COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES HIRES NURSING DIRECTOR
Editorial Staff
Publisher
Patrick Gregory
Editor-in-Chief
Rebecca Burylo
Schedule of events
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
Designer
Angela Bennett
Staff Writer
Rebecca Burylo
Contributors
Robin Bradford
Caleb Otey
Elisabeth Hailes
Dawn Chapman
Cindy Walker
Cabinet Members
Mitch Henry, President
Richard Boutwell, Chief of Staff
Wayne Baker, Vice Chancellor/ VP for Traditional Enrollment
Cassie Boyd, Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences Candace Cain, VP for Student Services
Billy Camp, VP for Advancement Charles Campbell, Dean, Jones School of Law
Board of Trustees
Mr. Dale Kirkland, Chair
Mr. Michael Eubanks, Vice Chair
Mrs. Carlton Freeman, Secretary
Com. Roy Johnson, Parliamentarian
Mr. Jason Akins
Mr. Sid Aultman
Mr. Steve Brannan
Dr. Kristi Busby
Mrs. Martha Burleson
Mr. Terry Cagle
Mr. Ernie Chappell
Mr. Joseph W. Donaldson
Mrs. Scherry Douglas
Mrs. Rhonda Fernandez
Mr. Stanley Gray
Mr. Mike Gurganus
Mr. Ken Harris, Jr.
Dr. Mike Houts
Mr. Jason Isbell
Trustees Emeriti
Dr. E. R. Brannan
Mr. James Campbell
Mr. Archie B. Crenshaw
Dr. Fred D. Gray, Sr.
Mr. David Howell
Mrs. Libby Jones
William Cooper, Director of Strategic Analytics
Pat Gregory, VP for Marketing
Elisabeth Hailes, Special Projects Manager for the President
Jamie Horn, Assoc. VP for Finance
Mark Hunt, VP for Graduate and Professional Enrollment
Gerald Jones, General Counsel
Renee Kephart, VP for Human Resources
Kasey Oakley, VP for Information Technology
Dave Rampersad, VP for Academics
Beverly Tolliver, Executive Assistant to the President
Joseph Vickery, VP for Finance
Hal Wynn, VP for Athletics
College Deans
Dr. Jeff Arrington
Dr. Justin Bond
Dr. Cassie Boyd
Dr. Todd Brenneman
Dr. Charles Campbell
Dr. Sandy Ledwell
Mr. Frank “Butch” Jones
Dr. Jeff Langham
Mr. Bob Lee
Dr. Henri McDaniel
Judge Carole Medley
Mr. Brian Mitchell
Mrs. Wilma Phillips
Mr. Tim Richardson
Mr. Thomas Smith
Dr. Bud Stumbaugh
Mr. Jon Sykes
Senator Jabo Waggoner
Mr. Eddie Welch
Dr. Richard “Rick” Williams
Dr. Billy Lambert
Mr. Louis Lester
Dr. W. Mansel Long
Ms. Glenda Major
Mr. Phil Norton
Mr. Ted Norton
Letter from the President
Since serving as president of Faulkner University, we have focused on key phrases that have carried out our theme each academic year. In my first year, we focused on boldness as we emerged from a global pandemic.
Last year, we focused on the word epic as we view each individual as an important character in an enduring epic, a story of eternal significance. It’s a story that began at the dawn of creation in the garden and ends with God’s victory in an epic battle.
We are training our students to be an active part of that epic story by making their career their ministry.
This year, our focus is on relevance; meaningfully engaging with what matters most. This year, we were relevant in our October Faulkner Bible Lectureship where we focused on the topic of God’s grace. We were relevant as we hosted a debate during the lectureship that looked at the morality of gambling, a topic that has continually plagued our state politics.
We are relevant as we continue to develop and add new courses and programs such as digital media, computer engineering, secondary education and more programs in healthcare. We are relevant by bringing to our campus world-class instructors to teach in our classrooms.
When we say “meaningfully engaging with what matters most,” we are talking about students and their spiritual wellbeing. We are talking about the political direction of our country, the way in which we engage with the homeless in our community and how we as a campus respond to crime in our area. These matters of relevance may change, but what remains the same is that God is involved in every decision. Nothing is more important and relevant than finding your personal eternal purpose and we find that through God. Each and every one of our students are at Faulkner right now for a purpose.
As you read this latest Faulkner Magazine, you will find relevant stories on our alumni, our College of Health Sciences, our new Director of Nursing, our Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research clinic and more. You’ll learn how we are preparing our students to bring truth to the world, healing to this nation and security for our citizens.
Thank you and God bless you!
Faulkner University’s Center for Therapy and Research Reaches 34,000 Patient Visits by
Rebecca Burylo
A place of “Help and Hope,” Faulkner University is home to the area’s only free therapy and counseling clinic. As of October, it has reached a milestone of delivering its 34,000th patient visit since the clinic’s beginning in 2018.
On average, families and individuals in need see a savings of nearly $1,200 per month. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the clinic provided $170,000 worth of free services. Originally located in a small office space off Woodmere Blvd, the new 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-theart clinic is now located on the east campus of Faulkner University where it is an integral part of the university’s College of Health Sciences.
Offering services for infants to the elderly, the clinic provides a holistic approach to therapy and counseling at no cost for those who qualify. The clinic specializes in autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, voice disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, developmental disorders, traumatic brain injuries, neurological impairments, orthopedic injuries, as well as mental health and emotional disorders, just to name a few.
The Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research clinic and the Mike and Lisa Williams Center for Autism are truly making a difference within the community.
“My daughter has attended the Faulkner clinic since it first opened; first receiving speech and feeding therapy, and eventually adding occupational therapy once it became available,” said Laura Goins. “We have been so pleased with the therapy services she has received! She absolutely loves the environment there, and a perk to having student clinicians has always been the fresh energy they bring to their therapy services.”
“That is the mission of the clinic,” said Clinic Director Alan Deal, OTR/L. “We exist to promote the holistic well-being of our community by improving physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We seek to extend the healing ministry of Jesus through compassionate, quality, rehabilitative services, while training students to become competent, Christ-like healthcare professionals.”
“Since our beginning in 2018, the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research has provided a place of help and hope throughout the region by bridging the gap in health equity,” Deal said. “We have recently expanded to offering not only free speech therapy, but now occupational therapy (OT), mental health counseling and soon to add physical therapy (PT) service, all while training up the next generation of competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. Although our clinic began primarily serving those with autism, it has been such a blessing to be able to expand into providing services across the lifespan to a variety of diagnoses and grow our partnerships with State organizations and local businesses and clinics. What makes us really unique is not only the fact that we provide free services to those who are eligible, but we also provide caregiver support and resources through our professional counselors.
“We seek to serve the entire family unit and provide a much-needed service here in the River Region. The importance of the role of the caregiver and their mental health is not lost on us. To be able to see a child speak for the first time or hear the joy from a mom because
A clinician with the Center for Therapy and Research right, works with a patient
her son was able to attend his first Christmas service and not be overwhelmed, or an adult client able to take his first shower in four years due to a stroke really make this calling as clinic director rewarding! We have an amazing team of compassionate therapists who utilize state-of-the-art and evidence-based treatment approaches to get the best outcomes for our clients. It is truly an honor to come to the clinic every day and see all the joy and love that is poured into both students and clients, as well as from the community in their support of our efforts here. We are thrilled about the growth we are seeing and look forward to God continuing to shine through our work here at the Faulkner clinic.”
Deal plans to bring his experience serving veterans to Faulkner through the clinic’s new grant partnership with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) in 2025.
A place where faith, learning and compassion collide, the clinic’s unique model allows it to be an on-site resource to Faulkner’s College of Health Science students as they learn alongside some of the top therapists in the region. Together, they evaluate a patient’s needs, develop a multi-layered treatment plan and provide services to their patients and families. The clinic also is growing their partnership with local schools to provide much needed hearing screenings and other therapy services.
