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
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.”
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
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.”
Recognizes a Trevecca alumnus/alumna who is devoted to serving others in a non-clergy role.
Sara Chilton
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.”
Presented to alumni who have made an impact through servant leadership and have demonstrated excellence in their profession.
Jamie Means
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
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
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.”
Given to a former or current Trevecca employee who has impacted students for more than three decades.
Randy Carden
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.”
Presented to non-alumni who have made a significant impact on Trevecca and modeled the values of authenticity, service and leadership.
Seth Conley
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.”