Peggy Grady Batten

Class: 1981
Major: Mathematics

Career History: "Professor of Mathematics, Methodist University (1993-present); math teacher, Johnston Community College (1985-1993)"

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "Many of my relatives, including my father, attended ACC. Familiarity with the school and its short distance from home were the major reasons."

How ACC/Barton Inspired My Future: "The math department consisted of five professors. They had different strengths and personalities. Together they covered all academic and personal needs. I continue to use a combination of their teaching styles in my classroom."

Favorite Faculty Member: "John Dunn’s teaching style was very appealing to me. He took the time to know students outside the classroom. I had surgery the semester I was taking a tennis class and received an incomplete in the course. The next semester, Mr. Dunn took the time to help me make up the time on the tennis court."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I am a strong supporter of the private college system. I believe there is a large percentage of the population that benefits from the learning environment of a private college."

Laura Weaver Blackman

Class: 1984
Major: Nursing

Career History: Nash Day Hospital 2008-present; Surgery Center of Wilson 1993-2008; Wilson Memorial Hospital 1985-1993; Edgecombe General Hospital May 1984-December 1984

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "I came from a small high school and grew up in rural, eastern N.C. I felt a small campus would be more fitting for me and not overwhelming like a large institution. The community feeling of ACC (now Barton) only reinforced my decision."

Favorite Faculty Member: "Francis Walters and Sue Beaman — they knew I could do more than I thought I could do and nudged and supported me to achieve my goals.

"Dr. Witherington for his amazing knowledge, teaching Anatomy & Physiology and NEVER looking at notes or a book.

"Dr. Hollar taught Chemistry my freshman year. An older, almost elderly gentlemen, patient with those who wanted to learn."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I believe in this institution and consider it an asset to the community. Barton is part of my past, my present, and my future. ACC/Barton has enabled me to be someone and to do things I did not think were possible."

How My College Experience Affects My Life Today: "I am currently nursing at Nash Day Hospital. Through the years, I have been able to spot an ACC/Barton nurse. We/they practice in a unique professional manner with exceptional problem solving skills."

Thomas E. Brown, Jr.

Class: 1983
Major: Elementary Education

Career History: "Retired, Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf 1983 to 2004"

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "My decision was heavily influenced by a combination of family legacy and a desire to attend an institution with a strong education program. My guidance counselor at Jamesville High School confirmed that Atlantic Christian had a strong program, and with that I was convinced."

Favorite Memory from College: "A favorite memory from ACC/Barton was my participation in the Student Government Association where I served as Vice-President. One of our special projects was the renovation of the fountain located on the center campus. The fountain served and still serves as a focal point of ACC/Barton. Giving back to the school in this way has been an inspiration to me to give back to other organizations that I have dedicated years of service to, including my church, civic organizations, and the Barton College Alumni Board."

Favorite Faculty Member: "My favorite faculty member was my math professor, Mr. John Dunn. Mr. Dunn was the type of professor who was concerned about the success of the students to the extent that he would allow students to come to his home for extra tutoring."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I support ACC/Barton financially because of the quality education that I received. I will never forget my years at ACC/Barton and will continue to support it."

Whit Coolbaugh

Class: 2003
Major: Business Administration and Computer Information Systems

Career History: "Currently: Payment Consultant, Assistant Vice President, BB&T; and part-time instructor, Wilson Community College. Previously: ACH Corporate Client Support Specialist, Wire Transfer Analyst, BB&T."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "I was recruited for soccer, but the other reason was the family-like atmosphere I experienced during my visits. It may be a cliché, but when you are a name and not a number, you feel like part of something."

How ACC/Barton Inspired My Future: "During my college career, I was part of several organizations at the same time. This helped teach me time management, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once. I would not change a thing regarding my experience at Barton. Being involved in college helped prepare me for being involved in my career and community."

Favorite Memory from College: "There are so many great memories from my college days that it’s hard to pick just one. The wonderful part is that I am still making memories by being involved with the school and my fraternity. To give a little perspective on how much Barton continues to impact my life, I am still in VERY regular contact with more than 20 friends from Barton. We all grew together during college and are now growing together as young adults in the "real world". I could not imagine my life today any different. I also have Barton to thank for helping me meet my wife, who also graduated in 2003."

Favorite Faculty Member: "I had many great teachers in the classroom, but I'd have to say that the one who prepared me the most for life in general would be Tony Tilley. He was and continues to be our fraternity's (Alpha Sigma Phi) faculty advisor. He has become a great friend of mine whom I still turn to for advice and encouragement. He tells it like it is and doesn't sugar-coat anything. Getting realistic advice and criticism helps prepare you for life after college where you don't always have someone looking out for you. (If Tony reads this, you may have to expand his office door so he can fit his head through it!)"

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I used to think that I would not give money to Barton until after I paid off my school loans. Then I got realistic and realized that I may never give if I put it off that long. I am not able to give a lot but try to give what I can. It makes me feel good to give back to something that gave me so much. I still feel part of the Barton family."

Lee Warren Harris

Class: 2002
Major: Nursing

Career History: "Staff Nurse, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Smithfield, N.C.; Public Health Nurse, Caldwell County Health Department, Lenoir, N.C.; Public Health Nurse, Harnett County Health Department, Lillington, N.C. (2005-present)."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "I chose Barton because I needed a small school in a small town to help me focus on my future. Barton/ACC has always been a special place to the people in my family."

Favorite Memory from College: "Graduation 2002! I was finished with Nursing School! At last, I was going to put into practice all I had learned."

Favorite Faculty Member: "My favorite faculty member was Kim Larson, R.N. She was the epitome of public health nursing. She taught me about educating patients and giving them the ability to make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their families."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "Because I want Barton to continue to do well. It is something of a legacy in my family to support a great cause. Barton is a great cause."

