It’s a PV in ’23

the audience about the impending danger. Te crowd roared in applause of the Purple Side production while Jane was being dragged behind the curtain by other cast members with an unsettling scream as the stage went dark.

Te Purple Side production came after the Gold Side put on their “Starpower!” production to begin the evening. Te show featured the long-separated Kelly sisters who discovered their sisterhood after being manipulated by music producer Daniel McMichaels to change their personas to Kira Star and Gigi Vegas to ft a glitz and glamorous image.

After rediscovering each other, the sisters shared their experiences empowering them to leave McMichaels. Te duo then returned to their roots as the newly named Kelly sisters. With parents Jo Ellen and Cash by their side, the Kelly sisters joined with other former McMichael Labels Record stars for an authentic performance to end the play.

Both sides placed cast members among the audience during their productions, adding an element of surprise. Purple Side incorporated cast members running through the aisles dressed in costume as part of “Te Woods,” and Gold Side placed cast members as fans of Kira Star among the crowd holding up cell phones during her performance on stage.

College Night was dedicated to UM Police Chief Tim Alexander for his service in keeping students safe and supporting all events on campus, especially College Night, with the audience showering him with chants of “Chief! Chief! Chief!”

“I really appreciate this,” Alexander said while receiving a plaque for his dedication. “Surprised is an understatement. I was not prepared for that. I thank you. On behalf of the police department and all the men and women that are providing safety for you, it is our pleasure. We believe it is truly an honor. We believe in passionate policing with a purpose to impact a positive change. And there is no place like Montevallo on Earth.”

Xavier Swain and Mary Kate Middlebrook were crowned Mr. and Ms. Montevallo.

1 Recipients of the College of Education and Human Development annual awards;

2-7 Class of 1973 alumni celebrate their 50-year reunion;

2 Anna Scott, Jim Methvin, Carol Ann Methvin and Claudia Harrell;

3 Owen Butts, Deborah Perdue Holmes and Jade King Carter;

4 Allen Gillespie and Sula Gillespie; 5 Kermit Jones and Suzette Jones; 6 Brian Doyle and Diane Doyle; 7 Ida Smith Gleaton and Charles Gleaton;

8 Stephanie Baugh Shaw ’93, UMNAA president, and Eddie Baker III ’04, UMNAA presidentelect, at the Alumni Coffee in Reynolds Hall; 9 Alumni check in during the luncheon registration and coffee; 10 Shaw poses with Christine Logan ’93; 11 Dr. Tiffany Wang, student Joshua Brown, Dr. Ray Ozley and Dr. Bruce Finklea ’07 welcome alumni back for the Department of Communication reception; 12 Retired faculty member Karl Perkins ’75 and Jerry Harris ’69; 13 Michael Brewer ’79 and Ozley at the Communication reception; 14 Amanda Faye King ’16 and Wang; 15 Stephens College of Business alumni gather at the Homecoming breakfast in Stephens Hall. From left (front row) Eddie Baker III ’04; Dr. Amiee Mellon, interim dean, Stephens College of Business; Karine

Rouvière T. Yakap-Girard ’03; Candace Jarvis ’21; (back row) Roger Crawford ’83, Anita Brueck ’77, Elaine Wood ’17, Charles Wood ’85, Scott Dillard MBA ’17 and Kelli J. Holmes MBA ’18; 16 Theatre alumni and faculty enjoy the Department of Theatre Homecoming breakfast.

17 The Counseling program held its frst graduate alumni homecoming breakfast in the new Grainger Community Counseling & Wellness Clinic; 18 Alumni who worked on The Alabamian, Montage and The Tower join for a Student Publications Reunion in Farmer Hall; 19 Alumni reunite in Bloch Hall at the Family and Consumer Sciences Reception; 20 Junior Board members Brianne Colburn ’11 and Jacob Guyton ’15 peruse artwork at the annual Art Auction and Poole Party; 21 Kirk Lightfoot ’76, Betty Walker ’75 and Tom Walker ’75 decide what to bid on at the Art Auction; 22 The Alumni Book Club meets in person for the frst time. (From left) Pat Scales ’66, Pam Young ’84, Karen Pendleton ’77, Karen Kelly ’80, Laurel Hall Dobbins ’15, Tiffany Bunt ’00, Olivia Ard ’12, John Ard ’11, Dr. Terry Hughston ’10, Anita Brueck ’77 and Julie McEntee ’76; 23 Behavioral and Social Sciences alumni celebrate Homecoming in Fallin Hall; 24 Blake Hudson ’02 is presented the BSS Distinguished Alumni honor by Dr. Scott Turner.

