Campbellsville—Anna Mary Byrdwell, a 1960 graduate of Campbellsville University who serves on the school’s Board of Trustees, was presented an honorary doctorate of public service at commencement Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel.

Michael Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said, “Mrs. Byrdwell is known far and wide as a strong advocate of Christian missions and her servant leadership for nearly four decades in the state and national Woman’s Missionary Union organization.

“Anna Mary Byrdwell has been a shining example of a woman who has devoted her life to ministering to others and especially to other women. Her strength and humility combine to make for a wonderful example of a Christian servant leader.”

Byrdwell served as a consultant for the Kentucky Baptist WMU from 1967 until 2004 and has served for many years as a member of the Campbellsville University Church Relations Council and as council chair and has served on the university’s Board of Trustees since 2008.

Byrdwell also earned a master’s degree in religious education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1962.

She taught music in the LaRue County school system from 1960 until 1962 and also served as elementary director for kindergarten at Campbellsville Baptist Church from 1964 until 1967.

Carter said Byrdwell has been a faithful servant in her church as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and choir member and has served in a number of leadership roles with the Long Run Baptist Association and other faith-based organizations. (CU)