Faulkner Magazine Fall 2023

FAULKNER

A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING ON CAMPUS

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

COMPLETING THE FINAL PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION

V.P. BLACK COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF BIBLICAL

Schedule of events

October 5 22-26 27-28

November 29

Benefit Dinner

Faulkner Bible Lectureship

Homecoming

Faulkner Giving Tuesday Fall Commencement

Editorial Staff

Publisher

Patrick Gregory

Editor-in-chief

Rebecca Burylo Designer

Angela Hardgrave

Staff Writer

Rebecca Burylo Contributors

Audrey Tindoll

Kasey Oakley

Lesley Parrish

Robin Bradford

Barry L. Buford

Cabinet Members

Mitch Henry, President

Wayne Baker, Vice Chancellor/ Vice President for Advancement

Candace Cain, Vice President for Student Services

Charles Campbell, Dean, Jones School of Law

Patrick Gregory, Chief Marketing Officer

Jamie Horn, Assoc. VP for Finance

Marketplace Faith Friday Forums & Alumni Honors Luncheon

Jamboree Spring Commencement

Faulkner Law Commencement

Board of Trustees

Mr. Dale Kirkland, Chair

Mr. Michael Eubanks, Vice Chair

Mrs. Carlton Freeman, Secretary

Mr. Roy Johnson, Parliamentarian

Mr. Jason Akins

Mr. Sid Aultman

Mr. Steve Brannan

Mrs. Martha Burleson

Mr. Terry Cagle

Mr. Jim Campbell

Mr. Joseph W. Donaldson

Mrs. Scherry Douglas

Mrs. Rhonda Zorn Fernandez

Mr. Stanley Gray

Mr. Mike Gurganus

Mr. Ken Harris, Jr.

Dr. John W. Hill III

Dr. Mike Houts

Mr. Jason Isbell

Renee Kephart, Vice President for Human Resources

Brannon Lentz, Vice President for Extension Centers Services

Mark Hunt, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Gerald Jones, University General Counsel

Kasey Oakley, Chief Information Officer

Dave Rampersad, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Joseph Vickery, Vice President for Finance

Hal Wynn, Athletic Director

Beverly Tolliver, Executive Assistant to the President

College Deans

Dr. Jeff Arrington

Dr. Justin Bond

Dr. Todd Brenneman

Dr. Charles Campbell

Dr. Sandy Ledwell

Dr. Dave Rampersad

The mission of Faulkner University is to glorify God through education of the whole person, emphasizing integrity of character in a caring, Christian environment where every individual matters every day

Mr. Frank “Butch” Jones

Dr. Billy Lambert

Dr. Jeff Langham

Mr. Bob Lee

Dr. Mansel Long, Jr.

Dr. Henri McDaniel

Judge Carole Medley

Mr. Brian Mitchell

Mr. Phil Norton

Mrs. Wilma Phillips

Mr. Tim Richardson

Mr. Thomas Smith

Dr. Bud Stumbaugh

Mr. Jon Sykes

Senator Jabo Waggoner

Mr. Eddie Welch

Trustees Emeriti

Dr. E. R. Brannan

Mr. Archie B. Crenshaw

Mr. David Howell

Mrs. Libby Jones

Mr. Louis Lester

Ms. Glenda Major

First Year as President

Graduation was a highlight. Getting to hand diplomas to students who I taught three years ago, some of whom I couldn’t resist giving a hug because I knew their stories of adversity as they came on stage. We have some great students, and I’m excited to see what they will do as alumni. I am thrilled they are a part of our alumni family.

More than a year has passed since Faulkner President Mitch Henry accepted the role to lead Faulkner University. Leaving his previous positions of attorney and college professor behind, Henry saw the spiritual opportunity the presidency of Faulkner University afforded to impact young lives for Christ. We sat down with President Henry to discuss his hopes for Faulkner’s future and the strategic plans being put into place to accomplish those goals, and to reflect on the past academic year.

What are your initial thoughts and reactions after completing your first year as Faulkner University’s president?

“It has been a marathon and a sprint all in one. I’ve loved it. It’s the absolute best job I’ve ever had. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, and I’ve had some wonderful jobs in the past. Being an attorney and helping people solve problems in a law practice before I became Faulkner’s president was wonderful. Today, I’m still involved in justice, mercy, and problemsolving, but I’m more directly involved in the spiritual wellbeing of a lot of people. What I would say about the Faulkner family is that I got to witness first-hand how good people can impact others in a positive way. I’ve challenged people to love one another, and come to a stronger faith in God. I’ve seen folks overcome challenging circumstances. So, all in all, it’s been great and rewarding.”

What were the highlights of this first year?

“Stories of students coming to know Jesus was the first highlight. The biggest and most important highlight of this year is the spiritual awakening I’ve seen in the lives of people on this campus and in the churches I’ve visited.

Having Dr. Fred Gray on our campus was not just a highlight of the year, but it was a highlight of my life. What a good godly man, who at his core exhibits the ethic of Christ combined with the boldness of Christ. After the chapel interview that day, we invited Gray and his family to my office for lunch, and we got to talk about his experiences representing Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What struck me most was his genuine conviction for the golden rule, “treat others as you want to be treated” because people are the reflection of the image of God.”

What were the biggest challenges you faced?

“One of the biggest challenges for me or any president coming into this role, who has not come to the role with many years of experience in higher education administration, is learning the appropriate and comprehensive body of knowledge associated with higher education administration and specifically related to Faulkner’s processes. I have spent literally hundreds of hours listening to people at this university, learning about their jobs, what they like, and what they would like to improve. It’s a lot of knowledge to absorb. I’ve met with experts and consultants and relied heavily on my cabinet to help me learn.”

What do you enjoy most about being president?

“I love interacting with students. Faulkner has some of the best students I’ve ever been around, and I’ve been around students at the two largest colleges in this state most of my life. Faulkner students are fun, they’re resilient, they’re dedicated, they’re smart, they love God, and they love one another. How could I not enjoy being around these great students? They’re so kind to me and welcoming and encouraging. They are such a blessing.”

How has your position as president helped you in your spiritual journey, or how has your spiritual journey changed because of it?

“Cindy and I made the decision to do this work, because Dr. Billy Hilyer shared firsthand how working at Faulkner is a ministry. Cindy and I had decided before Mike Williams announced he was going to

become Harding’s president, that we were going to make a spiritual decision to retire early and go into church ministry. So, our decision to come help lead Faulkner is a modification of that initial goal and our dream. I view every day I come to work here as God’s work. I’m not perfect in what I do. There are mistakes I’ve made, and I’m here by the grace of God. Folks have given me grace as I’ve been learning, but this is a spiritual job. I’ve had some opportunities to be directly involved in helping a few students come to know Christ and even more students to know Christ more fully and mature in their own spiritual growth. I’m truly grateful and humbled to be in a role like this. It’s caused me to be more intentional in my own personal Bible study and be more intentional in prayer. But for the knowledge that comes from God’s word and the power that comes from prayer, the pressures of this job would overwhelm me.”

How has this year affirmed your goal of preparing vocational ministers?

“I receive affirmation whenever we have alumni come on our campus and speak to our students about how they have made their work a ministry to others. When I learn how those alumni are impacting people positively where they live and I see how they’re reaching out, taking time out of their life experience to come back and give back to our students, that illustrates vocational ministry in a pure form. They are a wonderful example for our students. I see vocational ministry among our faculty and staff. I hear success stories about students who have struggled academically while faculty and staff are spending extra time and hours mentoring, tutoring, encouraging, and helping these students. When I see those students be successful, that’s vocational ministry. That’s amazing stuff. I see our counselors going the extra mile, spending the extra time interacting with and providing services to students; that’s vocational ministry. For all our students, their vocational ministry right now is to look out for one another.”

What was your best memory from the last year?

“Midnight breakfast for our traditional students during final exams was so cool. I asked the music department students to sing the song “You Will Be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen after I heard them perform the song a week before. Students and staff were moved by the performance. That song and that theme embodied what many of our students find here at Faulkner. You make the transition to college, and it’s a transformative time in your life. You’re looking for that connection with people, and it’s not easy. At the

end of this spring 2023 semester, students felt like they belonged.”

What are you most excited for looking ahead this next year?

“There are several things I’m extra excited about. First, in our College of Health Sciences, we’ve been laying the groundwork, legal approvals, and licensees necessary to fully implement the Center for Therapy and Research and the Williams Center for Autism free clinic. God willing, in addition to speech therapy, we will soon be offering additional free clinical services for special needs children and adults for occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, counseling, and physical therapy. Our region lacks enough providers to meet current needs. Our Health Science graduate students will work with qualified clinicians and faculty to give needed therapies in our campus clinic. Our students are going to transform lives, and it’s going to impact generations.

Second, in addition to our 3-year traditional law class, we will graduate our first ABA approved executive schedule law school students this spring. This new four-year schedule combines on-line and bi-weekly (Friday afternoon and Saturday) on-ground classes to allow employed persons to keep their jobs while getting their law degrees. Our students will impact justice. Third, we will add our largest cohort of traditional Bible students in recent history through the Jack Zorn Scholarship, offering free tuition to students who meet qualifications and volunteer to serve on campus in ministry. Fourth, the Reconnect Faulkner Lectureship will take place Homecoming week, October 22-28 on our campus featuring top Christian speakers from all over the country including: Fred Gray (attorney for Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks), Phil Sanders (In Search of the Lord’s Way broadcast), and Jovan Payes (former gang member from San Francisco, California). We are hosting a debate between Kyle Butt (Apologetics Press) and Dr. Michael Shermer (nationally known skeptic) regarding whether the God of the Bible exists. We also are hosting the first Jack Zorn Invitational Contest inviting all of the top speaking winners from each Lads2Leaders city convention for a final round during Reconnect.

Finally, expect a lot more construction on our campus beginning soon. Though inconvenient, we are growing. It’s going to be an amazing year for our students and Faulkner family.”

Final Construction to Begin on College of Health Sciences

by Rebecca Burylo

The third and final phase of construction for the College of Health Sciences is getting underway thanks to generous donors who raised nearly $3.6 million.

The final phase will include a complete “brick and mortar” face lift of the college building itself, a reworking and landscaping of the parking area and the addition of a bridge that will connect the main campus with the east campus, where the College of Health Sciences is located.

Most of the preliminary planning and construction permits have been completed. Once approval from the Department of Public Health is granted, construction will begin. The anticipated start date is sometime midOctober.