1965

Robert Blake, of Naples, Florida, was inducted into the Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.)

1966

Hon. Todd Strange, of Montgomery, was inducted into the Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.)

1967

Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor of Troy University, was named a fnalist for the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award. Jack was nominated for the award, presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), given to an individual and/or a group with a military background and/or involvement that has had an impact within the realm of college football. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War. For his combat duty, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps.

1968

Andy Meginniss, of Birmingham, was named to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame following a tenure as a bass and guitar player while handling lead and harmony vocals for Tree on a String along with bandmates Jerry Ryan ’72, Brad Ryan and Bobby Horton.

1972 was named to the Alabama

Jerry Ryan, of Birmingham, Music Hall of Fame following a tenure as the master of ceremonies, guitar and harmonica player for Tree on a String.

James Phillip nonproft organizations in the Education and Human DevelopCardin, of Birmingham area for 43 years. ment outstanding alum during Sequim, Washington, retired

1975 their annual awards reception in Hon. Beth in 2021. James and his family February.

1984

Chapman, of moved to Sequim, a community Hoover, is the recipient of the

1988 Cindi Clark on the Olympic Peninsula of UMNAA Distinguished Alumni Greer, of Washington.

1978

1989

Award. (See page 18.) Montevallo, is the recipient of Greta Lambert, the UMNAA Nathalie Molton Dr. Francis Flowers Courson, of Montgom- Gibbons Alumni Achievement of Helena, was named a full-time ery, bid her farewell to the Award. (See page 18.) instructor of education of Deaf Alabama Shakespeare Festival and hard of hearing education Michelle after 38 years. Her parting role at UM in 2021. She graduated Givan, of was Prospero in “Te Tempest,” with a doctorate degree in deaf

Chelsea, was recently hired as a Shakespeare’s story of someone studies and deaf education from private special education advo- who toils in a remote location to Lamar University in Beaumont, cate and consultant. perfect their magic, ultimately to Texas, in December. the betterment of all.

Dr. Angie Wilson Kelly, of

1979 Susie Owsley Stanfield, Vestavia Hills, recently complet- Lisa Holloway, of Manhattan, Kansas, was ed her doctorate in counselor of Irondale, recognized as a UM College of education and supervision from recently retired after serving

Alabama College Society

70s Decade Reunion

University of the Cumberlands Georgia, recently had his collec- Jennifer Kelly, of Madison, and started a new position as the tion of short fction used as the recently started writing for director of new options at Jefer- foundation for a new anthology America’s Best Racing, Twinson State Community College in narrative podcast series explor- Spires Edge and Te Racing Biz Birmingham. ing the fraught relationships as a freelance writer.

1994 ing alum during their annual awards reception in February.

Stephanie Newton, of Brentwood, Tennessee, served as the editor of a book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, “Becoming Free Indeed,” a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon best seller. Stephanie acquired the rights to the book by Vuolo, one of the children of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar from the acclaimed television series “19 Kids and Counting.” between children and the adults Melanie Clark,

Adrienne Moffett Powell, of Bessemer, is currently a circuit court judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit, Domestic Relations Division.

CJ Robinson, of Clanton, was appointed district attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit.

2000 Beth House, who infuence them. of Birmingham, was recognized as a UM College

2001

1998 of Montevallo, Julie Gay, of was named the 2022-2023 High of Education and Human Calera, was School Teacher of the Year for Development outstanding alum recognized as a UM College of both Montevallo High School during their annual awards Education and Human Develop- and Shelby County Schools. reception in February. ment outstanding alum during Donald their annual awards reception in Deborah Dunsmore recently Clayton, of February. became the frst female judge in

Hoover, was recognized as a UM Scottsboro. Katherine Turnbow Sharpe, College of Education and Huof Cape Canaveral, Florida, man Development outstanding Barry Franks, of Clanton, recently accepted a position as a alum during their annual awards retired in November following a kindergarten teacher with Bre-reception in February. career in the United States Army.

1995

vard Public Schools in Brevard, Katie Jane Anjanette Florida. Katherine and her husMorris, of Jones, of band, Daniel, recently relocated

2002 Hoover, created new program- West Blocton, has served as to the U.S. after living abroad ming, Welcome to Miss Katie an elementary/early childhood for 11 years.

