Truett McConnell University Alumni Association Executive Committee

Executive Committee 2024-2025

Tate Gaines (’17), President
Tate Gaines graduated from TMU in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He was a student-athlete on campus, playing for our baseball team all four years of his undergraduate program. Tate now resides in Covington with his wife, Meghann (his high school sweetheart), and their two daughters, Maggie and Payton. He is currently the Vice President of Knight and Gaines Insurance Group while partnering with his wife to operate their vacation rental property management and online sales businesses. Tate serves in his local church’s men’s groups, participates in multiple leadership and mentorship organizations, and enjoys golf, the Atlanta Braves, and following college football. He is an avid reader and enjoys traveling with his family

Sarah Newton (’21), Vice President
 

Sarah Newton graduated from TMU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. She currently serves as the Academic Program Specialist in the Pilgram Marpeck School of STEM and is the Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse. Sarah is completing her Master’s degree in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science at Auburn University, with graduation set for December. She has been married to her husband Aaron for three years, and they are expecting their first child in May 2025. Sarah also enjoys volunteering with Habersham FFA Alumni and spending time with her family.

 

Maggie Smart (’24), Secretary
Maggie Smart graduated from Truett McConnell University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She now works  as a 9th grade ELA teacher at Berrien High School. Maggie was very involved in Student Life during her time at TMU, and was the student worker for the Alumni department for 2 years. She loves anything to do with Georgia football and a good Diet Coke!

Glenn Jones (’73), Treasurer
 

Glenn Jones graduated from Truett McConnell College in 1973 with an Associate of Arts degree, continuing his education at Valdosta State College, where he earned a B.A. in 1975, an M.A. in 1976, and an M.Ed. in 1977. In 1993, he furthered his expertise with an Ed.S. from the University of Georgia. Glenn dedicated over 30 years to education, serving in the Habersham County School system from 1977 until his retirement in 2008. Throughout his career, he contributed to the growth and development of countless students, leaving a lasting legacy in the Habersham County community.

 

Patsy Benton

Amy Willis Clegg (’91)

Amy Clegg graduated from Truett-McConnell in 1991, where she studied pre-pharmacy before transferring to the University of Georgia to attend the School of Pharmacy. She earned her pharmacy degree in 1994 and has served as a Pharmacist with Carmichael Drugs for 27 years. She currently works at the Covington, GA location. While at Truett, Amy met her husband of 31 years, Jeff Clegg, who now serves as the Pastor of Stewart Community Church in Covington, GA. They have two sons, Mitchell 27, who is married to Meredith, and Zach 23, who is married to Cheyenne. Amy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and playing pickleball. Her favorite part of her time at Truett was the close-knit community among students and faculty. Truett will always hold a special place in her heart.

 

Jaye Copeland (’77)
Jaye graduated from Truett in the Spring of 1977 and continued her education at Georgia College receiving a BS in recreation and then Southwestern Seminary where she received her Master’s degree in Religious Education.  After serving camps and conference centers in Georiga and Indiana, Jaye returned to school to get her Master of Arts in Teaching degree and taught in public education for 15 years before retiring in 2023.  Since retirement, Jaye has remained involved in her local church as a children’s Sunday School teacher, and church pianist.  She is also enjoying her retirement years as being the caregiver to her mother.  Jaye has two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and four beautiful grandchildren.

Vicki Doud (’75)

A North Georgia native, she spent many years living in Tampa, Florida, where she raised her family. She is the proud mother of three adult children and grandmother to four adorable young grandchildren.

She holds Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees from Truett-McConnell College, Brenau University, and The University of Tampa. Her time at Truett-McConnell College, nestled in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, was especially meaningful, as she formed lifelong, Godly friendships there. Her family’s connection to the institution runs deep—her youngest daughter was part of TMU’s first graduating class in 2016, and many members of the Doud family have graduated from TMC/TMU over the past 60 years.