The impact the clinic is making on the community is most evident from what their patients have to say about their care:
“The therapists and students at Faulkner are so caring towards my daughter! They are also always asking me
what more they can do to help her and teaching me strategies to help her at home. My daughter’s sensory processing disorder has improved greatly since she began at the Faulkner clinic,” said the family of Eli Ashley.
“The Faulkner Clinic and the service/therapy they have been providing for my brother, who is diagnosed with Aphasia, have been a Godsend. We are so blessed to have found this organization. The staff have been nothing but courteous and helpful. Thank you, Faulkner, so much for helping our brother as we strive to overcome the challenges of his illness,” said the family of Gerald Singleton.
“The Faulkner speech and OT teams have been a blessing from God for our sweet boy. They care, love, and support us. I have seen great improvements daily with these dedicated professionals on our side. Bless them,” said the family of Brady Barkhurst.
Patients who apply for services must meet specific eligibility criteria, have an appointment, and adhere to the clinic’s attendance policy. The Faulkner clinic encourages those who are able to obtain timely services at a local clinic through their insurance to do so and will gladly make referrals based on their situation.
To find out more about the clinic, follow them on Facebook: “Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research” or contact them at 334-386-7351 or by email at clinic@ faulkner.edu. You can also find them at www.faulknerclinic.org
Clinician Kendall Alford, left and College of Health Sciences student Alex Wells provide therapy to a young patient to help postural control, balance and stability
College of Health Sciences Overview
by Rebecca Burylo
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Faulkner is home to an expanding array of healthcare programs with plans to grow. Implementing a unique educational environment and Christian values, CHS trains students in team-based health care and collaboration. Modern healthcare demands skilled professionals who understand the importance of collaborative patient care. A health sciences degree from Faulkner prepares students for licensure and employment in the healthcare field of their choice.
Students complete traditional classroom learning and in-depth laboratory work alongside immersive realworld experiences that expose them to the challenges – and rewards – of a career in healthcare. Take a closer look at our undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS)
The BSHS program provides a broad understanding of the scientific underpinnings of the health sciences, but also includes content in medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, healthcare administration/ leadership, bioethics, statistics and research, cultural competency, interprofessional practice, and healthcare law, as well as key skills such as effective oral and written communication. The BSHS is a bachelor’s degree that prepares students to apply for a graduate degree in health sciences.
Master of Arts and Sciences in Speech Language Pathology (MSLP)
Speech language pathologists work with pediatric and adult patients to diagnose and treat communication
and lab instruction, and more than 400 hours of clinical work. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to achieve state licensure and American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certification.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Faulkner’s OTD program has earned a reputation as a leading contributor to the field of occupational therapy by training exceptional future occupational therapists who have a heart for service, advancing the field through the development of distinguished faculty members, promoting academic and professional excellence through academic research, and serving the local community through exemplary therapy services.*
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physical therapists play a critical role in multimodal care plans, providing diagnosis and treatment for individuals affected by disease, injury, chronic pain, and more. This eight-semester program includes 32 weeks of full-time clinical education, up to six weeks of integrated clinical and community experiences, and the opportunity for service activities within real-world applications. Program graduates are prepared to apply for licensure to practice and may seek employment as generalists.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MS-PAS)
Physician assistants may serve as primary care providers or support other healthcare specialists,
providing diagnoses, managing patient care plans, and performing a diverse range of duties. During a 27-month program, students complete 15 months of classroom instruction and 12 months of clinical education with rotations in family, internal, pediatric, emergency, women’s and behavioral medicine, urgent care, and more at healthcare facilities in the Montgomery, Alabama, area. Graduates are wellqualified to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) upon completion of their degree.
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD HS)
The PhD in Health Sciences is an accelerated, fully online doctoral program designed to prepare healthcare practitioners for advanced roles in administrative, academic, and clinical environments. The program challenges the student to examine the current state of healthcare both locally and globally; apply sophisticated knowledge of research design, biostatistics, and epidemiology to the literature of their core discipline; develop ethical leadership skills for inter-professional environments; and design and conduct original research in healthcare.
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is a postprofessional academic doctoral degree for those who intend to pursue or advance a professional practice career in Health Sciences and Health Care Delivery Systems, which can include clinical practice, education, administration, and research. Master’s credentials are a requirement for DHSc programs. Individuals
who complete the DHSc face the particular task of understanding, adapting, and applying scientific knowledge in order to achieve health gain and impactful results. This degree leads to a career in high-level administration, teaching, applied research, or practice, where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required. The Doctor of Health Science is a degree that prepares scholarly professionals in healthcare and leadership roles.
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Nursing at Faulkner prepares students for their journey toward a career in nursing with a comprehensive two-year initiative designed to pave the way for a seamless transition to a school of nursing. While Pre-Nursing at Faulkner does not culminate in a degree from the institution yet, it serves as the crucial first step toward realizing one’s aspirations in the field of nursing.
Faulkner’s commitment to growth, flexibility and individualized career goals is evident in the unique opportunities available. Just recently, Faulkner has secured a Director of Nursing Dr. Shellye Vardaman. Hired in March as a consultant, Vardaman has over 23 years of service as a nursing educator and is looking forward to becoming a part of the growing College of Health Sciences at Faulkner.
*An occupational therapy educational program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) prior to students’ graduation for its students to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination offered by the National Board of Certification in occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Faulkner University’s OTD program is considered an applicant program by ACOTE that seeking candidacy status.
First DPT Graduating Class Makes History
by Rebecca Burylo
Dubbed the Fantastic Four, Katie Jackson, Marlei Murray, Jordan Briskey and Jasmine Duff were inseparable as they blazed through the challenges of becoming physical therapists at Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences. They are now serving their communities as doctors of physical therapy after being among the first graduates of the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
“Those girls, along with Alysia (Perkins) Cutts, have left a forever mark on my heart and made the long days and longer nights just a little bit easier,” Jackson said. “Dr. Ireland and Dr. Parrish were my guiding lights within the program; they prayed for me, encouraged me, and believed in me every step along the way. I am basically in the family, so they can’t get rid of me even though I have graduated.”
The doctor of physical therapy program at Faulkner was granted accreditation status in May 2024 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
When Jackson initially started her undergraduate work at the University of Georgia, she wanted to be a sports journalist. However, she decided to pursue a career in physical therapy to allow her more opportunities to serve others.
After taking a gap year following her graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Jackson was living with her parents in Auburn, Alabama before taking the leap to join the brand-new doctor of physical therapy program in Montgomery, Alabama.
l-r, Katie Jackson and Alysia (Perkins) Cutts
“Being a part of Faulkner’s inaugural DPT cohort was a unique opportunity to shape and influence the program’s culture and lay my legacy by contributing to the foundation upon which future cohorts will build,” Jackson said. “What stuck out to me most about Faulkner was their commitment to the growth and development of the whole person and their emphasis on being servant leaders.”
Jackson’s mother was diagnosed with cancer after her graduation and in order to stay nearby, Jackson started looking at physical therapy schools in the area. A week after her mother’s diagnosis, Jackson’s boss called to inform her that their clinic had received a voicemail from Faulkner mentioning the start of the university’s physical therapy program and that they were accepting applications.
“I like to say Faulkner chose me,” Jackson said. “After that call, I immediately applied and the rest is history.” Although academically rigorous, the doctor of physical therapy program at Faulkner is also full of compassionate and caring professors who want to see their students succeed.”
“I honestly believe that Faulkner will be one of the best Physical Therapy programs in the state very soon,” Jackson said. “The professors do their best to foster a unique environment that promotes individual growth as a person, a student, and a future physical therapist. I graduated not only with the skills and knowledge to excel in my profession but also with a deeper understanding of myself and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients.”
