“Finding Our Way” tells the story of Georgetown College’s resilience and transformation over the past 35 years. Through moments of crisis and courage, this project traces three pivotal events that reshaped the college — the separation from the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the leadership transition led by faculty, and the most recent presidential change.
This site captures the voices, decisions, and values that guided the college through uncertainty while honoring the continuity of its mission. Behind each headline event is a deeper story of faculty commitment, student life, academic excellence, and unwavering faith. Together, these threads form a legacy of leadership as the college enters its third century.
“Finding Our Way” tells the story of Georgetown College’s resilience and transformation over the past 35 years. Through moments of crisis and courage, this project traces three pivotal events that reshaped the college — the separation from the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the leadership transition led by faculty, and the most recent presidential change.
This site captures the voices, decisions, and values that guided the college through uncertainty while honoring the continuity of its mission. Behind each headline event is a deeper story of faculty commitment, student life, academic excellence, and unwavering faith. Together, these threads form a legacy of leadership as the college enters its third century.
In 2005, Georgetown College separated from the Kentucky Baptist Convention to preserve academic independence, ending more than a century of formal governance and financial ties.
In 2012, a group of 27 faculty members petitioned the Board of Trustees for new leadership, leading to President Bill Crouch’s retirement in 2013.
Between 2022 and 2024, President Rosemary Allen led a successful fundraising campaign that eliminated Georgetown College’s long-term debt.
Three creations inspired by Georgetown College’s journey — built with hands, crafted with memory, and
shared through music, story, and spirit.
Crafted by Professor Daniel Graham, this custom guitar features fret inlays that trace key milestones in Georgetown College’s 35-year journey. From strings to wood, every detail honors the people, values, and turning points that shaped the college’s modern legacy.
Created as a printed companion to Finding Our Way, this limited-run book captures Georgetown College’s 35-year journey through archival images, essays, and reflections. It weaves together stories of faith, leadership, and resilience — preserving the voices and milestones that continue to shape the college’s evolving identity.
Composed and performed by Georgetown Alum, Sable Snyder ’11, Finding Our Way, Sitting Around Giddings Circle reflects the emotional heartbeat of the College’s story. Blending folk and acoustic tones, it echoes themes of hope, change, and belonging – capturing the spirit of the Georgetown College history in sound.
Written by GC Alum Sable Snyder ’11
We were sitting ‘round the circle, All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands, We were sitting ‘round the circle,
All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands.
Years ago they gathered – Dreamers, Teachers, in this place Just to share their knowledge, and find freedom, and shift fate Breaking down the systems, opening the doors for all
Sitting ‘neath the trees and columns tall
We were sitting ‘round the circle, All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands, We were sitting ‘round the circle,
All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands.
And then the years awoke us and enough felt like enough, In courage, stepping forward, speaking change,
Standing hand in hand all together in one band We were gathering ’round the circle once again
We were sitting ‘round the circle, All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands, We were sitting ‘round the circle,
All around the circle,
At Giddings ’round the circle holding hands.
Finding our way forward, strength today, hope for tomorrow. Although the road may come with ups and downs
Our friendships, more like family, help to lead us to the light. Shine on, around the circle once again.
Won’t you join us ‘round the circle, Sitting ‘round the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands, Come and join us ‘round the circle,
All around the circle,
At Giddings ‘round the circle holding hands.
During our Opening Convocation, held on August 25, 2026, Dr. Tim Griffith was honored with the John Walker Manning Award. This annual award recognizes faculty...
Georgetown College is proud to announce our first new graduate program outside of teacher education since the 1950s. The Counselor Education program at Georgetown College...
FOUNDED IN 1829, GEORGETOWN COLLEGE ENTERS ITS 197TH YEAR, CELEBRATING 294 UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE DEGREE RECIPIENTS. By Bethany H. Langdon ‘93, Senior Vice President for...
JOANNA LANE ‘02 By Brandy (Ritter) Osborne ‘99, Training Analyst, JP Morgan Chase Joanna Lane ‘02 came to Georgetown College from Circleville, OH, in...
Founded by Baptists in 1829, Georgetown College had long been closely connected to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, which provided financial support and selected the College’s trustees.
Beginning in the late 20th century, theological and political shifts within the Southern Baptist Convention created increasing tension between the College’s leadership and denominational authorities. In 2005, Georgetown’s trustees and President Bill Crouch pursued a legal separation that allowed the College to appoint its own trustees and maintain academic independence. The decision was approved by a large majority vote but came at a significant cost: the loss of approximately $1.2 million in annual support and a rupture with many Kentucky Baptists.
The separation fundamentally reshaped Georgetown College’s governance, finances, and institutional identity, leading to years of uncertainty and adjustment.
Founded by Baptists in 1829, Georgetown played a central role in the development of Baptist pastors and churches in Kentucky.
In the 1940s, the Kentucky Baptist Convention brought financial support to the college and would elect its trustees. All trustees had to be Baptists living in Kentucky.
Georgetown became a flagship college for Kentucky Baptists and most of its leaders and church musicians were graduates of the College.
Dr. William H. Crouch, Jr. was appointed President in 1991.
Following the separation from the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Georgetown College faced mounting financial pressures, declining enrollment, and low morale across campus.
In 2012, a group of faculty members—later known as “the 27”—organized to formally request a change in leadership, expressing concern about the College’s direction and stability. Their effort drew significant student support and public attention, including widespread discussion on social media. Trustees met with the faculty group to hear their concerns, and shortly thereafter President Bill Crouch announced his retirement, effective May 2013. This episode represented a rare, faculty-driven turning point in Georgetown’s history and underscored the depth of institutional strain during this period.
Founded by Baptists in 1829, Georgetown played a central role in the development of Baptist pastors and churches in Kentucky.
In the 1940s, the Kentucky Baptist Convention brought financial support to the college and would elect its trustees. All trustees had to be Baptists living in Kentucky.
Georgetown became a flagship college for Kentucky Baptists and most of its leaders and church musicians were graduates of the College.
Dr. William H. Crouch, Jr. was appointed President in 1991.
After several years of leadership transitions—including the retirement of President M. Dwaine Greene and the dismissal of President Will Jones in late 2021—Provost Dr. Rosemary Allen was appointed president in January 2022. Under her leadership, the College focused on financial stabilization and rebuilding confidence among alumni and donors. In 2024, President Allen rallied 45 donors to raise $28.5 million, fully eliminating Georgetown College’s long-term debt.
A single $16 million gift from alumnus Robert N. Wilson anchored the effort. Branded as “Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow,” the campaign marked a decisive shift from decades of financial strain toward renewed institutional stability and optimism about the College’s future.
Founded by Baptists in 1829, Georgetown played a central role in the development of Baptist pastors and churches in Kentucky.
In the 1940s, the Kentucky Baptist Convention brought financial support to the college and would elect its trustees. All trustees had to be Baptists living in Kentucky.
Georgetown became a flagship college for Kentucky Baptists and most of its leaders and church musicians were graduates of the College.
Dr. William H. Crouch, Jr. was appointed President in 1991.
