Campbellsville University honors Lexington man and woman with Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards

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Dr. Joseph L. Owens, left, and Kristen Jacob, both of Lexington, were presented the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards at Campbellsville University’s commencements

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (06/21/2016)(readMedia)-- Dr. Joseph L. Owens and Kristen Jacob, two individuals with servant hearts and who, like Algernon Sydney Sullivan, "reached out both hands in constant helpfulness to others," were awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards at commencement recently.

Owens and Jacob are both from Lexington, Ky.

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president, said Campbellsville University, for the 11 consecutive year, is one of 70 colleges and universities in the South that are approved to present the awards.

Sullivan was a lawyer, devout Christian, mediator, powerful and appealing orator, a courageous citizen during perilous times, a noted philanthropist and a devoted family man.

Owens has a servant heart and has served Campbellsville University five terms as chair of the Board of Trustees and on the board 13 years.

He is in his 16th year as senior pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky., and was commencement speaker for the May 14 ceremonies.

"Dr. Owens is strong in his support of and advocacy for Campbellsville University," Carter said.

In addition to meeting his wife at CU, he made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ in CU, was called to the ministry while a CU student and graduated from CU in 1977 with a degree in Christian Studies. He received a master of divinity and master of religious education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1980 and a doctorate of ministry in 2000 from United Theological Seminary.

Owens has been involved in numerous other organizations such as: chair, Black Church Coalition of the Bluegrass, chairman, the national board of Directors for Direct Action Research Training, former moderator of the Consolidated District Baptist Association, former president of the Baptist Unified Christian Leadership Conference, member of and former chair of the CU Church Relations Council.

Owens previously served as pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Midway and seven years as Second Baptist Church in Vincennes, Ind.

Owens is married to Elizabeth White of Jacksonville, Fla. Owens is one of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. George Owens Jr. of Lebanon. Mrs. Owens is a child guidance specialist with the Fayette County Schools.

The couple has two children, Charisa Jene and John Mark, and two grandchildren.

Carter said Jacob's record at Campbellsville University is "one of servant leadership and exemplary engagement in campus life."

Jacob graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a 3.63 grade point average May 14.

She has been a member of the Lady Tiger Basketball team for four years, where she received Mid-South Conference Champion of Character award in 2015 and 2016, which hasn't been won by an individual back-to-back before.

She was awarded the Kathy Freese Award for the National Christian College Athletic Association Player of the Year in 2016, which recognizes both athletic achievement and Christian character. She was a member of the Mid-South Conference Academic All-Conference in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Carter said Jacob has "a servant's heart both on and off the basketball court."

Some examples are: sponsoring a child in Columbia, Ky., working at a food pantry and homeless shelter in Lexington, being involved with the student mentor program and Habitat for Humanity.

She has also organized a physical activity program for high school students and started a Bible study on campus.

During her time at CU, Jacob completed an internship for the health department and helped in the marketing and promoting of CU's Color Run.

She also held a rehabilitation internship at Taylor Regional Hospital and has worked and help lead numerous basketball camps.

She also received the Talent Award from the Alumni Association on Honors and Awards Day.

Jacob is the daughter of Eric and Connie Jacob of Lexington, and has an older brother, Mark.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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Dr. Joseph L. Owens, left, and Kristen Jacob, both of Lexington, were presented the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards at Campbellsville University's commencements by Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Michael V. Carter, president. (Campbellsville University Photo by Jordan Alves)