Williams Baptist College has presented its 2014 Distinguished Baptist Minister Award to Dr. Glen Putman,pastor of Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Putman was presented the honor at WBC’s commencement exercises Saturday, May 3.

Putman has spent his adult life pastoring churches. In his 41 years of ministry, he has led a total of ten congregations in five states, with the last thirteen years being spent at Walnut Street.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. He went on to obtain his master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where his son, Dr. Rhyne Putman, a Williams grad, is now a systematic theology professor. Putman also has a doctor of education degree from Mississippi State University.

He and his wife, Diane, have been married for 38 years.

Putman was presented the Distinguished Baptist Minister honor by Dr. Tom Jones, WBC’s president. Putman delivered the commencement address to the 111 graduating students and a packed house in the school’s Southerland-Mabee Center.

Also honored at the day’s exercises where the Golden Eagles, Williams alumni from fifty or more years ago. Sixteen honorees were present at the ceremony.

WBC is a four-year, liberal arts college at Walnut Ridge.