Carson-Newman news office
Jonathan Akin has been named Carson-Newman’s new vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries.
JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University president Charles A. Fowler announced the hiring of Dr. Jonathan Akin as the institution’s new vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries.
Akin currently serves as the director of Leadership Development for the North American Mission Board. He also leads NAMB’s Timothy+Barnabas Institute, which has become one of the most effective equipping and mentoring ministries for young pastors.
In addition, Akin serves as the interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Naples, Fla. He will continue in this role until the church secures a pastor.
“Since I arrived in Jefferson City, I have been searching for a vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries,” said Fowler. “This position is such a critical role at Carson-Newman.”
Fowler explained that he had taken his time in filling the role to ensure the right person was found for the created position. “My desire for the person filling this role was for them to have a PhD and have enough scholarly work to be viewed as a colleague among our faculty,” said Fowler. “I wanted them to have served as a senior pastor so that area pastors would view them as a pastor and friend. I also wanted someone nationally recognized so their association would open doors with churches and attract students.”
The university president admitted finding someone to check all of the desired boxes was a tall order, but that the end result was well worth the wait. “I am thrilled that the Lord has shown His favor upon Carson-Newman again by bringing us someone who meets all of these expectations,” said Fowler. “Dr. Akin is an important addition to our executive leadership and our Carson-Newman community.”
Akin earned his undergraduate degree in biblical studies from Boyce College before earning an advanced master of divinity degree and PhD in Old Testament Literature from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The published author has also served as adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Union University and Boyce College.
“I have spent my ministry equipping young people to be leaders in our churches and missionaries in our world,” said Akin. “Now I get the chance to shape thousands of university students in a Christ-centered worldview who will be unleashed into the workforces of our nation and all nations as ambassadors for Christ. I am so thankful for the leadership and vision that President Fowler is providing to Carson Newman, and I cannot wait to serve with him and the rest of the Carson Newman family.”
Jonathan and his wife Ashley have three children Maddy, Emma Grace and Judson. Akin will assume his new role on Aug. 1. B&R
