Lloyd BatsonA seminar room in Furman University’s new science complex will be named for Lloyd and Joy Batson in honor of the significant contributions the Pickens couple has made to the university.
The Lloyd Ellis Batson and Joy Barrick Batson Seminar Room in the north end of Plyler Hall will be funded by gifts from friends and members of the Batson family in honor of the former pastor of First Baptist Church, Pickens, and his wife.
Batson, a 1947 Furman graduate, is currently a trustee emeritus at the university. He has served previous terms as chair, vice chair and secretary of the board, and has been a trustee under Furman’s last four presidents. He is a recipient of the Furman Alumni Service Award, and was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the university in 1987.
“Lloyd and Joy Batson have been among Furman’s greatest supporters over the past five decades, and the university owes a great deal to both of them,” said Furman president David Shi.
After graduating from Southern Baptist Seminary, Batson was called as pastor to First Baptist Church, Pickens. He and Joy served there for 33 years until his retirement in 1989. He has been president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, national chair of the former Baptist Sunday School Board and vice president of the South Carolina Baptist Pastors’ Conference.
He has also been a member of the board of associates of North Greenville University and a trustee at Cannon Memorial Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Foundation, president of the Pickens Ministers’ Council, and moderator of Pickens-Twelve Mile Baptist Association.
The Batsons have two sons who are Furman alumni – Lloyd Ellis Batson Jr., a 1980 graduate, and Charles Richard Batson, who graduated in 1987. Two nephews currently teach at the university – John Batson, professor of psychology and 1974 graduate, and Paul Batson, adjunct instructor of undergraduate evening studies.
Donations are welcomed in honor of Lloyd and Joy Batson. For more information, contact Joy Workman at 864-294-3692.