If UM graduate student Nadarria Inge could go back to the beginning of her college career, she wouldn’t change a single thing.
“Being a student at Montevallo has truly been one of the best experiences,” Inge said. “If I had to go back in time, I’d choose Montevallo over and over again. I’ve met so many great people, made friendships that will last forever, and got the opportunity to be taught and mentored by some of the most amazing professors.”
Inge earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from UM in summer 2020. She currently is working toward her master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science at the University, and is on track to complete graduate school this fall.
Throughout her time at UM, Inge has been heavily involved on campus and in the community.
She competed on the University’s track and field team, was a member of Minority Student Union, served as the recording secretary of the Nu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was a member of the McNair Scholars Program, served as the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, was a member of the UM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, served as the social media chair of the Exercise Science Club and served as the Athletics Coordinator and men’s basketball coach for Purple Side.
Off-campus, she volunteered as a track and field assistant coach for the Mobile City Speed AAU track and field team and she currently volunteers at St. Paul’s Episcopal School as an eighth-grade girls’ assistant basketball coach. She also served as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club.
She recently worked with fellow grad student Aniya Bettis to develop a research study titled “The impact of a dual-generation swim intervention to reduce unintentional drownings in African Americans,” which they will present during the annual meeting of the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.
After earning her master’s degree, Inge plans to pursue an alternative master’s in education with a concentration in mathematics and become a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She ultimately plans to become a middle school math teacher and coach basketball and track and field.
Inge said Montevallo is laying the foundation for her future success, and said she will always hold the University in high regard.
“I honestly knew I belonged at Montevallo the moment I stepped foot on the campus. I had toured other universities throughout high school, but I instantly felt that I was home when I arrived,” she said. “The beautiful campus and the welcoming spirit of everyone that I met was absolutely amazing. I loved the small class sizes and the way the professors interacted with the students. I knew that there was nowhere else I’d rather be. This University will always hold a special place in my heart.”