The reworking of the parking area and front entrance will include a concourse and a porte-cochere, or carport area, directly in front of the building so patients can

enter the free therapy clinic with ease and be shielded from the elements. The concourse will connect to the bridge, which will cross the drainage channel near the Faulkner Law building and end at the Rotunda. The plan for the bridge currently consists of two lanes for pedestrian traffic and an eight-foot sidewalk, wide enough for a golf cart.

“Artistic renderings reflect the updated façade will match the collegiate and professional styles of the buildings on the main campus,” President Mitch Henry explained.

“The overall project, plus the addition of the bridge and concourse will make for an overall aesthetically pleasing look that will attract students and be consistent with the high-quality of education and clinical services being provided within,” Henry said. “This is a building we expect to last for many years and provide a meaningful and positive impact on healthcare needs for

our citizens, in particular those with special needs. We believe the investment we have made in the College of Health Sciences is a worthwhile investment, and so we want it to have more of a welcoming and professional appearance and less retail.”

Once full approval for construction has been granted, a groundbreaking ceremony for dignitaries, faculty, staff and students will be scheduled to celebrate the start of the final phase of construction. The tentative date for that ceremony is October 16, 2023. Completion will take up to a year. Construction of the bridge will begin closer to January 2024 to be completed by April 2024.

Marshall Design-Build LLC, which was responsible for the construction and completion of the prior two phases, will continue their work to complete the final phase. The bridge portion of the plan will be constructed by Newell Road Builders, Inc. out of Hope Hull, Alabama.

While construction is underway, classes will continue as normal. Marshall Design has assured that every effort and precaution will be taken to maintain the safety of students, staff, faculty and patients. In so doing, construction will be performed in stages to impact the fewest people.

The College of Health Sciences health clinic will continue to provide services during this time as well. Beginning October 1st, the clinic will provide services in both speech language pathology along with occupational therapy to both adults and children. A free open house to experience a preview of these services is scheduled for October 10, 2023 and the public is invited to attend.

V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies: Laying The Foundation Of Biblical Truth

by Rebecca Burylo

Students pay attention during Andrew Gifford’s lecture on understanding Biblical literature inside the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies

A Bible degree from Faulkner University is, from the founding of the university, the very cornerstone of what the institution was built on. In fact, the university was formerly known as the Montgomery Bible College and was founded by Christian men to train up young people in the Christian faith.

The V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies at Faulkner University carries the torch of that mission, dedicated to conveying a Christian worldview to students of all majors, with the Bible at the center of Faulkner’s curriculum.

“Two things that the College of Biblical Studies at Faulkner does is to prepare future ministers, or provide a current minister with additional skills and second, to provide foundation for every student to have a biblical worldview,” said Todd Brenneman, dean of the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies.

Those traditional students who are pursuing a degree in Bible to either preach or teach are now known as Zorn scholars. They are taught everything from the biblical text, Christian history, mission work capability, ministry skills, and ministerial counseling to practical applications like how to deliver Bible lessons or a sermon and how to run a youth or college ministry. They practice what they’ve learned through interning at a church of their choosing.

Jason Owen graduated from Faulkner with a Bible undergraduate degree and Master’s. He is now the preaching minister for Central Valley Church of Christ, which he planted for the purpose of making disciples in a growing area of Limestone County, Alabama.

“My studies at Faulkner expanded my capacity for vision casting and managing ministry objectives. I was challenged and grew in my abilities to effectively communicate, to reach a diverse population, and provide compassionate pastoral care,” Owen said. “The V.P. Black School of Biblical Studies expanded my capacity to think critically which enabled a deeper walk with Christ. The faculty spoke into my life and provided tools that have allowed me to grow in my ministry to God’s children.”

The Bible department at Faulkner is especially unique in their approach to youth and family ministry. The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies offers a youth and family ministry track that provides students with the knowledge and interpersonal skills required to aid families of today’s church.

“We incorporate a lot more enhancement of the students’ skills in handling family challenges and development than other similar programs,” Brenneman said. “We integrate training in parenting skills, godly human sexuality and family strengths that you don’t find elsewhere, which is a testament to the training that Drs. Steve and Alan Wages provide.”

Since President Mitch Henry became president of the university in June 2022, his vision for the university has been to promote vocational ministry among students no matter what study they pursue. A vision for students, no matter what career field they enter, to use their work place as their mission field to spread the love of Jesus Christ to those around them. It’s a mission that comes naturally to the department of biblical studies where they train up students to be ministers and teachers in their churches to lead others into the saving grace of Jesus through baptism.

However, the vision doesn’t end there for the Bible department. For years, the Bible department at Faulkner has been instrumental in incorporating that mission into every undergraduate student’s degree path through the foundational class, Christian Cultural Heritage.

Currently taught by Dr. Rick Trull, Christian Cultural Heritage helps create a biblical foundation in students where they consider what it means to be a Christian and especially how to be a Christian first and employee second. Students are asked how they might incorporate evangelism into their workplace, wherever they may be led after graduation.

“Vocational ministry, it’s that idea of reflecting on being a Christian and living that out in your day-to-day life,” Brenneman said. “So we provide a biblical framework for any major helping students fuse science, business practices, health sciences and others with biblical principles of service. Trull’s class is for non-Bible majors and it helps students reflect on their Christian worldview as it impacts what they will do or where they will go. For example, that could mean creating a faithbased business or hosting prayer times at work.”

Students who complete a traditional undergraduate degree at Faulkner, also graduate with a minor in Bible, proving how integrated the Bible department is in every students’ studies.

Apply now at www.faulkner.edu/apply

Zorn Scholarship Information

In honor of Faulkner alumnus and Lads to Leaders founder, Dr. Jack Zorn, Faulkner University began awarding full tuition scholarships to traditional undergraduate Bible majors in the fall 2022 semester. This award is known as the Jack Zorn Scholarship, and students who receive it are known as Zorn Scholars.

The scholarship is a way to curb the current shortage of preachers and remove the barriers hindering students from majoring in Bible.

“The Zorn scholarship is an exciting opportunity to make ministerial education more cost effective and less of a financial burden on students,” said Dr. Todd Brenneman, Dean of the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies and the Kearley Graduate School of Theology. “Our hope is that this endeavor will encourage more students to consider pursuing education in the Bible and will help parents see the value of Christian education. Honoring Dr. Zorn this way highlights how we share the same vision as he had of raising up the next generation of godly leaders.”

To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.faulkner.edu/zorn/

FAULKNER UNI V ERSITY ZORN SCHOLARS

Kearley Graduate School of Theology

Faulkner University’s Kearley Graduate School of Theology (KGST) provides students the opportunity to earn fully online graduate degrees from an accredited institution to better serve God, the church, and their communities. KGST offers four degrees to help students increase their knowledge and prepare them for greater service in God’s kingdom. Its fully online Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies is the first among Churches of Christ associated schools to be approved by the Association of Theological Schools.

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program focuses on the text of the Bible. The program prepares graduates for church ministry or for further academic studies, particularly for a PhD in Biblical Studies.

The Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry degree effectively prepares you to promote healthy interpersonal relationships, foster effective parenting and spiritual formation, and to strengthen marriage and family life.

The Master of Theology degree is intended to help students with a first master’s in religious or ministerial studies prepare for further work in academic biblical studies. The degree can also be taken by students simply desiring further theological study. The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies program prepares graduates for advanced opportunities in teaching, publication, and ministry.

ACCREDITATION

The Kearley Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110; 412-788-6505. The following degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies, Master of Theology, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and Master of Arts in Family Life Ministry.

Contact the KGST Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Randall C. Bailey, at rbailey@faulkner.edu or 334-386-7663 or Graduate Enrollment at graduateenrollment@faulkner.edu

Faulkner Family Takes the Gospel Around the World

by Rebecca Burylo

Faulkner student, left, watches as a woman is baptized during their mission trip to Tanzania

Missions both abroad and at home are a big part of the Christian faith. Faulkner University’s students, faculty, staff and V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies are doing their part to spread the good news of the Gospel to all the nations.

From a small fishing town in south Alabama to Mexico and Jamaica, to the plains of Tanzania, Faulkner students became the hands and feet of Jesus all over the world this summer.

Earlier this year, the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies’ Zorn scholars faithfully helped a small church in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The congregation lost their minister so Faulkner Bible majors drove 2-3 hours to the financially stressed community to take care of their spiritual needs, provide preaching and communion and praying and singing.

Additionally, several Faulkner faculty, staff, alumni and current students partnered with Growing Faithful Children in June to share God's love with children in Jamaica. They held over 15 Vacation Bible Schools, reaching over 4,000 children. Three playgrounds were built at schools in Santa Cruz. Saints from the Santa Cruz church were encouraged through nightly activities. This life changing experience was a first for many Faulkner attendees.

A separate group of members from the Vaughn Park Church of Christ congregation, including Faulkner University employees and alumni, flew to Mexico June 10-16, 2023 to assist in Baja Missions in and around LaMision. Included in the group were Dr. Terry Brown,

Loye Moorer, and Eliza Rillion; alumni Ben Brown and David Brown; and others. The group built an addition to the church building, repaired and painted a widow's home, and prepared food for elementary school children, police officers, firefighters and workers in the fields.

Faulkner’s Bible professor Dr. Rick Trull and his wife Marinda helped organize the May mission trip to Tanzania. They left May 26 and spent two weeks there working with the Tanzanian Christians in an outreach to the communities around the churches in Arusha, Tanzania.

While there, they stayed in the dorms at the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching while the preaching school students were on summer break. The Faulkner students conducted multiple Bible studies five days a week with young people in their homes. The two weeks of outreach included many studies with a lot of people, which resulted in eight baptisms. “Our students held Bible studies with four of those who were baptized,” Trull said. “It’s not very often we get to see the direct results of our mission work while we’re there so it was special for our students to be a part of these eternal decisions.”

Besides the outreach, Faulkner’s group visited more than 60 children in schools and orphanages. They also spent time visiting Tanzanian Christians in their homes and attending two churches.

A typical day for the group included partnering with a translator and driving out to the villages surrounding

Faulkner faculty, staff and alumni including Dr. Terry Brown, Ben and David Brown, Loye Moorer, and Eliza Rillion pose with others from Vaughn Park Church of Christ during a mission trip this summer to Mexico

Arusha to teach Bible studies in the people’s homes. They would do that all morning and come back to the Connelly School for lunch. They would go out again after lunch to do the same. Fridays included a free day and church was held on Sundays at two different churches.

They would end the days by visiting Tanzania Christians in their homes for dinner. They continue to stay in touch with the interpreters they grew to know there. By encouraging the church and people there, they too encouraged themselves.

