News updates from Truett McConnell University

Dr. Ken Gabrielse named as 2025 Vulcan Materials Co. Teaching Excellence Award recipient

CLEVELAND, Ga. — During Honors Chapel on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Dr. Ken Gabrielse, Interim Dean of The College of Arts and Letters, was honored with the Vulcan Materials Co. Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Gabrielse is a distinguished member of Truett McConnell University's faculty, beloved by students and deeply valued by his peers.

“Dr. Gabrielse has faithfully served TMU for 9 years, in which time he has diligently trained students to be highly skilled musicians who love their Lord and love their neighbor,” stated Dr. Mael Disseau, Vice President for Academic Services, “Music events are also enhanced by his gentle presence, and TMU is well represented as he travels throughout the state using his God-given vocal talents with the Sons of Jubal.”

The award came as a surprise to Dr. Gabrielse.

“When Dr. Disseau started reading about the recipient of the Vulcan Teaching Award, I was shocked when I realized he was reciting my activities on and off campus. There are so many deserving colleagues/teachers on this campus whom administration could have recognized, but I am honored to have been thought of as worthy to receive this recognition,” Dr. Gabrielse stated, “I love what God is doing on our sacred mountain and am glad to be a small part of the mission.” 

The Vulcan Materials Co. sponsors the Teaching Excellence Award of $1,000 through the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA). Established in 1991, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award honors an outstanding professor each year. The award recognizes faculty who display strong leadership, both in the classroom and in other areas at their university.

Yonah Literary Review winners present their works at reading

CLEVELAND, Ga. — The winners of this year’s annual writing competition gathered on Monday, April 14, 2025 to read their works from the Yonah Literary Review. Faculty from Truett McConnell University's College of Arts and Letters, family, and friends joined winners in The Nightly, TMU’s coffee shop, as they read their award-winning works. The crowd both chuckled and grew teary-eyed during the readings as the authors shared their works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This year’s winners were selected from a pool of nearly 70 entries.

“This was an excellent opportunity to experience the creative work of the students.  Each ably demonstrated their God-given talents.  We look forward to celebrating their future endeavors,” stated Dr. Michael Justus, Chair of the Conrad Grebel School of Humanities.

Yonah Literary Review Winner List:

Cover Art:

“Sunset on the Home Range” by Michael Bowen

Fiction:

1. “The Legend of Woodbine Falls” by Michael Bowen
2. “South Carolina Sunbeam” by Mae L. Sullens
3. “The Sixteenth Page” by Darci Snode

Non-Fiction:

1. “Blue Eyes, Blue Truck” by Mae L. Sullens
2. “Trooper” by Betsy A. Wade
3. “Clackmas County” by Samantha Smith

Poetry:

1. “Composed at the Base of Yonah, February 7, 2025” by Mae L. Sullens
2. “Mary’s Boy” by Ava Barnett
3. “An Ode to Grief” by Michael Bowen

“I enjoy working on the Yonah Literary Review because we have a great deal of talent at TMU. Each year, we receive a wide variety of submissions. Reading through the various pieces is a challenge; there are many excellent pieces,” noted Professor Cassandra Golden, assistant professor of English at TMU, “Narrowing down to just three means that some outstanding works are put aside. That is a testament to both the skill of our writers and the quality of our educational process. This year's submissions provide a variety of styles and are excellent additions to the 2025 Review.”