President B. Keith Faulkner said, “Jon Davis led spiritual life on this campus for years, shining the light of Christ. His authenticity and strong desire to share the gospel with every person he met brought joy to our community. There are hundreds of stories of Jon leading students to the Lord, and the impact of his life on God’s kingdom and so many lives is immeasurable.”

A beloved member of the ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern family, Jon never met a stranger. His 35-year journey at CSU began when he was appointed an assistant football coach in 1991. He left coaching in 1999 to pursue full-time ministry as pastor of Summit Church in North ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ, a position he held until his death. He returned to ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern in 2004 as assistant campus pastor, and in 2011 was named campus pastor. He later served as assistant dean of students, director of the Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership and was named associate vice president for spiritual life in 2019. He also served as an adjunct professor in the College of Christian Studies.

He held a BA from Catawba College, a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the Evangelical Theological Seminary, and he had begun studies toward his doctorate.

Jon and his wife, Lynette, have four children, and three grandchildren. Jon’s brother, James A. Davis, is a current member of the CSU Board of Trustees.

Jon’s celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Salisbury on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11 a.m.

A second celebration of life will be held at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University in Lightsey Chapel on March 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A visitation with family will be held prior to the service from 2-4 p.m., and a reception will follow the service.

If you are unable to attend the Celebration of Life service for Rev. Jon Davis tomorrow, Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m. in Lightsey Chapel, Summit Church will livestream the service from their Facebook page .

Please continue to lift the Davis family and all who knew Jon in prayer. 

New members of the board:

Kevin Chafin, serving his second term as a CSU trustee, is executive vice president, federal for GFT in ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ.

David Sons, serving his first term, is senior pastor of North Augusta First Baptist Church in North Augusta.

Gloria Thiem, serving her seventh term as a CSU trustee, is a retired business owner.

Talmadge Tobias, serving his first term, is the retired city manager of the City of Sumter.

Stacy Wiggins, owner of Stacy E. Wiggins, CPA, PC in ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ, is serving his first term on the board and holds a BS and MBA from ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern.

“Yesterday was a pivotal day in hitting and exceeding our fundraising goal at this fun event,” President B. Keith Faulkner said. “This was about $75,000 more than previous annual tournament efforts, and I am humbled and grateful for each volunteer, staff member, and donor who made this possible for students to achieve their academic goals without financial burden.”

More than 124 golfers in the sold-out flight of 31 teams began the day with a shotgun start in a 4-man scramble format. 

Tournament planning was led by Corey Addy, director of development, with the support of the university’s Office of Development. 

“It was great to not only see our previous supporters and teams step up to reach our goal but about 50% of the field were all new businesses and partners,” Addy said. “This is a testament to the tremendous growth we’ve experienced at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern.”

Sponsorships ranged from $350 to $15,000, from hole sponsorship to title. Seventy-seven businesses and individuals showed their support, including the following top-level sponsors:

• Huntington National Bank, Title Sponsor

• Carolina Chillers, Towel & Hat Sponsor

• Trident Construction, Putting Green & Golf Ball Sponsor

• United Bank, Driving Range Sponsor

• Enterprise Mobility, Food & Bev Sponsor

• Pinnacle Financial, Major Hole in One Sponsor

• Ecclesia Construction, Long Drive + Team Sponsor

The 2025 President’s Golf Tournament winner was Insurance Office of America’s team with a score of 52.

Those interested in tournament play next year and to learn about other opportunities to support student scholarships at CSU, go to or contact Corey Addy at caddy@csuniv.edu. 

Download tournament photos .

CSU Alumni: 

• Bernie Mazyck ’81 – President and CEO, South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development

CSU Affiliates: 

• Trent Holland – Senior Managing Director, South Carolina Huntington Bank, executive council of the CSU Board of Visitors 
• Scott Woods – former CSU Board of Trustees member

Sarah Durham ’24, Kelly Venning ’23, and D.J. Brummett ’25 were accompanied by CSU President Keith Faulkner on the trip to Grenada in the West Indies.

Sarah shared her impressions of the trip:

“For me, Grenada was like a glimpse into what Heaven will be like. It was incredible getting to be around so many amazing Christian individuals, to hear their testimonies, learn about how they were helping in the shoebox process, and to grow a strong Christian community and friendships together. 

