WRAL News anchor David Crabtree gives convocation speech at Sewanee

Crabtree's address during the university's Convocation on Jan. 19 marked the ceremonial start to a new semester at the university for students, faculty and staff. He urged students to follow the example set by God and his command to Abram, who was told to set out for a new home in a new land provided by the Creator.

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. …’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him,” Crabtree recounted for his audience about the tale as chronicled in the Book of Genesis.

Crabtree, who is set to retire at the end of 2018, told his listeners that they should follow their callings, which is what he plans to do after leaving the news busines.The anchor, who has worked at WRAL News since 1994, is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church. Crabtree graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, attended Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is completing a masters of theology at Duke Divinity School.

Before delivering the convocation speech, Crabtree held a discussion about God in the newsroom with students and staff.