TMU Begins Academic Year with Convocation and Call to Faithfulness 

Truett McConnell University’s convocation on Tuesday, August 18, marked the official start of the 2026-2027 academic year. This ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, and university leadership for a time of celebration and encouragement. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of the university mace by Ms. Shann Cash, recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award. Following this presentation, five faculty members signed the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, committing to teach from a Biblical worldview. 

·         Amanda Duncan – Instructor, Psychology 

·         Kathy Duren – Associate Professor, Music 

·         Ethan Loy – Instructor, Biology 

·         Alayna Puckett – Instructor, English 

·         Jordan Turner – Assistant Professor, Business 

Continuing the emphasis on biblical commitment, TMU President Dr. Larry Lyon challenged the university community to pursue a life marked by faithfulness to God. As Dr. Lyon begins his inaugural year as Truett McConnell University’s ninth president, he wants TMU to be marked by its faithfulness. 

Based on 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Lyon reminded listeners that believers are called to be servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, emphasizing that “it is required that managers be found faithful.” 

Dr. Lyon then shared the four pillars that will guide TMU in the pursuit of faithfulness: Biblical fidelity, servanthood, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission. “There is nothing greater for you and I to do than to make Christ known,” Lyon said. He explained that the university’s mission is not only to equip students academically, but also to prepare them to serve Christ faithfully. 

Looking to the future, Dr. Lyon shared the identity that he hopes will define TMU, “We will be known as those who are faithful to Christ, that we hold firm to His word, that we serve others, that we love God and we love others, and we make disciples.” 

As the university starts a new academic year, Dr. Lyon left the TMU community with a final challenge, “Our story is being written; may we be found faithful in it.”