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Belhaven in the Run for Softball National Championship

May 9th, 2013 by

We will host the national tournament first round, with four teams playing Monday – Wednesday next week.  If we win this opening round, our team will advance to the NAIA Softball World Series in Columbus, Ga., May 24 – 30.

Congratulations to our softball players, Head Coach Kevin Griffin, and Assistant Coach Rebecca Rousseau.

Here is the story:

The Belhaven softball team is headed back to the NAIA National Championships for the third time in four seasons and will host one of 10 opening round tournaments. The Blazers finished 5th in 2010 and 3rd in 2011 and will be making the programs third overall appearance thanks to an at-large berth in this year’s field. Belhaven boasts an impressive 9-4 record in national tournament competition.

The 2013 season marks this first time the championship will feature an opening round format. There will be 10 opening round sites with four teams at each location adding up to a total of 40 schools in the tournament field. Belhaven was selected to host one of the 10 opening round events, which will be played May 13-15 at Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi.

Belhaven enters the NAIA National Championships with a 35-12 record and a number 13 ranking in the final regular season top 25 coaches’ poll. The Blazers finished third at the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships this past weekend and will be the number two seed in the Belhaven bracket. The SSAC, arguably the toughest softball conference in the NAIA, sent four teams including Belhaven to this year’s tournament. Lee, Auburn-Montgomery, and Spring Hill will also represent the SSAC in this year’s field.

The three schools making the trip to Clinton will be Reinhardt University, William Woods University, and LSU-Alexandria. Reinhardt will be the top seed in the bracket after boasting a 40-6 record during the regular season. Reinhardt, ranked 8th in the final top 25 poll, hails from the Appalachian Athletic Conference and is in the field via an automatic bid as the conference’s regular season champion. This will be the Eagles third overall appearance in the tournament with their last coming in 2012. They are 2-4 in national tournament competition.

William Woods is the third seed and will be Belhaven’s first opponent in the tournament. The Owls are 24-14 overall and punched their ticket to the national tournament as the American Midwest Tournament Champion. William Woods landed in the receiving vote’s category in the final top 25 poll and are making their 11th trip to the national tournament. The Owls last appeared in 2011 and own an overall record of 10-24 in national tournament games.

The fourth seed in this year’s Belhaven bracket is LSU-Alexandria. The Generals earned an automatic bid as the runner up in the Association of Independent Institutions Tournament. LSU-Alexandria is 22-28 overall and is making its first ever appearance in the NAIA National Championship Tournament. The Generals will take on top-seeded Reinhardt in the first round of the Belhaven bracket.

The event will kick off on Monday with Belhaven battling William Woods at 2:00 PM CDT at Clinton High School followed by the Reinhardt and LSU-Alexandria matchup at 5:00 PM. Game times for Tuesday are 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:00 PM with the championship game on Wednesday at 1:00 PM. Each of the Opening Round winners will advance to the NAIA Softball National Championship final site in Columbus, Ga., May 24 – 30. The format in Columbus is a double-elimination, 10-team event on a single championship field.

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Dr. Billy Kim International Center Dedication

May 1st, 2013 by

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Bettye Quinn Remembers Newt Wilson

Apr 26th, 2013 by

Miss Betty Quinn sent me a touching memory she had of Newt Wilson,

Proabably, Newt and Betty worked together longer than any other faculty or staff member did with Newt.

I told Bettye, today:

“If you’re able, you should go to the funeral, I know it would mean so much to Becky. Newt loved you so much. I remember when he first told me about Belhaven, you were the only faculty member he told me about. I thought they were all just like you!”

He’s been a great friend, and I’m so glad you can go to the service.  We will miss you at commencement but you’re needed there.

I asked Bettye if I could share some of her notes with you, and most of it is included below.

I’ll remind you again that the service for Newt will be at Hattiesburg First Presbyterian Church on Saturday at 11:30 am. Becky will be having a family only internment tomorrow.

Becky needs our prayers.

Here is Betty’s note:

Dr. Parrott,

I have not missed a graduation in 47 years….as you know. This is a dilemma for me, But I feel that I should go to Newt’s funeral. He and Becky have been my friends for so many years.

When the soccer team won the NAIA championship last fall, I sent him one of the shirts. He wrote me the most wonderful letter back. I made cheese straws for him every year and sent them or he came for them. We knew him on so many levels…fellow alum, co worker when he taught Bible, Dean of Students, Vice-president, President and then as Board Member. He was always the same sweet caring person.

I helped Becky cook and entertain many, many times. She was the ultimate hostess. His birthday was September 22 — the same as the Hobbit… so many times we had a Hobbit party… everyone brought a gift but not for him… the gifts were exchanged… that was the Hobbit way. He loved that everyone got a funny gift instead of him.

Newt really loved Belhaven and all its activities.  As a student he sang in the choir. He loved that Belhaven was into all sports. And of course, the Bible and Christian Education Department was his forte. He really had a wonderful life accomplishing all he wished.
I would have called but I can’t talk without crying.

Love and prayers,
Bettye Quinn

Posted in Academic Quality, Belhaven, Christian Faith, Higher Education, Roger Parrott, Worldview | No Comments »

Celebrating the Homegoing of Dr. Newt Wilson

Apr 23rd, 2013 by

Our dear friend, and former Belhaven University president, Dr. Newt Wilson died this afternoon.

