Campbellsville University custodian receives degree after stopping education in the 1990s

by Linda Waggener, freelance writer, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (05/12/2022) — Terri Denham can be found on the campus of Campbellsville University in two roles this month.

She walked with her fellow graduates May 7 when she received her Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, and, she will be back on the job as custodian of Stapp Hall women's dormitory next week.

"I got to finish something I started," Denham said. "I know it's a new beginning with God."

Her path to a college degree was not an easy one.

For the past five years she has been an employee of Campbellsville University, but previously she had been a student at Campbellsville University in the late 1990s when a serious illness forced her to stop her education.

Dr. Jeanette Parker, dean of the faculty and a professor of psychology, heard Denham had been a student, checked her transcript and found she had been only four classes short of graduation.

Denham started classes online in August 2021 and finished two classes this semester to complete her degree.

"I was determined, and God brought me through," Denham said. "It's a great victory with God. That's what it is."

Denham has lived her entire life in Green County where she is very active in "The Least, The Last, The Lost Ministry." The ministry provides people in need with food, clothing and furniture, but she said, "most importantly, it serves people by holding tent meetings to see souls saved."

She said she enjoys working in Stapp Hall and getting to see God touch the lives of the young women who reside there.

Denham said working in Stapp Hall was "the biggest blessing."

"Those girls loved me, and I loved those girls. It's a deep love, a free love so humbling. It's good to go to work every day, and you receive love."

Her daughter, Ceanna Denham, is also a member of the CU family, working as the secretary in the Office of Academic Affairs for the Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"God trained me in Stapp Hall for what he's fixing to put me into now," Terri said. "I trust my God."

Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University, said, "Terri Dunham is an outstanding employee who makes us better every day. She does this through the integrity of her work ethic and her devotion to our students. Today, we are proud to claim her as graduate and alumna!"

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that has enrolled up to 12,000 students yearly. The university offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

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Joining Terri Denham, second from right, second row, to congratulate her on her graduation from Campbellsville Uni- versity were from left: Front row -- Dorothy Penick (mother). Back row -- William Meredith (brother), Ceanna Denham (daughter), Addison Meredith (niece), Lexi Hutcherson (great-niece), Alex Hutcherson (nephew), Bodhi Hutcherson (great nephew), Tyler Thompson (Ceanna Denham’s boyfriend) and Amanda Meredith (sister-in-law). (Campbellsville University Photo by Gerard Flanagan)

Terri Denham, right, receives her diploma from Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Alexandria D. Dalton)

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University custodian receives degree after stopping education in the 1990s

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Campbellsville University

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