By Grace Thornton
The Alabama Baptist
At its spring commencement June 27, Judson College in Marion honored Jennifer Davis Rash, editor and president of TAB Media, with a doctor of humane letters.
She is “an individual who has worked tirelessly for Alabama Baptists, for Southern Baptists and for the kingdom of God,” said W. Mark Tew, Judson president, before presenting her with the institution’s highest honor.
Tew said the award recognizes Rash’s accomplishment as the first female editor and president of TAB and honors her service “to the community of Baptists in Alabama and throughout the world.”
Rash was also the commencement speaker, the first time a TAB editor has served in that role at Judson in 45 years. During the service — held outdoors in front of Jewett Hall — 61 graduates received degrees.
Rash told the crowd it was “truly an honor” to be a part of the service, and she challenged graduates to “commit today to finish well with confidence in who you are and assurance in Whose you are.”
She also gave them a list of ABCs to take with them in life — Always tell the truth but be kind in the process; Be forgiving and able to let go of past hurts; and Calm the chaos around you by giving more than you take and being part of the solution.
“The fact is, we need you,” she said. “We need your light, we need your kindness, we need your smarts, we need your energy, and we need your teachability.”
Rash began her service as editor and president in 2019 after 23 years of service at TAB. She came to the publication in 1996 as a news writer and later became news editor, then managing editor, executive editor and editor-elect before her current position.
The commencement service also served as an investiture ceremony for Tew, whose April inauguration was postponed because of COVID-19. Joan Vignes Newman, Judson’s board chairman, conducted the conferral of the president’s medallion.
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