Bethany College will welcome Dr. James L. Gorman as the speaker for this year’s Founder’s Day convocation. Gorman, a scholar in American religious history, will deliver a lecture titled “What Has Alexander Campbell to Do with Christian Nationalism?” which explores Campbell’s evolving views on Christian nationalism throughout his life.

Gorman is a professor of history at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tenn., with expertise in the history of Christianity, the Stone-Campbell Movement, and American religious history. He is the author of “Among the Early Evangelicals: The Transatlantic Origins of the Stone-Campbell Movement” (2017), and co-editor of “Slavery’s Long Shadow: Race and Reconciliation in American Christianity” (2019). His most recent work, co-authored with Richard T. Hughes, is the third edition of “Reviving the Ancient Faith: The Story of Churches of Christ in America” (2024). Gorman earned his doctorate in Religion from Baylor University, and a Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University, and a Bachelor of Science from Kentucky Christian University.

Bethany College is approaching 185 years of excellence in teaching, learning, and preparing future leaders. Nearly two centuries later, Bethany continues to evolve, staying true to the mission upon which Alexander Campbell founded the College.

With your support, we will continue to nurture and strengthen Bethany for generations to come. Join us this Founder’s Day in support of God’s Acre and the Build for a Lifetime campaign.

God’s Acre has been a sacred resting place for Bethanians since the earliest days of Alexander Campbell. Beneath its towering trees lie Alexander Campbell himself, members of the Campbell family, past college presidents, and generations of Bethanians who helped shape our community.

This hallowed ground serves not only as a place of peaceful remembrance but also as a quiet retreat for those who visit. Your support ensures that God’s Acre remains preserved—honoring its history while maintaining its beauty, dignity, and sustainability for years to come.

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Bethany College is approaching the final phase of its three-year Build for a Lifetime campaign with a goal of raising $20 million to enhance our campus, create dynamic living-learning spaces for our students, and address critical deferred maintenance needs. A successful campaign will strengthen the Bethany Fund, provide vital support for faculty and staff, and establish forward-thinking programs designed to equip our graduates to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Donate to the Build for a Lifetime campaign!

With your support, Bethany will continue to thrive and lead into the future, staying true to its strong foundation.

Founder’s Day at Bethany College is observed on the first Thursday of March, commemorating the College’s official charter from the Legislature of Virginia on March 2, 1840. The charter was later affirmed by the newly formed state of West Virginia on June 20, 1863. The event celebrates Alexander Campbell’s legacy as a pioneer in education and as one of the principal founders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).