Montevallo’s Fall Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Class of 2025

December 15, 2025

The University of Montevallo proudly hosted its Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 12 in the McChesney Student Activity Center, recognizing the academic achievements of 140 graduates.

“Tonight, you join over 26,000 others who have received a degree from this institution since its founding in 1896,” said Dr. Terry Roberson, interim president of the University. “I want each of you to know that we’re proud of you and we wish you much success in your future endeavors.”

This year’s commencement speaker was Chad Scroggins, who has served the residents of Shelby County for more than 22 years with the last six as the county manager. A strong supporter of UM, he has overseen a number of University projects including the completion of the UM softball facility at Orr Park, the Falcons’ lacrosse/track and field facility as part of the Montevallo Development Cooperative District and the establishment of a mountain bike course for the UM cycling program.

In his address, Scroggins encouraged graduates to be intentional about building relationships and partnerships throughout their careers, emphasizing that professional success is often rooted in collaboration and strong community connections.

“It’s those relationships, those partnerships with your friends and family that will make your career better,” Scroggins said. “Your career story will be sprinkled with those intentional relationships, those opportunities for service and partnership, and that’s where you’ll build the memories that’ll shape the person that you’ll become in your career.”

Scroggins also advised the graduates to be full themselves and to not be personally defined by their career or job title.

“At the end of those 30 years, you do not want to be defined by a job title, but who you actually are, who you’ve had relationships with and who you’ve been able to serve,” he said. “Montevallo has brought you together and you will forever be bonded through your accomplishments that we’re here to celebrate today. Go and define the world. Do not let the world define you.”

Roberson then presented Scroggins with the President’s Award inscribed with a quote from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”

The ceremony continued as Roberson, assisted by Registrar Amanda Fox and the deans of each of UM’s colleges, conferred 99 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 41 candidates for graduate degrees. After all the graduates had crossed the stage and received their degrees, they were officially inducted into the UM National Alumni Association by UMNAA President Eddie Baker ’04.

“As I wrap up my term as the alumni association president, I would like to challenge all of us to be more givers — givers of your time, givers of your talent and givers of your treasure,” Baker said. “We welcome you to visit often, serve faithfully and give how you are able. Always know that there’s a place for you here at your home.”