She is currently living with her sister in Charlotte, North Carolina while she studies for boards before moving to Tysons, Virginia to start her orthopedic residency with Rehab 2 Perform.
Fellow graduate and friend, Alysia (Perkins) Cutts was working as a front desk associate, a personal trainer, and a fitness class instructor at the Country Club of Birmingham and taking prerequisite classes at Lawson State Community College before enrolling in Faulkner’s DPT program. It was her dream to help others regain their strength and independence as a physical therapist.
“Physical therapy enables people to improve their quality of life by regaining mobility, independence, and education through focused interventions and treatment,” Cutts said. “It’s immensely satisfying to
watch individuals overcome obstacles in their physical growth. It is in line with my purpose to support and help people in all areas of their lives to help them live more prosperous, healthier lives.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a focus in coaching, nutrition, and fitness from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa before deciding to make history and be a part of Faulkner’s first class for the DPT program. She was employed as a physical therapy tech at the time when her boss informed her about Faulkner’s new program.
“He suggested I apply, and Faulkner appealed to me as a Christian university as a more personal setting for my studies,” Cutts said. “It was among the hardest things I had ever done. I didn’t know whether I would be able to finish the program at Faulkner because one of my parents became seriously ill while I was enrolled, but with the support of God, my professors, and peers, I was able to do so.”
“I felt that the program put a lot of emphasis on producing excellent clinicians. To meet new demands or gaps in education, the program looked for innovative approaches,” she added. “Professors were excited to be at the forefront of innovative methods of teaching. They contributed fresh ideas and perspectives to their fields.”
Though challenging, the program also lent itself to creating fun and memorable moments and long-lasting relationships. Through shared interests and intensive study sessions, Cutts formed long-lasting bonds with friends and graduates Katie Jackson and Jordan Briskey, the rest of her class, as well as her professors, who she can now count as her colleagues.
“This is how I feel about the professors as well. I maintained contact with them both during and after my clinical rotations. Drs. Ireland, Parrish, Mount, and Fitzgerald were among the initial faculty members who profoundly impacted and transformed my life. I’m thankful for the entire staff since they genuinely have our best interests at heart,” Cutts said.
After graduation, Cutts married her husband, James, and they moved to LaGrange, Georgia where she is working at a sports rehabilitation and sports medicine outpatient clinic.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Granted Accreditation
by Rebecca Burylo
Effective May 30th, 2024, Faulkner University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program has been granted Initial Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Graduation from a CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy education program is necessary to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required to practice physical therapy in all 50 states. Accreditation is a required, non-governmental, peer-reviewed process that occurs every 10 years for established programs and after 5 years following initial accreditation. CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level Physical Therapy programs.
“I want to congratulate Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences because our physical therapy program is fully, 100 percent accredited,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “We’re so thrilled for Dr. Heather Mount; our program director, and we’re thrilled for Dr. Cassie Boyd; our interim dean for the College of Health Sciences. We are making an incredible difference in our community. We’re going to continue to produce health care providers that
will provide physical therapy to help people who are injured, those with special needs and those who are stroke victims, just as an example. We are blessed at Faulkner University to have people who truly care about health care in the state of Alabama and our city.”
The accreditation, under the leadership of Dr. Heather E. Mount, PT, DSc, professor and program director at Faulkner University, comes as a result of a 6-year process which included multiple reports and two site visits to Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences in Montgomery, Alabama. In April 2021, Faulkner’s Physical Therapy program was granted Candidate for Accreditation status by CAPTE and admitted its first cohort of students.
The accreditation process evaluates the quality of the educational program and ensures the program is meeting the standards established by CAPTE. The multifaceted evaluation includes curriculum, program assessment, faculty qualifications, policies and procedures, facilities, resources, administration, clinical education and programmatic outcomes. CAPTE evaluates all submitted documents, including the site visit reports and the institutional response, prior to granting accreditation.
“I want to thank the administration at Faulkner for all their support and to the whole Faulkner family,” Mount said. “Without them, we would not be where we are today. Without our faculty, we would not be here today. We have amazing students and an amazing facility with state-of-the-art equipment. The accrediting agency saw all the wonderful things we have here at Faulkner and I’m sure it made their decision an easy one.”
The program graduated the inaugural class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students at Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences’ Commencement on April 20, 2024.
To apply, visit https://www.faulkner.edu/academics/ college-of-health-sciences/
l-r Chris Ireland, Robin Irwin, Elizabeth Bartel, Amanda Fields, Teressa Petosky, Heather Mount, Kana Kingsley, Tom Ford and Monika Kolwaite
Faulkner Hires New Director of Nursing
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University and the College of Health Sciences is pleased to welcome the new director of nursing, Dr. Shellye Vardaman. Hired in March as a consultant, Vardaman has over 23 years of service as a nursing educator and is looking forward to becoming a part of the growing College of Health Sciences at Faulkner.
“I have both a strong clinical and academic background,” Vardaman said. “I love seeing the lightbulb moments that come for my students. I have worked with students in every phase of their nursing journey and I love watching them as their careers blossom and seeing the difference they are making in their patients’ lives. I just love being a part of growing the next generation of nurses and seeing the face of the nursing profession change as we grow to become the best advocates for our patients.”
Vardaman is currently working full time at Troy University, where she has served in various roles, including lab coordinator, RN mobility coordinator, and graduate faculty member. She went to Troy to work alongside her husband, who serves as associate provost for Academic Support.
Vardaman earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, her master’s from Troy University and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Tyler. Before coming to Troy to teach, she was working at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. The transition to Faulkner was one she felt the Lord was leading her to do.
“I believe God sent me this way. I received a call from Faulkner to help them with the growing College of Health Sciences,” Vardaman said. “I talked with Dr. Rampersad and the next Sunday my church had a sermon on 1 Corinthians 12, which talks about service and sacrifice, and I knew coming to Faulkner was where I needed to be.”
“I love a new challenge and really enjoy accreditation,” she added. “I’ve been doing that for 12 years and the promise of being a part of the new programs and growth at Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences is appealing.”
Vardaman will be joining the College of Health Sciences in a full-time capacity beginning January 2025.
A stellar professional in her field, Vardaman has 18 peer-reviewed publications, authored two book chapters and 17 chapters of supplemental materials for classroom and nursing laboratory teaching, and has written articles for professional newsletters, with an additional four manuscripts currently in review.
Vardaman is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Nurse Executive -Advanced and as a medical-surgical nurse. She is also a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing.
Vardaman is a founding member of the National Consortium of Academic Nurse Educators, currently a member of the Board of Directors and was elected Vice President. Dr. Vardaman is committed to nursing accreditation and brings a wealth of accreditation knowledge to the College of Health Sciences, serving as a peer evaluator and member of the Evaluation Review Panel for ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). She has served two stints on the Board of Commissioners for the ACEN.
Shellye Vardaman
College of Health Sciences Faculty Spotlights
by Rebecca Burylo
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Amanda Fields, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Years at Faulkner?
Adjunct since August 2022
Started full time in January 2024
Education/Work history?
Bachelors in Fitness and Health Promotion from Samford University (2010)
Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Alabama at Birmingham (2013)
I worked in the acute care setting for 10 years at Baptist Health where I started as a new grad staff PT and promoted to lead PT, manager, and then director where I helped develop the early mobilization program for patients in the ICU.
I am one of four Board Certified Specialists in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy in Alabama.
Expertise is in acute care and critical care/ICU.
What attracted you to your field of study?
I’ve always been drawn to the healthcare field. My undergraduate advisor told me that he thought I would end up being a cardiologist, but I desired a better work life balance while still working with the acute population. I love getting involved with returning function and quality to patients’ lives after they experience some of their worst and darkest points. I often hear the saying that medicine adds days to life, but it’s therapy that adds life to days and I enjoy getting to help patients experience and live out the days that they have on this earth.
