Published on December 11, 2023  

Belvie Herbert Brice (MDiv ‘94; DMin ‘04) became assistant pastor of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega, Alabama. Belvie is married to Dorothy, and they have one adult child.

Ralph Wooten (MDiv ‘93; DMin ‘10) became chair of the Fellowship of Licensed Local Pastors and Associate Members of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Ralph, his wife and their two children live in Jackson, Alabama.

Tracy Jessup (MDiv ‘94) became vice president for Christian life and senior minister to the university at Anderson University in August 2022.

Danny Blair (MDiv ‘95) serves as director of the Center for Deaf Studies at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. He is the proud father of four and grandfather of five.

Steve Mayes (MDiv ’97) published The Book of Ruth: From Emptiness to Fullness (2021) and The Book of Ecclesiastes: The Art of Skillful Living (2023). He is married to Ann and serves as pastor of Hope Community Church (PCA) in Jacksonville, Alabama.

charlie halleran

Charlie Halleran (MDiv ‘98) became assistant pastor of New Covenant Church (EPC) in Pompano Beach, Florida, in February 2023. He is married to April, and they have two children.

 

 

Debra Haralson (MT ’98) received a DMin in Mission and Community Development from McAfee School of Theology and recently began serving as director of community engagement at Samford University.

Kevin Mills book cover

Kevin Mills (MDiv ’98) published the book How to Lead a Healthy Small Group: A Practical and Easy Guide (Tyndale) in August 2022. Kevin is lead pastor of Northway Church in Macon, Georgia. He and his wife Katie have four children.

 

 

Steve Singletary (MDiv ’99) completed his ThD in the summer of 2021 with Reformed Theological Seminary and Northwestern Theological Seminary. Steve is a partner at the Center for Executive Leadership. He and his wife Beth live in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dean Johnson (MDiv ’00) published his first novel, Miracle Boat (Ambassador International), in October 2022.

Naomi Reese

Naomi Reese (MDiv ’00) published the article, "Theology of Silence: Endo Shusaku and the Divine Drama of Silence," in Evangelical Quarterly in March 2023. She also became an associate professor of theological studies at Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Matt Adair (MDiv ’01) became pastor of spiritual formation at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia, in 2021. He and his wife Stephanie have two children.

Andy Byers (MDiv ’01) coedited a new book entitled Gospel Reading and Reception in Early Christian Literature (Cambridge University Press) in 2022. Andrew is a tutor in New Testament at Ridley Hall at Cambridge University. He and his wife Miranda have four children.

Justin Hardin (MDiv ’01) became vice president for academic affairs at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in the summer of 2022. Justin and his wife Jill have three children.

Tim Marsh (MDiv ’03) became senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Laurens, South Carolina. He and his wife Rebecca have two children.

David Johnson (MDiv ’05) became pastor of Springdale Friends Church in Springdale, Kansas, in 2016.

Daniel Sparks (MDiv ’05) was consecrated missionary bishop for the Diocese of the South and Ozarks in the United Episcopal Church of North America in March 2022.

Justin Wainscott (MDiv ’05) recently became associate dean and assistant professor of ministry for the School of Theology and Missions at Union University. He is married to Anna, and they have three children.

Dr Watson Photo

Maurice Watson (DMin ’06) became senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the summer of 2022. He is married to Janice.

 

 

Matthew Burford (MDiv ’07, DMin 17) became director of business development for Fighting Cancer Network in September 2022. He is married to Holly, and they have two children.

Alan Oliver (MDiv ’07) became the Christian Life Director at King’s Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, Georgia, in June 2022. Alan and his wife Sara have two children.

Kristen Padilla (MDiv ’08) became an acquisitions editor at B&H Publishing in April 2023. She is married to Osvaldo, and they have one son, Philip.

Cole Huffman (DMin ’10) became senior pastor of the Gospel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2022. He and his wife Lynn have five children.

