Campbellsville University recently completed 101 years of providing quality Christian higher education in the Baptist tradition. During this past academic year, more than 400 students received master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees in more than 50 academic areas. Our 2008 commencement in May was a historical day as we hosted Gen. James Conway, commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

Gen. Conway and the several thousand people who gathered in Finley Stadium on that beautiful spring day, witnessed a number of significant milestones. The first 22 graduates of the Campbellsville School of Nursing crossed the stage to receive their degrees. It was truly exciting and gratifying to know that the first class of CU nurses will soon be Christian servant leaders in the nursing profession.

As the graduates crossed the stage, I pondered the joy that is ours in educating the next generation of Christian servant leaders and the vast contributions that these graduates will make in the decades ahead. Each has a unique calling from God on his or her life, and have made innumerable contributions to the life of Campbellsville University.

Trent Creason, a 2008 graduate who received a Bachelor of Arts in pastoral ministries, is a prime example of the quality graduates produced by Campbellsville. Trent, who is a native of Campbellsville and Taylor County, and whose roots run deep on our campus with both of his parents serving as members of the CU faculty and staff, received a number of awards, including Mr. Campbellsville, class valedictorian and was student recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The Sullivan Award is given annually to a student who exemplifies extraordinary servant leadership and engagement in the overall life of the campus.

Trent’s plans are to attend a seminary in pursuit of a Master of Divinity degree and to prepare for a life of Christian ministry. Certainly, his high school and college careers exemplify a dedication to serving Jesus Christ, including mission trips, summer camps, children and youth ministry and Baptist Campus Ministries. His humility and servant heart were very much evident as he received his numerous awards.

Trent’s spirit is exemplified in the following words he shared in a letter to me following commencement: “The last four years have been a great time of growth and development for me. God has worked in amazing ways and He has proven once again faithful in everything. … The education that I received here will continue to influence my life and allow me to move forward prepared for the world to come. Thank you for providing such an institution that provides a great education, displays true integrity and points people toward Christ.”

Trent commented further about the lasting impact that CU has had on his life: “My stay at Campbellsville University is one I will not forget and one that I will cherish. I know with full confidence that God called me to this university and that He has used my time here to teach me many things. … I am thankful for the ministry that you allow on this campus and for the example that you and your leadership set forth.”

Trent’s words describe very well the mission of Campbellsville University. We are here to provide a quality, Christian higher education, steeped in the Baptist tradition, for the men and women who come here to “find their calling.” It is our responsibility to help prepare them to become Christian servant leaders in the field of study and profession to which they are called by God. That was the mission that our institution’s founders established in 1906, and it has never been more important than in 2008 and beyond. Christian servant leaders, like Trent Creason, are why we are here and they are the best hope for the world as we go forth in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Michael Carter is president of Campbellsville University