13th Annual Run for Research a Success

Despite the dreary weather Thursday, Nov. 1, the 13th Annual Run for Research had a great turnout with 47 total participants.

Winners of the 1-mile walk female and male divisions were John Tidwell and Abby Tidwell.

In the women’s division of the 5K, first place went to Karli Morris. Dr. Alex Beringer took first place in the men’s division of the 5K while second place went to Dr. Jody Landers and third place to Dr. Jay Cofield. Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics won the award for most participants and McNair Scholars took home the award for most participants among a student organization. Best costume winners were students, Susannah Hope and Laura Ling.
 

UM United Way Campaign Calls for Donations

The University of Montevallo has set an employee goal of raising $3,500 as part of the 2018 United Way Campaign. Please help us reach our goal this year by considering a pledge of $1 (or more!) per pay period in 2019. Even though $12/$26 for the entire year (depending on your pay periods) may not sound like much — it can do a world of good if everyone pitches in! Pledge forms will be collected until Friday, Nov. 9. Please contact Sarah Hendren with any questions or to request a pledge form.
 

Falcon Success Champions: Reach New Heights for Student Success

Falcon Success Champions, an initiative of the Falcon Success Center, encourages alumni, parents, current students, faculty and staff to recognize the contributions UM faculty, staff, departments and divisions have made to the success of our students. As a campus, the University of Montevallo recognizes that the success of our students is not based on a single program or office, but instead that it takes contributions from the entire campus to support our students. As such, Falcon Success Champions is not just an award for a single individual or office, but an opportunity to recognize all contributors.

The nomination form can be found online and provides space for you to submit five individuals, departments or divisions to recognize as a Falcon Success Champion. Your comments will be shared with those you recognized, but any identifying information will be removed.

Those that are recognized will be invited to a reception in April 2019. Forms are due by March 1, 2019.
 

Faculty and Staff vs. Students Basketball Tournament

The Exercise Science Club is holding a faculty and staff versus students basketball tournament on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in Myrick Gym. Teams of faculty and staff will be competing against students in this 3 on 3 tournament. Please contact Dr. Curt Fennell if you would like to participate.
 

UM Welcomes Visiting Writer Aja Gabel

Fiction writer Aja Gabel will visit campus for a reading and lecture. Aja will be accompanied by Cahaba River Strings, a Birmingham-based string quartet comprised of members of the Alabama Symphony and Atlanta Opera. She will read from her novel, “The Ensemble,” and will give a lecture on failure and perseverance in the arts. The event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. in LeBaron Recital Hall. Books will be available for sale and signing.

This event is sponsored by the Concert and Lecture Series, College of Arts and Sciences and Department of English and Foreign Languages.
 

University Relations is Now University Marketing and Communications

We’re re-branding the department! The Office of University Relations is now officially University Marketing and Communications. The new name more appropriately fits what the department currently offers as an internal marketing resource to the University and beyond: photography, graphic design, printing services, media relations, strategic communication, social media, advertising, branding and licensing and more. Learn more at montevallo.edu/marcomm.

Faculty/Staff Highlights

Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray, associate professor of secondary education and instructional technology, was recently the recipient of the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) Making It Happen Award. This award honors outstanding educators and leaders who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students.
 
Dr. Ted Hoffman, associate professor and director of music education, presented a session titled “Teacher Certification Examinations in the State of Alabama” at the Alabama Music Educators Association’s 2018 fall Collegiate Summit on Saturday, Oct. 27, on the campus of Alabama State University.
 
Dr. Lee Rozelle, professor of English, reviewed the book “Monstrous Nature: Environment and Horror on the Big Screen” (2016) for Britain's premier ecocritical journal, “Green Letters: Studies in Ecocriticism.” It is available online.
 
Dr. Tiffany Wang, associate professor of communication studies, was recently elected to an executive committee position for the Central States Communication Association (CSCA), a regional professional association. As Member At Large, she will attend and participate in all executive committee meetings, serve as a voice for CSCA members and assist the executive committee in carrying out the work of CSCA.

Student Highlight

Skyelar J. Haynie, a junior mass communication major, assisted in ESPN coverage of the Thompson vs. Hewitt Trussville football game Friday, Oct. 26.