Our Staff
Matthew Holt
Executive Director
Matthew is married to his amazing wife, Lindsey, and they have four beautiful children: Fletcher, Ridley, Carver, and Mary Mae. In addition to being the Executive Director of Renaissance, Holt currently travels with Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band as their pianist. In 2015, he received his first Grammy nomination, the music industry’s most sought after award. Using his experiences through ministry and the professional music world, Holt inspires and encourages the young people he works with, while providing vision and leadership for this unique program.
C. Scott Shepherd
Associate Director of Renaissance
Scott is married to his college sweetheart, Traci, and together they have four children: Jordan, Iris, Gideon, and Grace. In addition to his role with Renaissance, Scott serves as Minister of Music at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. Scott previously served the Tennessee Baptist Convention as Worship and Music Specialist, where he directed the Tennessee Men’s Chorale and Tennessee Ladies Chorus and served as a clinician and conference leader at state, regional, and national events. Scott is a graduate of Shorter University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a doctorate in Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.
Chandler Padgett
Associate Creative Director
Chandler grew up in Calhoun, GA, and made his way to Tennessee after he graduated high school in 2016. He attended Bethel University where he earned his degree in Music Education and was a part of the Renaissance Choir and Quartet. While at Bethel, he met his wife, Riley, and they have one daughter, Sadie Jane. After completing his bachelors, Chandler traveled and sang professionally with the southern gospel trio, 11th Hour. Additionally, he served as a minister of music in the Murfreesboro area. He is excited and honored to once again be a part of the Renaissance family.
Elyse Henderson
Administrative Coordinator
Elyse has served the Renaissance Program in many capacities including Administrative Assistant and Admissions/Retention Coordinator. She earned a degree in Liberal Arts from Bethel University in 2020 and is currently working toward a Sociology degree. “I love that I get the privilege to work with the students in the Renaissance Program every day. I look forward to many more years of doing the same thing!”
Megan Allen
Director of Renaissance Choir
Megan Allen, a southern Illinois native, earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Murray State University. Before coming to Bethel in 2017, Megan taught K-12 choral music, integration/aesthetic arts education. In 2009, Megan was awarded the prestigious Tennessee Young Music Educator of the Year award. She has served as guest clinician and judge for the Illinois and Kentucky music education associations and has been an event chairman for several events for the West TN Vocal Music Education Association. Her amazing husband, Jeremy, and their beautiful children, Fisher and Ruby, reside in McKenzie, TN. In her spare time (which is rare) Megan enjoys fitness, shopping and traveling with her family!
Tremayne Johnson
Director of Renaissance Percussion
Tremayne Johnson has more than 20 years of experience working with percussion lines and ensembles across the country. A resident of Huntingdon, TN, he serves as Director of Music at Brooke’s Chapel Kingdom Harvest in South Fulton, TN. “I would like to give God all the praise for allowing me to do what I love and for the opportunity to sow positive seeds into these students on a daily basis.”
Steve Cothran
Director of Renaissance Regiment
A native of the nearby town of Greenfield, TN, Steve is a highly sought after musical arranger for many area marching band programs and has served as musical director and accompanist/manager for former Miss America Kellye Cash since 2006. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Instrumental Music Education in 1988. After graduation, he spent 17 years as a band director in West Tennessee public schools before working for the church full-time. Most recently, Steve performed full-time aboard the American Empress paddlewheel boat on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest as pianist/vocalist.
Aubrey Doyle
Director of Renaissance Theatre
Aubrey earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Bethel University. As a charter member of the Renaissance Theatre program, she has been involved in over 40 productions. “I love every aspect of theatre! Being able to impact someone’s life through storytelling is such a gift. I am blessed to be a small part of that process.” Aubrey is married to Dustin, and they have five children: Dawson, Lana, Clark, Della, and Charlie.
Bala Boyd
Associate Director of Renaissance Theatre
Bala Boyd is from Texas, and Texans don’t respond well to being told how to ride their own horse. Bala is a creative who does life and art in his own way. Whether it is painting, music, photography, filmmaking or theatre, he always approaches each project with his unique perspective and aesthetic. “When you’re dead, all that will remain is the work, so do great work!”
Daniel Howell
Technical Director
In 2009, after graduating from Anderson University, Daniel joined the acclaimed production staff of Gaither Studios. While at Gaither Studios, Daniel worked on over 100 video and audio productions. In 2012 he was awarded a Dove Award and in 2016 he was awarded an Emmy Award. Daniel now serves at Bethel University managing productions for the Renaissance program.
Jordan May
Technical Assistant
Jordan comes from the small town of Laurel, MS, where from an early age has had an ever-expanding passion for learning about music, art, and technology. This ultimately led to him attending the Renaissance Program at Bethel University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music Production and Technology. Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Renaissance Staff and is looking forward to being a part of an amazing program that enables students to become who they are called to be.