Doug McNutt (MDiv ’10) became president of the Trinity Center for World Mission in April 2021. He and his wife Kelly live in Gainesville, Georgia, and have five children.

Hope Gray (M.T.S. ‘11) was appointed to the student editorial board of the American Medical Informatics Association. Hope lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

Scott Hohn (DMin ’12) became associate pastor at Perdido Bay United Methodist Church in Pensacola, Florida. He and his wife Elizabeth have three children.

Drew Phillips (MDiv ’12) became spiritual care manager at Ascension St. Vincent’s in June 2022. He and his wife Rebecca have three children.

kyle bailey family

Kyle Bailey (MDiv ’13) became associate minister of missions at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in September 2022. He and his wife Ali have two children.

 

 

Josh Deeter (MDiv ’13) became lead pastor of Catalyst Church in Pendleton, Indiana, in December 2021. He and his wife Emily have three children.

Matt Harber (MDiv ‘13) became associate minister at Fuquay-Varina Church of Christ, North Carolina, in July 2023. He is married to Katie, and they have three children.

Christy Harper (MDiv ’13) became a campus minister with the Christian Reformed Church at North Alberta Institute of Technology. She and her husband Cris (MDiv ’18) live in Edmonton, Alberta, where Cris is lead pastor of Bethel Community Church. They have two children.

Joseph Fowler (MDiv ’14) became senior pastor at East McFarland Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in June 2022. He and his wife Kinsley have two children.

Tyshawn Gardner (MDiv ’14) was appointed as associate professor in the department of Biblical and Christian Studies and director of the Preministerial Scholars program at Samford University in the summer of 2022. Tyshawn and his wife Shonetay have four children and live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Sherrad Hayes (MDiv ’14) became pastor of Union Baptist Church in West Point, Georgia, in April 2023. He is married to Amy, and they have two children.

Clayton Hornback (MDiv ’14) became minister of spiritual formation and development at Homewood Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2022. Sarah Hornback (MATS ’21) became senior coordinator for digital strategy at International Justice Mission in 2022.

Matt Swale (MDiv ’14) became assistant professor of Bible and Church Ministry at Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, in July 2022. He and his wife Jackie have three children.

blake jenkins family

Blake Jenkins (MDiv ‘15) was appointed as senior pastor at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, in December 2022. He is married to Becca, and they have two children.

 

 

Colton Conrad (MDiv ’16) became pastor of discipleship and outreach at South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri, in 2022. He and his wife Meredith (MDiv ’16) have two children.

Chris Hanna book

Chris Hanna (MDiv ‘16) published Retrieval for the Sake of Renewal: Timothy George as a Historical Theologian (Wipf & Stock) in November 2022. He is married to Sara, and they have one child.

 

 

 

Justin Anderson (MDiv ’17) became senior pastor at Bardstown Junction Baptist Church in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Justin and his wife Kristin have one daughter.

Ryan Linkous (MDiv ’17) became senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Williams, in Jacksonville, Alabama. He and his wife Samantha welcomed the birth of their second child, Leo Basil, in 2021.

Cameron Thomas (MDiv ’18) became assistant vice president and dean of chapel at Talladega College in January 2023. He was also appointed pastor of Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2023. Cameron is married to Terah.

Braasch family

Austin Braasch (MDiv ’19) began serving as RUF campus minister at the University of Mississippi in June 2022. He and his wife Kristen also welcomed the birth of their second child, Blair, in June 2023.

 

 

Daniel Gilliland (MDiv ’19) became content manager at The Alabama Baptist Media Group. He is married to Maggie, and they live in Birmingham, Alabama.

Armstead Herndon (MDiv ’19) became academic dean at Birmingham-Easonian Baptist Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama in 2022. He and his wife Thelma have six adult children.

Wynn Morris (MDiv ’19) started a new position in May 2023 as Young Adults Pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas.

