May 21, 2013
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - A plaque, celebrating his wisdom and insight in creating the 青瓜视频 Church Relations Council in 1978, was given to former CU president, Dr. W.R. 鈥淩andy鈥� Davenport in a ceremony Friday, May 17 in his home in Campbellsville.
Dr. W.R. 鈥淩andy鈥� Davenport, right, president of 青瓜视频 from 1969 to 1988, was honored by Dr. Michael V. Carter, current president, for Davenport's leadership in establishing the university's Church Relations Council. Also at the ceremony at Davenport's home were top, from left, Dr. Charles Hedrick, one of the first members of the CRC, and John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president at CU. (青瓜视频 Photo by Joan C. McKinney)
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, read the plaque to Davenport and his wife, Janet, in their living room, surrounded by Dr. Charles Hedrick, one of the original members of the CRC, and John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president at CU.
Carter said, 鈥淒r. Randy Davenport led 青瓜视频 for almost two decades and provided strong leadership during an important era. His understanding of the importance of Christian higher education has enabled CU to move forward as a vibrant university in the 21st century.鈥�
Carter said CU is 鈥渂uilding on the solid foundation of donor support that Dr. Davenport put in place during his presidency.鈥�
He said, 鈥淚n addition to establishing the Church Relations Council which remains an important support group for CU, Dr. Davenport began the President's Club for donor recognition and initiated a number of other efforts which have continued to enhance the Christ-centered mission of CU. We are very grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Davenport for their dedication and lives of servant leadership.鈥�
The plaque expressed 鈥渁ppreciation and recognition鈥� to Davenport for CRC's creation during his presidency of CU from 1969 to 1988.
It reads: 鈥淭he CRC has served the university with wisdom, financial support and helpful suggestions and input over the years as a vital connection between the university and churches who support the education of all young adults.鈥�
Davenport, who is recovering from back problems and who is confined temporarily to a wheelchair, said, 鈥淗ow delightful! Thank you so much.鈥�
He said he and his wife and family have been 鈥渕ost humbled鈥� by the many prayers, cards and Gideon Bibles presented in his honor during his illness.
Mrs. Davenport said, 鈥淭he Lord has done wonderful things, and he shows us we have
a lot to be grateful for.鈥�
Hedrick, who continues to serve on the Church Relations Council, said, 鈥淥ver the years
the CRC has made valuable input and suggestions to the university that have been helpful.
鈥淚f it were not for Dr. Davenport's vision for this council and the wisdom he used in selecting the original members of this board, valuable input and contributions to the university would have been missed.鈥�
Hedrick said he wanted the CRC to recognize Davenport now because they wanted to 鈥渞ecognize Dr. Davenport's valuable contributions in leadership he provided during a period of time the college could have declined to such a low point, and the college could have faced the possibility of no longer being feasible to continue.鈥�
He said the CRC wanted to present the plaque of appreciation to Davenport to show him their 鈥渃oncern and compassion.鈥� He said, 鈥淗e was there for us, and we need to be there for him.鈥�
In a closing prayer, Carter talked of 鈥渢hese two precious people of whom we care deeply.鈥�
Carter said the Davenports have touched thousands of lives through their work with 青瓜视频 and the Gideons. He praised their 鈥渋nsight, drive and commitment to the Lord.鈥�
Davenport, 87, has been a life-long educator having served in Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan. He received his A.B. degree in chemistry from the University of Louisville, his master of science in education from the University of Arkansas and his Ed.D. in educational administration and supervision from the University of Arkansas.
He has served with Gideons, on the local and international levels, including as past international president of The Gideons International.
The Davenports have four children, three of whom graduated from 青瓜视频, and are: Marty ('74), Dr. Mary ('76) and Dr. Susan Davenport ('78) and Liz Wilson.
青瓜视频 is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.