What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Marion Brooks Brown, Director for University Events & the Calendar Office
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I grew up in Eastaboga, Alabama — two stop signs, a post office and a gas station defined our “downtown.” I lived in Montevallo for 16 years and then moved to Brierfield which is a ten-minute commute away from Montevallo.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
I have a B.S. from UM. I studied speech, theatre, journalism and English.
How long have you worked here?
I began working at Montevallo in December 1996.
Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
I joined the staff in Housing and Residence Life as assignments coordinator. From there, I was hired as a prospect researcher under University Advancement. In 2000, my UM “dream job” opened and, fortunately, I was hired as Calendar Office coordinator and director of Palmer Hall Auditorium. That position evolved over the years, which led to my current position.
What brought you to Montevallo?
My grandmother and her daughter (my godmother) attended UM. My grandmother was here in the early 1900s and my aunt attended in the 1920s. When I visited Montevallo, I knew instantly that this is where I needed to be — it was a beautiful campus, small and everyone was so helpful.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
This is an easy question, the students! Watching them grow, learn and become is like an eternal fountain of youth for me. I am amazed by their creativity, energy and curiosity.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
I’ve had a few ghostly encounters at UM. My favorite was with Trummie who haunts Palmer Hall. My first job in College Night was to fly scenery in and out. Trummie is known to swing a batten (the pole that we attach scenery to) toward the side that is the winner — I saw Trummie swing the batten!
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
My proudest accomplishment was being part of the Centennial Celebration of College Night in 2019. We produced a College Night Revue in October 2018 and planned various events at College Night to honor our most beloved tradition — it was like a big ole birthday party for College Night and so many alums returned home for it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
When the world around me is chaotic, Montevallo is my constant. As a student, the faculty and staff expanded and shaped my world giving me a much broader lens through which to see and learn. Montevallo helped me become who I am today, and it is my hope that I can provide support, advice and encouragement to our current students.
Anything else you want to say?
The liberal arts are a gift to students – they teach them to be adaptable and informed citizens capable of communicating and deciphering the world around them. Never doubt the power and value of face-to-face discussion.