Trull said, “Over the years, my wife Marinda and I have been taking groups of students to Kenya and now Tanzania to work with mission efforts. What we have noticed is that these trips give students experiences about how Christians in other parts of the world live. They see those who have next to nothing still have a

joy and a hope that only comes through Christ. When our students return to the states, they have a greater appreciation for the little things.”

Trull and his wife have been taking trips to Kenya and now Tanzania since 1998 and previously lived in Kenya for ten years and Uganda for four years preaching and teaching the Gospel message. He started working at Faulkner in 1995 and has encouraged students to pursue missionary work. Students who have joined them on their trips over the years have made missions part of their vocation, whether they have decided to pursue ministry, missions or nonprofit work as a vocation or to pursue doing business or providing healthcare.

“It becomes a part of them no matter where they are led. These trips make a lasting impact on their lives,” Trull said.

Faulkner students and group leader, Dr. Rick Trull pose with others during their mission trip to Tanzania

Mexico mission trip group

Several Faulkner faculty, staff, alumni and current students pose with members of Growing Faithful Children during the summer mission trip to Jamaica

Spiritual Awakening at Faulkner: 46 Students Baptized

by Rebecca Burylo

“Ask, and it shall be given you,” is a promise Jesus tells his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew 7:7. Since taking office as president of Faulkner University, Mitch Henry and many other staff and faculty members have prayed in earnest and asked the Lord for a spiritual awakening to take place on the university’s campus.

That request is being answered.

On August 7, 2023, 37 student athletes from the Faulkner Eagles football team gave their lives to Christ through baptism. The following day, Antonio Martin, also on the football team, was baptized at Landmark Church. It was by far the start of the largest spiritual event to take place on campus in recent history.

Since then, Faulkner’s SGA President Dessy (Destini) Gipson was baptized at 11 p.m. on August 15 at Dalraida Church of Christ and the following day two more students, Breanna Clark and Lydia Jackson were baptized into Christ Wednesday afternoon by Dr. Art Williams. That evening Faulkner student Richon Bogan was baptized at

Landmark. Fellow student Vinny Fanelli was baptized at Dalraida Church of Christ on Thursday night after an evening of study with campus minister Nate Kidwell and Carly Walker was also baptized Thursday by Colt Mahana. Since then, students Gabe Brenneman and Madilyn Studds were also baptized.

What led to these moments was a series of pleas, conversations and devotions since the time athletes and band members arrived early on campus August

l-r- President Mitch Henry and Coach Khalil Pope

Center President Mitch Henry poses with members of the Faulkner Eagles football team who were just baptized on August 7

37 student athletes from the Faulkner Eagles football team pose inside University Church of Christ where they gave their lives to Christ through baptism

1, 2023 for practices until the remaining new and returning students came back to campus for the start of the fall semester. A slew of welcome-back activities was planned for the students before their classes began August 14. A barbecue at the Billy Hilyer Stadium was one such event that was held Sunday, August 6, and it was where Faulkner’s new Spiritual Life Minister Colt Mahana gave a moving message.

A few days later on Monday evening, football coach Randy Ragsdale led a team devotional for the group. Volunteer coach Brandon Johnson also shared his story of being a Faulkner football player who was baptized as a student by Landmark Church’s college minister Nathan Capps in Montgomery. Johnson now drives from Lineville, Alabama nearly every day to volunteer his time to coach young men on the team.

It was after Johnson’s message that 37 athletes said they too wanted to be baptized.

“I got a call from Coach Khalil Pope while I was at home in Pintlala, Alabama,” Henry said. “He said they had just finished a team devotional and about 40 players wanted to be baptized, and he asked me what they should do. Right away, I said to call Andrew Kingsley at University Church of Christ and open the doors to use the baptistry. I jumped in my truck and on the way to campus I called every church minister I could think of to help us.”

Once Henry arrived, the team was making their way inside the church next to campus, and they were being

joined by church of Christ ministers from University, Dalriada, Vaughn Park, Southside, Eastern Meadows, Landmark, and Hunter Hills along with Faulkner coaches Reed Sutton and Patrick McCarthy and William Cooper and other faculty and staff members. Each one took a few members of the team aside to talk with them, answer any questions they had and to pray with them. Then one by one, Johnson and Pope baptized them.

“This is indeed a spiritual awakening, and the year has only just begun,” Henry said.

Brandon Johnson baptizes a member of the Faulkner Eagles football team on August 7

l-r Nate Kidwell and Vinny Fanelli

Dessy (Destini) Gipson hugs a friend after being baptized at Dalraida Church of Christ

Churches Join Together To Give Each Faulkner Student a New Bible

by Rebecca Burylo

Every student who comes to Faulkner’s campus, should not leave without a strong knowledge of the Bible. That is the sentiment Faulkner University’s Jeremy Smith shared on the day when the university, alongside nine local churches of Christ, distributed nearly $17,000 worth of English Standard Version (ESV) Bibles to students during chapel.

“There is real value in sitting down undistracted and being able to meditate on the word of God,” said Smith, director of Sports Information and Marketing at Faulkner. “There are so many things contained within this library that was inspired by the Holy Spirit that we hope you’ll come to know.”

The inaugural Bible Day marked the second day of classes for students and it will be held at the beginning of each academic year going forward to give every new student their very own Bible. The Bibles given on August 16, 2023 were ESV Single Column Journaling Bibles, perfect for students to take notes during their Bible classes and devotional studies.

The Bibles were provided by the publishing company, Crossway, a not-for-profit Christian ministry that publishes the ESV Bible and gospelcentered books. Students can also have their Bibles customized with a free engraving of their name on the front or back cover by Furlongs Engraving located across from campus.

The money needed to purchase the Bibles was raised by nine local churches of Christ including Rossville Church of Christ, Lightwood Church

of Christ, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, University Church of Christ, Dalraida Church of Christ, Eastern Meadows Church of Christ, Grace Pointe Church of Christ, Hunter Hills, Landmark and separate donations by Nancy Itson and a Christian couple.

“From the gracious gifts of local churches and one church in Georgia, who through their contributions from the smallest child to the oldest widow or widower, we were able to purchase these Bibles for you, because they care about you and they love you,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry.

Students were then directed by groups to go to tables lining the Tine Davis Gym and the Student Multiplex

Donovan Rillion hands out Bibles to students during Faulkner’s inaugural Bible Day

to pick up their Bibles. There they were met with smiles and handshakes from the representatives of those churches and volunteers from Holt Street Church of Christ and Southside Church of Christ who were present to hand them their Bibles individually.

Several students were in tears as they expressed their gratitude. For some, this was the first Bible they had ever owned.

For Breanna Clark, it was the deciding factor in her decision to be baptized.

“When it was announced that every single student was receiving a Bible without any cost, it really struck me in my heart and nearly brought me to tears,” Breanna said.

“I’ve had a Bible in the past, but I know some people have never had one of their own and the fact that Faulkner was able to make the most important book in history accessible to everyone was a huge blessing.”

“I decided that day to be baptized after waking up and having it on my mind, and this act of kindness from

our local churches was the icing on the cake for me to make my decision to follow Christ. The fact that donors who may not know us personally worked together to donate so much to our student body is a true testament of Christian love; God is at work on this campus and the giveaway of the Bibles is a perfect example of that. It is so nice to be able to begin my walk with Christ with a brand-new copy of God’s word to strengthen my faith. This day will forever be special to me.”

A few weeks later, 198 Faulkner College of Health Science students also received the same Bible on their first day of classes. Students walked into orientation on August 28 to find a new Bible at each seat.

“God desires for us to seek him and understand him, but he doesn’t set us about without direction, he doesn’t set us about with nothing to follow,” Smith said. “Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness so the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work. You know what that means? That means this library we’re going to put in your hands today contains the answers to all the questions that need answers, but they’re not just freely offered. You have to work at it. You have to study it and you have to know it and it is a lifetime study.”

“Keep this Bible please and when you come to someone, when you come to me or one of your professors, whoever it is, have this Bible because this is where the answers and the guidance will come from,” he added. “There is no more important book you can put in your hand. So, keep it, cherish it, treasure it and study it. It is a lifetime experience.”

A representative of Eastern Meadows Church of Christ gives a Bible to a Faulkner student

President Mitch Henry writes an inscription in the Bibles of two Faulkner students

Students listen during the 2023 Bible Day chapel

Soaring for Souls

by Audrey Tindoll

“It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground.”

This is a famous saying used by pilots worldwide, including Faulkner’s own Kasey Oakley. As a volunteer pilot for the organization Soaring for Souls, Oakley is tasked with the responsibility of keeping himself and others safe while traveling.

Kasey Oakley is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Faulkner University, and he holds degrees from Faulkner, Harding University and Amridge University. He and his wife Jessica have been married for over 20 years and they have two children. He loves to travel and he became a private pilot in 2018.

He first became involved with Soaring for Souls when he met a member of the group while returning from a mission trip to Tanzania in 2021. After expressing interest, he was put in touch with Brian Howard, who is the founder and director of the organization.

Soaring for Souls was founded in 2021 to help the church in any way possible, which in this case is aviation. As stated on soaringforsouls.com, their mission “exists to reach lost souls, focusing primarily on the remote areas of the world, and to train Christians to be better soul winners.” In addition to helping American congregations become a strong force for God, they travel to Canada and the Bahamas to spread God’s word and build congregations.

Oakley has been on four trips since he joined Soaring for Souls in 2021. While some of his trips involve stopping in certain locations to serve the local community and spread the word of God, others involve disaster response assistance. Disaster response trips typically include flying about 500 feet above the ground after a natural disaster to capture footage used to help begin disaster relief. One of his favorite parts of being involved in Soaring for Souls is seeing all the different places that remind him that God’s people are everywhere, and although we may live far apart, we are a part of the same community.

Oakley’s most recent trip, which took place in March 2023, involved going to the Bahamas and carrying out missions on several different islands. He began the trip picking up last minute supplies, loading the plane, completing pre-flight checks, and getting clearance to leave the country from U.S. customs.

On Tuesday, he flew from Montgomery to Albany, Georgia, to pick up Howard. They stopped in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to refuel and get a life raft before departing to cross the Gulf Stream.

Andros Island, The Bahamas

l-r Kasey Oakley & Brian Howard

Kasey Oakley & Donald Burrows construct an apartment above the church building

After finally landing in Deadman’s Cay, they met the preacher from the Long Island Church of Christ, Donald Burrows. To get them settled in, he took them to get something to eat, then showed them to their lodgings. After a long day of travel, it was time to get some rest.

