Homecoming 2009: Part 2 (September 25, 2009)

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967) addressing the Alumni and Students

Roger and Mary Knapton being honored by BCNY and Davis

1959 Class Reunion (50 years)

Class 1959 (Grace Fabian is in the green)

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (1949 and 7th president), Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967 and 9th president), Corey J. Adams (2007- college historian)

Class 1949 (60th class reunion)

Rick Cramer (class 2002 Chief Operating Officer), Corey Adams (class 2007 College Historian), Dr. Woodrow Kroll (1965- 6th president) and Daniel Rathmell (class 1973 Church and Alumni Relations)

The second day of Homecoming was good also. Many Alumni were on campus including Grace (Jones) Fabian. Grace is the one that got me interested in Bible Translation and Papua New Guinea. She and her class were celebrating their Golden Class Reunion (50 years). Is is almost done with her book that will be out a little before Christmas about her testimony in Papua New Guinea.

Also on campus as the previous post talked about is Dr. Dale Linebaugh who was celebrating his 60th class reunion with the class of 1949. Dr. Linebaugh has just published another book called Campfire Reflections. He is currently pastoring two churches in Wisconsin. One is a Cowboy church. Great to hear of his ministry.

In the morning Dr. Pedrone addressed the Alumni and Students in Lowe Hall. Several board members were present and some students shared testimonies. After the address two wonderful Alumni from 1950, Roger and Mary Knapton, were honored for all their years of hard work. Now in their 80s, Pastor Roger Knapton is pastoring a church in Clyde, New York. Great testimony of God's faithfulness.

Dr. Paige Patterson spoke after this in his last session for the BCNY's convention that was going on at the same time as our Homecoming and talked about being genuine for people. Since people are lost and only Jesus can save them, we need to reach them. Be a witness for Christ.

Lunch and Class Reunions followed as Alumni caught up with one another. Great time of Fellowship as I got to know them.

At 2 PM I present my History of Davis College to about 20 Alumni in Lowe Hall. It was great to get interaction and they all enjoyed hearing about our rich history.

In the evening a few people went up to hear our 6th president, Dr. Woodrow Kroll, of Back to the Bible at Believer's Chapel in Cicero, NY. He was part of the Mars Hill Network's 40th anniversary. He spoke from Psalm 89. He talked about God's Faithfulness.

Psalm 89.1-2 read:
¹ I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
² For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

He talked how God's faithfulness is not limited by time or space. It was a great message. Dr. Kroll will be coming to Davis College's Homecoming next year (LORD willing)starting on September 30, 2010.

It was a great Homecoming. Hope to see more next year.

Homecoming 2009: Part 1 (September 24, 2009)

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967)

Several Contributors honored at dinner

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (class 1949) and Opal Linebaugh

Dr. Dale Linebaugh, Opal Linebaugh, Bobbie Pedrone and Dr. Dino Pedrone

Mary and Roger Knapton (Class of 1950)

Dr. Dale Linebaugh (class 1949 and 7th president of Davis), Dr. Walter Schlundt (Class 1967), and Robert Linebaugh (head of technology services at Davis)

Today, was the first day of Homecoming 2009 at Davis College. Several pastors and Alumni are on campus. Dr. Paige Patterson, the current president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke during the sessions in the Robb Activity Center. Dr. Dale Linebaugh and his wife Opal are here to celebrate the Class of 1949's 60th class reunion. Grace (Jones) Fabian is here for the class of 1959's 60th class reunion. The Class Agents (of whom I am the one for the class of 2007) met to in Lowe Hall this afternoon to discuss the college. It was a great meeting of Alumni. Several Alumni and Friends of the College were honored tonight for the gifts they gave to the college over the years. Today, was a great day and I look forward to tomorrow and sharing in the celebration of several Alumni. At 2 PM Lowe Hall I will present the History of the College to anyone that would like to attend.

Mrs. Marsha Fuller has gone home to be with her Lord

Mrs. Marsha Fuller (April 23, 2007)

I found out today that a beloved lady who worked many years at the Davis College has gone home to be with her Lord this morning (Monday, October 27, 2008). Mrs. Fuller started at the college in the early 1990s when Dr. Linebaugh was president. She left the school in April of this year. Mrs. Fuller was a wonderful example on the campus of Davis College and she will be missed greatly. My prayers are with her husband Marv. We know we will see her in glory one day with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks Mrs. Fuller for smiles and kind words. You will be missed.

