Adair County is about to become the fortunate home of two landmark towers-the historic courthouse clock tower and, getting underway at Lindsey, the chapel designed by world renown architect Fay Jones.

While he may have a very unassuming name, Jones is famous for creating inspirational places of worship. "He has been featured on the CBS show Sunday Morning twice since we signed the contract for his design," Dr. John Begley says.

Jones' chapels are attracting visitors in great numbers and Dr. Begley expects the same with the one about to be constructed on the Lindsey campus. He has already been contacted by national media wanting to cover the opening of the chapel which is expected to happen early next summer. He worries about parking on the campus and wonders if Adair County will be ready to take care of the numbers of visitors expected to grow every year.

Hopes for downtown

"Expectancy ought to increase from the new Welcome signs until one arrives at the public square. The courthouse should be the brass rail of the county," Dr. Begley says, "Downtown Columbia needs to be its shining best if recruiting is to work like it should, whether it's industry or students we're seeking to attract."

He remembers literally betting the farm when he first started at Lindsey in 1977. The college farm and radio station were both sold to raise money to clean up and repair a tattered campus. He keeps photos on the end table in the President's reception area which show the huge potholes in the parking area, rusted and torn screens and peeling paint around the campus. He says Lindsey had to make that first step in investment before it could earn the gifts from donors which have allowed for its phenomenal growth.

"I've worked with the belief that a college can live up to its leadership but can't go beyond it," Dr. Begley says, " Take out the word college and insert the word town, and you have the challenge for Columbia. It must have leadership-nothing has happened on the Lindsey campus which cannot happen downtown." He regrets he can't throw his hat in the ring for county judge now that he's looking at retirement next year. However, he and Lucretia have moved their residence to lake side in Barren County.

On retirement

Dr. Begley announced his retirement from the Presidency of Lindsey Wilson College as he reaches the pinnacle of an unquestioned 20 year success. He moves to the position of Chancellor where he says he'll have a very special relationship with Lindsey's leaders,

available to counsel, if he is needed,

and in a new job where he will be able to search full time for friends and funds.

It will feel wonderful," he laughs, "having only one job instead of two." He has been the CEO and Chief fund raiser, but says the strength of the leadership in place now at Lindsey means everything will go smoothly through his transition. "I'd be surprised if the Board doesn't find its next president right here on the Hill," he says.

Education economics

Back to school in Adair County means over $13 million dollars in payroll when you add the county school system and the Lindsey Wilson College payroll. If you believe the economic statistic about money cycling seven times before it stops, that's a major impact on local businesses.

Having a college means that 'back to school' brings over 1,300 students into Columbia -650 of them to live in Lindsey's dorms-new citizens who will need to shop, dine and find entertainment here.

As Dr. Begley reflects on the growth at the college, he hopes to see downtown revitalization move forward aggressively-the time is right.