The next day, Oakley and Howard hit the ground running. Burrows picked them up to go to the church where they would help with the construction project taking place upstairs. They were to turn it into a living space for visiting preachers and missionaries. Later that week, Oakley and Howard flew from Deadman’s Cay to Providenciales, located among Turks and Caicos Islands, to meet with Jacques Phanor, the preacher for the Church of Christ there. After clearing customs at the airport, Phanor takes them to the church building located directly on the beach. They return to Deadmans’ Cay before dark.

On Saturday, Oakley and Howard resupplied and traveled to the north side of Long Island, which is about 80 miles long, to see the sights and meet with some of the members of the church there. The roads in the Bahamas are not maintained very well, so driving that 80 miles takes about 2.5 hours. After they finished exploring and meeting people, they made the 2.5 hour trek back.

On Sunday, they packed and prepared to leave before going to church at 10:00 a.m. where Howard preached the sermon. They witnessed two restorations from members who hadn’t been back to church since Covid shut everything down.

From Deadman’s Cay they flew to North Andros airport on San Andros Island, Bahamas to clear customs and fly back to Ft. Pierce airport.

At that point a line of storms was approaching the panhandle of Florida. Oakley said the top of the storm reached 42,000 feet, so there was no going over it. Looking at the weather radar later, Oakley thought there might be a break in the storm where they could sneak through so they headed north towards Albany. However, once they were in the air, it was apparent that the break in the storm was either never there or had quickly closed as they were confronted with large thunderstorms, and the lightning detector in the airplane went off the charts. Not wanting to take their chances with the weather, they diverted to Gainesville airport.

In the morning, they waited until the weather cleared up, before flying to Albany where Oakley dropped off Howard to his awaiting family. Oakley continued to Montgomery just in time to watch his son’s soccer game at Alabama Christian Academy.

Church members pose outside Long Island Church of Christ after church services on Sunday

Aerial shot of Clarence Town, Long Island

l-r Brian Howard , Donald Burrows, Kasey Oakley pose in Donald’s house after dinner

Heal the Heroes

by Rebecca Burylo

Taking care of our veterans’ physical and spiritual needs is a priority for Dr. Lesley Parrish, DPT, assistant professor with Faulkner University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.

Earlier this year, Parrish said yes to an invitation she received to fly over 2,000 miles to take part in Aerial Recovery’s Heal The Heroes recovery mission for United States veterans.

Heal The Heroes is a nonprofit organization helping veterans who are battling trauma and addiction. The purpose of the Heal the Heroes initiative is to provide military veterans and first responders with the opportunity to gain the healing they’ve been searching for during and after their transition from military and service careers to civilian life.

Each year, 104 veterans, or four platoons, complete the year-long Heal The Heroes Program. Participants then graduate into the Heal the Heroes Veterans Community which integrates past, present and future platoons into a lifelong community providing lasting support, opportunity and motivation.

Parrish was invited on the recommendation of a wellknown colleague to travel to the exclusive health retreat at Buck Island, British Virgin Islands. The honor to attend was a “testament to her knowledge, expertise and Christian heart,” said Dr. Heather Mount, PT, DSc, Director of Faulkner’s Physical Therapy program.

“As the physical therapist, I helped veterans on the rehabilitative side of things and gave one-on-one

assistance,” Parrish said. “I come from a family of veterans. My dad is a 74-year old Vietnam vet, my maternal granddad was a veteran with PTSD and my paternal grandad served in the Army and so I’ve had personal experience with helping veterans work through trauma and chronic pain.”

The Heal The Heroes five-day introductory retreat is an immersive healing experience from the food to the morning strengthening classes and mental exercises. It works to eliminate distractions and toxicity by not offering alcohol, or TV during the entire stay. Chemical food additives are nonexistent as food is locally grown and prepared.

“It’s a way of showing them what life could be like without distractions,” Parrish said. “The husband and wife team who founded the organization take veterans

Participants with Heal the Heroes take part in a healing yoga session.

Lesley Parrish talks to veterans during her talk entitled, “Chronic Pain: The Mind & Body.”

with PTSD, who have dealt with addiction and chronic pain, and they’ve developed programs for them. The retreat invites financial experts, physical therapists and other professionals to help these first responders transition back to civilian life and find purpose again.”

When she arrived on the island, Parrish’s primary function was to provide veterans with a musculoskeletal screening assessment and from that, create a treatment plan for them during their stay.

“The assessment showed me their movement limitations and pain cycle. I was there for three to four days, triaged 12-15 people, and it was 100 percent pro bono to veterans,” Parrish said. “They had access to psychological equine therapy as well and I was blessed to be a part of their recovery process.”

There was one veteran, nominated by his son to attend the retreat, who Parrish treated for a wounded knee and hip.

“We discussed the history of the injury and conducted musculoskeletal screening to see where the weakness was,” Parrish said. “We found an imbalance, so we came up with a plan to combat that imbalance without medication through strengthening exercises, and stretches to reduce chronic irritation.”

The veteran was given instructions to do hipstrengthening exercises 2-3 times a day on his own. Parrish provided her contact information so they could communicate after the retreat for any follow-ups. She did similar evaluations for all the veterans. While Parrish focused primarily on their ailments, she also

took part in their emotional healing.

At the retreat, veterans were given time to write down the negative thoughts they think about themselves. They were then asked if they would say those same things to an innocent animal. When they said no, they were asked why then they would say those things about themselves? Their therapy then included riding horses and saying only positive things to their steeds. Other exercises included practicing forgiveness and resolving suicidal ideations.

“These individuals are so highly trained by the military, that since leaving the service, some of their training is not being used in their civilian life,” Parrish explained. “So, the retreat not only works to heal them, it helps them find a new purpose, which they can develop if they choose at Heal the Hero’s parent organization Ariel Recovery.”

Aerial Recovery, founded by the same couple, trains and deploys humanitarian special operators to effectively respond to natural disasters, man-made disasters, and combat sex trafficking. Made up of veterans and first responders, Aerial tackles some of the most difficult rescue and response missions across the globe.

Both programs are led by retired US Special Forces Jeremy Locke. Veterans who want to continue on after the Heal The Heroes retreat will go through a 12-week program called G-Force, a life mentorship program followed by a 9-month integration period. Lastly, they are invited to join the G-FORCE Veterans Community to help opportunities globally serving in disaster zones, anti-trafficking initiatives and speaking opportunities.

“Being a part of the retreat was a life-changing event for me. To watch the guys, who were nominated by people who love them, and to witness their struggles and talk about their faith, was a moving experience,” Parrish said. “I was able to speak freely about my faith and we saw a lot of people come to Christ. It was very open. I kept telling them, ‘Talking with you is a God moment for me’ and I shared with them that even though they viewed themselves as damaged and not worth anything, Christ cares for them. It was a blessing to be a part of their faith journey and very humbling.”

“We all felt renewed when we left,” she added.

To learn more, visit https://aerialrecovery.org/heroes/

The entire platoon poses for a photo during the Heal the Heroes retreat

The chemistry department at Faulkner University is small yet making great strides. The program has graduated students in recent years who have gone on to secure admission in medical schools, veterinary schools, PhD programs and pharmacy schools about the country. The most recent of Faulkner’s chemistry success is Peyton Osborn. Osborn, who graduated this May, is now entering Florida State University (FSU) to pursue his MS and PhD in chemistry. His program is fully funded and provides him with both tuition waivers and a living expense stipend to attend the sunshine state university’s program.

Osborn’s academic journey on campus was a bit of an anomaly. He graduated with a double major in biochemistry, and English with minors in biology and Bible. These university major and minor areas to some are seemingly in opposition of one another, but Osborn sees them as compatible pairings.

“There is balance between science, philosophy and faith,” Osborn said. “English is a language of the medium of human experience. We use language to understand things, read and write. Chemistry and Biochemistry are sciences to understand the world at a mechanistic level. Math is the theoretical language of science to understand the world at a deeper level. But

Faulkner Biochemistry Graduate

Heads to FSU for a PhD in Chemistry

by Rebecca Burylo

science would be impossible without a general language to conduct it in.”

“Although they seem very different to faith, they are very complementary to each other. If you draw knowledge from just one source, you’ll become rigid in your thinking, but if you can draw from two or more sources, you’ll become more well-rounded,” he added.

The Faulkner chemistry education provides students with the opportunity to view the science and research through a “faith lens,” says program director and professor of chemistry and biochemistry Dr. Theodore Sabir. Sabir teaches chemistry, biochemistry, mathematical, scientific and philosophical studies. He guides his students through pedagogy and dissertation advising and research.

Dr. Sabir says, “I have enjoyed working with Peyton. He is a great student and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Preparing students like Osborn to pursue such prestigious levels of graduate studies is a testament to the small, but excellent biochemistry degree at Faulkner that began in 2014 under Sabir. Since then, graduates from the program have been accepted at schools such

Peyton Osborn and Dr. Theodore Sabir

as University of Florida, Rochester University New York, Tufts University New England, Auburn University and other US and Canadian Universities. Dr. Sabir said, “to God be the glory.”

“Our students are given a very rigorous curriculum in chemistry, biology, research and in their internship selections,” Sabir said. “When they apply to graduate programs they are well-prepared. The beautiful thing about our program being small in size is that it allows our students to have one-on-one attention with their professors, which is critical for learning and success.”

During his time at FSU, Osborn will choose his concentration from the six traditional branches of chemistry: biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and analytical chemistry. The coursework should take about five years to obtain his PhD and along the way, he will earn his Masters from the same program at the three-year mark. As a part of the graduate assistantship, Osborn will participate in rotations, work under professors, participate in research and help teach labs and undergraduate courses.

While still undecided on his specialty, after looking at their offerings, Osborn is interested in researching photochemical interactions, light, solar energy technology, gene editing and enzyme and protein chemistry as it relates to disease prevention.

Although heading to FSU moves Osborn to Tallahassee, he will always view Faulkner as a home away from home.

Peyton Osborn said he is very pleased with his Faulkner university education. He experienced love and loss, found lasting friendships and made unforgettable memories. He defended his honors thesis and graduated as a Great Books Honors student, sang in the Faulkner University Chorus and Faulkner Singers Chamber Choir, served as the spiritual director of the chorus, served on the Great Books Council, was a founding member of the student-led GraceNote show choir group and served on the editorial staff of Images in Ink.

“Those were some of my absolute favorite things here,” Osborn said. “They made me love Faulkner and were large reasons why I kept coming back. I especially enjoyed my time in the chorus, on our chorus tours, and of course in Great Books.”

