The Reverend Dawn Chesser has served as the Hiwassee College Chaplain and the Pastor of Buckner Memorial United Methodist Church for the past six months.

Hiwassee College is pleased to announce that their very own Chaplain, The Reverend Dawn Chesser, has been called to serve as the new Director of Preaching Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship for the United Methodist Church.  Their headquarters are located in Nashville, Tennessee.  Rev. Chesser was selected from a long list of very qualified individuals. Her new responsibilities will have her fulfilling the mission of the General Board of Discipleship by directing the work of the office of Preaching Ministries through providing resources, training, research and networks for resourcing leaders (clergy and lay), and fulfilling the General Board of Discipleship’s flow of Engage, Relate, Grow and Partner.  Rev. Chesser will assume her new role on January 1, 2013.

In an interview, Reverend Chesser stated, “Although I am very excited to have this personal and professional opportunity, I am sad to be leaving the Hiwassee community.  Even though I have been here just a short time, it has made a tremendous impact on my life and I hope to continue to relate to this school in new ways.”  She went on to say, “Thank you to everyone who has been so welcoming here.  I am especially grateful for the support of the President, Dr. Robin Tricoli.  She has shepherded me through this process in an amazing way and has been nothing but supportive of me.  I am also very grateful for the support of the students and my fellow colleagues.”

When asked her thoughts on Reverend Chesser’s new assignment, President Tricoli remarked, “It is bittersweet.  We are all going to miss her at Hiwassee College but this is an extraordinary calling and she was chosen among the many who were capable and willing to serve.  I am extremely proud of her and congratulate Dawn on this wonderful opportunity for her to teach and share the word of God worldwide.”