To view an online photo gallery of the Nina Gunter Award Presentation and the events surrounding the day, visit www.trevecca.edu/galleries/gunter.

Nashville, Tenn. (February 23, 2009)—Nina G. Gunter will receive the first Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award, Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) announced today.

Gunter is a general superintendent of the Nazarene Church, the highest elected official in the denomination. She was presented with the award at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, at The Community Church of the Nazarene located on the TNU campus.

The award was established to recognize a prominent Christian woman who uses positional authority to serve others; demonstrates a spirit of compassion; initiates innovation to address human need; influences others in developing their capacities; advances the good of the community; is a good steward of talents and resources; and encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment.

As a general superintendent, Gunter provides global leadership for the International Church of the Nazarene and its worldwide membership of 1.8 million.

“Because of the significant impact Nina Gunter has made on the Church of the Nazarene and this University, it was only appropriate to present her with this inaugural award that was established in her honor,” said Dan Boone, president of TNU. “There are so many influential women in Christian organizations throughout our country, and I am proud Trevecca has created an award that recognizes their incredible accomplishments.”

Prior to her position as general superintendent, Gunter served as general director of Nazarene Missions International. During her tenure, denominational giving to missions increased from $30 million to $62 million annually. She has written two books, The Traveler’s Psalm, Our Defining Moment, Christian Perfection, and The Cross—Seize It! Share it! Her new book on leadership is scheduled for release later this year.

The annual presentation of the Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award is supported by an endowed fund established last year in Gunter’s honor--The Nina Griggs Gunter Leadership Fund. Starting in 2010, the fund will also support an annual scholarship awarded to a female TNU student who has demonstrated servant-leadership qualities.

Trevecca Nazarene University, (www.trevecca.edu) now in its 108^th year and with an enrollment of 2300+, is a national research university that offers 52 baccalaureate degrees, four associate degrees, master’s degrees in six disciplines, and two doctorates  (education and clinical counseling). In the fall, Trevecca launched the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service, a program specifically designed to ensure that students succeed in college. In the fall of 2009, Trevecca will launch two new interdisciplinary programs—social justice and worship arts.