“The influential people and the friends I’ve made here have been really good to me. The faculty have been so supportive. Dr. Sabir, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Clements, Dr. Art Williams, Dr. Fullman, Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Shirley, my advisors in English, and all the other faculty with whom I have been blessed to interact, everyone has helped me and been exceedingly kind and instructive,” Osborn said. “With some of them, I’d go into their offices to talk about life, faith, silly stories, classwork, or other random events of the day. And when I lost my dad unexpectedly in the fall of 2020 right around the time of the pandemic, many of them emailed me with encouraging messages and worked with me so that I wouldn’t fall behind in my classes when I was struggling. The level of support I was shown and the relationships I have cultivated solidified my conviction that I made the right choice in choosing Faulkner. I’m so glad and thankful I came here. This truly is a very special place, and I will remember this chapter of my life with bittersweet fondness as I move on to the next one.”

Running With Ruby: A Story of Overcoming

by Rebecca Burylo

“Run with Ruby” has been more than a campaign slogan for Judge Ruby Davis. It has been a mantra for her life. From a young, single mom in high school to becoming the District Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, Davis’ story is one of overcoming adversity.

“I was pregnant at the age of 16, so that made me the subject of much local gossip, which hurt to hear as a young person,” said Davis. “But I was determined to prove them wrong and they became the foundation of my motivation to graduate high school, graduate college and find a good career to support my daughter.”

After Davis became a mother as a high school senior in Birmingham, Alabama, she graduated from high school and enrolled into Lawson State Community College. She then looked into finishing her degree at Faulkner University Birmingham, even though there was a 23year age requirement for the one-year program and she was only 22.

“Faulkner is a huge part of who I am today,” Davis said. “I was able to plead my case with the administrators because I did not meet the age requirement and was granted admission. Faulkner allowed me to achieve my goal to become a college graduate by age 23. Five years later I enrolled into Birmingham School of Law and the rest is history. I’m forever grateful for all that Faulkner represents in the community as well as the faith community.”

Her village, which included the father of her child and her family, were very supportive as she pursued higher education. She pushed through in order to be a strong example for her daughter, Diamond.

She walked across Faulkner’s graduation stage in 2003. At the time, she was working for a health insurance company, which provided tuition reimbursement for her higher education. After she graduated with her degree in Human Resource Management, she applied and received a promotion and began climbing the corporate ladder.

Judge Ruby Davis

“You know the best way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans? Well, in 2008, my daughter was watching Legally Blonde and she told me, ‘You should go to law school. You would make a great lawyer,’” Davis said. “I said. ‘No, I’m good.’ Well what my daughter did was planted a seed. I thought and prayed and ended up enrolling in Birmingham School of Law. Three years later, while preparing for the bar exam, the dean told me I did not have what it takes to pass the BAR exam. Well, all that did was make me more determined.”

Again, faced with rejection, Davis used that to motivate her and studied more than ever before. In February 2013 she passed the BAR on her first attempt. She resigned from her position in health insurance after 15 years and started her own law practice, The Davis Law Group, specializing in bankruptcy and personal injury. She cashed in her retirement and put everything on the line to give her law firm exposure by advertising on the radio, billboards and publications.

Her practice began to thrive.

Six years later in 2019, she received a phone call from a mentor about an upcoming judicial vacancy and that she should consider running for the position.

“I told him no,” Davis said. “I came up with all sorts of excuses. I had just written a book, Hearsay about using faith and tenacity to overcome obstacles and here I was afraid to run for office. Again, I gave it some

thought and prayer and decided to trust God. The most humbling decision I’ve ever made was placing my name on a ballot and hoping the people would support my decision. It was a clean race, and I had so much fun. It was actually 10 days before the pandemic and in 2020 I was victorious for the primary election.”

Although Davis could not campaign much for November’s general election, she got out there as much as she could and on the morning of the election, her opponent conceded the race.

“It was a great transition, my opponent was extremely gracious,” Davis said. “I have my daughter and my mentor to thank for where I am today.”

She took the bench for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama in January 2021 and has served as judge for nearly three years of her six-year term.

“I am enjoying where God has placed me and I feel so fulfilled in my hometown,” Davis said. “I take pride in my journey and am grateful for what Faulkner helped me to accomplish and for all the people who helped support me along the way. I want to share that with others and hopefully they can be inspired by it.”

Davis’ daughter Diamond is now 25. She graduated from Tuskegee University in political science and is thriving in the fashion industry at Coach’s corporate office in New York.

Ruby Davis, center, sits among her supporters after being elected as Jefferson County District Court Judge

“Transforming Our Culture:” A Look at Faulkner’s 5-Year Plan

by Rebecca Burylo

industry, but more so for higher education now than ever before. As a Christian higher education institution, we have to think about how we recruit, attract and retain students who fit our mission and values and how we help others understand the value of a Christian education. This strategic plan lays out specific things in order to attack these challenges.”

What developed from those main areas of focus eventually became goals to elevate academic standards; create intentional recruiting, admissions and retention efforts; embrace our Christian identity; and seek external funds to support critical projects.

Faulkner University is setting itself up for success with the implementation of a new 5-year strategic plan that was set into motion in August. “Transforming Our Culture” is the name of the plan and it involves every person on campus and input from all areas of campus life including faculty, staff, members of the Board of Trustees, students, as well as the president’s cabinet and other campus leaders.

A team of leaders was tasked under President Mitch Henry and Dr. Jeff Arrington last summer to organize everyone’s input into a concise plan concentrating on four elements of the university’s mission: academics; recruiting, admission and retention; our Christian identity; and fundraising. Not only is the plan required for SACS accreditation, but its implementation is essential to the university’s continued growth.

“It’s easy to get stuck in the present and not think strategically,” said Arrington, Director of Strategic Planning. “We know education is a changing field and changing faster and faster and faster. If we allow ourselves to get stuck in managing what we’re doing without planning and looking into the future, that could be the death of our university. This is true for any

“Our intent is to transform our campus culture in the traditional program on our main campus and on our extended campuses and online presence as well,” said Faulkner President Mitch Henry. “We’re intent on delivering the highest quality and most authentic education experience for our students. Unlike any other time in my experience higher education seems to have been hijacked. I’m seeing on college campuses across this country a culture that more and more suppresses ideas rather than welcomes them. Faulkner education is an education that elevates human beings because they are God’s children. That’s what we hold, those lofty core traditional values that genuinely care for people.”

The second part of the strategic plan is to transform the way Faulkner brings students to campus and takes care of them through to graduation.

“I believe we can do a better job of informing potential students about us, engaging and admitting new students on our campus and doing the things that are needed to help make them successful while they’re here so they stay here,” Henry said. “The framework is already there and part of the plan is adding to that framework.”

The third part of the strategic plan focuses on embracing and celebrating the university’s Christian identity.

“Our focus in a Christian university should be on Christ and if we have that core foundation of faith from that, so many good and wonderful things will follow,”

Jeff Arrington

Henry said. “It helps us prioritize. It means having meaningful spiritual experiences on campus for our students in our traditional program and for our online students to engage in spiritual formation and for our adults and health sciences and law students as well. It only happens if we’re intentional.”

The final part of the strategic plan is seeking external resources and stewardship of all of our resources to support the university and the items needed to implement the first three goals of the strategic plan.

“Stewardship means adding to our resources and raising money on an annual basis to supplement what we do and add programs and personnel and experiences and build buildings and pathways and bridges that are needed on this campus,” Henry said. “And also, to raise money to build for the future by building our university endowments. I’ll be spending a lot of time over the next five years hopefully working on that fourth strategic goal which is to raise money.”

Faulkner vice presidents, Board of Trustee members, deans, faculty, staff and students were selected to form committees to focus their ideas and discussions on one of the four main goals. They were asked to each present 10 leading ideas to Arrington, who then asked them to narrow the list down to five.

From there, topics were reviewed in depth and brought before the cabinet for feedback. Arrington organized the committees again for a final review meeting before he set to work revising, editing, writing, explaining and organizing each topic of concern under the appropriate goal. A first draft was proposed to the cabinet and then presented before the Board of Trustees.

The final draft of the Strategic Plan was unanimously affirmed by a vote from the Board of Trustees at their April 2023 meeting.

Welcome to Faulkner! Finding Connections On Campus

by Audrey Tindoll

Making the transition from high school to college can be a challenging and an intimidating experience for many students. From Welcome Week to on-campus events and participating in social clubs, Faulkner works to ensure every student feels accepted, involved and cared for.

This year, Faulkner University staff members made significant changes to Welcome Week so that students’ first steps on campus were met with ease.

In July and August, the offices of Student Success, Student Life and Student Activities collaborated on Welcome Week activities for all students returning early to campus for athletic and band practices as well as for new and returning students arriving the weekend before classes.

All students were met with friendly smiles as volunteers helped unload vehicles, open doors and direct families to the right dormitories. “Welcome back” activities were extended over several days from July 30 through August 11.

“It was our desire to create a more intentional experience,” said Vice President for Student Services Candace Cain. “We also took steps to ensure that every student moving on campus completed registration to make sure the entire process was a smooth one.”

About 300 students arrived before the traditional “Move In Day” of August 11. They were welcomed to campus with a new Mini Welcome Week, which kicked off with a barbecue dinner, devotional and resident hall meetings.

Other activities included small group gatherings with mentors, advisors and support services, a class tour, a scavenger hunt, a Biscuits baseball game on Saturday night and worship on Sunday. Traditional Welcome Week ended with water games hosted by the athletic department.

As students began to make Faulkner their new home, social clubs are advertised as a great way to help students find community, connect with new people and make their college experience more enjoyable after

Welcome Week is over. There are several club options for students to choose from, ensuring anyone can find the right fit.

Once in a social club herself, Eliza Rillion is the Director of Student Activities and said the purpose of social clubs is to “give students the opportunity to cultivate their own leadership skills, expand outside of their comfort zones, serve their community, and learn how to problem-solve with their peers.”

At the beginning of the fall semester, every club participates in the toga party, which is an event where new students get their first look at club life. At this event, everyone dresses up in togas and the clubs present themselves to everyone through a video and a decorated table, which features the scrapbook from the previous year. The week after the toga party, clubs plan a public mixer with their brother or sister club, followed by a private mixer later on.

The public mixer serves as a chance for students to meet the members and see the personality of the club. If a student is interested in a particular club, they will sign a list at the public mixer and receive an invitation to the private mixer hosted separately by the brother or sister club. After these mixers take place, students choose the club they would like to join.

