The fifth class of Baptist Children’s Homes University (BCHU) graduated November 15 at Mills Home in Thomasville. The graduation ceremony was kicked off with comments by BCH COO Keith Henry as he welcomed this year’s graduates: Amanda Armstrong, Sara Becker, Dr. Rodney Michael Briles, Alicia Rosser, and Tara Dawn Sessoms.
BCH’s Bond Kiser shared a personal devotion and BCH President/CEO Michael C. Blackwell presented the commencement address which involved each graduate sharing what was most significant to them upon completing the multi-year program.
BCHU is a leadership and talent management program covering eight core areas that challenge participants to reach their “next
best.” Cohorts are made up of staff members who not only do their jobs, but look for ways to improve BCH’s overall “culture of excellence” in their areas and departments.
Amanda Armstrong is BCH’s Accounting Manager and has served since August, 2019. She is married to her best friend Derek. They have two sons, Derek (12) and Dax (11), and attend Walter’s Grove Baptist Church in Lexington. Sara Becker is the Operations Manager for Greater Vision and has served at BCH since
2002. Her passion is helping people in need and pointing them to Christ. In Sara’s words, “I am thankful for everything I have learned during my time at BCH.” Dr. Rodney Michael Briles serves as the Assistant to Senior Vice President Sam Barefoot and has served since 2020. He has 21 years of experience in church ministry serving in youth ministry, children’s ministry, and education ministry. He and his family reside in Indian Trail, NC. Alicia Rosser is the Manager of Oak Ranch and has served since 2010. She lives in Broadway with her family and is an avid equestrian and loves God’s creatures big and small. Tara Dawn Sessoms is the Director of BCH’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ministry and has served since 2019. She has been in the field of mental health for almost 25 years and is licensed as a Clinically Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certificated Counselor, and a Certified Sexual Offender Treatment Specialist.
Written by Jim Edminson, Editor of Charity & Children