Our own Dr. Jeremy Fyke delivered the 2020 Dr. Robert E. Simmons Distinguished Faculty Lecture on February 14. The Simmons distinguished lectureship was created by Dean Robert Simmons in 1988 to honor the research and scholarly work of the faculty in the School of Humanities and Education. After his death, the lectureship was named in his honor. Recipients are selected each year from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences based on their excellence in teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Fyke’s talk, “For the Love: Graced for the Work of Stewardship,” focused on his journey to answer the question “Why am I here?”

Citing Ephesians 2:10, Fyke observed “We are purposed for our callings, and it is up to us to steward them well.” He went onto to describe his “journey from a near-flunkie and college dropout to a professor and practitioner who thrives through a little bit of hard work and a whole lot of Jesus.” He specifically noted how he finds meaning and purpose in his research and teaching at Belmont. Appropriate for Valentine’s Day, he paid tribute to his parents, wife and daughters who were also in the audience.

Congratulations, Dr. Fyke!