Presidential Inauguration video from the presidents

Here is the video shown at Homecoming 2008 from Dr. Kroll, Dr. Linebaugh, and Dr. Miller. It is their messages to Dr. Dino J. Pedrone at his Inauguration on Thursday, September 25, 2008 in the Kenneth Robb Activity Center.

Homecoming 2008 Celebration (Thursday, September 25, 2008)

Dr. Pedrone and his wife Bobbi greeting people after the Inauguration

Don and Betty Hall. Don is the class of 1950 and wife Betty is the class of 1956

Myself with Dr. Pedrone

Homecoming 2008 went very well yesterday with the Inauguration of Dr. Dino J. Pedrone as the 9th president of Davis College. The message that Dr. Pedrone gave in the morning was right on. I will post it later on this blog along with the video I put together for the occasion with Dr. Kroll, Dr. Linebaugh, and Dr. Miller.

Dr. Marion C. Patterson (class 1926) and all 9 Presidents of Davis

Dr. Patterson (1934)

Dr. and Mrs. Patterson (1965)

One thing I have been thinking about for a few months, but more so as Dr. Dino Pedrone's installation as the 9th president of Davis approaches, is Dr. Patterson. Why Dr. M.C. Patterson you may ask, well I was thinking about it and something occurred to me that I thought was very cool. Dr. Patterson knew all 9 presidents of Davis College. Dr. Patterson graduated from PBTS in 1926 when Dr. John A. Davis was president (2nd president), but he also knew John R. Clements (1st) who was on the campus for many years. He served as a Vice President under Dr. Gordon Davis (3rd), and he obviously knew himself (4th). He knew Rev. Robb (5th) his successor, both when Rev. Robb was a student (class of 1942) and during the time they served together at PBTS. For Dr. Linebaugh (7th) he would have known him as a student as Dr. Patterson was working at the college when Dr. Linebaugh was a student graduating in 1949. Dr. Kroll class of 1965 (6th), Dr. Miller class of 1972 (8th), and Dr. Pedrone class of 1967 (9th) all had Dr. Patterson as President when they were students at PBTS.

All Nine presidents of PBTS/PBC/Davis were known by Dr. Patterson.

News Channel 34: Interview with Dr. Pedrone

News Channel 34 out of Binghamton interviewed Dr. Pedrone for today's newscast. It is a very well done interview. To read the article click here. View the video above or watch it by going to the same link. News Channel 34 did an excellent job. There was only one mistake in it by saying that Davis has had the same president for 27 years. It has in fact had three. The issue comes from Dr. Miller working at the college for 27 years since 1981 when he started with Dr. Kroll. Dr. Kroll, Dr. Linebaugh, and Dr. Miller have been the three presidents since 1981 (27 years ago).

Press and Sun Bulletin has an article on yesterday's announcement

Dr. Dino Pedrone and Dr. Carol Miller are interviewed by George Basler of the Press and Sun on Tuesday after Chapel.

The Press and Sun Bulletin, the local newspaper, has article on yesterday's announcement here at Davis College.

Binghamton native to lead Davis College
Practical Bible graduate is named new president

By George Basler
Press & Sun-Bulletin

JOHNSON CITY -- Increasing enrollment, expanding the number of degree programs and boosting the college's profile are three goals of the Rev. Dino J. Pedrone, who was announced Tuesday as the new president of Davis College.

"I'm coming here because I believe this is the call of God in my life at this time," said Pedrone, 62, who is currently senior pastor at the 2,000-member New Testament Baptist Church in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Davis College also means a lot to him, the Binghamton native said. He came to the college, then Practical Bible Training School, in the 1960s, directly from Binghamton's old North High School with little idea of what he wanted to do with his life.

"The Practical Bible years were transforming years for me," said Pedrone, who graduated in 1967. He found his calling at the college and also met his wife at the school on Riverside Drive. (to read the whole article click here)

I will do more about this Davis College: the Making of the 9th president in the days to come as I finish my write-ups about Dr. Kroll, Dr. Linebaugh, and Dr. Miller.