Students in social clubs also get to take part in many different activities and events throughout the year such as intramural sports and Jamboree, the largest show of the year where all the clubs act, sing and bring their scripted story to life.

Clubs may also plan smaller activities throughout the year such as a movie night or dinner as a group, which are great ways for members to grow closer and create lasting friendships.

To any student considering joining a social club after Welcome Week, Eliza says to “get as involved as possible. College is what you make it and some of the best memories you can make are right here with your friends.”

NAME FOUNDED VERSE MASCOT COLORS

Delta Xi Omega 1991

BROTHER/ SISTER CLUB INSTAGRAM

Psalm 27:1 ladybug red and black Epsilon @deltaxiomega

Epsilon Phi Upsilon 1972 Proverbs 17:17

bulldog red and black Delta @epsilonphiupsilon

Omega Theta Chi 2023 Romans 15:7 butterfly black and green Zeta @omega_zeta_chi

Omega Zeta Chi 2023 Romans 15:7 dragon black and green Theta @omega.theta.chi

Xi Chi Gamma 2020

Xi Chi Alpha 2020

Phi Lambda 1972

Kappa Sigma Phi 1969

2 Corinthians 12:9-12

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Philippians 4:13

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

wolf baby blue, red, white Alpha @xichigamma

wolf baby blue, red, white Gamma @xichialpha

dolphins light blue and daisy yellow

Kappa @phi_lambda

kangaroo navy and gold Phi Lambda @kappasigmaphi

Alpha and Gamma Phi Lambda

Community News

Dr. Justin Bond Named New Dean of Harris College of Business

As of June 1, 2023, Dr. Justin Bond began serving in the role of Dean of the Harris College of Business at Faulkner University.

Dr. Bond is a long-time member of our faculty who received his bachelor’s degree in computer information systems at Faulkner and his PhD in Business, Information Systems from Auburn University.

“He is a proven leader, not only in the College, but also in the community as a member of the Board of Directors of Alabama Christian Academy. Dr. Bond has served as Interim Dean since the untimely death of Dr. Dave Khadanga. Dr. Bond will provide excellent direction and innovative Christ-centered leadership ethics in Faulkner’s Harris College of Business which continues to emphasize ‘business as mission,'” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry.

“I’m truly excited about his desire for our business college to launch generations of business vocational ministers — people equipped with innovative business knowledge and committed to make their work a mission of service to others every day,” Henry added.

Faulkner University Announces

2nd Consecutive Tuition Freeze For Traditional Full-Time Students

Faulkner University’s leadership made the decision to again implement a tuition freeze for the 2024-2025 academic school year.

Faulkner University President Mitch Henry made the announcement on September 21, 2023 that the

university will not be raising tuition costs for traditional full-time students enrolling next fall.

This marks two consecutive years with no tuition increase. The first tuition freeze was announced in January 2023, which covers the current 2023-2024 academic school year.

Additionally, Faulkner does not, and will not charge out of state tuition rates.

“We understand the state of the current economy is still creating financial struggles for families,” Henry said. “We don’t want that to be the reason they decide against a Christian higher education. We want to ease their financial burden as much as possible. Hopefully by implementing this second freeze on tuition costs they find some relief as they look to enroll their future graduating seniors into college. We would love for them to consider Faulkner University.”

Apply now at myfaulkner.org and become a part of the exciting changes on campus. Faulkner University is committed to training students in vocational ministry regardless of their field of study. We understand how important it is to inspire young men and women to minister to others, serve their communities and become leaders wherever they go after graduation.

Faulkner University Debuts Center for Continuing Education

Faulkner’s Center for Continuing Education (CCE) seeks to provide for the common good through the advancement of excellent education. The CCE is also dedicated to fostering an intellectual community of educators committed to improving their practice and increasing student learning.

In addition, the CCE supports equitable and engaged teaching and learning across campus and throughout the community in order to minister to and serve others for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Alabama Congressmen Name Former Huntsville Professor, Faulkner Supporter As Space Advisor

One of Faulkner’s generous donors and a former professor at Faulkner University Huntsville, attorney Mark McDaniel is helping to lead the space initiative

Justin Bond

following his appointment as the Aerospace and Science Advisor for the 118th Congress.

McDaniel’s wife Henri McDaniel is also a strong supporter of Faulkner Law and serves on the Faulkner University Board of Trustees. Together they serve as attorneys with the Law Firm of McDaniel & McDaniel, LLC in Huntsville.

Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05) and Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) appointed McDaniel to his new position on April 4, 2023.

McDaniel has served on the NASA Advisory Council to five NASA Administrators; Daniel Golden, Sean O’Keefe, Michael Griffin, Jim Bridenstine, and Bill Nelson. The NASA Advisory Council is the Nation’s highest civilian advisory board for NASA, and McDaniel has served on the Board and as an Aerospace Advisor for more than two decades.

New Roles Announced in Advancement

On June 1, 2023 Karen Bruce assumed leadership responsibility for the Alumni Office. Her title changed from Annual Gifts Officer to Director of Alumni Gifts and Engagement. She formerly served as Director of the Faulkner Birmingham Campus for seven years.

Bruce was recently selected as one of the nominees for the 2023 Top 50 Over 50 Gala by Positive Maturity, Inc. She is a board member for America’s First Federal Credit Union and is active with Hoover Service Club, Leadership Hoover, EWI Birmingham and Women’s Business Council.

Joey Wiginton, a veteran Faulkner employee, has served in many capacities to assist the university's development

in admissions and alumni services. The Office of Advancement announced his change in responsibilities and title from Director of Alumni Relations to Senior Advancement Officer, where he can concentrate on fundraising full-time.

New Vice President of Extension Center Services Named

Dr. Brannon Lentz became the new Vice President for Extension Center Services for Faulkner’s campuses in Huntsville, Birmingham and Mobile. He has served as Associate Vice President of Extension Center Services at Faulkner since February 2023.

Dr. Lentz previously served as Dean of Administration for Ingram State Technical College for almost 10 years. He is tasked with implementing improved retention efforts for students and is fostering innovation in recruiting initiatives.

New VP for Student Services and Dean of Students Named

Candace Cain is officially the new Vice President for Student Services for the University and Keri Hartley is now the new Dean of Students at Faulkner.

Cain has served as Dean of Students/Assistant Vice President for Student Services at Faulkner for six years and has most recently served for more than a year as Interim Vice President for Student Services. Hartley began her work with Faulkner eleven years ago as an apartment manager and has worked through Student Services, serving and excelling in various roles. For the past year, she served as Interim Dean of Students along with her Residence Life duties.

Mark McDaniel

Karen Bruce

Joey Wiginton

Brannon Lentz

Candace Cain

Keri Hartley

President Mitch Henry Honored as One of the 2023 Fellows Selected By the Alabama Law Foundation

Each year the Alabama Law Foundation inducts a new class of Fellows who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the profession and their communities. This year, President Mitch Henry was among those selected.

“Our Fellows are incredibly important to the work of the Alabama Law Foundation,” said ALF Board President Matt McDonald. “They are the leaders in the legal community and represent those willing to provide guidance to move forward the ultimate mission of the legal profession – lawyers render service. They set an example for service and guide other lawyers along the path to ensure access to justice for all, no matter their circumstances.”

The Alabama Law Foundation established the Fellows program in 1995. No more than 1% of Bar members may become Fellows; therefore, the selection committee invites into fellowship an exceptional group of lawyers who have demonstrated their dedication to improving their communities and state.

Alexander City Churches Make Generous Donation To Zorn Scholarship

The now combined congregations of the former Southview church of Christ and Alexander City church of Christ provided a generous donation to Faulkner’s Zorn Scholarship Fund. This fund allows us to train

ministers and Bible teachers through our Department of Biblical Studies.

The donation was a percentage of the property sale of the Southview church of Christ after they and the Alexander City church of Christ decided to merge their congregations together in order to do more for their city and community as one body.

To learn more about our Zorn Scholarship, visit https://www.faulkner.edu/zorn/

SLP Student Organization Receives Recognition

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Chapter at Faulkner was awarded Gold Chapter Honors for attaining a distinguished level of achievement in the areas of member recruitment and engagement, community outreach and service, legislative advocacy and fundraising during the 2022-23 academic year. The announcement was made by the parent organization, National NSSLHA, whose members are studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD), speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels at college and universities nationwide.

“The graduate Speech Language Pathology (SLP) program is fully accredited. We have passed with one of the highest scores on our accreditation given to a program,” Faulkner University President Mitch Henry

l-r Brendan Chance, Minister; Wilson Gonce, Elder; Mike Horn, Kenny Brewer, Southview member; Craig Dunham, Southview member; and Mike Kelly, Elder. Not pictured is Elder Allen Baker who along with Craig Dunham were responsible for the asking of the gift to be made to Faulkner

said. “Our SLP students and professors have provided around 23,000 free clinical visits to disabled children, adults, and others in need over the past few years.”

Israeli Representative Visits Faulkner University

Faulkner President Mitch Henry hosted Anat Sultan-Dadon, the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States on campus in April.

She was visiting Montgomery to mark the 75th anniversary of Israel with Representative Phillip Ensler and Director of Government and Political Affairs Karen Isenberg Jones.

New Members Join the Faulkner IT Department

Faulkner’s IT Department now includes the invaluable service of former third-party contractors with EFC, David Brookshire, Gene Smith, Neal Drinkard, George Ganjei, Leon Givens, and John Persons. They officially became full-time members of the University staff on June 13.

This transition recognizes the incredible value that these individuals have provided over the years. Their extensive knowledge, skill, and dedication will continue to ensure the seamless operation of our network and systems.

David Brookshire

Neal Drinkard

George Ganjei

Leon Givens

Gene Smith John Persons

Faulkner Professor David Stark

Named Senior Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge

Faulkner University’s professor of Biblical Studies, David Stark, PhD, was named the newest Senior Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Center (KLC) for Public Theology in Cambridge, England.

KLC is a member of the Cambridge Theological Federation, an association of theological colleges, courses and houses based in Cambridge and founded in 1972. KLC is committed to pursuing Christ through contributions in Christian scholarship across the disciplines while also making their work available at an accessible level, according to their website.

Stark currently serves as a professor of Biblical Studies, and as the Winnie and Cecil May Jr. Biblical Research Fellow at Faulkner’s Kearley Graduate School of Theology.

Senior Research Fellows are designated individuals who conduct independent research necessary to the intellectual pursuits of a department or research center. Stark has regularly contributed to KLC’s seminar discussions beginning in 2014 and has distinguished himself through his work and his research and will be a valued asset to KLC.