What do you enjoy most about being at Faulkner?
The ability to continue to challenge myself and pursue lifelong learning. I love that I am not only allowed but encouraged to participate in research and look for new ways to advance our field to improve patient outcomes. I also love that I can embed faith into my work and practice by serving others and equipping our students to minister and serve the people of our community through their knowledge and skills.
What advice would you give students entering your classes or program?
Keep the end goal in sight. There will be hard days and long nights, but this program is the starting line to your career and the legacy that you will leave behind. Don’t get lost in the difficulties of one week, or one term. Growth happens when mistakes are made. Remember your WHY and focus on the goal at the end of this chapter.
Physicians Assistant
Trudie D. Seirafi, Director of Clinical Education
Years at Faulkner?
Started January 8, 2024
Education/Work history?
I began practicing as a physician assistant in 1997 after graduating from UF College of Medicine’s PA Program. I began practice after graduation in Neurosurgery for Shands Jacksonville until 1999. My husband, who is a general surgeon, and I moved to Alabama and we practiced together in General Surgery until 2014. I was employed by the City of Auburn to run the CityCare Clinic shortly thereafter but then transitioned back to surgery and worked with Dr. Pamela Strickland in breast surgery for several years. In 2021, I worked with Dr. Patrick Ryan in Neurosurgery until December 2023. I presently work as the director of clinical education for Faulkner University’s PA Studies Program and love it!
What attracted you to your field of study?
I wanted to diagnose and treat patients in surgery and medicine and to be a wife and mother. Being a PA has been a wonderful career choice and I feel so fortunate God has allowed me to have this gift and subsequent fulfilled life overall.
What do you enjoy most about being at Faulkner?
The ability to work for a Christian employer and be surrounded by colleagues who not only love the Lord but freely share their love for Jesus Christ in their daily life at work and in their demeanor. This is a great place to work. I love my job!
What advice would you give students entering your classes or program?
1. Trust in the Lord with all their heart and do not lean on their own understanding. In all their ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct their path.
2. In everything, do it as if it is for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Speech-Language Pathology
Amy Hatcher, SLP Clinic Director
Years at Faulkner?
I began working at Faulkner in August of 2022.
Education?
I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Faulkner University in May of 2006.
Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology from Auburn University Montgomery in May of 2007.
I earned my Master of Communication Disorders from Auburn University in May of 2009.
Work History?
I have worked in various settings including outpatient pediatrics, early intervention, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation hospital. I created and led interactive life skills classes for individuals on the Autism Spectrum ranging in age from elementary school to young adults. I previously served as the director of speech therapy for a local private practice.
What attracted you to your field of study?
The idea of helping others be able to communicate with the world piqued my interest. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about the field. Watching my father fight the effects of Parkinson’s disease spurred my passion to help enhance the quality of life for others through the avenue of communication.
What do you enjoy most about being at Faulkner?
To be able to return to my alma mater, to teach in a Christian university, and help develop future speechlanguage pathologists is beyond a dream for me! I am truly living my dream. I love watching our students gain clinical confidence and realize the amazing opportunity to be world changers in their patients and families’ lives.
What advice would you give students entering your classes or program?
I encourage students to consistently work on developing a positive-growth mindset which will allow them to focus on God, set appropriate boundaries, celebrate progress over perfection, dare to dream big, and face their fears. I frequently remind students of Psalm 56:3, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Cate Valentino OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor
Years at Faulkner?
This is my first year at Faulkner and I am honored to be part of such a wonderful institution.
Education/Work history?
I have been in healthcare for the better part of two decades starting as an Emergency Room
Technician while in OT school which gave me a unique appreciation of everything our patients go through before reaching rehab. I have been practicing Occupational Therapy for the last 18 years and have been a continuing education developer for PT/OT/ST, Nursing, and Athletic Training for the last 14 years. I have been blessed to have had unique and wonderful experiences as a university site director managing the University of Oklahoma Global Campus at Panzer Kasern in Stuttgart, Germany, and working as a biology, anatomy, and medical terminology professor in South Florida for the past two years. I have a background in kinesiology in addition to my occupational therapy degrees and pursued an additional master’s degree in administrative leadership to support my growth as an operations director and clinical consultant.
What attracted you to your field of study?
One of the most wonderful classes I took as an undergraduate student was an “Intro to Kinesiology” class highlighting all of the different career paths the major could lead students to as they graduate to pursue employment. I remembered the OT presentation as I looked to the future and thought about what I was called to do. I thought about the positivity, energy, and passion the visiting OT possessed and knew those were the individuals I wanted to work with in the future!
What do you enjoy most about being at Faulkner?
Faulkner’s values, mission, and sense of community resonated with my values and those that called me into the OT profession, creating an unparalleled environment for spiritual growth, the pursuit of knowledge, and service. The dedication students, faculty, and staff have to uplift the community and serving with an open heart.
What advice would you give students entering your classes or program?
Believe in yourself to be a positive agent of change. You are stepping up to the calling of occupational therapy as patients need your special light, skills, and compassion to get through their darkest days. Also, you are attached to everything you need to study for your anatomy tests, so bend those elbows, and wiggle your fingers, you got this!
The Faulkner University Marching Eagles: A Comeback Story
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner is getting the band back together. At least in terms of reuniting Robby Glasscock and Michael Bird who were hired this summer. The pair worked together for more than 20 years in the Tallassee City Schools’ music department. Boasting a stellar track record of growing their band and music programs, they have come to Faulkner to continue building the Faulkner University Marching Eagles.
Glasscock and Bird are serving as Faulkner’s new director of bands and assistant director of bands.
“Faulkner is all in when it comes to growing the university band and they’re going about it the right way,” Bird said. “We are trying to build a culture on campus where students feel welcomed from start to finish. A place where they can know and be known.”
Over the last several years, the number of students within Faulkner’s marching band has dwindled. At
the start of the fall 2024 semester, 12 students were registered for band. Now, with university-sponsored scholarships and incentives, Bird is confident they will rebuild the program into a robust powerhouse that Faulkner can be proud of.
Students eligible to be a part of Faulkner’s marching band will receive more than 70 percent off tuition and do not have to major in music to participate. Not only that, but they will also be working with Glasscock who was named one of the “50+ Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band & Orchestra Plus magazine, a trade publication for music educators.
Glasscock earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Troy (State) University in 2000 and later went on to earn his Master’s in Education from Alabama State University and his EdS and PhD in Music Education from Auburn University. The Elmore County native was hired to work at a school in Albany, Georgia after
Robby Glasscock
Michael Bird
graduating from college, but soon returned to his home state to work at Tallassee City Schools. He was the band director there for 24 years.
Coming to Faulkner was an easy and appealing decision for Glasscock who became good friends with Faulkner’s chair of the Music Department, Dr. Art Williams while they attended Troy University together. Williams was the drum major when Glasscock was a freshman, and they kept in touch throughout the years. Not only that, but Glasscock’s brother, John Glasscock, is also on the music department staff.
As Faulkner’s director of bands, Glasscock is responsible for teaching marching band, concert band and jazz band. Coming from Tallassee where there were around 100 students in the high school band, he is excited to see Faulkner’s program grow.
“Faulkner approached me to come and recreate the formula we implemented at Tallassee in order to bring Faulkner’s band to the size we had,” Glasscock said. “But I couldn’t recreate that formula without also bringing Michael Bird who was instrumental in Tallassee’s success, and promotional efforts. He’s the guy Faulkner really needs. So, we’re a package deal.”
Like Glasscock, Bird’s ties to Faulkner also originate from Williams, a friend for over 30 years since meeting at Troy. Bird, too, studied at Troy and was a part of the band.
