BCF trustees approve new budget, honor president’s 15th anniversary

GRACEVILLE (BCF)–Baptist College of Florida trustees passed a new budget, approved residency requirements for applicants for the Shepherds’ Cottages, remembered long-time BCF professor J.W. Lee with a resolution, and honored President Thomas A. Kinchen for fifteen years of service at the institution during their May 5-6 meeting.

The board approved a new budget of $6,889,600 for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. According to Kinchen, the budget represents a strong commitment of faculty and staff to “good stewardship of the resources provided to the college.” He also noted that BCF continues to offer top quality education at one of the most affordable prices available among Baptist colleges.

BCF’s Shepherds’ Cottages are nearing completion as the college begins to seek applicants for residency from retired ministers. The board approved residency requirements for these applicants, moving the college one step closer to welcoming its first residents in June.

“This is an exciting time to see a dream coming true,” said Kinchen.

On a somber note, trustees approved a memorial resolution in memory of long-time BCF professor J.W. Lee who passed away April 23.

The resolution traced Lee’s life from his early days of ministry in Louisiana through over 35 years of service at BCF and was presented to his wife, Joyce Lee, during the spring graduation ceremony.

Kinchen was honored by the board for 15 years of service to the college. Kinchen came to BCF in 1990 from West Virginia where he served as the state convention’s executive secretary/treasurer. During his tenure the college has undergone vast changes including a name change, numerous construction projects and the refining and addition of degree programs.

“The last 15 years have been some of the most exciting and rewarding of my life,” said Kinchen. “We have seen the college come a long way. We are not where we need to be or will be, but we are continuing to make strong progress.”

Kinchen said the continual changes serve only to move BCF closer to its original purpose to train future ministers to share the Gospel.

“My passion for seeing this school totally immersed in ‘Changing the World Through the Unchanging Word’ is stronger than ever,” he emphasized. “I anticipate hard work, great blessing, and the ever-guiding hand of our Lord for the Baptist College of Florida in the days before us.”

In other action, trustees:

• approved a revision of the agreement between BCF and GuideStone Financial Resources regarding the college’s annuity program.

• approved a recommendation for updating the college’s Bylaws to reflect the college’s new name on the institution’s official seal. This recommendation was presented at the State Board of Missions May, 2005 meeting.

• heard a report from the building and maintenance committee including expected completion of renovation and expansion of the R.G. Lee chapel by October, start of construction on the Dr. J.W. and Joyce Lee Visiting Scholar’s Residence, and the continued capacity filling of campus housing to warrant a recommendation for new residence halls at the next meeting.

• approved a plan for training opportunities to be offered to local leadership in international areas where the college is involved in mission trips.

• accepted a report regarding the application filed by BCF recently with the Commission on Colleges regarding the start of a graduate program.

• appointed B.R. Chamberlain and Sons, Inc. the college’s financial managers for the upcoming year.