Notable Alumni of Nelson University: Shaping the World Through Service and Achievement

Nelson University, formerly known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), has a rich history of educating and preparing individuals to serve Christ and others. Founded in 1927 by P.C. Nelson, the university has evolved into a leading Christian institution that empowers students to discover and develop their God-given callings. With nearly 9,000 alumni working in diverse fields, Nelson University graduates are making a significant impact on the world. The Alumni Association recognizes individuals each year for outstanding service and support of the university, as well as for their contributions and noteworthy success within their respective industry, vocation, or service.

Honoring Distinguished Alumni: The P.C. Nelson Award

The highest award granted by the Alumni Association is named in honor of founding President, Dr. P.C. Nelson. This prestigious award is reserved for alumni who have achieved prominence in a particular service field and demonstrated outstanding loyalty and service to Nelson University.

Dr. Gaylan Claunch: A Lifetime of Ministry

Dr. Gaylan Claunch, a distinguished alumnus of Nelson University, was honored with the 2020 P.C. Nelson Distinguished Alumnus Award for his faithful service in full-time ministry for over 50 years. Currently serving as the Superintendent for the North Texas District Council, Dr. Claunch's dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the community.

Dr. John Denny: Spreading the Gospel in Africa

Dr. John Denny and his wife, Sandy, were also recipients of the P.C. Nelson Distinguished Alumnus Award for their unwavering commitment to missions in Africa. Since 1992, they have served as Assemblies of God (USA) missionaries, leading the Acts in Africa Initiative (AIA). Their ministry focuses on encouraging authentic Pentecostal and missional renewal in the more than 83,000 Assemblies of God churches across the continent. Dr. Denny's work has involved pastoral training, church planting, missions mobilization, and Bible translation. He also served as academic dean for the College Division of the Assemblies of God School of Theology (AGST) in Lilongwe, Malawi, and founded the Assemblies of God Extension School (AGXS) in Malawi. Dr. Denny has taught and preached in more than 38 African countries.

Recognizing Faculty Excellence: The Distinguished Faculty Award

The Distinguished Faculty Award is bestowed upon a faculty member in recognition of notable service in his/her academic field, community, state, nation, or exceptional performance in the classroom.

Dr. Manley: Shaping Future Educators

Dr. Manley has served in Nelson University’s Teacher Education program for over twenty years, shaping the next generation of educators. Before joining the university faculty, Dr. Manley taught elementary school, and later served as Elementary School Principal for Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, where she currently serves on the school board.

Dr. John Savell: Championing Mental Health and Human Services

Dr. John Savell has served Nelson University with distinction, bringing over 40 years of experience in the mental health field to his role as an Associate Professor of Psychology. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, specializing in working with Children and Families, Dr. Savell has worked in various settings, including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, prison settings, neuropsychological rehabilitation centers, private practice, and several colleges and universities throughout Texas. He currently serves full-time as an Associate Professor of Psychology at SAGU and is the Program Coordinator of the Human Services Program and Addictions Counseling Program. An ordained minister through Foundation Ministries, he serves on the Board of Directors for Chi Alpha Ministries at TCU in Fort Worth and the Board of Directors for Bethesda School of Ministry.

Alumni Making a Difference: Service and Leadership Awards

Nelson University alumni are making a difference in their communities and professions, embodying the university's mission of service and leadership.

John Ashbrook: Building Bridges Through Construction and Missions

John Ashbrook attended Southwestern in 1966. Although he later pursued a Civil Engineering degree from Louisiana Tech, Southwestern has always had a special place in his heart. It was here that he met Ramona Burk. They wed in June of 1967 and were married for 48 years. In 1971, John started his company Ashbrook Contractors and continued to work in construction and engineering since. For decades, he also utilized his aptitude for construction and building to serve in missions. He has either led or participated in over 25 building trips to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Haiti, Thailand, and the Philippines. Southwestern has truly been blessed with John’s wisdom and discernment as a board member over the last 12 years and his sincere commitment to this institution.

Robert Purvey: Mentoring and Inspiring Youth

Robert Purvey is an FCA Character Coach to several high school athletic departments across the area; he has been honored as “Character Coach of the Year” for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he is a mentor in over 5 school districts across the DFW metroplex earning over 5 “mentor of the year” awards. Purvey serves as a member of the City of Arlington speakers bureau, and he works faithfully with several shelters and prevention programs in the DFW Metroplex. Over the past decade, Purvey has built one of the most consistent and solid youth and young adult ministries by creating and implementing cutting edge and innovative ministries.

