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A resolution honoring the life of Trevecca Nazarene University President Dr. Homer J. Adams.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Homer J. Adams passed away on May 25, 2021 at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, Adams was born July 2, 1921 in Covington County, Alabama and became a Christian at an early age; and
WHEREAS, after selling their farm in Alabama, the Adams family moved to Tennessee in 1913 to study with Trevecca’s founder, Reverend J.O. McClurkan and a member of the family has attended the school in every decade since; and
WHEREAS, Homer arrived in Tennessee in 1939 to attend Trevecca High School and went on to attend classes as a college student from 1940-1943; and
WHEREAS, Adams graduated Trevecca College in 1947 after joining the U.S. Navy and marrying the love of his life, Beatrice Brake; and
WHEREAS, Adams went on to study at Peabody College, eventually earning a master’s and a doctoral degree in history, and was the first Trevecca graduate to earn a Ph.D; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, Adams joined the Trevecca College faculty as a history professor and quickly assumed duties as dean of faculty, serving in that role for a decade; and
WHEREAS, Adams also taught history at Middle Tennessee State University and was appointed dean of DeKalb College in Atlanta, eventually becoming vice president of their central campus; and
WHEREAS, Adams served at DeKalb until his election to the presidency of Trevecca in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Adams was the ninth president of Trevecca Nazarene University serving from 1979-1991 and was the school’s last living president emeritus; and
WHEREAS, as president of Trevecca, Adams made achievement and advancement the hallmarks of his administration by strengthening the school’s educational reputation, constructing new buildings on campus, and creating new programs and degrees; and
WHEREAS, upon his retirement as president, Trevecca named one of its three original buildings the “Homer J. Adams Administration Building” in honor of Adams’ achievements and 30 years of service to the school as professor, dean, and president; and
WHEREAS, after retirement, Adams continued his love and service for Trevecca by serving on the board of Trevecca Towers, writing several historical books and pamphlets for the school, and leading many alumni gatherings and prayers; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, Adams and his wife established the Homer and Bea Adams Scholarship to assist students attending Trevecca, a generous gift which continues today; and
WHEREAS, Adams was also an active member of the Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene and was a long-term member of the church’s General Board; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and honors the dedicated service of Dr. Homer J. Adams.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Trevecca Nazarene University President Dr. Homer J. Adams.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.