Mark Rector (MDiv ’19) became associate minister at Mountain Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in the summer of 2022. He and his wife Anne also welcomed the birth of their fourth child, Whit, in July 2022.

Thompson family

Kyle (MDiv ‘19) and Jules (MATS ‘19) Thompson welcomed the adoption of their two sons, John Cayson and Landon, in November 2022. Kyle was recently appointed worship arts director at NewSpring Church in Greenwood, South Carolina.

 

 

Reagan Keith (MDiv ’20) recently began serving as a hospice chaplain at Interim Healthcare in Greenville, South Carolina.

Ryan Kirkland (MDiv ‘20) became associate pastor of administration and missions at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama and is married to Lydia.

Kim Martin (MATS ‘20) became pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Mobile, Alabama. She is married to Paul.

Tim O’Gwynn (MDiv ’20) married Bethany in May 2022. He serves as a hospice chaplain in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Kathy Stepanski ordination

Kathy Stepanski (MATS ’20) recently began serving as clinical chaplain at Brookwood Baptist Health and was ordained as a contract pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in October 2022.

 

 

Amos Williams

Amos (MDiv ’20) and Jessica Williams were sent in July 2022 by the Village Church in Huntsville, Alabama, to plant Hope City Church in Madison, Alabama. They have two sons.

 

 

Colton Allen (MDiv ’21) became a rhetoric instructor at Appamattox Christian Academy in Appamattox, Virginia, and came under care to pursue ordination in the Reformed Episcopal Church at St. Andrews Anglican Church.

Daniel Blake (MATS ‘21) recently began serving as chaplain at Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Alabama.

Cole Griffith (MDiv ‘21) became minister to college students at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in April 2023. Cole is married to Jada.

Dallas Knight (MDiv ’21) became youth director at South Highland Presbyterian Church in January 2023. He is married to Emily (MDiv ’22), who serves as recruitment coordinator and alumni relations officer at Beeson.

Ethan McVay (MDiv ’21) was ordained to gospel ministry at First Baptist Church of Huntsville, Alabama, in October 2022. He now serves as minister for Preteen and Junior High Students at Mountain Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He is married to Caroline.

Smyth Taylor (MDiv ’21) became youth and young adult director at Village Anglican Church in Greenville, South Carolina, in March 2022.

Hannah Attaway (MDiv ’22) became assistant pastor for women’s ministry at Hope Church in Memphis, Tennessee in August 2022. She and her husband Edwin have three children.

Camille (Honts) Mason (MDiv ’22) married Walker Mason in December 2021. Camille is the children’s minister at Riverchase Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jacob May (MDiv ’22) became a high school Bible instructor at Cornerstone Schools in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2022. He also serves as pastor at ReFresh Christian Church in Hueytown, Alabama. Jacob and his wife Angel have three children.

Briley Ray

Briley Ray (MDiv ’22) began a new role as an instructor of church history at Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama. Briley is married to Jaisy.

 

 

Beeson Babies

Karis Williams

Meechie Williams (MDiv ’14) and her husband Matthew welcomed the birth of their first child, Karis, in September 2022. Meechie is a clinical staff chaplain at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Howard Family

Betsy (Childs) Howard (MTS ’15) and her husband Bernard welcomed their second child, Able Frank, in April 2022. Betsy also published the children’s book Polly and the Screen Time Overload (Crossway) in May 2022 and is an editor at the Gospel Coalition.

 

Lucy Evelyn Parker

Eric Parker (MDiv ‘15) and his wife Katie welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lucy, on December 1, 2022. Eric is associate professor of theological studies at Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

 

Elizabeth Ann Brown

Brad (MDiv ’16) and Jordan Brown welcomed the birth of their first child, Elizabeth Ann, in September 2022. Brad is the discipleship pastor at Shades Valley Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Keller Gaines

Ryan (MDiv ’17) and Holly Gaines welcomed the birth of their second child, Keller Jude, in November 2022. They live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Ryan serves as minister to college students at Hunter Street Baptist Church.

