Hurtgen shares about coming 'full circle' at CU's Faculty/Staff Recognition

by Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Campbellsville, KY (07/14/2025) — Dr. John Hurtgen summed up his 35 years teaching at Campbellsville University in two words: full circle.

"Full circle is my story as I reach the 35-year mark of service at CU," Hurtgen shared during CU's annual Faculty/Staff Recognition Service on May 15.

Hurtgen, professor of New Testament and Greek for CU, quoted a few lines from Christian artist Phil Keaggy's 1981 song, "Full Circle":

Looking back I can say

That I'm glad I've come this way

There's no doubt that I've got more

Than I've ever had before

You took my hand and led me

Out of darkness, oh yes

"Coming full circle is a part of every good story, of every good song, of every good work, and it certainly is a part of the Gospel story, and it's a part of the mission of a Christian university," Hurtgen told CU employees.

The Faculty and Staff Recognition Program was established in 1984 to publicly recognize those who have served Campbellsville University.

Hurtgen read from John 21:1-14, when the disciples went out to fish in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was also along the Sea of Galilee, though the disciples did not recognize it was Him. During the account, Jesus asked the disciples to throw their net down for a catch, resulting in a catch so large that they were unable to haul the net in.

"Did you hear the full circle?" Hurtgen asked. "Easter, in fact, encourages us to look at the story of Jesus as a full circle. At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, He gathers his first disciples along the shore of the Sea of Galilee He, Jesus, will meet you there. Full circle. Beginning at the Sea of Galilee and returning to the Sea of Galilee. The story we just heard from John's Gospel is indeed a full circle moment."

Hurtgen offered three lessons from this full-circle moment involving Jesus. He first reminded CU's employees that Jesus is always present.

"Whenever you're tempted to think the Lord is nowhere to be found, know that Jesus indeed is present," Hurtgen said. "Nowhere can easily become now here. Jesus is already there in Galilee Lake. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.

"He's called us not to go alone, let alone with a department of colleagues. We need to know that Jesus is indeed with us."

Hurtgen pointed out that Jesus was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee long before the disciples realized it.

"With each year of your service here at CU, cultivate this God with us life, that Jesus is always standing on the shore of your life," Hurtgen said. "In His presence is fullness of joy and grace and peace.

"The life of the Christian university is ultimately participation in the presence of Christ who is risen and alive."

The second lesson Hurtgen shared is that we should listen to the instructions of Jesus.

"Whatever He tells you to do, do it," Hurtgen said. "Jesus gives what appears to be counterintuitive instructions. Throw your net on the right side of the boatbut the disciples were obedient."

Hurtgen added, "The life of the Christian university is the sum of a faculty and staff who are intent on hearing what Jesus is speaking to us in our greatest struggles, shortcomings and, yes, empty nets."

The third lesson Hurtgen shared is that we should pay attention to Jesus' invitation.

"That the invitation of Jesus is to a life of sharing with other brothers and sisters the soul-satisfying meal," Hurtgen stated.

Ultimately, Hurtgen noted the mission of the Christian university is ultimately the work of God, along with "faithful workers" who work with the God who is already at work.

"It's the soul-satisfying meal that Jesus bids us share together," Hurtgen added. "It's for all of us, whatever role we play, to live lives centered in Christ, filled with hope so that we can equip students to shape the world.

"With each year of service at CU, cultivate this heart by responding to the invitation, and this involves too most certainly to do life deeply with Jesus, with your colleagues and with students. There's no doubt you'll have more than you've ever had before as you come full circle in your life, joining with others in a rich, soul-satisfying feast."