Recently retired, she enjoyed a 35-year career teaching K–12 Music for the State of Florida. Throughout her career, she taught Music Education and directed a wide variety of musical ensembles, including Chorus, World Drumming, Handbells, Bucket Drumming, Orff/Mallet Percussion, Guitar, Baritone Ukulele, Recorders, and Band. She has also offered private lessons in Voice, Baritone Ukulele, Guitar, Piano, and Woodwinds from her home.

When she’s not spending time with her family, she can often be found boating, fishing, or snorkeling between Tampa Bay and Key West. She also enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, watercolor painting, raising succulents, and collecting seashells.

Andrea Gray (’88)
Andrea Gray, an 1988 alumna of Truett McConnell, went on to earn her degree in Education from Mercer University and later a Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia. She has enjoyed a fulfilling career in teaching, having served in schools across Rockdale County, Georgia; Mansfield, Texas; and Fayette County, Georgia. Andrea married Johnathan Gray, the brother of a dear friend and fellow Truett alum. Johnathan has dedicated his life to ministry, formerly serving as a pastor and now as President of the Georgia Baptist Foundation.

Together, they have four children who continue the family’s legacy of faith and service. Myra Ashley, married to Levi Woodard, is a Truett McConnell graduate living in Portland, Maine, where she works in refugee ministry as an English Program Coordinator and serves as a lay leader in a young church. Emilyn, a recent graduate of Mississippi College, is now the Digital Content Coordinator for Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, Mississippi. Ellie is currently a junior at the University of Alabama, studying business, while Landon is a senior at Bremen High School.

Truett McConnell holds a special place in Andrea’s heart, with the Folsom Fountain named in honor of her father, who began a legacy of family members attending TMU. The university’s impact continues to inspire her family, who serve in various ministries and communities across the country.

Stacy Hall

Dr. Stacy Hall serves as Vice President for Advancement and Associate Professor of Business at Truett McConnell University. Appointed to the position in 2024, Dr. Hall provides executive leadership for institutional marketing, alumni relations, and development. Under his direction, TMU achieved record-setting growth in fundraising and engagement during his first full academic year, including more than $3.8 million raised, $2.4 million in new planned estate gifts, a 43% increase in unrestricted giving, and the largest corporate partnership in university history.

This marks Dr. Hall’s second tenure with Truett McConnell University. From 2012 to 2017, he served as Director of Athletics and Assistant Professor of Business, guiding the athletic program through a period of unprecedented success marked by new facility construction, record-setting academic performance, and significant fundraising milestones. He returned to TMU in 2022 as Associate Professor of Business and Program Director for Strategic Partnerships, Advancement, and Career Advisement, where he strengthened external partnerships and established the School of Business Advisory Board.

Dr. Hall brings nearly thirty years of leadership experience in higher education, business, and public service. Prior to his current role, he held senior executive positions in collegiate sports marketing, including nearly a decade with ISP Sports and IMG College, where he managed multi-media marketing rights for NCAA Division I institutions across the Southeastern Conference. His corporate management experience encompassed more than $100 million in media contracts and oversight of 70+ employees across multiple properties.

In addition to his academic and professional work, Dr. Hall is Co-Founder and Principal of Hall & Company, a successful real estate investment and development firm based in Clarkesville, Georgia. He has also served his community through extensive public service, including terms as Chairman of the Habersham County Commission, Chairman of the Habersham Medical Center Hospital Authority, and Chairman of the White County Chamber of Commerce. A committed Christian leader, Dr. Hall has served as Chairman for the Habersham Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is active in ministry through Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia.

Dr. Hall is the author of Counting the Cost: Raising & Coaching Elite Athletes (2025) and a frequent speaker on leadership, branding, and organizational development. He holds a Ph.D. in Sport Administration from Florida State University, an MBA from Truett McConnell University, an M.S. in Sport Management from Georgia Southern University, and a B.S. in Physical Education from East Carolina University.