Dr. Dino J. Pedrone (Class of 1967) is named the 9th President of Davis College!

Dr. Dino Pedrone's Senior picture from the 1967 Theologue

Today (Monday, January 14, 2008) the official announcement was made of who the nineth president of Davis College will be: Dr. Dino J. Pedrone a member of the class of 1967. The class of 1967 just celebrated their 40th class reunion back at the September Homecoming. Dr. Pedrone is currently the senior pastor of New Testament Baptist Church in South Florida. Here is his profile from New Testament Baptist Church's website:

Pastor Dino Pedrone has served as Senior Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church since 1995. He is married to Bobbie Pedrone and together they have four grown children, JoAnna, Jonathan, Adam, and Nathanael. He has one grandaughter, Mia Angelina.

Before making the move to South Florida with his family, Dr. Pedrone held the position of Senior Pastor of The Open Door Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania for over 25 years. Currently, Dr. Pedrone also serves as President of Dade Christian School and The Master’s Academy, and President of The Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (50,000 + members). As Senior Pastor, he oversees NTBC's multiple weekend services with over 2,000 members.

Dr. Pedrone received his D. Min. from Luther Rice Seminary and has gone on to receive several prestigious acknowledgments including listings in "Community Leaders And Noteworthy Americans," "Who’s Who in Religion," and "5000 Personalities of the World." He is also the recipient of "The Notable Americans Award."

Dr. Pedrone is author of sixteen books and booklets, contributor to various articles and magazines, Founder and Editor of Life@School Christian Journal of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, and contributor to Directions, Family Life Devotional booklet, Hope Grows In Winter, and Looking Ahead.

His radio ministry includes “The Bible Speaks” radio ministry, which reached approximately one fourth of the known English speaking world, “Timely Truths” which currently broadcasts over WMCU 89.7 Spirit FM, and “The Caring Place" which can be heard on 1360 AM on Saturdays at 9 a.m. His television ministry includes fourteen years speaking on “The Open Door Hour” and ten years on “The Bible Speaks” network.

NTBC has a rich history of ministering to the lost in South Florida over the past 50 years. With this rich history and the passion Pastor Pedrone himself has for reaching the lost, NTBC's tradition of impacting the local community with the life-chaging message of Jesus Christ for decades to come will continue to be a reality for future generations that have and will call South Florida their home.

(L-R) Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967) 9th president, Corey J. Adams (2007), and
Dr. George Miller III (1972) 8th president

Both Dr. Miller and Dr. Pedrone addressed the Faculty and Staff body after registration today and they will both address the student body tomorrow in a special chapel.

Dr. Pedrone had been considered for the presidency between the Kroll and Linebaugh administration (1990-1991), yet had other plans and now it is coming full circle. God has His timing and His timing and plans are perfect.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Dr. Miller and Dr. Pedrone will address the student body in Chapel.

Dr. George D. Miller resigns from presidency

Photo by Corey Adams Theologue 2007

The day before graduation 2007 Dr. George D. Miller III submitted his registration to the Board of Trustees. The Faculty and Staff learned of the registration a few days before Christmas in 2007. I did not want to post anything about it until it was made official. Today (Friday, January 11, 2008) both our Davis College website as well as the Press and Sun Bulletin had an article about the registration. And while I know whom the next president of the college will be a formal announcement has not been made public yet. I will post about that on Monday or Tuesday when that "official" announcement has been made.

The press release from www.davisny.edu reads:

In the May 2007 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. George D. Miller III, president of Davis College, announced his resignation that will lead to the implementation of a transition plan and his leaving the presidency of Davis College.

Dr. Miller has held numerous positions at the College since 1981 and was appointed president in the spring of 1998 serving in that position for the last ten years. During his tenure, the College received regional accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and changed the institution’s name from Practical Bible College to Davis College. Dr. Miller has also helped develop numerous campus renovation projects and new academic programs, expanded financial support bases for the College, diversified the Davis College community, created additional recruitment markets, initiated numerous off campus teaching sites, and integrated the College with its local community more than ever before.

Though he announced his resignation, Dr. Miller will remain at the College until June 2008 to assure a professional transition beneficial to the College.