“The children were happy, energetic, and extremely grateful. They were so engaging and were truly on fire for the gospel. In Grenada, some of the strongest Christians leaders are the children. Never underestimate the strength and powers of a child to change nations and the hearts of their community to Christ. 

“It was great getting to spend time with President Faulkner. He is so approachable, humble, and full of humor! I am grateful he was on the trip with us. When my carry-on bag had to be checked for the flight home, he stayed at the airport with me an extra 30 minutes just to make sure he walked me back to my car and that I got back safely since it was already dark and around 1 a.m. by this point. 

“I learned that a ball of any type (soccer, football, baseball, softball, bouncy ball, stress ball, etc.) must be included in every box from now on. They are a boy’s favorite thing to see. The girls love arts and crafts related items like bracelet making sets.” 

Other members of nonprofits and other universities also went on the Grenada OCC trip, including Dr. Jill McElheny, who is now a member of the CSU College of Nursing. 

Dean Murphy will serve as chair of the board for the second year. Jerry Williams will serve as vice chair and Bill Carpenter as secretary for the second year.

The five board members include three former board members and two first-time members:

• Seth Buckley is director of leadership development of Fire Pit Ranch in Spartanburg, which focuses on mentoring young men. He is serving his first term.
• James Davis is an attorney with Davis & Davis Law Firm in Salisbury, North Carolina, and is serving his second term as a trustee. He has also been a member of the CSU Board of Visitors.
• Linda Fick is a retired businesswoman and lives in Bluffton. She previously served a term on the board and has been a member of the CSU Women’s Council.
• Judy Hetz is president of EduCare, Inc., and is serving her second term on the board. She is also a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and Buc Club.
• Randy Harling is the lead pastor of Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville and is serving his first term on the board.

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University recognized five members of the board of trustees at the board’s October meeting for five years of service to the university.

Completing their terms on the board were: Michelle “Missie” Branch, Phil Byrd, Mark Hood, Dr. D.J. Horton, and Dr. James Merritt.

President B. Keith Faulkner said, “ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University appreciates the service of these board members whose leadership was invaluable in assisting the university in preparing servant leaders to pursue significant lives.”

Branch is a speaker, author, and host of the Women & Work podcast. She serves on the Southern Baptist Convention’s Racial Reconciliation Steering Committee, and is currently chairman of the Lifeway Christian Resources Board of Trustees.

Byrd is a 1976 graduate of ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University. He is the retired president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway and recently received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Henry McMaster for his service to South Carolina.

Hood is president and CEO of Hood Construction in Columbia. He is actively involved in the Columbia community and is a member of Shandon Baptist Church. 

Horton is the senior pastor of Church at the Mill in Moore. He is the founder of Living Worthy Ministries where he shares his preaching, teaching, and resources.

Merritt is senior pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Georgia. He hosts the broadcast ministry of Touching Lives. He is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

B. Keith Faulkner, president of ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University, is this year’s recipient of the William R. Rakes Leadership in Education Award by the Virginia State Bar Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia. 

The Rakes Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in improving legal education as well as in advancing relationships and professionalism among members of the academy, the bench, and the bar within the legal profession in Virginia.  

Faulkner’s distinguished career in education administration and academia spans two decades and includes leadership at two Virginia institutions of higher education: at Liberty University School of Law as a former dean and at Appalachian School of Law as a former president and dean.

Faulkner’s time at Liberty University School of Law from 2015–2021 was marked by success and growth for the school. At Liberty Law, Faulkner led efforts in establishing the Virginia Legal Aid Clinic, the Intellectual Property Clinic, a Professionalism Series for first-year law students, and the first financial planning program exclusively based in a JD program registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. 

Additionally, Liberty Law was recognized as having the nation’s seventh highest bar passage rate in 2019—a product of a bar preparation program Faulkner championed. He also taught a Law Practice Management course and oversaw the development of an Honors Program at the law school. By the time Faulkner departed Liberty Law, enrollment had increased over 50 percent.

Kristine H. Smith, director of employer and student services at Liberty University School of Law, nominated Faulkner for this award.

“Keith Faulkner is an exceptional leader, communicator, team motivator, and visionary, and has a remarkable record of enhancing communication, cooperation, and meaningful collaboration among the three constituencies of the legal profession,” Smith wrote in her nomination letter.

After his celebrated tenure at Liberty Law, Faulkner became the president and dean of Appalachian School of Law—located in Grundy—until 2023, when he joined ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University, his undergraduate alma mater, as president.