Jane’s Corner!, a collection of principal in Cairo, Egypt, for the Allison Nelson books and materials for children past three years. Prior to Egypt, 1999 Barksdale, of at the Hoover Public Library. Anjanette was an educational Attalla, recently became a Na- administrator in the United Arab Sabrina tional Board Certifed Teacher, Emirates, Tailand and Turkey. Lynch-Castillo,

1997 Middle-Childhood Generalist.

2003 of Maylene, was recognized as a Michael Mau, Allison is currently a ffth-grade UM College of Education and of Fairburn, science and social studies teacher Human Development outstand- in Fort Payne.

2004

was recognized as a UM College

Wesley Lawley, of Randolph, of Education and Human Development outstanding alum during their annual awards reception in February.

Brandon Lee, of Matthews, North Carolina, started a new role at Bank of America as senior vice president of digital assets strategy and initiatives.

David Howard Thornton, of Astoria, New York, starred in the horror flm “Terrifer 2.”

2005 Miranda Marrero Cohoon, of Birmingham, Michigan, recently started a new position as lead program analyst in business automation at the Veterans Afairs Ofce of the Inspector General.

2006

Greg Funderburg, of ennessee, recently started a new position as director of marketing and stakeholder relations at the Urban League

2011 Amanda Knight, of Hoover, was recently named the of Greater Chattanooga. Prior 2022 Alabama Elementary Art to this role, Greg worked as a Educator of the Year. Amanda morning co-anchor and reporter is an art teacher at Pelham Oaks at WTVC Channel 9 News in Elementary School in Pelham. Chattanooga.

Olivia Ard, of Dr. Kate Hayden, of Chelsea, Montevallo, recently started a new position as

2012 recently earned the Professional an assistant professor of chemis-in Human Resources (PHR) and try at UM. Kate was previously the Society of Human Resources recognized for her research as part Management Certifed Profesof the UMNAA 15 Within 15. sional (SHRM-CP) certifcations as well as certifcates in HR Desaree Jackson, of Alabaster, ethics, diversity and inclusion was recognized as a UM College and workplace mental health of Education and Human allyship. Development outstanding alum during their annual awards Ebone Fowler, of Dothan, was reception in February. recognized as an outstanding

2007 UM College of Education and Dr. Bruce Human Development alum Finklea, of during their annual awards Columbiana, co-wrote the third reception in February. edition of the textbook “Fundamentals of Media Efects” with Chad Spradley, of Sylacauga, the late Dr. Jennings Bryant. recently published his frst full Te new version is published by length novel, “A Long Road to Waveland Press and includes the Redemption,” and began worklatest fndings from hundreds of ing as a special education teacher recent media efects studies. at Childersburg High School.

2008

Bernice Lee Paul Tierney M.Ed., of Ballard, of Irondale, recently presented Montevallo, was recognized as a his research “Te Americas of UM College of Education and Charlie Brown and Childish Human Development outstand- Gambino: A Critical Race Teoing alum during their annual ry Comparison” at the American awards reception in February. Counseling Association annual conference in Toronto. Jennifer Cooper, of Bessemer, was recognized as a UM College

2013 Audrey of Education and Human Crippen, of Development outstanding alum Montevallo, recently started during their annual awards a new position as coordinator reception in February. of educational technology for

2010 Upward Bound at UM.

Amanda Fowler, of Pelham, Heather Buckrecently started a new position

2014 ner, of Atlanta, as director of foundation and is the recipient of the UMNAA corporate relations for the Ofce Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young of Advancement and Alumni Achiever’s Award. (See page 18.) Afairs at UM.

2015

Birmingham, was r

2018

Jacob Guyton inducted into the Montevallo MBA ’18, of Athletics Hall of Fame Class of ecently named 2023. (See page 10.) assistant vice president of corpo- Justin Foster, rate marketing at Regions Bank. of Helena, was Melcie Guyton was recently recognized as a UM College of appointed secretary to the city of Education and Human DevelopGadsden mayor’s ofce. ment outstanding alum during their annual awards reception in D.J. Hess MBA ’18, of Hoover, February. recently started a position as a compliance assistant with the Erica Hutchens, of Clanton, Reinsurance Business Group at recently earned a master’s degree Protective Life. in physician assistant studies at

2017

Samford University, passed the Hope Finley, National Physical Terapy Exam of Columbiana, and accepted a new position as recently started a new position a physician assistant at Pathway as an account executive with Pediatrics in Sylacauga. Alabama Media Group.