“Dr. Williams made it very attractive to leave my job and come work at Faulkner,” Bird said. “I have never known a person who practices what he preaches more than Art. He is the kindest, most generous person I have ever met, he’s a friend to all and a master educator. Over the years, we never lost touch.”
Williams is not Bird’s only connection to Faulkner. Bird grew up in Montgomery, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and is familiar with former Faulkner band directors like Don Darby, Randal Myers, and Eddy Williams. After graduation, he earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Science in Education degrees from Troy (State) University. He spent the next 28 years teaching high school and middle school band and choir before being tapped by Faulkner University.
“I’m excited to be back in band,” Bird said. “Dr. Art Williams persuaded Robby and me to come to Faulkner
since we were such a successful team. We’ve really put Tallassee on the map, and I know we can do the same for Faulkner.”
Bird made the transition to Tallassee City Schools after short stints teaching at Frisco City High School in Monroe County, Zion Chapel High School in Coffee County and Robert E. Lee High School. At Tallassee, where he was for 20 years, Bird founded the Tallassee Jazz Festival and hosted the Capital City Classic show choir competition, produced a stage musical each year, kept three competitive show choirs in circulation, and provided instruction for concert choir, chamber choir, men’s choir and women’s choir and assisted with the marching band, concert band and jazz band.
“I love being a part of a school’s music and band department, because it’s the last place, especially in public school, where God’s name can be proclaimed. A lot of the songs and music I selected had its roots in the church, so I was able to interject the word of God into our materials,” Bird said. “Not only that, I love being a part of making music fun for young people. It doesn’t have to be this serious thing. Music is a holy thing and it’s for everyone. God has given everyone a voice. No one sounds just like you do. Everyone has that skill inside, it’s just a matter of using it.”
Glasscock and Bird are excited to be a part of Faulkner’s Christian environment where they have the complete freedom to allow Jesus to be the focus of their students’ day.
“I believe each of us are made with a God-shaped hole that only He can fill,” Bird said. “Young people need to know that they need Jesus to fill that hole, and they are not going to be able to turn to something else to fill it. He’s just waiting for them. This world can be a scary place, and I am proud to be somewhere where God is the center of our day. I knew I needed to be at Faulkner.”
As assistant director of bands, Bird assists the admissions office with music student recruitment. He also directs the Faulkner University Swingin’ Eagles Jazz Ensemble until Glasscock takes over that responsibility next year.
Benefit Dinner Headlining Nick Saban Highlights Adoption and Foster Care
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University recognized more than 135 foster and adoptive parents, as well as individuals working at foster and adoption agencies, during its annual Benefit Dinner on Oct. 3, 2024. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban headlined the sold-out event.
Before the Alabama football legend took the stage, 2,600 guests turned toward the center aisle to watch the mothers and fathers of adopted and foster children walk to the front of the Renaissance Convention Center in downtown Montgomery.
Each year Faulkner shines a spotlight on individuals who deserve to be honored. This year, the university highlighted the sacrifices and the love of those individuals who welcome children in need into their home.
“Today, families struggle to provide economically. They crave protection from unforeseen events, natural disasters and rising crime. Families hunger for quality education. Families long for loving, healthy relationships. Adoptive parents and foster parents have looked into the mirror, and they say, ‘I will be the change,’” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “Tonight, we celebrate heroes of adoption and foster care. These are people who know that families
need protection, they need provision, they need education, and they need love. It’s time to turn the hearts of adults to children. It is time to change our culture by strengthening families. Our heroes tonight challenge us to be the change.”
Many of the honored guests who participated in the Walk of Honor, had ties to Agape, a local Christian foster care and adoption agency that aims to provide vulnerable and orphaned children with safe, nurturing families.
Among those recognized that evening were several adults who had been adopted and expressed their gratitude for adoption and their parents on stage. Julie Dapprich was adopted on October 30, 1970, by her parents Ken and Polly Kranzusch. She is now an adoptive mother herself.
“Adoption is such a blessing! I am so thankful that I have such a great family,” Dapprich said. “And thankful to God that He has been by my side and directing my steps my whole life! HE CHOSE ME for this journey, and I love that!”
Jason Isbell was adopted on September 25, 1980, by Tony and Bobbie Isbell.
“I’m grateful every day that God used an adoption agency in Montgomery to connect a baby born in Mobile with a family in Sylacauga 44 years ago,” Isbell said. “My adopted family took a bad beginning and turned it into a happy ending, and there hasn’t been a single day of my life where I’ve known anything but their unconditional love and respect. Everything in my life can be traced back to my time under their roof, and how I was raised will always be one of the biggest blessings in my life.”
Likewise, the dinner provided an opportunity to highlight Saban’s service to others and his and his wife Terry’s adoption of their two children, Nicholas and Kristen.
Senator Katie Britt interviews Nick Saban during Benefit Dinner
Faulkner Honors Donors, Names Mobile Campus the Lamar and Marceil Harrison Campus
by Rebecca Burylo
April 23, 2024 was a historic day for Faulkner University as the university hosted an official ribboncutting ceremony and dedication of its Mobile Campus in Mobile, Alabama now named the Lamar and Marceil Harrison Campus of Faulkner University in recognition of two esteemed donors, Lamar and Marceil Harrison.
The property and building housing Faulkner Mobile were generously donated by the Harrison family, a multimillion-dollar contribution formalized in June 2018.
The dedication ceremony was a momentous occasion and drew dignitaries including members of the City of Mobile Chamber of Commerce, Faulkner University leadership, Faulkner Mobile faculty and staff, Board of Trustees members, and representatives of the Harrison, Eubanks and May families, among them Lamar and Marceil Harrison’s daughters, Tanya Eubanks and Leisha May.
“We are thankful to the Lamar and Marceil Harrison family for their commitment to promote adult Christian education. Mr. Harrison, a 45-year board
President Mitch Henry, center, participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Mobile Campus alongside representatives of the Harrison, Eubanks and May families
of trustees member, was often quoted to say, ‘Great accomplishments come with great effort,’” said Dr. Brannon Lentz, Interim University Registrar. “This couple’s great efforts, along with the generosity of their children, are one example of why Faulkner has such a strong footprint in the Mobile market.”
Rooms within the newly named facility will be named in honor of the members of the Eubanks and May families. Their love for Faulkner has spanned generations and their desire is to see their alma mater flourish.
Several members of the Harrison, Eubanks and May families have attended and graduated from Faulkner University and because of that, they have been strong long-time supporters of the school and its mission.
Lamar Harrison, who passed away on June 17, 2021, served on Faulkner University’s Board of Directors for many years and now his son-in-law Mike Eubanks is currently serving on the Board of Trustees as vice chair.
The Lamar and Marceil Harrison Campus joins other Faulkner landmarks bearing the family name, including the Lamar Harrison Baseball Field, the
Freeman-Harrison Student Multiplex, and the Harrison Apartments. Lamar Harrison also played a pivotal role in the development of Faulkner’s Huntsville campus.
In honor of his dedication to Faulkner University over the years, Harrison was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on December 17, 2005 for his unwavering support of Christian education.
Leisha May stands with President Mitch Henry, center, following the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Tanya Eubanks sits with her husband, Mike Eubanks and their family on the front row during the dedication ceremony of the Mobile Campus
Roosevelt Chapman: The First African-American Student at Faulkner
By Elisabeth Hailes and Rebecca Burylo
Fifty-nine years ago, Roosevelt Chapman made history as one of the first African American students to attend Faulkner, then called Alabama Christian College (ACC).
Roosevelt Chapman died March 20, 2022, yet his legacy lives on. In a time of social and racial unrest of the civil rights movement, Chapman and his peers at ACC crossed the lines of division. They saw each other simply as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, his daughter, Dawn Chapman continues to share his story and his legacy by working at Faulkner as the director of the Eagles Soar 1 program, which provides support to black students. The program, funded by the Predominately Black Institution (PBI) Competitive Grant, is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience and success of African-American undergraduate students.
