Learn God's Word. Serve His Church.

The 2024 Alumni of the Year are Don and Shirley Emerson. The Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a diploma or degree graduate of at least 10 years ago, who demonstrates an exemplary testimony as a servant of the Lord in full-time ministry, and actively supports Appalachian Bible College and its ministries. Don and Shirley Emerson graduated from ABI in 1966, and were then married in 1967. Over the next five years, Don continued his education while also serving in the United States Army, then embarking on a decades long life of full time service to the Lord. In 1973, Don started Perry Baptist School, where he served as the principle until 1987. During that time he was also active in Perry Baptist Church, serving as both a deacon and a Sunday School teacher, while Shirley taught at the school, taught Sunday School, and was involved in VBS and ladies ministry through the church. In 1988-1990 they spent time as missionaries in Dominica, as well as providing cover for missionaries as they went on furlough. From 1992-1998 they ministered at Grove Christian School. In 1999 they began an international school in China where they served for the next 20 years, leaving just days before the COVID outbreak in China. They then retired to Greenville, SC, where they continue to be involved with the International School in China, as well as being active in their local church. Don and Shirley, for your decades of ministry, exemplifying the motto “...because Life is for Service,” it is our privilege to recognize you as Appalachian Bible College’s 2024 Alumni of the Year.