Molly Green-Majewski, of Brittany Mumpower, of Ala- Knoxville, Tennessee, graduated baster, recently celebrated the from law school in May and anniversary of opening her coun- started working as an associ- seling practice. Brittany works ate attorney at the law frm of with Impact Counseling. Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Dr. Cheyenne Thompson, of in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Salina, Kansas, was inducted into Tiffany Pardue, of Westover, is the Montevallo Athletics Hall of the new coordinator of tutoring Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.) in UM’s Learning Enrichment Elaine Wood, of Daphne, was Center.

Phillips to Lead FERC

Willie Phillips ’00 was named acting chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by President Joe Biden, becoming the frst Black person to lead the commission.

Phillips was previously nominated by Biden as a commissioner to the FERC in September 2021. He ofcially joined the FERC in December 2021 when he was appointed by Biden and Congress approved. Phillips is an experienced regulatory attorney combining nearly 20 years of legal expertise as a utility regulator with private practice and as in-house counsel. He has an extensive background in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability and corporate governance.

He and his wife, Gabrielle, have been married for more than 14 years. Tey have two children, Peyton and Tripp. Te family resides in the D.C. area.

Jason Perry M.Ed. ’20, of connects small businesses with Human Development outstand- Candace Jarvis MBA ’22, of Hoover, was recently selected resources, such as technical assis-ing alum during their annual Alabaster, joined the UM Steto participate in the 2022- tance and low interest loans, to awards reception in February. phens College of Business as an 2023 class of the Alabama help them scale their businesses. administrative assistant. Aaron Binion, Leadership Initiative sponsored Kaitlyn Shehee, of Samson, 2021 of Clanton, Kiarra Walters, of Montevallo, by Leadership Alabama. Te started a new job as an editorial recently started a new job as a recently started a new position Alabama Leadership Initiative assistant for Hofman Media’s public health environmentalist as assistant for compliance and is a six-month program that Louisiana Cookin’ and Taste of for the Chilton County Health game day operations with UM aims to expose young leaders the South magazines. Department. Aaron was a mem- Athletics. to decision-makers in Alabama. ber of the Environment Club

2022 Deatsville, recently started a

Jason is currently the director Jennifer Toney, of Birmingham, Terance at UM. of student diversity recruitment was recently promoted to regula- Boykin, of and retention at UM. tory compliance specialist at the Henry Davison Jr., of Ever-

2019

Montgomery, was r

Birmingham Water Works. green, is the head track and feld position as a clerk in the Beneft Kayla Chambers, of ecognized as a UM College of Education and coach at Hillcrest High School. Payment Control Division at the Thor Audiss, Henry had 10 athletes qualify Alabama Department of Labor of Boulder, for the state championship meet in Montgomery. Colorado, was recently named in his frst season as head coach. Human Development outstand- vice president of marketing at Joelle Garrett, of Hoover, He is in his second year as a ing alum during their annual Storyteller Overland, an authen- recently accepted a position as a physical education teacher at awards reception in February. tic adventure lifestyle RV brand treasury management global f- Repton Junior High School. dealership. nance specialist at Regions Bank. Benjamin Jackson, of Birming- Hannah Irvin, of Alabaster, was ham, recently started a position Aubrey Long, of Highland, Chloe Harris, of Montevallo, recently hired as an associate edi- as the small business coordinator Michigan, was recognized as a recently started a new position tor for Alabama Media Group. for Urban Impact, Inc. Benjamin UM College of Education and as an administrative assistant in

2020

Class of 1973 50-Year Celebration

married March 18 in a small ceremony at UM on Reynolds Hall lawn with their closest friends and family. Savannah is the foundation accountant for UM’s Ofce of Advancement and Alumni Afairs, and Avery is a third-grade teacher at Grantswood Community School in Irondale. Te couple resides in Hoover.