“I am very grateful for my Faulkner family. My dad was very proud that I am a part of an institution that held a special place in his heart,” Dawn said. “My dad was added to the Lord’s church at an early age under the preaching of John Henry Clay. He was later trained under Fred D. Gray, Esq. He received his high school diploma from Nashville Christian Institute where he graduated Salutatorian of his class. He began his ministry at the age of 13. While attending Nashville Christian Institute, he traveled with the renowned Marshall Keeble and continued his religious education at Alabama Christian College (Faulkner University) where he was the first African American to ever attend.
My dad served in the ministry for over forty years bringing many souls to Christ.”
Chapman, who was born on April 26, 1946, attended ACC from the fall of 1965 through the spring of 1967 before he was sent to fight the war in Vietnam. He then later returned to ACC in the Winter of 1971 and stayed until Spring 1971.
Two other African American students to attend ACC around the same time were Richard Rose, Chapman’s best friend, and Elijah Anthony. All three would later serve as preachers.
After Chapman attended ACC the second time, he transferred to Auburn University where he completed his degree in sociology. He later earned his Master’s degree from Wright State University in Ohio and served as a minister for 40 years.
Unlike Chapman and Rose, Elijah Anthony started college at the Tuskegee Institute and then transferred to ACC where he was a student from Fall of 1965 to Summer of 1966. He then left and transferred to Harding University to finish his degree in 1966.
While a student at ACC, Chapman decided to live off campus, while Rose and Anthony were roommates in the dorms. Chapman relayed to his daughter his memories of campus life and described to her what his friends thought of the dorms.
“Elijah remembers that the dorms were nice. A place they could play music and sing, and could call home for free,” Dawn said. “Attending ACC that first year, did require courage, but said that their experience at ACC set him up for the rest of his life.”
Chapman would later become an associate minister at Newtown Church of Christ in Montgomery, where attorney and Faulkner alumnus Fred Gray also served as a minister.
Roosevelt Chapman
Celebrating Connection: The 80th Faulkner Bible Lectureship and Homecoming Week
by Rebecca Burylo
The 80th Faulkner Bible Lectureship marked another remarkable year, coinciding seamlessly with Homecoming Week and culminating in its second annual high-profile debate. Together, these events drew historic numbers of attendees to campus, fostering both physical and spiritual connections.
On October 19, hundreds gathered for the Military Appreciation Homecoming football game, featuring an exciting F-35 flyover and a patriotic halftime performance. This event was followed by the 2nd Annual Zorn/L2L Faulkner University Invitational, where over $2 million in scholarships was awarded to 42 Lads 2 Leaders participants, kicking off the Faulkner Bible Lectureship.
Kirkley Bramlett was named the National Oratorical Scholarship Winner for the female competition, while Christian Otey won the men’s invitational and Colby Johnson secured second place, all earning scholarships. Additionally, each eligible participant received a $16,000 annual scholarship to attend Faulkner University.
Throughout the rest of the week, guests participated in daily speaker sessions and chapel events centered around the theme of “Grace.” The lectureship concluded with a thought-provoking debate on the morality of gambling. This engaging exchange featured Faulkner Biblical Studies professor David W. Hester arguing against the resolution, while lobbyist Bill J. Pascrell III, representing the Princeton Public Affairs Group, affirmed it. The discussion highlighted the Lectureship’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues.
Both debaters acknowledged that the Bible does not explicitly condemn gambling. However, Hester presented a compelling case that Scripture implies gambling is morally wrong, framing it as an abuse of stewardship that “wages a war against the soul,” referencing 1 Peter 2:11. He emphasized that gambling seeks to acquire wealth by risking money or other stakes, which he linked to the sins of greed and covetousness. Citing Luke 10:7, Hester questioned whether a gambler is truly “worthy of his wages,” suggesting that gambling falls outside the realm of acceptable entertainment due to its detrimental impact on finances and the harm it does to others.
“God is not pleased with our devotion to covetousness, and that is what gambling is all about. It is an overwhelming desire to obtain wealth,” Hester asserted. “Gambling is more than a simple competition or a thrill-seeking venture, because there is an added element of gaining money - not based on skill or investment, but at the cost to others.”
On the opposing side, Pascrell argued that gambling, when done responsibly and in moderation, can be a safe form of entertainment. However, he acknowledged the potential dangers, not refuting that excessive and irresponsible gambling can lead to addiction, bankruptcy, marital problems and mental health issues.
“I want you to understand, I am not here to promote gambling,” Pascrell said. “I am a man of faith. A good person and I believe that when handled properly, without greed or covetousness, gambling is a fine practice and can be moral.”
The vigorous, but civil debate not only illuminated differing viewpoints but also provided attendees with a thoughtful exploration of one of the state’s most hotlycontested topics, encouraging deeper reflection on the moral implications of gambling in today’s society.
Matt Wallin: Dedicated to a Life of Evangelism
by Caleb Otey
In Matthew 28:1920, Jesus tells his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (NIV). All disciples of Christ, even those with full-time jobs, are called by God to teach the gospel wherever they go. However, few Christians have fully dedicated their personal and professional lives to evangelism like Faulkner alumnus Matt Wallin.
Nearly 20 years ago, Wallin completed a double major in Business and Vocational Ministry at Faulkner University. After graduating, he took on a management role at a furniture company. Though he was doing well at the company and would have likely received a promotion, Wallin felt unfulfilled. “I just don’t think this can be the culmination of my life,” Wallin thought.
Soon afterward, one of Wallin’s friends, a missionary in China, invited Wallin to come live with him. While observing the evangelism-focused Christians in China, Wallin fell in love with ministry.
“I wasn’t really seeing people converted (at home). I know the Bible says to do it and that the gospel works and won’t return to God void, but that is what I had seen: a lack of taking it and a lack of response. Even though I had gone to Faulkner and seen baptisms and conversions, it still wasn’t like I thought it should be or could be,” Wallin recalls.
“When I went to China and saw people literally every second of every day thinking about evangelism. ‘How can we make contact? How can we share the Bible? How can we love people and serve people?’ I was only there for a few months, but it really changed me because I saw people do that, and I was like, I’ve been looking for this my whole life!”
During his stay in China, Wallin searched for work on Faulkner’s website until he stumbled across a job listing by House to House, Heart to Heart, which he successfully applied to. Today, he serves as the program’s Director of Promotions.
House to House, Heart to Heart is a church of Christrun program that serves as a powerful evangelistic tool for the church, publishing Christian magazine articles and journals, sending out evangelistic newsletters, hosting evangelism seminars, and recording Christian podcasts. House to House has sent 325 million magazines to date, and its July 2024 issue of the magazine was sent to 2.2 million homes.
“We are averaging four baptisms a day right now with House to House, and that’s just in our little area of the world in this country, not including the international efforts,” Wallin says. “There are at least five guys who first heard about the church of Christ by getting information in their mailbox that preach full time now.”
Though he could have chosen to work at a secular job and focused his evangelism efforts there, Wallin says that House to House’s work is unique. “I am evangelistic wherever I go, but it would be hard to replicate these results in a secular job.”
Wallin is not calling all Christians to leave their jobs and become full-time, salaried ministers, but he does encourage all Christians to be seriously involved in ministry. “You don’t need to be on staff to be a
Matt Wallin poses with his wife Ashlei and their children
Matt Wallin
minister,” he says. “Ephesians 4:11-12 says that one of the roles of leaders is to get the saints equipped for the work of ministry, so that tells me that everyone should be involved in ministry. The word Christian is synonymous with minister in the Bible. You just have to find out what your ministry is.”