Employees recognized during the ceremony include as follows:

John Chowning Diversity and Community Award - Faculty: Mariah Akridge Atwood, Assistant Professor of International Education and Lead Professor for International Studies

John Chowning Diversity and Community Award - Staff: Wanda Washington, Bridge to Success Program Coach

Dave Walters Servant Leadership Award- Faculty: Lisa McArthur, Professor of Music

Dave Walters Servant Leadership Award-Staff: Kylie Miller, Director of Student Activities & Intramurals

Distinguished Faculty Award: Jeffrey Weisman, Professor of Education/ Asst Chair of Undergraduate Program

Staff Retention Award: Jake Russell, Head Football Coach

45 years of service: Dr. Patricia H. Cowherd, Professor of Business

35 years of service: Dr. John E. Hurtgen Professor of New Testament and Greek and Beauford W. Sanders, Professor of Business

25 years of service: Monica K. Bamwine, Student Success & Engagement Liaison; Shannon L. Wathen, Head Softball Coach; Russell D. Watkins; Director of Camps and Conferences

20 years of service: Dr. Richard C. Corum, Professor of Business Administration; Starr W. Garrett, Professor of Theatre and Director of Theatre and Dance; Randy N. LeBleu, Assistant Baseball Coach, Bettye M. MacFarland; Assistant to the Dean of Business and Economics, Dr. Helen K. Mudd, Professor of Social Work; and Dr. Craig L. Rogers, Professor of Psychology

15 years of service: Dr. Marilyn G. Goodwin, Professor of Early Childhood Education & Assistant Chair of ECE; Hilary C. Lakes, Assistant Professor Human Performance and Sport Management; Jennifer B. Lauer, Associate Registrar; Juliana M. Moura, Assistant Professor of Voice; and Dr. Shawn H. Williams, Lead Professor of Political Science

10 years of service: Jordan G. Antle, Assistant General Manager & Creative Director; Andrew J. Bennett, Audio Visual Services Coordinator; Kristin E. Davis, Instructor of Business; Nikki Edwards, Curriculum Coordinator - Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics;

Dr. Justy L. Engle, Associate Professor of English; Joey A. Ferguson, Fleet Detailer/Warehouse; Dr. Jennifer R. Garrison, Associate Professor of Educational Ministries; Joshua B. Hawkins, Jr., Assistant Athletic Trainer;

Dr. Elisha B. Lawrence, Associate Professor of Education and Assessment Coordinator; Dr. James W. Lawrence, Recruiting and Outreach Coordinator; Dr. Jason K. Lawson, Assistant Vice President for People and Culture/Chief Personnel Officer;

Dr. Jordon W. Macht, Associate Professor of Human Performance; Eric P. Smith, Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Andrew S. Vaughn, Assistant Director of Residence Life-Mens; M. Leanne Weddle, Financial Aid Advisor; and Bryce D. White, Assistant Softball Coach

5 years of service: Chunguo An, Database Support Analyst; Khalil R. Baker, Coordinator of Athletic Recruitment; Sarah K. Begley, Director of Academic Support; Lindsey N. Bland, Instructor of Nursing - Lab and Clinical Simulation - Associate Degree Nursing Program;

Dr. Paul A. Brooks, Instructor of English - Harrodsburg; Erika N. Adams, Graduate Program Administrative Assistant; Latach' C. Alexander, Title III Activity Director; Kelsey G. Carpenter, Residence Hall Director- CEC;

Dr. Kathy L. Edwards, Assistant Professor of Accounting; Yvette Grageda, Stipend Program Coordinator; Corbin M. Harris, Head Coach - Cross Country/Track; Michaela G. Jarman, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Athletic Alumni Coordinator;

James H. Lamirande, Welding Instructor-CEC; Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, Assistant Professor of Social Work; Dr. Fabio S. Moreira, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries; Nancy E. New, Instructor of English;

Kaitlyn Overstreet, Director of Student Services-CEC; Chelsea P. Patrick, Data Team Coordinator; Rita F. Reynolds, Instructor of Nursing - Associate Degree Nursing Program; Cheryl Ritter, Dual Credit Assistant; Drew W. Sin, Assistant Coach for Men's Soccer;

Dr. Franklin B. Thomas, Associate Professor of Education; Denise R. Wilder, Student Accounts Clerk/Receptionist; and Dr. Stephen D. Wilson, Director of Academic Affairs - CEC

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

Media Attachments