Arizona Christian University joyfully celebrated Carol Mertz Tetzlaff, Class of 1994, as the 2025 Alumna of the Year during this year’s Homecoming tailgate luncheon. Surrounded by family, alumni, students, and friends of the University, Carol was honored for a lifetime of faithful service, powerful discipleship, and bold commitment to sharing the truth of the gospel.
Carol is an author, speaker, and co-owner of Redemption Press. Her ministry spans generations as she has served in the local church across children’s ministry, worship, and adult discipleship. Today, she invests deeply in authors by coaching, training, and walking alongside them as they develop and publish their work. Her mission is simple and profound: help authors produce books that point people toward the truth found in Scripture.
Her Bible study Ezra: Unleashing the Power of Praise received the 2022 Selah Award, and her devotional More Than Just a Word continues to encourage readers to lean into God’s promises.
During her acceptance speech, Carol shared how her time at ACU (then known as Southwestern College) shaped her spiritual life and prepared her for the roles God had planned. She encouraged students, parents, and alumni to stay attentive to the doors God opens, even when those steps feel stretching or scary. With a message full of courage and trust, she reminded everyone that God equips His people for every calling He gives.
Carol’s legacy continues to inspire the Firestorm family, and we celebrate all the ways God is using her to strengthen His Kingdom.
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