J. Randall O'Brien

J. Randall O'Brien is an American author. He was the twenty-second president of Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee after being unanimously elected by the board of trustees in July 2008. He was the executive vice-president and provost at Baylor University. He was a popular theology professor and received many teaching awards during his tenure at Baylor.[1] O'Brien retired from Carson-Newman in 2018 and was succeeded by Charles Fowler.

During an interview in January 2009 with the Knoxville News-Sentinel, O'Brien identified five priorities to help make Carson-Newman become the top Christian university in the world: clarify and fulfill the mission and vision, visionary leadership, accountable management, relationship building, and fundraising.[2] O'Brien was awarded the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award by Baylor University's Alumni Association, which honored those connected to Baylor who demonstrate Truett's love of Christ and churches.[3]

Biography

O'Brien is a native of McComb, Mississippi. He graduated from Mississippi College. He received his doctor of theology degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a masters of sacred theology from Yale University Divinity School. O'Brien was a full-time pastor most recently at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

O'Brien has written many articles and books on theology. He published I Feel Better All Over Than I Do Anywhere Else...: and Other Stories to Tickle Your Soul in 2022, and Set Free By Forgiveness: The Way to Peace and Healing in 2005.

O'Brien is married to Kay Donaho O'Brien who is a social work professor. They have two daughters named Alyson Elise and Shannon, and a son named Kris. He served in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division and received the Bronze Star and United States Air Medal.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Camp, Ken. "Carson-Newman names Baylor Provost Randall O'Brien president". Associated Baptist Press. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  2. ↑ Kennedy, Chloe White (18 January 2009). "Carson-Newman leader strives for top". Knoxville News-Sentinel.
  3. ↑ "C-N President Recognized for Church Service by Baylor Alumni Association". Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  4. ↑ Leaverson, Erin. "Calling Leads New First Couple to Call Jefferson City "Home"". Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.