Robien: A Rising Star in Business Leadership

Robien graduated from Nelson University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Marketing. After graduating, Robien led the marketing organization at VAR Technology Finance, where he rebranded the company and provided support for private label finance programs. After receiving a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern Methodist University in 2015, Robien was selected to participate in a post-MBA leadership development program at American Airlines, where he rotated through Revenue Management, Airport Operations and Corporate Planning departments. During his time at American, Robien was recognized for his contributions as a recipient of the American Airlines Cargo All-Star Award and the Butler Award for Servant Leadership. During his time at SAGU, Robien was the Vice President of Student Congress and a student worker in the Career Development office.

Joshua: Spreading the Gospel to the Nations

Mission TEN (To Every Nation) is an initiative at SAGU to pray, proclaim the gospel, and send workers to every nation on earth. Mission TEN’s commitment began in 2008 with hopes to place a mission team on the ground in every nation of the world within ten years of its initial launch. Joshua graduated from SAGU in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and a M.A. in counseling in 2013. Reflecting on his experience as a student at SAGU, Joshua remembers how God led him to missions after attending a World Prayer Meeting on campus. He later went on to serve as the President of the Student Missions Association (SMA). During his presidency, the Mission TEN initiative was first launched and through his administrative role, he was able to help oversee and develop the training for student mission trip leaders. Today, Joshua believes that simple acts of willingness and obedience is what God used to lead him and his family to where He wanted them.

Beverly: Guiding Students to Success in Career Development

Beverly is the Director of Career Development. She joined the department in 1998 and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling/Psychology. Beverly is a member of Southwestern Women’s Auxiliary and currently serves as Vice-President of fundraising. She also served as SAGU’s Cheer Coach/Advisor for 15 years.

Eric & Brooke: Inspiring Hope and Strengthening the Church

Eric & Brooke are an outstanding example of the spirit, philosophy, and vision of SAGU. Eric has been in vocational ministry since 2010 and is the lead pastor of Evangel in Gainesville, GA. They are passionate about training and discipling leaders as well as strengthening the local church through messages of hope and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Eric holds a degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arkansas and a Masters in Bible and Theology from SAGU (2017).

Charity Murdoch: Exemplifying Excellence at Southwest Airlines

Charity Murdoch graduated from SAGU in 2007 with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. She recently received Southwest Airlines’ President’s Award, the airline’s most prestigious award. Nominated by peers and selected by Southwest’s top leadership, the award is a recognition of employees who consistently display the best qualities of the company and contribute to its success. Over the past 9 years, Murdoch has served in a variety of different roles before she received the position of Executive Assistant for one of the company’s vice presidents in 2015. Before arriving at Southwest, Murdoch worked as an administrative coordinator in the Distance Education office at SAGU.

General Miller: Serving with Distinction in the Air Force Medical Service

General Miller originally came to SAGU to play basketball. He completed his associates at SAGU and notes the strong relationships and many memories that he made at the university. General Miller served as Assistant Surgeon General, Strategic Medical Plans, Programs and Budget, and Chief of the Medical Service Corps, Office of the Surgeon General, Arlington, Virginia. As the Air Force Medical Service senior programmer, General Miller’s key responsibilities were integrating, analyzing and defending the Defense Health Program and medical elements of Air Force funding for the Future Years Defense Program.

Kenneth Starnes: A Leader in Chemical Engineering

Kenneth Starnes grew up in Livingston, Texas, where his parents pastored for 23 years. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Michael Watson: From Nelson University Lion to Professional Baseball Player

Michael Watson, a former pitcher for the Nelson University Lions and a native of Glen Rose, TX, has achieved a significant milestone in his baseball career. On July 16th, Watson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Watson's impressive tenure with the Lions spanned the 2021-23 seasons, where he demonstrated exceptional skill on the mound. Following his time at Nelson University, he continued to excel at NCAA Division 1 Sam Houston State University during his senior season. Throughout his college career, Watson shattered records and set new standards. He holds both the career and single-season strikeout records for the Lions program. Nelson University Lions Head Coach Matt Cornacchione praised Watson's growth and success, stating, "Michael has succeeded at every level he's been at. He grew tremendously as a pitcher and competitor during his time with our program, and he's a great representative of our institution. Congratulations to Michael Watson on this remarkable achievement. His hard work, talent, and perseverance have paid off, and the Nelson University community will be cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with the St.

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