University of Montevallo Celebrates 130th Founders’ Day, Presidential Inauguration with Week of Events

October 12, 2026

Last week, the University of Montevallo celebrated its 130th Founders’ Day along with the formal investiture of the institution’s first female president, Dr. Michelle R. Johnston. Under the theme “Together We Soar,” the University community enjoyed a weeklong lineup of events honoring UM’s history, recognizing the achievements of its faculty, staff, students and alumni and looking toward its future.

The festivities began Tuesday, Oct. 6, with “Montevallo Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” a celebration of trailblazing women of Montevallo’s past, present and future. The evening opened with excerpts from “My Name is Julia,” Kathryn Tucker Windham’s one-woman play of Julia Tutwiler. Presented by the UM National Alumni Association and directed by Dr. Jefferson Walker, Jane Clayton performed as Tutwiler and brought to life the story of a pioneering educator and advocate whose legacy helped shape higher education in Alabama.

Next, the American Association of University Women presented “Montevallo Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” a panel discussion featuring six UM women who have broken barriers in their respective fields. Panelists shared their experiences navigating male-dominated professions and overcoming challenges throughout their careers. They also reflected on the women who inspired them.

“Our institution is evidence of what was seen as to the benefits of women in leadership,” Johnston said at the panel. “Montevallo was founded in the belief that that Alabama would be better as a state if women were prepared for independent lives and careers. I think seeing women in senior leadership roles, students and early career professionals and others see possibility. They see opportunity.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, UM students got to spend some time with Johnston at Popsicles with the President on Main Quad. As they enjoyed Frios pops, yard games, a photo booth and music, the student body also had a chance to connect and chat with the new president, ask questions and share their perspectives.

That night, UM leaders, trustees, Foundation directors, alumni and friends gathered for the launch of Montevallo 130: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow, a campaign designed to celebrate the University’s 130-year legacy while strengthening its future. Guests later enjoyed a dinner at Flowerhill, UM’s presidential residence, in celebration of its centennial.

The highlight of the week came Thursday, Oct. 8, as UM honored its 130th Founders’ Day with its annual Convocation in Palmer Auditorium. The ceremony recognized Dr. Benton Tyler, professor of mathematics and this year’s University Scholar, winners of the UM National Alumni Association’s Founders’ Day Awards, this year’s finders of the Crook and the investiture of the senior class. In this tradition, the senior class is welcomed into the Community of Scholars by donning their graduation robes for the first time.

The ceremony included a presentation of greetings and congratulatory messages to Johnston on behalf of various sectors of the University community and the broader community it serves. Representatives of UM’s Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, faculty, emeriti faculty, staff, alumni and students each extended greetings to Johnston, reflecting the collective hopes and support of the University as she began her presidency. Greetings were also extended on behalf of the city of Montevallo, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and Johnston’s family and friends.

Following the presentation of greetings, Johnston was officially inaugurated as the 16th University president by Tim Lupinacci, chair of the UM Board of Trustees.

“For 130 years, people have placed their faith in this University, and our responsibility is to uphold it,” Johnston said in her inaugural address. “Together, we will soar to those new heights. Together, we will build the greatest era in the history of the University of Montevallo.”

Later that day, the University community and campus guests were welcomed to Flowerhill for an open house with sweet treats in honor of its 100th birthday. That night, guests gathered outside Palmer Hall Gate for the Flock Party, a free concert that brought the University and city communities together for fun and live music performed by Color The Night.

The celebration wrapped up Oct. 9 with the UM National Alumni Association’s annual Founder’s Day dinner recognizing its award recipients at Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Diane Ray ’68 received the Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award. Dr. Laura Bloom, professor of human development and family studies, faculty director of the Child Study Center and director of the Certified Family Life Education Program, received the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award. Rusty Dulaney, mechanical supervisor, received the Outstanding Staff Service award.