News

December 2, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Cole Swain

For senior Cole Swain, choosing the University of Montevallo was easy because of his family ties to the school and the generous financial aid offerings. “My grandfather came here in the 1970s, and my brother was here before me,” he said. “He got the Montevallo Ambassador Program Scholarship (M.A.P.S.), so I decided to apply for […]

November 22, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Allison Tillotson

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? My name is Allison Tillotson and I am the Executive Director of Advancement. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I am originally from Lilburn, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta). My husband and I moved to Birmingham in […]

November 21, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Dawn Makofski

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dawn Makofski, assistant director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition and HRIS, and deputy Title IX coordinator for students. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I’m from Montevallo and currently reside in Maylene. If you hold any degrees, […]

November 21, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Montevallo Celebrates First-Generation College Students

The University of Montevallo recently hosted its annual First-Generation Celebration in recognition of First-Generation Week, in which colleges across the nation celebrate the experiences of their first-generation college students, faculty and staff.  Attendees gathered in front of Farmer Hall on Nov. 7 to enjoy popcorn, cupcakes, a photo booth and props, music, yard games and […]

November 15, 2024 | Faculty Spotlight

Featured Falcons: Dr. Scott Varagona

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Scott Varagona, professor of mathematics. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I was raised in Birmingham and — aside from when I was a student at Auburn — I have lived in the Birmingham metro area my […]

November 7, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Nick Hammett

What started as an idea for a standard game store back in 2019 has evolved over the years to become Valhalla Board Game Café, a Norse-inspired gaming venue and eatery in Pelham. The café opened its doors on June 1, and is co-owned by Nick Hammett, a 2016 University of Montevallo graduate, and his business […]

October 29, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Montevallo Students Immerse Themselves in Art History on Italy Trip

Italian art, history and culture came to life for students, faculty and alumni from the University of Montevallo’s Department of Art as they delved into the country’s artistic legacy on a trip in May. Led by Dr. Catherine Walsh, associate professor of art, and Misty Bennett, professor of art, the group of 14 spent about […]

October 25, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Colton Rodano

One of Colton Rodano’s most memorable moments from his time at the University of Montevallo was being sworn in as Student Government Association president. The senior, now serving as president for a second year, was overcome with emotion as his predecessor, Cody Hodge, handed him the gavel. “That was kind of awesome to me because […]

October 16, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Dr. Brett Noerager

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
 My name is Brett Noerager. I am a professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
 I am originally from Houston, Texas. I moved […]

October 11, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Eron Burrell

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Eron Burrell, senior transfer admissions counselor. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I was born and raised in Mobile. My family and I currently reside in Calera. If you hold any degrees, what are they in and […]

October 2, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Taylar Posey

Learning is a legacy for Taylar Posey — her mother is a retired school counselor, and her father is former University of Montevallo men’s basketball coach Rob Spivery. With almost 20 years in education under her belt, including 10 years in administration, Posey’s commitment to education is propelling her through her new position as principal […]

September 25, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Bella Macomb

Students at the University of Montevallo are highly encouraged to flex their creative muscles through the medium of their choice. Sophomore Bella Macomb’s chosen medium is flour, sugar, frosting and fondant, which she uses to produce intricately decorated cakes for her flourishing baking business, Izzy B’s Sweets & More. “I’ve been baking forever, but I […]

September 24, 2024 | Faculty Spotlight

Featured Falcons: Dr. Kelly Wacker

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dr. Kelly Wacker, professor of art. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I grew up in the Western U.S. — my home state is Colorado and some of my childhood was spent in California. I currently live […]

September 23, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Dr. Dessilyn Chappell

Dr. Dessilyn Chappell is a true lover of knowledge and learning. After earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2007, the Montevallo native realized that her passion lied in another field — education. “I’ve always wanted to instill a love of learning, especially in young children, because they […]

September 9, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Danielle Parks

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Danielle Parks, administrative assistant in the Department of Teaching, Leadership and Technology in the College of Education and Human Development. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I am from Birmingham, where I still reside and commute daily. […]

August 30, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Kooper Rooks

Kooper Rooks knows firsthand the profound impact that music can have on a person’s wellbeing. From stress reduction to pain management, music was one of the things that kept the sophomore inspired during his journey to becoming a childhood cancer survivor. “Anybody who has ever had a hard time, I guarantee they had an artist […]

August 27, 2024 | Faculty Spotlight

Featured Falcons: Dr. Shafqat Ali Shad

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dr. Shafqat Ali Shad, assistant professor of data analytics in the Michael E. Stephens College of Business. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?I’m originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, a city known for its beautiful scenery and lush greenery […]

August 22, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

UM Students Gain Hands-On Career Experience Through Summer Internships

Many University of Montevallo students took advantage of their time off this summer to get some hands-on experience in their desired career fields through internships. These valuable opportunities have taken our Falcons around the country, from Birmingham to Washington, D.C., from theatre to construction work. Check out what some UM students have been working on […]

August 12, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Chris Stewart

Crimson Tide sports fans know Chris Stewart’s voice; he’s been calling men’s basketball games at The University of Alabama for more than 20 years. Now, he’s picking up the microphone and stepping into a new position as the lead play-by-play announcer for Alabama football — a job he’s wanted ever since he was a kid. […]

August 5, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Veronica Kloss

Anyone that meets Veronica Kloss can see that she is on a mission to fully embody the value of a liberal arts education at the University of Montevallo. Between her two majors, five minors and diverse campus involvement, the senior is dedicated to taking advantage of all that UM has to offer. “I do a […]