly rewarding in Montreat's smaller class sizes.
Beyond his teaching, Dr. King has an extensive bibliography, including over 80 essays and book reviews, and 11 books, many of which focus on C.S. Lewis. His own encounter with Lewis's work during a period of intellectual and spiritual questioning was pivotal. He found in Lewis's writings a guide for navigating faith and intellectual pursuits, particularly during a time when he lacked Christian intellectual role models. King sees Lewis's post-conversion life as a dedicated effort to lead others toward the Gospel, often indirectly through his profound literary works. Despite contemplating retirement and travel, King remains dedicated to Montreat, finding that the engagement with young people keeps him intellectually vibrant. He hopes Montreat College continues to flourish as a Christian institution, expanding its reach while staying true to its foundational values.
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The Transformative Journey of Montreat College
Montreat College's history is one of resilience and adaptation. Founded in 1916 as Montreat Normal School by Congregationalist minister John C. Collins and his associates, its initial purpose was to serve as an interdenominational Christian educational institution. The vision was to utilize the grounds and facilities of the Mountain Retreat Association for academic purposes during the year, as proposed by Robert C. Anderson, then president of the Association. This led to the establishment of Montreat Normal School, with Anderson serving as its first president. Granted a charter by North Carolina in 1917, the school was integrated into the Mountain Retreat Association's operations.
The institution evolved significantly over time. It became a junior college in 1934, later offering a four-year curriculum. The establishment of the Town of Montreat in 1967 marked a formal separation from the infrastructure management of the retreat center. The college benefited from the support of prominent figures like evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Graham, who were deeply involved with the students and the college's development for many years. Calvin Thielman served as the first chaplain to students at Montreat-Anderson College in 1962, a role he held for three decades.
The 1980s saw Montreat expand to offer a four-year curriculum and subsequently graduate programs. However, the college faced significant financial challenges, particularly after the Great Recession of 2008. In 2013, a potential merger with Point University was considered, a move that sparked protests from students and a vote of no confidence from faculty leaders, raising concerns about the future of the residential campus.
A pivotal moment arrived in March 2014 with a substantial anonymous gift of $6 million. This donation, coupled with a renewed fundraising effort and the appointment of a new president, Paul J. Maurer, initiated a dramatic turnaround. Maurer, drawing inspiration from Ernest Shackleton's famous advertisement for a perilous journey, recruited a dedicated team to navigate the college's "hazardous journey." This "dramatic something" revitalized the college, leading to further donations and enabling the institution to stabilize and grow.
Under President Maurer's leadership, Montreat experienced a resurgence. Enrollment on the traditional campus reached its highest point since becoming a four-year institution in the mid-1980s, with overall enrollment approaching 1,000 students across various programs. The college is now focused on managing its growth and continuing to expand its reach while remaining true to its Christian mission. Despite the challenges, the commitment of its faculty, staff, and supporters has been instrumental in its survival and subsequent success.
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Notable Alumni and Their Impact
Montreat College has nurtured a diverse group of alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields, embodying the college's commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and service.
The Graham Legacy: The influence of evangelist Billy Graham and his family on Montreat College is profound and multifaceted. Billy Graham, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 99, was a tireless advocate for the college, alongside his wife Ruth. Ruth Graham herself graduated from Montreat College's high school program in 1936 and served on the college's Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1981, later becoming a trustee emerita. The couple married in Montreat College’s Gaither Chapel, which was renamed Graham Chapel in their honor. They actively supported the college through donations, fundraising for the L. Nelson Bell Library, and by being present at college events. Their son, Franklin Graham, graduated from Montreat College in 1974, and their grandson, Will Graham, served on the college's Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2016. Billy Graham's impact extended beyond his direct involvement with the college; his ministry reached millions globally, influencing Christian evangelism, interdenominational cooperation, and social progress, particularly in advocating for racial equality.
Professionals and Leaders:
Ed Carroll ('00): A seasoned enterprise sales executive in cybersecurity, Ed Carroll brings over 15 years of experience in technical sales. A long-time resident of Western North Carolina, he is actively involved in his community, serving with the Knights of Columbus, mentoring startups at Venture Asheville, and contributing to the Asheville Museum of Science. He earned his bachelor's degree in management from Montreat College Online.
Jesse Gardner ('12): A senior project engineer with Civil Design Concepts, Jesse Gardner holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Montreat College and a master's in engineering from North Carolina State University. His expertise lies in road design, utility infrastructure, stormwater management, and flood modeling.
Name Withheld: A graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Montreat College, she lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina, with her family. She is an active member of the Swannanoa Christian Church and has demonstrated leadership in various ministries.
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Elizabeth Lattimore ('75): After attending Montreat College, Elizabeth Lattimore earned a bachelor's degree in human development and learning from UNC Charlotte. She is actively involved in leadership roles at Northgate Church and has a background in education, having taught in both Christian and public schools.
Katherine (Torrance) Gambill ('14): A licensed attorney in Asheville, North Carolina, Katherine Gambill earned her bachelor's degree in history from Montreat College before graduating from Elon University Law School. Her commitment to public service was recognized with an award for outstanding performance in a pro bono clinic, where she provided legal services to underserved populations.
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