 

 

Joanna Joy Helms

Shaphan (MDiv ’17) and Elizabeth (MDiv ’18) Helms welcomed the birth of their second child, Joanna, in March 2023. Shaphan now serves as the student and discipleship pastor at First Baptist Church of Killen, Alabama.

 

 

philip kriaski

Jason (MDiv ’17) and Christy Kriaski celebrated the birth of their second child, Philip, in May 2023. They live in Lexington, Virginia, where Jason serves as assistant pastor of congregational life at Grace Presbyterian Church.

 

 

Shawn (MDiv ’18) and Erin Richardson welcomed the birth of their third child, Elinor Beatrice, in March 2022. Shawn is senior pastor of Luctor Christian Reformed Church in Prairie View, Kansas. They are also the parents of Scout and Ira.

Audrey Upton

Hunter (MDiv ’18) and Keaton Upton welcomed the birth of their second child, Audrey, in July 2022. Hunter is associate pastor at Getwell Church in Southaven, Mississippi.

 

 

James Bradford

Mark David (MDiv ’19) and McKenna Bradford celebrated the birth of their first child, James Buck, in May 2022. Mark David is the missions pastor at The Station Church in Bessemer, Alabama.

 

 

Thomas Henderson

James (MDiv ’19) and Rebecca (MATS/MSW ’19) Henderson welcomed the birth of their first child, Thomas Soren, in May 2022. Rebecca also began Henderson Counseling and Consulting in 2022. James serves as a chaplain at St. Vincent’s Hospital East as well as a reserve chaplain with the U.S. Air Force.

 

Ruthie Gatliff

Cort (MDiv ’20) and Abby (MDiv ’21) Gatliff celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Ruthie, in June 2022. Cort and Abby were also ordained in November 2022 as ministers of the Word and Sacrament at South Highland Presbyterian Church.

 

 

Carolyn Hazleton

Emily (MDiv ’20) and Robert (MDiv ’21) Hazleton welcomed the birth of their first child, Carolyn Jeane, in August 2022. Emily serves as a Greek Instructor with Kairos Classroom.

 

 

Marianna

Russell (MDiv ’20) and Christina Mann celebrated the birth of their second child, Marianna. Russell serves as associate minister to students at Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama.

 

 

haddon walker

Zach (MDiv ’20) and Shelby Walker welcomed their first child, Haddon James, in April 2022. Zach is interim lead pastor at A2 Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

 

Dunaway

Scott (MDiv ’21) and Stephanie Dunaway welcomed the birth of their first child, Emory Joseph, in August 2022. Scott is the associate pastor of student ministry at Canvas Church in Victoria, British Columbia.

 

 

Newborn Theo

Josh (MDiv ’21) and Mallory Kruntorad welcomed their first child, Theophilus, in April 2022. Josh serves as Guys Assistant Director at Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

 

kegley baby

John Kegley (MDiv ‘21) and his wife Emma welcomed their first son, Rasbey Emet, in March 2023. John is a doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame.

 

 

Theodore Phillips

Mason (MDiv ’22) and Stella Phillips celebrated the birth of their second child, Theodore, in May 2022. Mason is a pastoral intern at Hope Church in Madison, Alabama.

 

 

In Memoriam

Todd Evans

Todd Evans (DMin ’97) went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2022. He is survived by his wife Meia and five children.

 

 

bob hatfield

Bob Hatfield (DMin ’01) went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2022. He is survived by his wife Polly and children Rob (DMin ’16) and Kim.

 

 

Lakenya Anderson

Lakenya Anderson (MTS ’07) went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2023. She was a pastor, director of Christian education programs and chairperson for the board of examiners for training preachers in Crenshaw County, Alabama.

 

 

Kathi Jacobs

Kathi Jacobs (MTS ’09) went home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2023. She is survived by four siblings, a stepson, three daughters, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.