Smart Receives Alumni Award

MOUNT OLIVE – During its annual Alumni Awards event, University of Mount Olive awarded Kelley Smart, a 2004 graduate of the College, with the Young Alumnus Achievement Award. The award recognizes young alumni for exceptional achievement that reflects honor to the College, distinguishes themselves as leaders in the areas of civic, religious, and professional life, and serves as inspiration for others. The award was presented by alumna Genevieve Taylor from the Class of 1957.

“Kelley is a very knowledgeable, well prepared pastor,” said Taylor. “He is actively involved in all church and denominational activities and serves in leadership capacities in the conference.”

Smart is senior pastor at Free Union Original Free Will Baptist Church in Greene County where he has worked in various capacities since 2004. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Free Will Baptist Press and has previously served as Central Conference clerk and assistant moderator. Smart has been a counselor at Camp Cragmont and has served as a short-term missionary with the OFWB International to Mexico. His volunteer efforts have included service with Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, and Stop Hunger Now. Smart remains connected to University of Mount Olive. He is currently mentoring two MOC students interested in ministry.

University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park and Washington. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.