For 31 years, Millard C. Reed (1933-2010) was a servant-leader in Nashville. From 1974 to 1991 he served as senior pastor at Nashville’s First Church of the Nazarene, the mother church of the South; from 1991 to 2005 he was president of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. In both capacities, he served the people of this community.

As pastor of one of Nashville’s larger churches, “Pastor” Reed (as he was and is still lovingly called) served the people of his church and any others who needed a pastoral visit, an ear that could listen, and a friend. His ministry was characterized by his concern for his flock—a concern that was demonstrated by his rigorous visitation schedule to hospitals, nursing homes, and in any other location where he was needed.

As president of Trevecca Nazarene University, President Reed served and led in a different area—mostly the needs of students. Under his leadership Trevecca gained recognition for its innovative degree-completion program that allows students to earn an undergraduate degree while they continue in their careers. Trevecca’s education programs expanded, and for some years Trevecca had more graduates teaching in Tennessee public schools than did any other school in the state. The accomplishments of his presidency included the following: achievement of a much stronger financial foundation, initiation of a $3-million campus improvement plan that included a new entry for the university, and the successful completion of its largest ever capital campaign that raised $28 million for a new library, an increased endowment, and additional operating funds.

Education - A.B. From Olivet Nazarene College, 1955; master of divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, 1961; two years of doctoral work at the University of Chicago, 1961-63; doctor of ministry degree from Vanderbilt University, 1979.

Civic - Chaplain—Nashville Optimist Club; member Rotary Club; Board—East Nashville Cooperative Ministry; Board of Directors—Tennessee Preparatory School; Nazarene College; first recipient of Operation Andrew’s Pastor of the Year Award (2007); member—Billy Graham Committee for Nashville Crusade; Czar Palaver Club.

Honors – Included among Dr. Reed’s many honors are Tennessee’s Outstanding Achievement Award-given by the Tennessee governor; alumni award from Olivet Nazarene College; honorary doctorate from Trevecca.

Writings - Dr. Reed’s writings have been published in several books and journals; additionally, he has written several books, including Improve Your Serve, Consider the Lilies, and From a Pastor’s Heart.

Personal - Dr. Reed was married to his high school sweetheart, the former Barbara Cunningham. He was the father of four children—Stephen, Deborah, Paul, and John.