JOURNEY | 6
Dozens within the Carson-Newman community, whose
lives were touched by those of Dr. J. Cordell and Brona
Maddox, expressed their prayers and remembrances at
news of the couple's passings.
Cordell Maddox, C-N's longest serving president, passed
away in July at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by
his wife, Brona, who passed away at age 84 in March.
Current Carson-Newman president, Dr. J. Randall
O'Brien, called for the campus flag to fly at half-staff on
each occasion.
"Dr. Maddox was a dear friend of mine and was dearly
loved by the Carson-Newman family. From the day Kay
and I arrived on campus, he supported us and encouraged
us. He was a good, good man," O'Brien said. "The
number of years he served this institution speaks volumes
to his and his wife Brona's love for this special place.
That length of time of presidential service may never be
broken. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family."
The couple served Carson-Newman as president and
first lady from 1977 to 1999, seeking to advance Carson-
Newman and its mission in Christian higher education
for over two decades.
They came to Jefferson City from South Carolina's
Anderson College, where Dr. Maddox was president for
seven years.
During his tenure at Carson-Newman, Maddox helped
oversee the Strategic Plan in 1987 that led the school to be
recognized by U.S. News & World Report several times
over and by Money magazine as one of its Top 100 buys.
His tenure also saw the development of the institution's
graduate program and an increase in enrollment.
Financial contributions to the University were a hallmark
of the Maddox years. A fundraising effort called "Vision
,
80" enabled the construction of the University's current
Tarr Music Center.
An "Of Minds and Miracles" campaign led to the
building of C-N's student center in 1993. In a surprise
announcement, the facility was named the Maddox
Student Activities Center following a retirement event
honoring the beloved leader in 1999.
MADDOXES REMEMBERED
AS GRACIOUS LEADERS
