First presented in 2000, the Richard Furman Baptist Heritage Award recognizes a Furman graduate who reflects Baptist ideals by thinking critically, living compassionately and making life-changing commitments. In the tradition of the university’s namesake, the recipient combines collaborative activity, visionary leadership and creative initiatives that result in opportunities for individuals and institutions alike to strengthen, expand and translate the relationship between faith and learning. 

• 2000, Cecil P. Staton, Jr., ‘80
• 2001, Charles Frank "T" Thomas, 71
• 2002, Lillian Brock Flemming, ‘71
• 2003, David L. Odom, ‘81
• 2004, Daniel McGee, ‘56
• 2005, Peggy Haymes, ‘82
• 2006, Kyle Matthews, ‘86
• 2007, Anthony Wilton McDade ’79
• 2008, William H. Bellinger, Jr., ‘72
• 2009, Kirby R. Mitchell, ’90
• 2010, M.B. “Bobby” Morrow Jr., ‘51
• 2011, Glen Cleveland Adkins ‘77
• 2012, Harold C. Warlick, Jr. ‘68
• 2013, Joseph Stanley Wilson '86
• 2014, April Baker '85
• 2015, James Russell Dean II, '86
• 2016, LeDayne McLeese Polaski, '89
• 2017, Nancy R. Powers, M.D. '77