Births

Class of 1983

TRIO Student Support Services Ingle were married in January. tember 2022. Stacy serves as the at UM. Carla was recently promoted to Buckhorn High School choral program manager in the Ofce music director. Te school’s Bell Jackson, of Birmingham, of Adoptions at the State De-women’s choir performed at the started a new position as junior partment of Human Resources. Alabama Music Educators Asso- graphic designer for American ciation Conference for the frst Family Care. Christina time in school system history in Powell married Madison Kirkland, of Bir- January 2023. Joshua Jackson on Feb. 25 at Te mingham, recently started a Barn at Shady Lane in Birming- Stephanie Howe and Reed new position as communication ham. Christina works as a senior Strength were married Jan. 28 coordinator for McWane, Inc. group control analyst at Blue at the Guilded Lily in Irondale. Harrison Neville, of Birming- Cross Blue Shield. Christina Te couple had a small ceremoham, recently founded an online also serves as president-elect of ny attended by family, friends media organization, Te Sunrise the UMNAA Junior Board. Te and two cardboard posters of News, in the state of Alabama. couple resides in Alabaster. their cat, Cleo Cahoots Jones. Te wedding party included Hayley Roberts, of Montevallo, 2011 Cierra Floyd alumni Liza Boudreau ’16, recently started a new position and Elvis Osuya Devan Cooley ’15, Austin as an administrative assistant in were married March 15, 2022. Franklin ’14, Madison Griggs the Ofce of Graduate Studies Te couple celebrated with fami- ’17, Abby Patton ’16, Jacob at UM. ly and friends at a reception held Robertson ’16, Jake Smith ’15, at Leaf & Petal on July 1, 2022. Jada Tubbs, of Birmingham, M.Ed. ’17 and current student Tey reside in Birmingham. recently started a new position as 2016 Scyrus Bolton. Stephanie works an associate producer and editor Amanda Faye as a fnancial model analyst for at Dotdash Meredith, a digital Currie and Synovus in Birmingham, while and print publishing company. Alvie Ward King were married Reed is a senior copywriter for Oct. 1, 2022. Te couple resides Shipt.

Weddings

2004

2010

in Talladega.

2020

Savannah

Carla Capps Stacy Daniels and Taryn Humphryes and Joseph Woodgett were married in Sep- and Avery Wall ’22 were

2021

Megan Walker Brown and husband Taylor Brown welcomed their frst child, Charlotte, on March 14.

Deaths

1945 Betty Wilkes

McArthur, 99, of Sardis, Mississippi, died April 28, 2022. She and her husband, Bill, were co-owners of the Como Plaza and the Gulf Trail Lodge and later built the GTL Motel and Convention Center. Betty was a lifelong faithful member of Sardis United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, and she served as president of the Woman’s Club of Sardis. Betty was also very active in the American Heart Association.

Anita Carroll Reynolds, 98, of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2022. Anita’s teaching career began in Montgomery, and marriage in 1950 brought her to Vinton, Virginia. She taught business subjects at William Byrd High School for 24 years and enthusiastically participated in numerous school activities and clubs. Anita will be remembered for her friendly personality, her positive attitude, unfailing kindness and signature red hair.

Ila Mae Wright, 99, of Gadsden, died Dec. 10, 2022. Ila

1948 grade at Crestline Elementary Women’s Circle I. director, city council member, Frances Eliza- School for nearly 20 years and zoning ofcer and much more beth Anthony, Ann Scott Denson, 95, of was a member of First Methodist throughout her 95 years. For ov. 7, 2022. Nashville, Tennessee, died June Church of Hartselle. many years Catherine worked Frances worked for a short time 30, 2022. Ann dearly loved her at Alabama Refractory Clay Thelma W. Pitts, 95, of with Roden Coal Company in family, especially her children, Company, which mined clay in Dadeville, died Sept. 26, 2022. the payroll department before grandchildren and great-grand- Montevallo and Calera to sell Telma was proud of her large retiring after a 35-year career as children, who were her pride to steel mills. She started as a family and took every opportu- an assistant payroll supervisor at and joy. secretary, became manager and nity to talk about each and every the main ofce of Alabama PowLouise Ellen- eventually bought the company. one of them. Telma was always er in Birmingham. Frances was burg Jackson, Catherine helped write grants to active in the community and, at an avid reader, and she enjoyed 98, of Cave Springs, Georgia, secure funding for a new senior 94, helped form a Newcomer’s traveling and watching Alabama died March 8. Louise worked center and was instrumental in Club welcoming new families football. for the Cave Springs Housing designing a new entranceway to Dadeville and the Stillwaters Virginia Dellorine Havens Authority, the Georgia Voca- to Montevallo’s Orr Park. She community. Brasfield, 94, of King, North, tional Rehabilitation Center and also founded a student leaderDoris Clem- Carolina, died Jan. 8. She loved the Georgia School for the Deaf. ship program called Leaders of ons Davis, 94, teaching high school math and She loved her church, family and Tomorrow at Montevallo Middle of Birmingham, died Oct. 22, taught in northern Virginia for cooking. School. Catherine had a great 2022. Doris considered some of