In the Virginia legal community, Faulkner served as a representative on the Virginia Bar Association’s Board of Governors and as chair of the VSB’s Section on the Education of Lawyers in Virginia. He also was a board member of the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges as well as the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

Faulkner received his JD from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University and his LLM at Baylor University School of Law. Before attending law school, Faulkner served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power plant operator and technician.

The Leadership in Education Award was presented to Faulkner May 31 at the VSB annual meeting in Virginia Beach.

Faulkner is president of ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University. Thomas A. Edmonds is a former award recipient and former executive director of the VSB. William R. Rakes is the award’s inaugural recipient and its namesake, and his firm, GentryLocke, underwrites the award reception.

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University inaugurated B. Keith Faulkner as the university’s fourth president Monday, March 25 in a service in Lightsey Chapel.

Faulkner was unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees on July 25, 2023, and began his service as president in October. He is the first ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern alumnus to serve the university as president. Faulkner graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a finance emphasis in 1998.

When Faulkner arrived on campus, he said he was focused on four things: Listening, Caring, Casting Vision, and Leading. He thanked the ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern faculty and staff and said, “This is a team dedicated to service above self.” He pledged to invest in people – in employees and the student body.

He said, “Casting a vision is not enough. Faith requires us to act. Walking in faith requires vision and action. Vision with action can change the world.”

Faulkner concluded with a challenge to the CSU family: “One who has hope lives differently. We are people of hope. We are respectful of our past with a laser focus on the future.”

Melissa Essary, dean emerita and professor of law at Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, worked with Faulkner at Campbell and gave the keynote address.

Essary said, “Sometimes you meet someone and you’re optimistic about who they appear to be. Sometimes, they are everything you hoped they would be and more. Meet Keith Faulkner.”

Among those bringing greetings from different groups was Dr. Maxwell Rollins, professor of business and director of graduate programs in the Nielsen College of Business. Faulkner is a former student of Rollins and also worked for Rollins in his DJ business. Rollins, representing the CSU faculty, said, “One of our Buccaneers has returned, and it is time for CSU to shine.”

Faulkner’s service prior to accepting the position at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern included serving in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power plant operator and technician and an instructor. He had 20 years of higher education service as president, dean, and professor of law at Appalachian School of Law in Virginia; as dean and professor of law at Liberty University School of Law; as dean and professor at the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University; and as interim dean, vice dean, executive associate dean for external relations at Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. Before he stepped into higher education, Faulkner practiced law in the areas of insurance defense, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, and real estate litigation and transactions. 

He earned a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law and a Master of Laws in litigation management from Baylor University School of Law. 

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University is welcoming five new members to the Board of Trustees this month who will serve until December 2028. 

CSU President B. Keith Faulkner said, “We are delighted to welcome our new trustees and look forward to their assistance and leadership as we work together to prepare servant leaders to lead significant lives. Their expertise in business, education, and training Christian leaders will be an excellent asset for ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern.” 

Dr. Ryan Ashley ’06 BS, ’09 MEd in secondary administration, is principal of Kennedy Middle School in Aiken. He currently serves as president of the Rotary Club in Aiken and is a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. He is a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and previously served a term on the CSU Board of Trustees. 

Larry Driggers of Hanahan is a local business owner and has been active at CSU on the CSU Board of Visitors leadership council, the Buc Club, and as a former Board of Trustees member. He and his family established The Dorothy D. Driggers Endowed Scholarship at CSU, and he is a member of Highland Park Baptist Church. 

Rick Redden is a strategy consultant with The McNair Group. He is the retired division CEO for Wachovia/Wells Fargo, where he led the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic states. Currently, he serves on the First Reliance Bank Board of Directors and the Appalachian State Business School Board. He is a member of The Church at Life Park and has been featured on the S.C. Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential list. He is a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and a former member of the CRDA Economic Leadership Council and the Clemson University Board of Visitors.

Tim Whitfield is a local business owner, former member of the CSU Board of Trustees, member of the CSU Legacy Society, and he and his family have been major donors to numerous ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern projects over the years. He administers the Whitfield Family Charitable Trust and is a member of Grace on the Ashley Baptist Church. 

Bobby Wood is pastor of Redemption Church in Ogden, Utah. He is also the Send Network Director for the North American Mission Board. He is originally from Summerville and routinely speaks at CSU Chapel and many other CSU events.