The First Chapter Award
Presented to alumni under the age of 35 who have been notable in their professional career while continuing to exemplify servant leadership.
Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey: DEK of Hearts
Dylan John (’24), Emily Clapp (’24) and Kollin Bailey (’24) met as Trevecca students. Through opportunities with ministry teams, chapel and campus performances, they developed a deep friendship and a shared passion for music. Those experiences helped lay the foundation for DEK of Hearts, the country-pop trio they established after graduating from Trevecca. Their band name originated from the first letter of each member’s first name. Since graduating, the group has gained national recognition through its appearance on NBC’s “The Voice,” advancing as one of the top three finalists of the 2025 season. The trio was named a winner of the 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week competition, earning an exclusive showcase at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. In May, DEK of Hearts made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
The band credits Trevecca with shaping them personally with the strengthening of their faith; creatively with providing opportunities to grow as musicians; and professionally with teaching them how to lead and serve others.
“Receiving the First Chapter Award is incredibly meaningful because it reminds us where our story began. While we’ve been blessed to experience some amazing milestones, we still feel like we’re in the early chapters of our journey. To be recognized by the University that played such an important role in bringing us together is both humbling and encouraging. This award is a reminder of the people, experiences and community that helped make our accomplishments possible. We’re honored to represent Trevecca and grateful to carry its influence with us wherever the road leads next.”
The T-Award, Ministry
Presented to a Trevecca alumnus/alumna in a ministry profession who has exhibited a life of devotion to service through the local church or community, modeling a "towel and basin” lifestyle.
Donna Carlile
Donna Carlile (’03) has served in pastoral leadership and as a hospice chaplain for the past two decades. She recently became a trained spiritual director through Fuller Theological Seminary, where she earned her doctorate in ministry in 2025.
Carlile is the assistant district superintendent of the Southern Florida District of the Church of the Nazarene. She also serves as pastor of Lake Worth First Church of the Nazarene in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Her “3-in-1” church campus is shared by three Nazarene congregations, each with its own pastor and members who speak English, Spanish or Haitian-Creole. The three groups have unique and shared rhythms of worship services and life.
Together in 2025, the three congregations launched Lake Worth Beach Community Outreach, a multicultural nonprofit. Through efforts to build literacy with local elementary school students, reading scores have improved while adults have been able to practice conversational English and build more connections in the community. In her work as a spiritual director and pastor, Carlile says her focus is helping create communities that can discern and obey the voice of God together across cultural, linguistic, congregational and generational differences.
“In my unique context, surrender to God looks like holy unity rather than spiritual division, and holy imagination to explore how diverse congregations may partner together for kingdom multiplication. We are learning when Jesus leads, spiritual unity emerges that celebrates rather than eliminates cultural distinction as gifts in the body of Christ.”
The T-Award, Layperson
Recognizes a Trevecca alumnus/alumna who is devoted to serving others in a non-clergy role.
Sara Chilton
For more than six decades, Sara Chilton (’61) has dedicated her life to education and mentorship. After graduating from Trevecca with a degree in English and meeting her husband—now professor emeritus John Chilton (’61)—she taught in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She later returned to the Hill, where she served as the curriculum librarian for years, investing in generations of students.
Chilton’s calling to mentorship expanded as she led and co-led women’s groups centered on Christian classics, spiritual formation and meaningful conversation. Her monthly club, Second Saturday Sisters, has been meeting for two decades. The group has read dozens of significant works of literature, with Chilton serving as a faithful, guiding presence since the beginning. Over the years, a number of Trevecca students and faculty members have participated.
Chilton also spent years mentoring Korean women living in Nashville, many of whom moved to the city while their husbands pursued studies at Vanderbilt University. Through Bible studies and hospitality, she helped create a welcoming community far from home.Throughout her life, Chilton has viewed mentorship as a way to live out her faith and to connect Scripture, literature and the challenges of daily life.
“Mentoring has been such a blessing in my life. It’s been time-consuming, but I wouldn’t trade anything for the experience of getting to know these women, exploring Scripture and being able to talk around the table. It’s such a testament to God’s ability to make something out of just a little bit.”
The Mackey Leadership Awards
Presented to alumni who have made an impact through servant leadership and have demonstrated excellence in their profession.