Some Christians think evangelism is futile and never share the gospel with others. To these Christians, Wallin claims that in-person evangelism can be incredibly effective and tells a story to illustrate his point:
“We went door-knocking maybe four years ago. There was a lady we had met who was a church member who had fallen away, and we had sent her cards for at least six months. After a period of time with no response, we gave up and decided to leave our past efforts with her, but she started coming two years after we knocked on her door and was restored recently.
“My youngest daughter, who is six now, was really taken with this lady. This lady loves her so much that she brings her bags of candy and coloring books. It’s just because she’s so thankful and feels so loved.
“I like to share this one because some people say that door-knocking doesn’t work, but these people also say ‘fill-in-the-blank doesn’t work’ and have about ten answers. Then you’re left with, ‘What does work?’ My point is that everything works if you work it, and the only thing that doesn’t work is not working.”
While in-person evangelism can prove incredibly effective, Wallin also urges Christians who produce Christ-centered content on social media to share it with their friends and family. Wallin recalls interacting with a friend who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as a sharpshooter.
“I have a friend who’s in the Olympics in Tokyo. He’s seen some of the lessons I’ve been posting online, and he asked if I could make them available for him to download. So, he’s listening to them the whole way to the Olympics and while he’s there. That’s because I had just posted, ‘Here are some lessons I’ve been doing’ online. I would like to share this story because some people feel like there’s no point in sharing what they’ve produced with their loved ones, but that’s not true.”
Wallin encourages Faulkner students interested in becoming more evangelistic to seek a strong Christian mentor who can help them. “You’re not going to be a great soul-winner if you don’t know any,” Wallin says.
“If you want to be a drunk, you hang out with the town drunk. If you want to be rich, you hang out with rich people. If you want to be evangelistic, you hang out with people who are evangelistic. So, if you’re on campus and want to be evangelistic, and you’re not, you need to start asking people, ‘Who is the most evangelistic person you know?’
“Go and find them, and ask them to be your mentor, which just looks like regularly spending time with them. If you’re a current Faulkner student, get to know Colt Mahana and Jeremy Smith. Those guys are always involved in Bible studies. Your best bet is to get somebody to show you how it’s done instead of figuring it out on your own.”
Today, Wallin hosts a summer internship program with House to House, inviting university students to participate in the evangelistic work he began twenty years ago. Interested students can email him at matt@ housetohouse.com or check out the website here
Soar Center Takes Flight at Faulkner University
by Cindy Walker and Dawn Chapman
Dawn Chapman cuts the ribbon to the new Soar Center
Empowering Success for African American Students
Since its much-anticipated opening on April 17, 2024, the Soar Center has become a vital resource for African American students at Faulkner University. Funded by the DOE Title III, PBI Competitive Grant, this innovative program provides a supportive space for academic, personal, and professional growth.
The Soar Center represents the culmination of tireless efforts by Project Director Dawn Chapman. Her vision was to create a holistic support system specifically designed for the needs of African American students. Chapman’s dedication is evident in the center’s comprehensive offerings.
A Haven for Student Success
The Soar Center offers a wide range of services to foster student success. Students can participate in study sessions to solidify understanding, receive supplemental instruction (SI) for challenging STEM courses, and benefit from first-generation transition coaching to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Additionally, the center facilitates mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals and upperclassmen, providing invaluable guidance and support.
Resources for Academic and Professional Advancement
The Soar Center equips students with the tools they need to thrive. It provides access to essential resources
like laptop computers, printing facilities, and a dedicated study space for focused work. Moreover, professional development workshops equip students with essential skills for future careers.
The center goes beyond academics, offering a clothes closet stocked with interview attire and other professional necessities to support internship and career pursuits. Practice interview sessions further empower students by refining their interview skills and boosting confidence.
Building a Supportive Community
“The Soar Center embodies our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can flourish,” remarked Dawn Chapman. “Through collaboration and dedicated resources, we aim to empower African American students to overcome challenges and achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.”
A Milestone for Faulkner University
The Soar Center signifies a significant step forward in the University’s ongoing efforts to increase enrollment and retention rates among African American students. By providing targeted support services and fostering a sense of community, the center is poised to contribute meaningfully to the academic success and overall well-being of African American students. Faulkner University looks forward to the lasting positive impact the Soar Center will have on the lives of its students and the broader community.
Dawn Chapman, center poses with faculty and staff of Eagles Soar I and II and Student Success along with students who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Community News
Faulkner University Confers Honorary Doctor of Ministry to Dr. Fred Gray
Faulkner University President Mitch Henry and Faulkner leadership conferred an Honorary Doctor of Ministry to Dr. Fred Gray during the university’s spring commencement ceremony on May 4, 2024.
“Our speaker today has overcome many challenges. His greatest accomplishment, however, was when he gave his soul to Jesus Christ when he was a young man and preached his first sermon when he was 12 years old,” Henry stated. “And through the years his accomplishments as a minister of Jesus Christ have resulted in hundreds if not thousands of people coming to the Lord and gaining the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. There is nothing greater we can do than share our faith. He is a vocational minister. He has made his career a ministry of service to other people.”
Following a processional and introduction of the university’s faculty, and remarks from Henry, Board of Trustees Chair Dale Kirkland bestowed the Honorary Doctor of Ministry to Gray, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney and minister. In July 2022, he received one of the highest civilian honors attainable, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, at the White House.
“Thank you, President Henry, and thank you also to what you are doing for Faulkner university in this short period of time you have served as president,” Gray said. “I am honored and appreciative for the privilege of serving as your commencement speaker. On this special occasion of graduation of 2024, it is special because you have attained another goal in your lives. I am appreciative of the history I have with Faulkner dating back to its beginnings on Ann Street.”
The Honorary Doctor of Ministry is the second honorary degree Gray has received from the university. The first was an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, where he is regularly honored by Faulkner Law through the Fred Gray Civil Rights Symposium.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Delivers Faulkner University’s Commencement Address
More than 100 Faulkner University students had the special privilege of having Alabama Governor Kay Ivey deliver their commencement address at the May 4, 2024, graduation ceremony.
Ivey’s speech was a part of the 10 a.m. ceremony as she praised Faulkner for being a Christian university and inspired graduates to stay true to their faith as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
“Faulkner University is a unique Christian university and a special place for young men and women to be transformed into servant leaders,” Ivey said. “Through my years, I have relied on my faith to guide me through difficult challenges and I have no doubt that every one of you is prepared to discover and fulfil God’s plan for you… Graduates you are about to embark on life’s journey that will offer you many new beginnings... Charge ahead and make it even more wonderful. Stay true to your faith and stand strong. Congratulations, best of luck and soar eagles!”
Faulkner University Student Organization Receives National Recognition
On May 14, 2024, The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Chapter at Faulkner University 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 202324 academic year. The announcement was made by the parent organization, National NSSLHA.
During the 2023-24 academic year, our SpeechLanguage Pathology (SLP) students worked hard to raise money and supplies to contribute to multiple community needs at One Place Family Justice Center and Big House Foundation, participated in multiple advocacy opportunities, and participated in monthly meetings to discuss chapter happenings.
Faculty advisor Stephanie Collum reflects on this accomplishment by these students. “This is now the 3rd consecutive year our NSSLHA chapter has received Gold Chapter Honors, and we could not be prouder! Our students were up to the challenge of completing all the criteria required to receive this honor from the moment it was brought before them at the first chapter meeting of the year. They were committed and always seeking ways to serve our community and advocate for the profession, both of which are key components to receiving this honor as a chapter. We as a faculty strive to build up and train SLPs who continually seek to help others, and our students are a constant reminder that the future of speech-language pathology is bright!”
The Faulkner University NSSLHA Chapter was established in 2018. Founded by Dr. Amy Ogburn, it began during the inaugural year of Faulkner University’s Master in Speech-Language Pathology program.
