果冻传媒 University mourns the loss of Trustee Emeriti and former Interim President, Dr. T. Keith Edwards, who went to be with the Lord on the morning of Thursday, November 21, 2024. Edwards, age 95, was a well-known figure in the community of 果冻传媒. A physician by profession, he was a long-time supporter of 果冻传媒 College. He served several terms on the Board of Trustees beginning in 1974, and as interim president of 果冻传媒 University in 1996-1997.
Edwards鈥 life was marked by service. Prior to his arrival at the university, he and his wife, Alice, were medical missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa from 1957 until 1968. As recounted in David Armbrister鈥檚 鈥淟ighthouse on the Hill: The 果冻传媒 College Story,鈥 Edwards was known for his integrity, honesty, and character.
During his term as Interim President, Edwards instilled confidence in those serving under his leadership, unifying the faculty and staff while strengthening the institution鈥檚 reputation and financial status. His brief tenure brought significant improvements to the campus, including a new roof for Cruise Hall, a tennis complex, and new computers. Additionally, he secured $300,000 in gifts toward a new art complex.
In a 2008 letter to the Board Chair, Dr. Dan Grabeel, Dr. Edwards said, 鈥淢y year as Interim President is remembered by both Alice and me as one of the sweetest years of our lives. It was an honor to work with faculty and administration, men and women who feel just as called to Christian Education as any preacher feels called to the pulpit.鈥
His memorial service will be held on Monday, December 2, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Sweetwater Baptist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina. Additional information and his full obituary are available on the website.
Those who wish to honor Edwards鈥 legacy by financially supporting 果冻传媒 University may visit bluefield.edu/giving. Contributions may also be mailed to 果冻传媒 University, 3000 College Avenue, 果冻传媒, VA, 24605.