Jamie Means
Jamie Means (’25) is a graduate of Trevecca’s DBA program. As a public health consultant for the past decade, she has made a significant impact through her exemplary work providing high-quality research, training, curriculum development and workforce initiatives that strengthen organizations and communities.
Her leadership experience has included serving as the workforce development director for the Tennessee Department of Health, where she spearheaded the statewide transformation of health departments into trauma-informed workplaces, a project that led to her selection for the national Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) Public Health HERO program. This initiative addresses burnout, moral injury and staff retention in public health agencies.
“Earning my DBA prepared me to lead with greater confidence, contribute more effectively to academic and workforce initiatives and support the professional growth and success of others. I am truly passionate about teaching students to prepare for work environments and supporting current employees as they navigate complex or difficult work cultures.”
Tyler Whetstone
Tyler Whetstone (’14) is a multimedia journalism graduate who has established an impressive and significant career in reporting over the past several years. As the chief investigative reporter at the Knoxville News-Sentinel, he has covered stories of police corruption and church-based sexual abuse.
He spends time with Trevecca journalism students every semester, sharing with them his personal testimony about being called to help people who are the most vulnerable and in need of justice. Whetstone is a faithful member of his church and talks openly about how his faith and his Trevecca education have guided him in his career.
“The individualized attention and hands-on experiences I received at Trevecca helped shape my understanding of the importance of having believers in every career space, including those whose job it is to tell the stories of the ‘little guy’ and help hold the powerful accountable. It is, as journalism professor JoEllen Werking Weedman often said, ‘good work.’ Importantly, Trevecca also was a safe place to learn the ropes and be able to make mistakes in doing that work.”
Elizabeth Whiting
Biology graduate Elizabeth Whiting (’08) has pursued a career in ethics education and conflict management. She serves as the Scholar of Character Pedagogy in the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) at Wake Forest University.
In this role, her primary goal is to train higher education faculty and staff to support learners’ development of moral agency. She also serves as the ombuds for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, helping individuals resolve workplace, academic or institutional conflicts.
After completing her undergraduate degree at Trevecca, she earned a Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Philosophy in religious studies from Emory University.
“Trevecca taught all of us, over and over again, that we had something to give to the world, and that a good life is about practicing generosity and hospitality. Chris Farrell, professor emeritus of biology and environmental studies, helped me by initiating a conversation about the potential of women in academia, and that set the course for my professional life. He helped me find my path to becoming an educator and inspired me to reach for something I knew I wanted: a Ph.D.”
The Generational Impact Award
Given to a former or current Trevecca employee who has impacted students for more than three decades.
Randy Carden
Through 45 years of teaching, mentorship and research, professor of psychology and Trevecca alumnus Randy Carden (’78) has helped shape generations of students while making a lasting impact on the University and its mission.
Carden has taught a wide range of psychology courses since joining the faculty in 1981, guiding students through original research projects exploring topics such as personality, burnout, stress and anxiety. His students have presented research at national conferences and published findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Beyond the classroom, Carden’s influence can be seen through the recently-renamed Carden Student Research Symposium at Trevecca. Founded by Carden more than three decades ago, the symposium began as a small gathering of student researchers and has grown into a campus-wide showcase of undergraduate scholarship. He also established Trevecca’s Faculty Research Symposium.
“Receiving this reward is a high honor. I am pleased to represent a large number of faculty as we work together to change the lives of our students. My mission for decades has been to see my students grow academically and professionally—and to love unconditionally. It is undeniable that my relationship with Trevecca has been a major part of my life.”
The McClurkan Award
Presented to non-alumni who have made a significant impact on Trevecca and modeled the values of authenticity, service and leadership.
Seth Conley
Since joining Trevecca as a professor in 2015, Seth Conley has played a key role in growing the film & television program. He teaches courses ranging from cinematography and editing to directing and screenwriting, and brings professional experience as a director, producer, news anchor and reporter.
Conley has also led international documentary projects in Israel, Greece and Rome and has shared his expertise through presentations with the Broadcast Education Association. Colleagues and students alike know him for his investment in others, his passion for storytelling and his commitment to helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts.
“This University is a special place. The people of Trevecca embody Christian education and it’s a blessing to work here. I’ve learned from many in my career how serving others makes an impact. Investing in the lives of our next generation and sharing the love of Christ with them is what we all are supposed to do, whatever our role or position. Although I feel there are many others that deserve this recognition before me, I’m truly honored to receive this award.”
