Judson Kirkpatrick
Classification: Senior
Major: English Education
Hometown: Cleveland, TN

Lee University senior and Cleveland local, Judson Kirkpatrick, is set to graduate this December and embark upon his teaching career. A dedicated student, Judson is majoring in English Education and will be obtaining a second certification to teach middle and high school.

“I really am diving head-first into adult life!” said Judson. He will be reaching a second milestone in his life on December 29, when he marries his fiancée, Jenny. She is in her second year at Cleveland State Community College, and also wants to work within the field of education.

Judson has a full schedule these days, with wedding planning, student teaching and ministerial involvements. “This has been a very busy semester, but the experience has been valuable and I certainly feel more ready to enter the classroom” said Judson.

Teaching was an easy choice for Judson because of his involvement with youth and “a growing awareness of how many students need a good influence in their lives.”

Since his senior year of high school, Judson has been an intern at Crossroads of East Tennessee. This ministry works with local campuses and emphasizes “encouraging students to develop a total Christian worldview through Bible study.” Judson was a member of this organization while he was in school and now has moved up into the role of leading a Bible study for middle and high school aged students at Ocoee Middle School.

Judson has also grown up attending Southern Baptist churches, and has been a part of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries for four years.

“I enjoy the fellowship, and the new people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. Not only do we do fun stuff on the weekends, but we are involved in missions and local service projects, which is something I really appreciate.”

Judson views his time at Lee as an overall “good experience.” Said Judson, “I feel like I’ve gotten a quality education; I really do.” As far as the future is concerned, Judson would be content to spend the rest of his life in Cleveland, but he is excited about the prospect of “God opening doors elsewhere.”

“I want to be a husband who loves his wife like Christ loves the Church, a godly father when that time comes, and vocationally use the gifts God has given me to serve others and glorify Him,” he said.

By Katie Gee 

Posted on - 12/13/07