Lubbock Christian University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Lubbock Christian University (LCU) has a rich history of producing graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. From renowned mental health experts and musicians to leaders in education and ranching, LCU alumni are making a difference in their communities and beyond. The university takes pride in recognizing these individuals through its annual Alumni Awards, celebrating their outstanding success and distinguished service.
Dr. John Delony: From LCU Student to Ramsey Personality
Dr. John Delony, a 2000 graduate of Lubbock Christian University, has achieved remarkable success as a mental health expert, author, and media personality. He is a Dave Ramsey Personality, hosts "The Dr. John Delony Show," a popular podcast and radio show, and has written bestselling books, including "Own Your Past, Change Your Future" and "Redefining Anxiety." His latest book, "Building a Non-Anxious Life," is set to be released this fall.
Delony's journey began with aspirations of fame, initially pursuing music, acting, and screenwriting. However, his perspective shifted during his time at LCU. After seeing "Goodwill Hunting," he felt inspired to help people on a deeper level. He decided to pursue a degree in humanities, providing him with a broad understanding of the human experience, before continuing his education in counseling and psychology in graduate school.
During his time at LCU, Dr. John Delony served as Student Senate President and was actively involved on campus. He acknowledges the profound influence of several LCU faculty members, including Dr. Andy Young, Dr. Beth Robinson, and Dr. Susan Blassingame, who guided him away from seeking fame and towards a path of service. He also credits Dr. Jeff Cary and other professors who instilled in him the importance of diligent writing and effective communication, skills that are essential in his current role.
Despite his initial reluctance to be in the spotlight, Dr. Delony's career path led him to various positions in higher education, including Assistant Dean of Students at LCU and roles at Texas Tech School of Law and Belmont College. These experiences honed his ability to address difficult questions in public, ultimately preparing him for his role as a radio host.
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Dr. Delony emphasizes that his motivation is not to gain fame or build a platform, but to help people improve their lives and find peace and joy. He earned a master's degree and two Ph.Ds. from Texas Tech University, one in higher education administration and the other in counselor education and supervision. These academic pursuits, combined with his years of experience working with students and families, have equipped him with valuable insights into the challenges people face.
Dr. Delony often speaks at conferences and events, sharing his expertise and insights on mental and emotional health. He cautions against blindly "following your passion," as it can lead to unrealistic expectations and a focus on feelings rather than perseverance. He believes that true fulfillment comes from putting in the hard work and developing the necessary skills, even when it's not easy.
His show focuses on providing guidance and support to callers who share their struggles on air. He recognizes the responsibility that comes with this role, acknowledging that he won't always get it right. However, he strives to be authentic and open with his callers, creating a space for compassion and understanding.
Dr. Delony believes that the success of his show lies not in his intelligence or perfect answers, but in his ability to compassionately connect with people who are hurting. He aims to model healthy human interaction, demonstrating that it's possible to approach difficult conversations with empathy and understanding.
Outside of his work, Dr. Delony prioritizes staying grounded by spending time in nature. He lives in the country, enjoys gardening, hunting, and fishing, and values the importance of connecting with the physical world. He also emphasizes the importance of close friendships and relationships, recognizing that loneliness is a major problem in modern society.
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Dr. Delony's time at LCU instilled in him a deep appreciation for friendship and the importance of showing up for others. He remains close to friends he made during his college years, and he also met his wife, Shelia, at LCU. He is grateful for the academic rigor he experienced at LCU, which prepared him to be an educated citizen and effective communicator.
Honoring Alumni Achievements: The 2023 Alumni Awards
Lubbock Christian University recognizes the accomplishments of its alumni through the annual Alumni Awards. The awards honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding success and service in their professions, communities, and to the university.
Tucker Brown: Young Alumnus of the Year
Tucker Brown, a 2016 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation, received the Young Alumnus of the Year Award. Brown is a sixth-generation rancher who uses his social media platform to connect beef consumers with the ranching community. He received the 2022 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Beef Advocate of the Year Award and is a member of the 2023 Trail Blazers NCBA team.
Dr. Cary Chisholm: Gary & Pat Estep Award
Dr. Cary Chisholm, a 2004 biology graduate, was honored with the Gary & Pat Estep Award for his contributions to the sciences. Dr. Chisholm completed a Pathology Residency at Scott & White Hospital and a Dermatopathology Fellowship at UT Southwestern. He is board-certified in three fields of pathology and works as a Dermatopathologist, Laboratory Director, and Market Medical Director at Epiphany Dermatology in Waco, TX.
James Hobbs: Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
James Hobbs, a 1976 Business Administration graduate, was named the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Hobbs owns and runs the Flying J Ranch in Ruidoso, NM, with his wife, Cindy. They perform with the Flying J Wranglers, a renowned western music group that has entertained over 1.2 million people since 1982. The Wranglers received the Will Rogers Award by the Academy of Western Artists as Western Group of the Year in 2009.
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Dr. Steve and Lynda McCleery: F.W. Mattox Award
Dr. Steve and Lynda McCleery were recognized with the F.W. Mattox Award for their excellence and service to the University. Lynda attended LCU from 1968-1970, while Steve received a Bachelor of Science in Education from LCU in 1972. Steve served as the fifth president of New Mexico Junior College from 1998-2016 and currently serves as President Emeritus and Advisor to the New Mexico Junior College President. The McCleery’s have deep roots at LCU, with Lynda being a former staff member and Steve a former faculty member.
Judy Siburt: K.C. Moser Award
Judy Siburt, who attended LCU from 1965-1966, received the K.C. Moser Award for her service to the Kingdom of God. Siburt served alongside her late husband, Charles, as a partner and friend to the Siburt Institute, consulting with churches and ministers. She currently serves as the board chair of the Institute of Theology Christ Ministry Foundation (ITCM) in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Other Notable Alumni
Besides the aforementioned alumni, Lubbock Christian University has produced a number of other notable individuals who have excelled in their respective fields:
- John Harris: The first former Chaparral to make it to the Major League level in baseball.
- Steve Watkins: A Chaparral baseball player who made a lasting impression, including a win during a sweep of Oklahoma Baptist.
- K.C. George: Known for his key role with The Acappella Company, where he co-produced several popular albums and served as lead singer for seven years.
- Michael: A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science/Pre-Vet who began using ultrasound technology to evaluate the effects of superovulation protocols on Bovine Embryo Transfer donors.
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