After a very difficult physical battle, attempting to become strong enough to be eligible for a kidney and liver transplant, the Tulane Medical Center doctors told his wife Becky last Thursday there was nothing more they could for Newt.

Yesterday they came home to Hattiesburg, and this afternoon at 3:45 Newt went home to be with the Lord.

A memorial service to remember this great servant of God will be at  11:30 am on Saturday, April 27th, at First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg.  Becky will have a private burial before the memorial service.  Dr. Sean Lucas and Dr. Jim Baird will be officiating, and Becky has invited our Board of Trustees members to be honorary pallbearers

When Becky called to tell me this afternoon, just a few minutes after Newt died, we rejoiced together in the assurance he is in heaven and finally seeing the broad reach of his life’s work as he can now see “face to face.”

I thank God for  the wonderful life of our friend Newt Wilson.  It hurts to imagine him no longer walking this campus, being at football games, and being our first champion for Belhaven University.

Please remember Becky in your prayers.  She is a great friend to so many of us, and while Newt held the title of president, Becky walked every step of this journey with him, and needs our support as she now takes the next steps.

Everyone who loves Belhaven University is significantly better off because of Newt Wilson.  Even if you didn’t know him, you’ll see his handprints all over this campus in the lives of thousands of Belhaven alumni.

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Recognition for Dr. Hayes-Anthony

Apr 20th, 2013 by

Congratulations to Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, chair of the Communications Department, has been included in the list of the Top 20 Arts and Humanities Professors in Mississippi.

I always hear great things about her from her students.

Posted in Academic Quality, Belhaven | No Comments »

Prayer for Dr. Newt and Becky Wilson

Apr 10th, 2013 by

Urgent prayer is needed for Dr. Newt Wilson, our dear friend, and former President of Belhaven.  He has had a series of medical complications, that appear will not be solved without a liver and a kidney transplant.

Newt is on the list for a transplant, but he’s not been stable enough to move up the priority list.

Today he had a serious turn for the worse.  There appears to be internal bleeding, and most of today he received a blood transfusion.

The pastoral staff from First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg has been marvelous in supporting Newt and Becky, both of whom are members of the Church.  But Newt is at hospitals in New Orleans, so the pastors and other friends have made extensive commutes to stay close to Becky through this.

Three specific prayer requests:

1.  Might Newt’s medical condition stabilize to the point that he is eligible for a transplant.

2.  Might the Lord send the right donor match for the transplants.

3.  Might there be for Becky some new living arrangements possible in New Orleans that would be better than the Hampton Inn where she has been staying for many weeks.

Newt can understand what is happening during the brief times he is awake, but he’s not able to communicate much verbally, other than a few brief words to Becky.  As you can imagine, Becky is carrying a tremendous load through this and she needs our prayers as much as does Newt.

This evening Newt was to be moved back to the Tulane hospital, and should be in ICU there tonight.

I will keep you updated as you learn more.

A Caring Bridge web site has been established for Newt   http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/newtwilson

 

 

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This Is Too Good To Miss (61 second video)

Apr 2nd, 2013 by

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Reserve Your Dance Performance Tickets Soon

Mar 27th, 2013 by

One of the most popular events on our campus is the dance performance each semester.  It is ALWAYS a sell out.

So make your plans soon or you won’t get in – see dates and times below

As always, tickets are free for Belhaven University Students, Faculty, and Staff.

Belhaven University Dance Department Presents: “Quest of the Designer.” We invite you to join us at this fun-filled choreographic production for the entire family, created by Belhaven’s dance faculty and performed by the Belhaven University Student Dance Ensemble.

April 5, 6, 11, 12, & 13

Friday, April 5 at 6:30 PM. Saturday, April 6 at 1 PM and 6:30 PM. Thursday, April 11 at 11 AM. Friday, April 12 at 6:30 PM. Saturday, April 13 at 1 PM and 6:30 PM.

General Admission $10 to the public; $5 for Seniors and non-Belhaven University students; Children 12 and under free.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to concert.

For ticket reservations, phone (601) 965-1400 or email dancetickets@belhaven.edu

Posted in Academic Quality, Belhaven | No Comments »

Focusing on Easter Week

Mar 25th, 2013 by

A video from our friends at Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ)

 

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Alumn and Board Member, Joel Bomgar, Named to State Board of Education

Mar 25th, 2013 by

Joel will be a creative leader for our state.  Report from the Clarion Ledger

Joel Bomgar named to state Board of Education

A leading proponent of charter schools may be joining the state Board of Education.

House Speaker Philip Gunn has appointed Joel Bomgar to the board, pending Senate confirmation.

Bomgar is founder and CEO of software maker Bomgar Corp. of Ridgeland. He also heads of Better Education for Mississippi, a group of Republican-linked business leaders pushing for charter schools.

Bomgar would replace Martha “Jackie” Murphy, whose term expires at June’s end. If confirmed, Bomgar’s term would begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2022.

Murphy, of Rienzi, was appointed by former House Speaker Billy McCoy, a Democrat.

The board oversees educational policy for Mississippi’s 151 school districts. Though Bomgar supports charter schools, plans now being considered by the Legislature would create a separate board to authorize and oversee such schools.

Posted in Belhaven | 2 Comments »

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