2007 Alumni Awards Announced

Two alumni and one current faculty member have been honored for distinguishing themselves with their contributions to the College, their communities and the world. The Alumni Association is proud to honor them. They join a long line of distinguished alumni and friends of Carson-Newman who have brought distinction to this great place of learning.

Cynthia (Cindy) Adcock is an attorney who has distinguished herself in her representation of and advocacy for death row inmates. Cindy has a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist theological Seminary, Master of Arts in Public Policy from Duke University and a Doctor of Juris Prudence from Duke Law School. She is the Senior Program Manager, Leadership and Research, Equal Justice Works in Washington, DC and is a contract attorney for the Center for Death Penalty Litigation. Cindy has taught, directed and help create organizations that serve to educate the general public and other attorneys about ethics in the practice of law and pro bono service. For Cindy the practice of law is her Christian ministry.



Dr. Christopher (Chris) Mathews is a dentist and real estate developer. Chris is a 1998 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Since graduating from dental schools, Chris has been President of CEO in private dental practice in Oxford, Mississippi. He received additional training at Vanderbilt University in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Chris has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. In addition to his dental practice, Chris has become a successful real estate developer and serves as general or managing partner of several real estate holding companies. Along with his wife Holly, he established the first endowed scholarship for pre-dental students at Carson-Newman and has also provided significant support for the new Biochemistry major at the College.

The R. R. Turner Spirit of the College Award is given to honor those of the C-N family that embody the spirit that is Carson-Newman.

"Dr. Don Garner has spent his career as professor of religion at Carson-Newman preparing hundreds of pastors and Christian leaders through teaching and personal interaction with many students that have passed his way. He has represented the excellence of C-N in churches and other educational institutions throughout East Tennessee. He has consistently demonstrated truth, beauty and goodness which are the pillars upon which Carson-Newman stands" says Susan Fendley, President-elect of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Don is 1972 Phi Beta Kappa English graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity and Ph. D. graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Don is currently Professor and Chair of the Religion at C-N. Included in his many honors and positions of service to C-N, Don was the named the Outstanding Teacher of Freshmen and Distinguished Faculty in 1987.

These individuals will be honored at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Monday March 26 and then be further recognized by the College community at the Alumni Awards Chapel, Tuesday at 9:30 AM in First Baptist Church, Jefferson City.