Category: Student Spotlight

Ellie Tarpley is grateful for second chances. In 2007 she came to the University of Montevallo as a mass communication major with aspirations of becoming a writer. She graduated in 2011, but shortly afterward went through a divorce, became a single mom and struggled to find a job in her field. “Things didn’t turn out… Continue reading Student Spotlight – Ellie Tarpley

Dorian Bayles, a senior majoring in psychology, recalls that she felt an immediate connection to the University of Montevallo as soon as she stepped onto the bricks during her campus tour. She said that connection has strengthened over time, allowing her to enjoy the sense of community and support at UM. Bayles is active in… Continue reading Student Spotlight – Dorian Bayles

University of Montevallo senior business management major Jay Houser had already found professional success as a high school student before setting a foot on the UM campus. Now, he’s planning to use his Montevallo education to take his business to the next level. Houser founded his company, SkyRocket, when he was a junior in high… Continue reading Student spotlight – Jay Houser

​As a California native, University of Montevallo senior Hannah Waki moved thousands of miles to find the University she will forever consider home.   “I truly cannot put into words the amount of gratitude I have for the University and the people who I have met in my time here,” Waki said. “The memories, opportunities and… Continue reading Student spotlight – Hannah Waki continues UM-Harvard connection

Coming to the University of Montevallo as a transfer student a couple of years ago, senior Armando Flores wasted no time in getting involved with his new college home. His eagerness to join several of UM’s student organizations not only helped him to surround himself with new friends, it also helped to prepare him for… Continue reading Student spotlight – Armando Flores

As a Montevallo native, senior Dakota DuBose has a unique perspective on life as a UM student, and knows firsthand the importance of being involved in the community. DuBose, who is majoring in education of the deaf and hard of hearing and is set to graduate in December, has made it a priority to volunteer on campus… Continue reading Student spotlight – Dakota DuBose

During his time at the University of Montevallo, rising sophomore exercise and nutrition science major Manuel Munoz hasn’t just found a college home – he’s found a family. From the first moment he arrived on campus, Munoz knew it was where he belonged. “When I first stepped on the bricks to do a campus tour, I knew… Continue reading Student spotlight – Manuel Munoz

When University of Montevallo international graduate student Benedikt Schlederer came to the University as an undergraduate freshman several years ago, he said he could not have asked for a more welcoming atmosphere. Schlederer, who is from Austria and was a member of the UM men’s tennis team, earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from UM’s Stephens College… Continue reading Student spotlight – Benedikt Schlederer

When first-generation college student Jamie Myers came to Montevallo as a freshman, she immediately felt the University’s welcoming and close-knit atmosphere. “I know I belong at Montevallo because of the wonderful professors I’ve had and how extremely helpful all the staff are,” she said. “The relationships I’ve made here feel familial. At first, Montevallo was… Continue reading Student spotlight – Jamie Myers

For Rachael Smith, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry from UM in December 2020 was just the first step toward making groundbreaking discoveries in the international medical field. During her time as an undergraduate at Montevallo, Smith was selected to serve as an intern at Harvard University Medical School in… Continue reading Smith continues UM’s legacy at Harvard Medical School