Glenn B. Ramsey: vice president

by AMY DAVIS
TENNESSEE BIBLE COLLEGE

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — As a youngster learning to read, Glenn B. Ramsey didn't have a slew of books at home to choose from. But his family did have a Bible—and the cover never got dusty.

"I just liked to read and study," said Glenn, a native of Putnam County. "One of the few things we had to read and study in my home was the Bible, so I began doing that very early."

By age 13, he had begun preaching some in his home congregation of Double Springs Church of Christ. 

"I never planned to do anything else except preach, really," he said.

But when the time came to go to college, Glenn decided that a teaching career also suited him, and the young man went on to earn a bachelor's degree in math education from Tennessee Technological University in 1965, followed by a master's degree in school administration and supervision in 1971.

Glenn B. Ramsey
Vice President

"I intended to teach high school math and also preach," he said. "That was my original plan, but then I went into full-time preaching and never got back to that."

However, a new twist to the plan developed in 1980, when Glenn teamed up with the staff of Tennessee Bible College in Cookeville as a part-time instructor. He had learned of the preacher-training school five years earlier, when it was founded by local minister Malcolm Hill. In 1985, he was offered the full-time position of TBC vice president.

It seemed the perfect fit — a way to incorporate both his occupational interests into one job.

"I wanted to help train preachers," he said. "I thought the best thing I could do for the rest of my working life would be to work in a school. I've always liked school."

In addition to his vice presidential and administrative duties at TBC, Ramsey continues teaching various courses in Bible, English and psychology.

He says the best part about working at TBC is the people.

"I enjoy being around the staff, teachers and the students," he said. "I love students. It's wonderful to be able to teach."

Another plus to the job, he said, is the opportunity to write and share brotherhood information. Each month, TBC staff members contribute to the college's journal, Living Oracles.

What has impressed Glenn most about TBC?

"I think it's the continuity of things," he said. "Brother Hill uses the term 'balance.'  We have been able to stay with the Bible and follow the teachings of God's Word in spite of any kind of outside pressure to do otherwise. I like that."

Before Tennessee Bible College came into the picture, Glenn had preached for various congregations. Moving on from his boyhood church at Double Springs, he ministered part-time at Smyrna Church of Christ in Cookeville. Next came Carthage, where he preached full-time from 1967-76, followed by another nine-year stint at Bybee Branch in McMinnville. 

He moved back to Putnam County in 1985 and preached at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Baxter until 2002, in addition to his duties at TBC. Today, he is a member of Northeast Church of Christ in Cookeville and continues to preach by appointment. As of 2008, he has preached 52 years.

He and his wife, Judy, have two children, Connie and Chad, and the role of minister carries on in the family. Son-in-law Tim McHenry preaches at Mt. Gilead Church of Christ in Tompkinsville, Ky., and son Chad, who is married to Beverly, ministers at Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Miss. A total of five grandchildren complete the family.

When Glenn isn't teaching at TBC or holding gospel meetings, he enjoys hunting, golfing and competition pistol shooting. For the latter, he competes twice monthly at Brush Creek in Smith County with his friends in the International Defensive Pistol Association.