Tracy O'Shields Mitchell

Class: 1998
Major: Communication

Career History: "1998-2003 - Fitness Director, Membership Manager, The Fitness Center, Wilson, N.C.; 2003-present - Creative Payment Solutions/Implementation Manager, BB&T."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "It was close to home but far enough away that Mom would call before coming! I loved the intimate atmosphere and 'at home' feeling around campus."

Favorite Memory from College: "I really enjoyed residence hall life (we called them dorms). Everyone should experience living in a college dorm - the fun, the laughter, the late nights, lifelong friendships that are made. I loved being a sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma and making memories that would last a lifetime. Pre-Exam Jam was great! And, we did some other things around campus that the administration would probably prefer we not repeat here!"

Favorite Faculty Member: "Webster Struthers in Communications. He was a friend as well as a teacher. He pushed me to be a better student. Plus, he gave great fishing tips! Even though he referred to all Greeks as Satan's children, I know we were among his favorite students!"

Why I Support Barton Financially: "My four years at Barton were some of the best of my life. I'm still involved with Greek life and the Alumni Board. I know there are many more great years to come through remaining connected and giving back."

William "Billy" Perry, Jr.

Class: 1994
Major: Nursing

Career History: "Currently: Hospital Nurse Liaison, Community Home Care and Hospice; Previously: Lead Clinical Liaison, Life Care Hospitals of N.C.; Cardiothoracic Step-Down Unit, Medical ICU, Case Management for Telemetry and CCU, Wake Med."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "ACC was known for its Nursing program and successful state testing pass rate. The small class size, the beautiful campus, and being known by my name and not as a number was very important to me."

Favorite Memory from College: "The best part of college life was being involved. I was in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the BC Association of Nursing Students, Campus Activities Board, SGA, on the admissions ambassador team, and more! At Commencement in 1994, I was recognized by the faculty as the Coggins Cup recipient."

Favorite Faculty Member: "Susie Robbinette was the first contact I had as a potential nursing student. She followed me as a mentor and counselor throughout my time at Barton. To this day, I thank her for all she did for me."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "Barton undergoes continuous change and improvement. There are so many great things happening on campus. I want to make sure future students receive the best education they can achieve, just as I did."

Brad Roberson

Class: 2006
Major: Mass Communications

Career History: "I am currently an Assistant Location Manager for ARAMARK at East Carolina University. I'm also an ordained associate pastor at Arthur Christian Church in Bell Arthur, N.C."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "I'm a member of the Disciples of Christ church; and, with Barton being a Disciples college, I wanted to attend. Also, I was given many scholarships to attend Barton College."

Favorite Memory from College: "My favorite experience at Barton was serving as the Student Government President. During my term, I was able to change the way the government was run. I organized and started a SGA budget that is still being used today and helps organizations with financial needs. I also have fond memories - and will cherish those memories - of joining and being a part of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity."

Favorite Faculty Member: "Dr. Joe Jones is a great teacher to learn from and travel with. I traveled to five different countries with Dr. Jones, and each one was a wonderful experience full of knowledge and wisdom. Rick Stewart is another great teacher who does a great job in the communication department. I learned more from his classes than any other communication teacher in that department. His classes are interactive and give you a good look at what you will experience in the real world."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I support Barton College because the College supported me during my four years as a student; and, with the success that I have had in my career, Barton will always get a piece of the financial pie!"

Doug Royal

Class: 1967
Major: Biology

Career History: Chair of Science Department, Wayne Community College (1971-2005); Teacher, Advanced Biology, Kinston City School (1968-1971)

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "The reputation of the science department, the course offerings, and the sense of belonging I have felt since my first visit to the campus."

How ACC/Barton Inspired My Future: "The science department faculty inspired me to achieve more than I imagined I was capable of. The mentoring by faculty members, the guidance and success of upperclassmen biology majors and graduates all contributed to my life then and today."

Favorite Faculty Member: "Dr. J. P. Tyndall served as my faculty advisor and mentor. He inspired me to make the most of my academic and personal life. He is a friend to this day."

Favorite Memory from College: "Greek life, living in the fraternity house, the brotherhood that came from that. Also, the fraternity’s involvement with college life and campus activities."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I believe in and am committed to the Barton College mission. I want to "pass forward" the opportunities I had, as well as the increased opportunities of current and future students. The best way I know to achieve this is through my financial support and personal involvement with the College."

Brenda Hobbs Whaley

Class: 1998
Major: Human Resource Management

Career History: "I am currently employed with B & J, Inc."

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "It was a small school with small class sizes, and it was not too far from home."

Favorite Memory from College: "The day I received my bid from Delta Zeta. I pledged my freshman year, and it was the best decision I made. The friends I made, the leadership experience I received, and the memories from those years will last me a lifetime."

Favorite Faculty Member: "This is a hard question. I really enjoyed a lot of my business professors' classes. Mr. Eggers made his classes entertaining. I also enjoyed Dr. Jolly's classes a lot. Outside of the business department, Bob Wagner was one of the best professors I had because he made classes fun, especially speech class."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "I want students to be able to gain an education and not worry about education debts when they graduate."

Danny Wilkins

Class: 1976
Major: Social Studies

Career History: "Teacher and soccer coach, Wake County Public Schools (retired)"

Why I Chose Atlantic Christian/Barton College: "Advice from a high school friend."

Favorite Faculty Member: "My history professor Dr. Jerry MacLean was great. I took 24 hours of classes from him."

Why I Support Barton Financially: "Because I can and should. I can never repay Barton for all that I received."