Chapman named Lee’s Distinguished Alumnus of Year
Nathan Chapman of Nashville was named the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year during the President Circle Luncheon at Lee University’s homecoming. The award is the highest honor given by the university to a graduate who is making career advancements while embracing the values that Lee embodies.
“Nathan is a brilliant role model as someone who has succeeded in something that many of our students aspire to do,” said Lee President Paul Conn. “We are proud of his career in the music industry and of him.”
Chapman graduated from Lee in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in English. He has been successful in the music industry where he is a studio producer, record producer, writer and vocalist.
Chapman’s early career included working with Taylor Swift, then a little-known artist. He went on to produce all five of Swift’s albums. Chapman’s work with the singer has earned him awards from the Academy of Country Music Association, American Music Awards and Grammys. This year, Chapman won his third Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his production work on Swift’s “1989.”
He has produced music by numerous country artists and bands including Keith Urban, Shania Twain, Dan + Shay and Rascal Flatts. From the artists with whom Chapman has worked, 17 tracks have reached No. 1.
Chapman has also written popular songs such as Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit, “Homegrown Honey.” He works with Warner Chappell Music Publishing as a songwriter.
Last summer, Chapman released his debut album, “Revival,” and performed several cuts at the Grand Ole Opry. Along with producing and writing songs, Chapman has written and published a devotional, “With God on the Hiking Trail,” which relates his personal experiences in nature to Scripture.
New Chattanooga State alumni officers named
Chattanooga State recently announced officers of its newly formed Alumni Association Board of Directors.
The mission of the Chattanooga State Alumni Association is to foster a lifelong relationship between the college and its alumni, to support the college in advancing its mission, to help serve the needs of its alumni and offer resources for current students to be successful.
New officers and companies for which they work are Julie Cook Davis, Raymond James Financial Advisor, president; Gary Ainscough, Realtor, president-elect; Morgan Smith, Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau, marketing/engagement chair.
Also, Dr. Jared Bigham, Chattanooga 2.0 coordinator, secretary; Lew Myers, Nuclear Operations consultant; Sherri Shackleford, retired nurse, treasurer; Jerry Wagner, vice president of sales for Medical Innovating Services, fundraising committee chairman.
Taylor is new Eagle Scout
Matthew Taylor, a member of Boy Scout Troop 223, achieved Eagle Scout rank during a Court of Honor held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He is the son of Greg and Laura Taylor.
The Scout is a senior at Chattanooga Christian School, where he is a member of the school newspaper, CCS Chorale and bowling team. He is an officer of the Chattanooga chapter of Mensa.
For the community service project required of every Eagle Scout, he built a picnic table and two benches, provided concrete benches, parking curbs and landscaping for Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Hixson.
Hamilton Shines art contest winners
Winners of the annual Hamilton Shines billboard art contest have been announced. Each winner was recognized by Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and received a plaque, pin and poster edition of their artwork. A full-size billboard featuring each student’s artwork will be posted near their schools.
Winners are Faith Daan, Harrison Elementary School; Tiah Knox, East Lake Academy; and Samantha Alton, Silverdale Baptist Academy.