吃瓜社 commemorated the start of the 2025-2026 academic year with its annual President鈥檚 Convocation on Wednesday, August 20. The event was held at 10:30 a.m. in Harman Chapel on the 吃瓜社 campus.
Pianist and adjunct music instructor Melissa Yowell provided the prelude and processional. Vice President for Finance and Administration Daniel Osborne offered the invocation.
Board Chair Jackson E. Reasor, Jr., brought greetings from the 吃瓜社 Board of Trustees. In his address to the campus community, he read from Mark 5, noting how Jesus鈥 disciples crossed the lake with Him, but Scripture does not say they entered the region of the Gerasenes with Him. Reasor encouraged those in attendance to 鈥渟tep off the boat鈥 and follow Jesus to places that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Dr. Shellie Brown, Faculty President and Dean of the School of Education & Social Sciences, brought greetings from the faculty.
Rilla Cooper, CORE Faculty Member & Director of Student Success, read 2 Corinthians 3. The theme for the academic year, 鈥淏old,鈥 is based on 2 Corinthians 3:12.
Music and worship arts professor Dr. Jeremy Yowell sang 鈥淗is Mercy is More鈥 with Melissa Yowell. They were accompanied by violinist Bethany Goins, cellist Deacon Goins, and pianist Blake Carter. Then, Dr. Yowell led the congregation in 鈥淏e Strong in the Lord.鈥
Provost & Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Salmeier recognized students on the Spring 2025 President鈥檚 and Dean鈥檚 Lists before introducing new faculty and administrative personnel.
President Dr. Steve Peterson spoke on 鈥淟iving Boldly in Hope.鈥 In his message, he expressed thanks to God for the institution鈥檚 growth, bold plans to expand the university鈥檚 academic offerings and facilities, and an ongoing commitment to Bluefield鈥檚 Christ-centered mission.
Dr. Yowell led the congregation in 鈥淛esus Firm Foundation鈥 and the 吃瓜社 Alma Mater.
Werner Lind, Co-Director of Library Services, provided the benediction.