Valkyrie Voice

NEWS FEED

Meet Dwayne Norman from MGM Class of 1996

What year did you graduate from MGM?

I graduated from MGM in 1996.  Along with my wife, Amanda Drews Norman, who was valedictorian that year (I came in fourth, was the highest guy that year)!

 What was your favorite subject in high school?

My favorite subject was either history or science.  The history teachers (Coach Glover, Mr. Bee, Mr. Shepherd, and Mr. Simon) were really great teachers.  The science teachers were great too (Mrs. Hall, Mr. Fleming, and Mrs. Hill).

 What extra-curricular activities kept you involved and busy?

I played basketball, was involved in FBLA, and student council.  I had the opportunity to be the Student Council Chaplain my senior year.  It was a tremendous honor for me!

 How devoted were you to your grades?

I was very devoted to my studies.  I did well in school, but I was one who really had to dig in and study hard.  In other words, it did not come naturally to me!

 Recall one fond memory about MGM. 

Wow, one fond memory is so hard because I have so many!  I could probably write a book.  Two of the fondest would have to be dating Mandy (who would later become my wife in 2000) and being the school chaplain.  I had the opportunity to lead morning devotions before school and give the “thought for the day” during the morning announcements.  I felt so honored and privileged to have the position of student council chaplain.  Being the student council chaplain helped to influence me to be a pastor. 

 Give one word of advice to all current MGM students.   

Two quick words: Enjoy the moment because high school will be some of the best days of your life.  Also, keep your eyes on God!

 What did you do immediately following high school? 

I became a youth pastor in Mobile and became a student at the University of Mobile, graduating in 2000.  

In what job are you currently employed?

I am the pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church in Jasper, Alabama. 

 Please provide a few details about your career.

I have been in the ministry since 1996.  I was a youth pastor first and now have been a senior pastor since 2003. I have pastored churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina.

 I graduated from the University of Mobile in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion.

 I graduated in 2004 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina with a Masters of Divinity degree with an emphasis in the Biblical Languages.

 I am currently a Doctorate of Ministry student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  My emphasis is Expository Preaching. 

 List any awards, community service/involvement, accolades.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Mobile in 2000.  I also won the School of Religion Award (top student in the school of religion), won the Greek award (top student in the Greek New Testament) and won the Hebrew award (top student in the Hebrew – Old Testament).

 For students interested in this career, what would you like to tell them?

The ministry is certainly something you should feel a calling from God to do.  Charles Spurgeon, a great English preacher from the 19^th century once said, “”If you can do anything else but preach, do it. But, if God calls you to be a preacher, don’t stoop to be a king.”  That quote has stuck with me through the years. 

 Do you currently still have any connections to MGM or the Semmes community? 

Yes, my parents and much of my family still lives in Semmes. 

 Do you have your own family—spouse, children, pets?  Feel free to elaborate.

Yes, my spouse, Mandy, also graduated from MGM in 1996.  We have four beautiful children!  A 9 year old daughter named Maddie, a 6 year old son named Bradley, and twin girls that are 3 – Lindsey and Natalie.  We are very blessed.

 Provide an interesting detail about you personally.

If I were not a pastor, I believe I would be a teacher.  I love being around students and still spend a lot of time with our students at church.  In fact, I actually teach online classes (New Testament Survey and Old Testament Survey) for two different community colleges (Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS and Bevill State Community College in Jasper, Alabama.