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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (August 9, 2008) — Former University of Tennessee football great and current North Carolina Congressman Heath Shuler will talk about faith, character and athletics at Milligan College’s Seeger Memorial Chapel on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Recently, Milligan partnered with the nation’s largest character development educator, Character Counts!, for a “Winning with Character” seminar designed for coaches. In this follow-up community event, Shuler, who previously served as the national spokesperson for Character Counts!, will address the importance of strong character to student-athletes and the community at large.
“As a spokesperson for Character Counts!, Shuler has traveled with me throughout Tennessee introducing character programs in communities,” said Kingsport native and retired G eneral Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Steven H. Jones, a pioneer in the development of Character Counts! who helped facilitate Shuler’s visit. “We are excited to have Congressman Shuler visit our region to address the importance of strong character.”
As a UT quarterback in the early 1990s, Shuler set numerous passing records, was selected to multiple All-American teams, was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, and was selected by the NCAA as the Male Athlete of the Year. He went on to play in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints before an injury ended his career.
With his football days behind him, Shuler returned to the University of Tennessee where he completed a degree in psychology. In 2003, Shuler returned to his home state of North Carolina and in 2006 was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
“So much of Milligan’s educational focus is upon integrating faith and work, servant leadership and living a life of character and integrity,” said Milligan President Donald R. Jeanes. “We are honored to have Congressman Shuler visit our campus to talk about his personal journey of faith and character and how they have impacted both his athletic and professional careers.”
For more information regarding this free community event, call Nathan Flora, campus minister, at 423.461.8748, or email NFlora@milligan.edu.