JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University announced Aug. 19 the launch of the public phase of the largest comprehensive campaign in its history. Entitled “Legacy,” the $73 million phase of this initiative includes new academic programs, campus buildings and student recreation.
The announcement was made before faculty, staff, university leadership, members of the board of trustees and greater Carson-Newman community who gathered for the event.
The university has already seen $38,848,815 raised and pledged toward Acorns to Oaks projects, marking 53 percent toward its goal of $73 million.
“The Legacy initiative builds on the foundation established by our founders and continues to be shaped by their hopes for the University which is honoring Christ through education and transforming lives for His glory,” said university president Charles A. Fowler.
“The current trajectory of the university is to prepare for future generations of Carson-Newman students who will study here and be equipped to become educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders. We have a rich heritage. We are endeavoring to leave a great legacy for those who follow.”
The Legacy Campaign includes fundraising for a natural and applied sciences complex that comprises a new chemistry building and a biology/physics building. Plans also call for the construction of new social sciences and education facilities, as well as a new child development lab.
Campaign plans also incorporate a new recreation park for students, already under construction on the western perimeter of campus. The addition features pickleball courts, basketball courts, a soccer field, beach volleyball courts and a softball field. The park will offer more outdoor recreational options for students.
“This is an exciting time at Carson-Newman,” said Fowler. “We invite others to join us through their prayers, their service and through their giving to help us embrace and realize all that God has in store for Carson-Newman.”
Following the announcement, C-N University held a ribbon cutting for a new campus building that instantly became C-N’s oldest structure — a meticulously restored, two-story cabin that offers a glimpse into Carson-Newman’s rich history and honors the legacy of C-N’s seventh president.
Just how the cabin came to campus is a story worth telling. In the wake of the Civil War, the University was in grave financial stress. Newly elected as the institution’s president in 1869, Jesse Baker began an arduous journey – traveling more than 3,500 miles on horseback, as told in published histories, to raise funds in securing Carson-Newman’s future of educating generations of students.
The saddlebags in which he kept receipts and money raised from his historic ride remain in the University’s Archives.
Fast forward to 2019 when an 1820s-era cabin was discovered off campus encapsulated and protected in the layers of siding and sheetrock of an existing home. After much research, it was determined to be Baker’s former cabin – the place he resided before, during and following his presidency.
After securing the structure, C-N leadership committed to preserving the historic relic.
Now fully restored, complete with period-accurate antiques, the cabin stands adjacent to C-N’s Fite Administration Building, honoring a president’s legacy of preserving Christ-centered education at Mossy Creek.
“Being blessed to have the opportunity to reconstruct Jesse Baker’s cabin on our campus carries many opportunities for Carson-Newman,” said Kevin Triplett, senior vice president for university relations.
“It allows us to discuss our legacy as an institution, which arguably would not exist today without Jesse’s efforts to save the school. … “and it allows us to provide tours and tell the story time and again of God’s provision for our university.”
The Jesse Baker Cabin will be open to the public in the coming weeks. For more information, visit cn.edu/bakercabin. B&R