“The center has an agreement with Zondervan Academic to publish up to one volume a year in a series on biblical studies. The first few volumes are in the pipeline, and I’m participating in discussions about how best to frame those that will follow. The center has also expressed a desire to use for their own PhD program some of the online resources I’ve developed for our PhD students,” Stark said.

“I hope my involvement will help raise the profile of Faulkner University’s

graduate theology programs and will open additional opportunities for fostering the research of the University’s students and faculty,” he added.

He teaches in Faulkner’s fully online, face-to-face, and ATS-accredited MA, ThM, and PhD in Biblical Studies. Stark specializes in Pauline studies and biblical theology. Stark also runs an educational website, jdavidstark.com, where he helps emerging biblical scholars hone their craft so that they can invest in work and relationships that really matter.

Stark is an alumnus of Faulkner University (Bachelors, 2005; Masters, 2007). He holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis in Hermeneutics, from Southeastern Seminary (2011) and has substantial experience with different institutions as an online faculty member. Stark has a monograph in Bloomsbury T&T Clark’s Jewish and Christian Text series, edited by James Charlesworth, under the title Sacred Texts and Paradigmatic Revolutions: The Hermeneutical Worlds of the Qumran Sectarian Manuscripts and the Letter to the Romans (2013) and has contributed to several academic journals. He also has a contract with Lexington, a division of Rowman & Littlefield, for a monograph on 1 Corinthians 15:29.

David Stark

Seven Faulkner Law Grads Chosen for Leadership Class

Seven Jones School of Law graduates were selected to be a part of the Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum Class 17. This is a group of Bar members who are in the earlier part of their legal careers who are selected for a yearlong periodic training class. The goal is to enable them to be more effective leaders in the State Bar, the legal profession and our state.

Those selected include:

Autumn Caudell, Alabama State Bar

Alex Caudell, Alabama Medicaid Agency

Darius Crayton, Farris Riley & Pitt

Ryan Duplechin, Beasley Allen Law Firm

Jillian Evans, State of Alabama Attorney General’s Office

James Feltham, Bradley Arant Law Firm

Coty Hand, Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office

Faulkner Law 2L Flies to DC For CLS Fellowship Program

Auston Neal, a rising 2L at Faulkner Law, had an opportunity this summer to be a Christian Legal Society Law School Fellow. Designed for first- and second-year law students, the Fellows program is a one-week, all expenses paid opportunity to join Christians from across the country in a formative time of lectures, group discussions, and community building activities in Washington D.C. Neal had the opportunity to join top instructors and legal practitioners and delve into arenas of Christian jurisprudence, constitutional theory,

moral formation, and vocational ministry, and build relationships to better serve God and neighbors.

Faulkner Law Professor Awarded Law Emerita

Faulkner Law professor

Shirley Howell was awarded the status and title of Professor of Law Emerita in March 2023 during the law school’s annual Barristers Ball.

Although Shirley could not attend the event herself, her son Christopher D. Howell accepted the Emerita plaque on her behalf.

Shirley served as a faculty member for 39 years, attained the rank of professor and taught a variety of courses and mentored thousands of law students. She contributed to the intellectual and social life of the Law School, mentored and set an example for her colleagues on the faculty, and provided thoughtful and capable leadership as the Law School matured from a stateaccredited program into an institution accredited by the American Bar Association.

Howell founded and directed the Family Violence Clinic, inaugurating the Law School’s clinical program, and helped to establish the Family Sunshine Center.

Faulkner Law 1Ls Visit Alabama Supreme Court

Last semester

Faulkner Law’s legal writing professors took full time 1L students to the Alabama Supreme Court to hear an oral argument and hear a presentation by Associate Justice James L. "Jay" Mitchell.

THOMAS GOODE JONES SCHOOL OF LAW

Auston Neal

l-r Dean Charles Campbell and Christopher Howell

Jones Named Law School Pro Bono Pledge Winner

Jones School of Law was recognized by the Alabama State Bar as the winner of the Law School Pro Bono Pledge. Jones had the most law students sign up and commit to include time each year to render service to their communities through activities such as volunteering, mentoring, participating in legal clinics, working in public interest or public service, and providing legal services to those in need.

Faulkner law students Joanna White and Janey Whitney accepted the award on the law school’s behalf.

Travis Chin, JSL Class 2021 featured in Alabama State Bar’s The Scoop

The Alabama State Bar edition of The Scoop featured Faulkner Law graduate Travis Chin in its #MoreThanALawyer story spotlight. Travis Chin, class of 2021, is an attorney at Legal Services Alabama.

In addition to being an advocate for rape and sexual assault survivors, Travis is a long-time member of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.

At Legal Services Alabama, Chin provides critical legal representation to low-income Alabamians throughout the River Region. While still a law student, Travis championed rape and sexual assault survivors’ civil rights as the Southern Legislative Director for Rise by drafting, introducing, and finally passing into law the Alabama Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights [HB 137 (2021)] with unanimous support in the Legislature. The Alabama State Bar’s #MoreThanALawyer campaign highlights all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession and make a difference in their community.

Faulkner University Alum Selected to National Black Lawyers Association

“40 Under 40” List

The National Black Lawyers Association recently inducted Kameisha Logan of K. Logan Law Firm in Selma, AL, to its list of Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers in the state of Alabama.

“I am honored to be recognized by the National Black Lawyers Association as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Alabama,” Logan said. “At K. Logan Law Firm, we pride ourselves on making our clients dreams come true and advocating for them in every interaction. I am proud to lead this firm and take care of my clients.”

Kameisha Logan, Esq., earned her Juris Doctorate and Master of Laws in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University in 2019.

Kameisha established her law firm, K. Logan Law Firm, in Selma, Alabama the following year. Her firm focuses on real estate closings, estate planning, and mediation.

The National Black Lawyers Association is an invitation-only professional organization that celebrates legal excellence. This honor is given to only the top 40 under 40 African American lawyers in each state or region with reputations for providing excellent legal representation in their respective practice areas.

“We are proud to recognize the contributions of Kameisha Logan to the legal profession and welcome her into our African American legal brain trust,” a representative of National Black Lawyers said.

l-r Joanna White & Janey Whitney

Kameisha Logan

Travis Chin

Faulkner Law Adds First Pro-Bono Generational and Ancestral Property Clinic in the State

by Rebecca Burylo

Those at Faulkner Law continue to seek justice and serve their communities through the addition of a fourth pro bono clinic that will help Alabamians legally retain the right to their land that has been in their family for generations.

Called the GAP (Generational and Ancestral Property) Clinic, this clinic is the first of its kind in the state. It’s goal is to assist low-income clients in filling gaps in title to their family’s property in order to provide a pathway to financial stability and generational financial health. The clinic will tie in perfectly with Faulkner Law’s mission, which is Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Beginning in August 2023 for the fall semester, ten students with the GAP clinic will conduct property searches, counsel clients regarding ownership options, litigate or pursue mediation where appropriate and conduct community education events on the importance of clear property ownership.

Professor Kelly McTear, Director of Jones School

of Law Public Interest Programs, said a lack of clear property ownership is a widespread issue throughout the rural areas of Alabama.

“There is an astonishing amount of property in the South where the person who was deeded the land died 100 years ago and so that property legally belongs to 50 or more different heirs,” McTear explained. “Those who are paying taxes on the land can’t use it or sell it and are limited with what they can do with it because they don’t actually own the property. Owning land is the best way to improve financial position, and without ownership, you can’t access the value of the property. This is one of the root causes of generational poverty in our state. Through this clinic we hope to be able to provide clear ownership and thus provide generational financial stability for families.”

The GAP clinic will be located at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law on Faulkner University’s campus, 5345 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109. It will initially serve clients in Montgomery and Macon counties.

Those who are interested in acquiring the services of the free GAP clinic may call Faulkner Law at 334-3867915.

Kelly McTear

Alumni News

Earl Leonard (1986-1989) is an Associate with Publix Supermarkets in Marietta, GA.

1990’s

1960’s

Shirley Darby Howell (ACC 1967-1969 / JSL 1997) was honored with the title Emerita Professor of Law, Faulkner School of Law. Howell served as a faculty member for 39 years, 1983-2022.

1970’s

Dawn Williams McWhirt (19771978 / 1988) retired from the Post Office as a Rural Carrier of 37 years.

1980’s

Randy Roughton (1980-1984) is a Marketing writer for the Strategic Communications Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jeanette Stubblefield Long (1984-1988) married Sam Long on December 25, 2019. Jeanette works in Faulkner’s College of Biblical Studies & the Cloverdale Center for Youth & Family.

Dr. Jim Vickrey (JSL J.D. 1990) was selected on July 1, 2023 for the Board of Directors of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK). ODK is the premiere national leadership society of higher education, an honorary in which he was initiated in 1962 while a student leader at Auburn University. A native of Montgomery, he is former president of the University of Montevallo.

Neal Pollard (1988-1992) & Kathy Gillaspie Pollard (19901992) live in Bowling Green, KY where Neal is preaching for the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ. He is working on his Master of Divinity through Amridge University. During 2023, they have welcomed their first 2 grandchildren, Rich & Jude.

Dr. Billy Lones (BS 1997, JD 2000) is the new President of Jackson Christian School in Tennessee after 19 years at York University in Nebraska. He and Christi Spivey Lones (1997) were called a “power couple” by York President Sam Smith.

Dr. Drew Gordon (1994-1998) is currently the Assistant to the Dean of Education & Social Sciences at Talladega College.

Shirley Darby Howell

Dawn Williams McWhirt

Jeanette Stubblefield Long

Earl Leonard

Jim Vickrey

Drew Gordon

Neal Pollard

Billy & Christi Lones family

Wendy Austin Lett (1998) is SSAB Americas Senior Analyst, HRIS. She is also an Advisory Board Member for the Society for Human Resource Management in both Escambia, AL & Baldwin County.

Dr. Jeff Mercer (19921995) is the Interim Dean College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University. Emmie Davin Mercer (19941995) is the Associate Department Head, Computer Programming & Information Sciences at Wake Tech in North Carolina.

2000’s

Rickey Morgan Sr. (2002) Senior Customer Experience Strategist cXi Customer Experience Insights AT&T Services Inc.

Priscilla Farris Starr (2007) is a Healthcare Provider Engagement Representative through CareAllies in addition to working part time with Education Travel & Culture as a local coordinator to High School Exchange Students.

David Lovell (2008) has been named General Manager of Greenville Newspapers, LLC. & Boone Publications, Inc. as well as supervising advertising sales for The Selma Times-Journal.

