Brother Collins celebrates 90th birthday
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Willard Collins celebrated his 90th birthday with the Lipscomb students in chapel Wednesday. Collins, who turned 90 on Nov. 12, was honored with birthday cards and a special cake during the chapel assembly.
Born in 1915 in Marshall County, Tenn., Collins graduated from Lipscomb in 1936. Joining the school in 1943 as associate director of the Lipscomb Expansion Program, he served 27 years as vice president before accepting the presidency of the college in 1977, a position he held until retirement in 1986. In demand as a speaker, Collins has also preached in countless congregations across the United States.
Chancellor Harold Hazelip, who succeeded Collins as Lipscomb University's 15th president, spoke to Collins' character during the assembly.
"He could not have been more gracious to me. His love and support for me helped my transition as president be as smooth and flawless as possible. Lipscomb University is made up of the shadows of many women and men. However, no shadows are longer than those of Ruth and Willard Collins," said Hazelip.