Just yesterday (Thursday, January 10, 2008) I was able to do an interview with Dr. Miller and so many of the details above will go into much more detail when I finish a write-up based off of the interview. Dr.Miller graduated from PBTS in 1972 and he returned to work under Woodrow Kroll in 1981 and served as Intern-President between Dr. Kroll and Dr. Linebaugh. He served during the Linebaugh administration also. In fact he has been serving at this college for 27 years. Now God has called him and his wife Elaine to a new journey.

I will keep this blog updated as more about this is made "official" and public. I also hope to do an interview with the 9th president of the college in the near future.

Introduction to Davis College Presidential Interviews

I have been thinking for some time about how I should begin the introduction to all the interviews with the presidents. As of this writing I have interviewed both Dr. Woodrow Kroll and Dr. Dale Linebaugh. From interviewing both of them and getting a small glimpse into their world I thought of a verse in Esther. Esther 4.14b says “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” When interviewing both Dr. Kroll and Dr. Linebaugh I have seen God’s hand at work. If Mordecai had been speaking to each of these presidents he would have said, “Yet who knows whether you have come to Practical for such a time as this?” By interviewing them I have seen how God has been involved in their lives from the moment of conception to this very day. Each life is precious in God’s sight and He uses men and women whom He chooses to use for His honor and glory. “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1.20). In each of these interviews you will see God’s hand at work in these men’s lives as He makes what seems foolish, wise.
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Interview with Dr. Woodrow Kroll coming up on Davis College History.

The New York Winter has arrived at Davis College

While I continue to work on the Presidential interviews I thought I would upload a picture of some of the snow on the campus. Early Sunday morning we received around 4 inches of the powder. This is a picture of the entrance sign this evening.

Last week I did my interview with Dr. Woodrow Kroll and it went very well. The whole interview was 2 hrs and 15 minutes in length. This coming week I have my interview with Dr. Dale Linebaugh. I hope to have the write-up about Dr. Kroll's interview on the blog this coming Friday. The write-up for Dr. Linebaugh will happen soon after the interview. I am still accepting questions for Dr. Linebaugh and Dr. Miller if anyone has any stories about them.

Presidential Interviews are about to begin late this week or early next

The Davis College Presidential Interviews are about to begin late this week or early next. I have received conformation from all three of the presidents and the questions are almost all finished. The final details of when the interviews will occur are being worked out. Soon after the interviews I will do a write up about each of the interviews. The pictures below are each president in their Senior Picture from the Theologue.

Dr. Woodrow M. Kroll (1965)

Dr. Dale E. Linebaugh (1949)


Dr. George D. Miller III (1972)

Questions or Stories about the three presidents

(L-R) Dr. George D. Miller III (8th president), Dr. Dale E. Linebaugh (7th president), Dr. Woodrow M. Kroll (6th president) at Practical's Centennial Celebration in 2000.

The research for the interviews with the three living presidents of Davis is nearing completion. I hope to do all three interviews in the week after Thanksgiving, Lord willing. Do you as an Alumni or friend of Davis have a question for one of them? I cannot promise being able to ask it, but if you do have one email it to me using the button on the side or the form. Do you have a story (appropriate please) that might be interesting to bring up in the interview I would be happy to hear from you about those too. This has been a great experience researching these three great men of God. I too am looking forward to hearing what they will say in the interviews.

New series in the works (3 part series of the Presidents)

A new series is in the research phase that will come hopefully by Christmastime of this year. It will be a three part series on the 3 most recent presidents of this PBTS, PBC, Davis College:

Dr. Woodrow M. Kroll (class of 1965) Administration (1981-1990)
Dr. Dale E. Linebaugh (class of 1949) Administration (1991-1998)
Dr. George D. Miller III (class of 1972) Administration (1998-present)

I hope to send letters out to each of the presidents by the end of the summer or early fall to start the interview process.

The interviews will be about their time as students at PBTS and their favorite memories of PBTS (similar to some of the other interviews that I have done on the site)

How PBTS prepared them for their jobs before becoming president of PBTS, PBC, Davis. Highlights of their administration. Funny stories that have happened.
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As I said this is just in the research stage and the final interviews will not be on the blog until December.