Jonathan Morgan (2009, JSL 2018) has worked for local law firms & most recently served as Deputy District Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Montgomery. He is currently the Jones School of Law Director of Admissions.

2010’s

Ward S. Sullivan, J.D. (2002) is serving as the Director of Legacy Giving in the Foundation Office at Children’s Healthcare Atlanta.

Jessica Kelley Sanders (BS 2004, JD 2007) was sworn in as the Autauga County District Judge in January 2023.

Emmett Massey IV (JD 2010), Thirtythird Judicial Circuit/ Dale & Geneva Circuit Assistant District Attorney, received the 2023 Assistant District Attorney of the Year Larry E. Smith Award for Outstanding Service.

Joanna Baker Chaney (2010) works for the Small Business Administration as a Loan Specialist in Mobile, AL.

Wendy Austin Lett

Jeff & Emmie Mercer & family

Rickey Morgan Sr.

Ward S. Sullivan

Jessica Kelley Sanders

Priscilla Farris Starr

Emmett Massey & family

Joanna Baker Chaney

David Lovell

Jonathan Morgan

Teresa Gresham Nettles (2010 & 2013) is the owner of Candy Corner, the only nostalgic candy store in the Montgomery River Region. Opened 2016, located in Historic Downtown Prattville, Alabama.

CMC Impact Metals in Pell City, producing armor plating steel used by our nation’s military and other military’s around the world.

Rebekah Stallings Dittmann (2015) is a Special Education Interrelated Resource Teacher at Harlem High School Columbia County Schools, GA.

Mallory Hope Gregor (2019) & David Gregor (2019) welcomed Reuben Nicholas Gregor to their family on November 21, 2022 pictured with firstborn David Oliver.

Hannah Putman Mims (2016) is a Senior Microbiologist with Alabama Department Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories. She & Brian Mims married on April 22, 2023.

Sarah Ford (2016) Southern Arkansas Volleyball has announced the hiring of Sarah Ford to the role of assistant coach. Ford earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Faulkner University in April of 2016 and had a four-year career as a setter and opposite hitter.

Lindsey Tinker White (2017) recently transitioned from the Legal Department to the Cybersecurity Department at Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville, AL as an Information Security Analyst. Lindsey is pictured here with her husband Gabe White (2015).

Daniel Phipps (2017) Lieutenant – Oxford Police Department TFOFBI Joint Terrorism Task Force graduated from the FBI National Academy 285th Session March 2023.

Jake H. Davis (2019) My wife Kristen D. Davis & I have brought a beautiful little girl into the world, Kolsyn Blake Davis. Jake is currently working at

Michael Baygents (2018 & 2019) was promoted to the rank of Captain as the commander of the Tuscaloosa Police Department Criminal Investigation Division. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 287 September 2023.

Roosevelt Morgan (2019) Sr. is a DEI Consultant (Everything Diverse)

Dr. Tim McNeese PhD in Humanities (2017) teaches history at York University. His latest book, William Henry Jackson’s Lens: How Yellowstone’s Famous Photographer Captured the American West,

Hannah Putman Mims

Lindsey & Gabe White

Daniel Phipps

Jake H. Davis

Mallory & David Gregor & family

Sarah Ford

Michael Baygents

Teresa Gresham Nettles

Rebekah Stallings Dittmann

Roosevelt Morgan

was released this summer. His previous book, Time in the Wilderness: The Formative Years of John “Blackjack” Pershing in the American West, received the Nebraska Book Award in 2022 for nonfiction biography.

David Gulley (2017) graduated from Faulkner with a BS in Business and is due to complete his Master’s degree in HRM December 2023 at UAH. He obtained SHRM-CP in 2022, and will be teaching at a career/ technical college in their HRM program. He is also VP, Head of Human Resources at Rechat, a SaaS PropTech Company since 2022.

Brittany De Queiroz (2017) earned a degree in General Clinical Psychology. She was led to start an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic with a friend and fellow Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Selena Spires. They now have a small clinic “Spectrum Specialists” in Prattville, AL where they service clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder targeting behavioral concerns, social deficits, and other developmental deficits. “We give God the glory for our success and continue to pray for our small clinic to work as a ministry to the families that we serve.”

2020’s

Calli Hunton Wasden (2020) & Gerren Wasden (2019) welcomed their son Covington Wasden on April 5, 2023.

Sarah Elizabeth McGill Garcia (2021) & Benjamin Garcia (2022) were married June 10, 2023 in Spanish Fort, AL.

Garrett Hallmark (2021) recently joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. He is pictured with Sheriff John Samaniego.

Ross Whisenant (2021) transitioned to a new career as the Operations & Growth Manager for Alabama Roofing Broker, LLC. Izzy Whisenant (2021) works as a Software Developer for DTS Divine Technology Systems.

Do you or someone you know have news to be included in the next edition of the Faulkner Magazine? Send updates and photos to Robin "Bird" Bradford at rbradford@faulkner.edu.

Tim McNeese

David Gulley

Brittany De Queiroz & Selena Spires

Calli, Gerren, & Covington Wasden

Sarah & Benjamin Garcia

Garrett Hallmark

Ross & Izzy Whisenant

Gary Mitchell (1967-1969) Gary Warren Mitchell, 74, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He attended both Alabama Christian College (now Faulkner University) and the University of Alabama. In addition to his government jobs, Gary worked with the youth groups in his church congregations. During his retirement, Gary was able to explore his more creative passions in life. He could often be found painting at the G. Mitchell Gallery in Luverne. If he wasn’t painting, he was usually squirreled away working on one of the three books he published during the last few years.

Marcia McCaleb Collins (19701972) Marcia Lee Collins, 71, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Marcia spent 45 years in education and was very active in church where she played a major role.

Wanda Warmack (1979-1983)

Wanda Lucille Warmack, 62, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on July 23, 2023. Wanda was a student leader while at ACC. She spent many years working in education at various levels and was a Professor of Education at Faulkner University for 25 years. She previously had worked in Alumni Relations, Admissions, and Public Relations at the university.

Lance Corporal (Ret.) Everett K. Cole passed away on Friday September 1, 2023.

As a U.S. Marine, Cole served in combat in Vietnam and won a Purple Heart for his service, according to nonprofit Wheelchairs for Warriors. Cole earned degrees from Alabama Christian College (1973), now known as Faulkner University, and Huntingdon College before going to work for the VA Regional Office in Montgomery. He worked there helping veterans like himself until his retirement.

Darlene Salter Baxley (19741975) attended the Alabama Christian College LPN nursing program. She worked as a medical assistant for 30+ years pursuing her passion for taking care of others. Darlene went to be with the Lord on September 9, 2023.

Donna Sue Carroll Wilson Dunbar (1972-1975) attended the Alabama Christian College LPN nursing program. She was an RN and worked in NICU for 41 years. Donna, age 68 of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Ray Dunbar, a 1976 ACC Alum.

Robert Earle Burney II (19831986) Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Dr. Robert Earle Burney II, 90, died peacefully in his home Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. Bob lived all over the world serving his country as both a soldier and a physician before settling in Auburn, AL where he continued to save lives as one of the South’s leading neurosurgeons until his retirement from medicine in 1994. Later in life, while still practicing medicine, Bob’s intellectual curiosity led him to add a Juris Doctorate degree to his impressive collection of diplomas. He went on to practice law for several years after attending Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.

Nancy Louise Gilbert Hicks (1967-1969), 74, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on August 30, 2023. She earned an Associates Degree from ACC/ Faulkner University in 1969 and married her husband Robert (Bobby) Hicks (1969). Nancy retired from the Montgomery Public School system/Carver High School and began working at Amridge University, where she remained employed until her unexpected passing.

Gary Mitchell

Marcia Collins

Wanda Warmack

Everett K. Cole

Darlene Baxley

Donna Dunbar

Robert Burney

Nancy Hicks

Dorothy Kervin Newell

by Barry L. Buford, J.D.

that she would contact me when she was ready to talk. She called one day and indicated she wanted to leave all her worldly possessions to Faulkner University. We talked frequently then, and I presented her wishes to Faulkner President Mitch Henry who, as Mrs. Newell’s attorney at that time, helped Mrs. Newell to put it all in place.

Virginia Curtis Henley and Dorothy Kervin Newell were good friends and both have left a legacy for Faulkner University and Christian education. The friendship began at church in Spanish Fort, Alabama where Virginia’s husband, Lavon Henley, now deceased, served as an elder. He was a long-time board member of Faulkner University, and he and Virginia established the Lavon and Virginia Henley Family Endowment Fund for the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies helping students majoring in Bible. They have two sons, Lynn who is married to Susan and Van who is married to Suzanne. Both sons continue their legacy. Lynn graduated from Alabama Christian College in 1975 and from Faulkner in 1995.

Dorothy Kervin Newell relied on Lavon to fix things at her house. He being the servant that he was, became her “go-to” person, and the friendship blossomed. When Mrs. Newell first contacted me about estate planning and her intent to leave Faulkner University her estate, I tried respectfully to reach out to her. Finally, I talked to Lavon and Virginia and they told me

Mrs. Newell was a long-time school teacher in Mobile County who had no children but did have one brother that she took care of on the farm in Butler County where she grew up. Her home was in Daphne, Alabama. While caring for her brother for several years, she only came back to Daphne on the weekends or as time would permit from the farm in Industry, Alabama. Mrs. Newell died on July 26, 2022. She was buried in the cemetery at the Industry Church of Christ. She left a legacy in excess of $1.2 million for Faulkner University and Christian education for generations to come.

When Mrs. Newell passed away, Virginia Henley was a tremendous help in providing contact persons to facilitate in closing the estate. In fact, she frequently checked on the house before and after the estate sale, retrieved mail, scheduled yard service, and generally kept Faulkner informed on all aspects of the property. Mrs. Henley is the very example of the woman described in Proverbs 31, and Faulkner University is fortunate to know this great lady and her late husband Lavon.

The legacies of both the Henleys and Mrs. Newell are intertwined because of their love for Faulkner University, Christian education, and the kingdom of God. Only in eternity will the impact be known as to the legacies of these very generous individuals.

There are many ways you can support the mission of Faulkner University. We are here to help you find an option that works best for you. There are a number of estate planning opportunities available which allow you to reduce your tax exposure, increase the amount you pass on to your heirs and make a gift to charity. If you are interested in giving back to Faulkner in a similar fashion as Mrs. Newell please visit faulknerheritage.org

Lavon & Virginia Henley

Dorothy Newell