Hyatt Hendrix (’21)
Hyatt Hendrix graduated Truett McConnell University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in December of 2020. He is currently employed as a Portfolio Specialist at United Community Bank. He spent three years employed at TMU, serving in the campus mailroom. Hyatt met his wife, Gideon, at TMU and the couple has been married been since 2021. He is a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan and loves all things related to Disney history.

Barry Thompson (’73)
Dr. Barry W. Thompson, a native of Lithia Springs in Douglas County, Georgia, now resides in Carrollton, Georgia, with his wife and ministry partner, Kay Thompson. His educational journey began at Truett McConnell College (now University) in Cleveland, GA, followed by Mercer University’s Atlanta campus and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Thompson currently serves as Pastor of Care, Prayer, and Connections at Midway Church in Carroll County, GA. His previous ministry roles include serving at FBC Decatur in Alabama, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs, New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Dunwoody Baptist in Dunwoody, MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church in Irving, TX, and Brookhaven Baptist Church in Atlanta.

In addition to his pastoral roles, Dr. Thompson has served in various leadership capacities. He was a member of the Truett McConnell University Board of Trustees for 15 years, including three years as chairman, and the Board of Visitors at Truett McConnell for nine years. He also served eight years on the Board of Trustees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His academic contributions include teaching as an adjunct professor of Leadership and Discipleship at New Orleans Seminary College in Marietta, GA, for two years. Dr. Thompson is also a growth consultant, specializing in organizational development, staff training, and building growth for evangelical churches and organizations.

 

Michael Tull (’75)

Living Out Faith Through Work and Service

Michael Tull (Class of 1975)
CEO, Tull Sales Company

After attending Truett McConnell Junior College in 1974–75, Michael Tull went on to build a remarkable five-decade career in the building materials industry. As CEO of Tull Sales Company, he has represented leading manufacturers of fiberglass exterior doors, patio doors, and aluminum railings, helping distributors across the Southeast select products that meet the needs of local builders. Known throughout the industry as “the living legend,” Michael has sold millions of fiberglass doors and is respected for his integrity, expertise, and deep commitment to helping others succeed.

Beyond business, Michael’s life reflects a passion for service and faith. He serves as an Elder at Rivercliff Lutheran Church in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and as a Bible study teacher at the Atlanta Union Mission through Stepping Stones Ministry. His heart for missions has taken him to El Salvador with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), where he helps lead Homes of Hope projects that provide safe, sturdy housing for families living in poverty. Whether in the boardroom, on a construction site, or serving abroad, Michael continues to live out the values first nurtured during his time at Truett McConnell — faith, leadership, and a heart for others.

Margie Webb DeLay (’61)

Margie Webb DeLay graduated from Truett McConnell in 1961 with an associate’s degree in business administration. Her favorite part of her time at TMC was all her teachers and classmates. She loved being surrounded by deeply dedicated people who influenced the course of her life and helped her build a firm foundation. She feels richly blessed by her Truett family and the lifelong relationships she built. In addition, she received the Truett McConnell Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2014.

Margie met her husband, Jim Webb, at TMC and they lived in Cobb County for around 40 years before moving back to her hometown of Gainesville, GA. They have 2 daughters and 10 fantastic grandchildren! She believes her most fulfilling career was being a wife and stay-at-home mom; followed by her job working for Cobb County Schools for 20 years. Her husband Jim passed away in 2016; and she married Jim DeLay last year. She hopes to continue living in service to God and others.

Leanne Wilson (’99)

Leanne Wilson is a proud graduate of TMU’s Class of 1999 and currently resides in Marietta, Georgia with her husband Sean and their three children.  She is actively involved through Johnson Ferry Baptist, where she participates in various ministry programs. She started a faith-based ministry, “Fishers of Men,” that combines her love for the Lord with her passion for creative evangelism.  Professionally, Leanne brings over two decades of corporate experience. Her career has included a unique three-year stint living in China, where she worked in factories and gained international business experience. She currently works at Carter’s, the children’s clothing company. Leanne is a dedicated Southerner who loves crafting and sharing the warmth of her faith and community.