Steve Phillips Retires After 19 Years
On April 24, many stopped by the Bible Building to say their goodbyes and share a laugh with Coach Steve Phillips at his retirement ceremony.
The attendees celebrated his 19 years of service at Faulkner as the Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Science presented Phillips with a special engraved Bronze Eagle. He and his wife Pat have since moved to Mobile, Alabama to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Cassie Boyd Becomes Interim Dean of College of Health Sciences
On June 1, 2024, Dr. Cassie Boyd became the Interim Dean of the university’s College of Health Sciences. She began her tenure with the university as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in April 2021.
“I was immediately impressed with her dedication, commitment, and servant leadership, leading to her appointment as director of student affairs in May 2021 and assistant dean of students in June 2022,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Dave Rampersad, who made the announcement. “She was appointed to the role of assistant dean in June 2023 and from that time to the present, she has worked with me to oversee the college, essentially fulfilling the responsibilities of the dean.”
“In the ensuing years since her initial hire, it became readily apparent to us that Dr. Boyd was ideally suited to fill the role of dean in the College of Health Sciences.” “Faulkner University is truly blessed to have Dr. Cassie Boyd accept the position of interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. Her mission mindset and diligence, coupled with her care and concern for others will foster success under her leadership,” said Faulkner President Mitch Henry.
Boyd earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University in 2007 and the Doctor of Pharmacy from Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2011. She continued her education and training by completing a postdoctoral residency in Ambulatory Care with Auburn University. Prior to joining Faulkner, she served as an Ambulatory Care Pharmacist and Preceptor with Auburn University, Post-Doctoral Residency Coordinator for Auburn University’s Pharmacy Health Services, and a Community Pharmacist with Adams Drugs and Dalton Pharmacy.
Faulkner Signs Partnership with Montgomery Police Department
On June 26, 2024, Faulkner University President Mitch Henry and City of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a partnership between Faulkner and the Montgomery Police Department.
The agreement provides educational benefits and discounted tuition opportunities to police officers, staff and their families including access to Faulkner’s four academic facilities located in Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile as well as Jones Law School for meetings, continuing education, research and law enforcement and community outreach.
“Faulkner University supports law enforcement,” President Henry said. “We care about those men and women who are working hard every day and sacrificing in our community to protect us and be secure.”
“Mayor Reed inspired us when he called for community involvement to help with security here in this community. I’ve lived in Montgomery all my life, 57 years and Faulkner has been in Montgomery 82 years and we are a secure part of Atlanta Highway and the East Montgomery corridor of this city as well as a $328 million annual benefit to this city. It’s a wonderful community and a wonderful partnership and we want everyone to know we’re for the good guys. We support our officers and we’re confident they will be able to help transform security in this city.”
Learn more at- https://www.faulkner.edu/partnershipmpd/
Faulkner Unveils New Scoreboard
The new, high-res digital scoreboard can be found inside the Billy D. Hilyer Stadium and will be used for our Faulkner Eagles football and soccer games along with Alabama Christian Academy football.
Lady Eagles pick up program’s 900th Wynn at Brewton-Parker
Coach Hal Wynn was presented with his 900th win award on April 19. He is only the 6th in NAIA history to achieve such an accomplishment. The Lady Eagles traveled to Brewton-Parker that day for a doubleheader series. Faulkner picked up game one over the Lady Barons 3-1, which put Coach Hal Wynn at 900 career wins for the founder of Faulkner Softball. That was the Lady Eagles’ 20th win of the season and 13th inside SSAC play.
Faulkner Signs Partnership Agreements with Christian Schools
Faulkner continues to broaden its network by signing partnership agreements with several Christian schools. The partnership offers significant tuition scholarships and discounts to all qualified applicants.
The most recent schools to partner with Faulkner have been Jackson Christian School, Jefferson Christian Academy, Foundation Christian Academy and Valiant Cross Academy.
We want to thank Guardian Credit Union, Coca-Cola, Toyota, Baptist Ortho Now and Rich’s Car Wash for the amazing new scoreboard that we will be sharing with Alabama Christian Academy athletics.
The scholarship agreement guarantees scholarship funding to graduates of those schools and a tuition discount for employees who want to complete a degree with Faulkner.
NAHRO Appoints Iesha Brooks To Serve on National Leadership Committee
by Rebecca Burylo
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) appointed Faulkner Law student Iesha Brooks to serve a two-year term on the national Legislative Network Advisory Committee that began February of 2024.
Brooks is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a graduate of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. She is currently enrolled in Faulkner Law’s new Executive J.D. Schedule, which is aimed at working professionals who are unable to leave their jobs to become a lawyer, but who can combine online work during the week on their schedule, with weekend campus study. They earn the same law degree as traditional students.
Brooks serves the community in various roles, to include being the Vice President of her neighborhood association and serving on the Mayor’s Task Force on Addressing Homelessness. Brooks has worked to address community and economic development challenges as a Community Revitalization Fellow with the Center for Community Progress and worked to inspire change and innovation through progressive policy as a Legislative Fellow with the Alabama House Democratic Caucus.
As a result of her passion for public policy, she was elected to serve as the first Policy Chair during her time on the Mayor’s Young Professional Council. Born in public housing, Brooks is proud to serve the Montgomery Housing Authority Board of Commissioners as the Safety Committee Chair and the Community Engagement Chair. Her passion for service and policy started well before the board room as she has served in several chapters and national leadership roles in student organizations at Alabama State University and Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law.
While she currently serves as a Class Senator for the Student Bar Association at Jones School of Law, Brooks is most proud to have helped the law school deliver over 30,000 meals (and counting) to seniors as a regular Meals on Wheels volunteer and bringing security and independence to senior clients by serving their legal needs as a Certified Legal Intern of the Elder Law Clinic. She currently works as a fulltime indigent defense investigator and plans to practice public interest law after graduation.
“I am proud to have Iesha Brooks among NAHRO’s national leaders,” said incoming NAHRO President George Guy. “Now more than ever, we need talented and experienced leadership to ensure that NAHRO continues to be an invaluable resource that helps more than 25,000 organizations and professionals nationwide provide vital housing and services in their communities. I thank them for answering this call to service.”
The Legislative Network Advisory Committee is the member-driven and customer-focused advocacy voice in the housing and community development industry.
Romanian Military Legal Advisors Tour Law School
On May 22, Faulkner Law welcomed a special visit from the Romanian Military Legal Advisors to tour Jones School of Law.
The Romanian officers were guests of the Alabama National Guard Legal office who were hosting their tour of the state, which included trips to the Alabama State Bar, the Alabama Supreme Court, the JAG school at Maxwell Air Force Base and the Alabama National Guard Headquarters. Following their visit to Faulkner, they traveled south to visit the Federal and State Courthouse in Mobile.
The Alabama National Guard has had a Department of Defense partnership with Romania for over 25 years.
Faulkner
Law 2L Completes Ag Law Pathway Internship
Faulkner Law 2L student
William Haubner joined Alabama Farmers Federation as its Ag Law Pathway intern. Haubner is the third Faulkner Jones School of Law student to participate.
The Ag Law Pathway memorandum was signed in 2021 by the Federation, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Faulkner University and the National Agricultural Law Center.
This partnership brings a great caliber of students to the agricultural industry.
“I plan to restart the family tradition by operating my own farm,” Haubner said. “I know this internship will help create relationships with the agricultural community while I serve members of the Federation. I’m excited to see ag law in practice.”
Law Dean Charles Campbell Included in Prestigious Recognition
Faulkner Law Dean Charles Campbell has been recognized for his inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. He is among the Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders: 2024 Honorees. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographies, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all considered during the selection process.
Since 1898, Marquis Who’s Who has remained the standard for reliable and comprehensive biographical reference material. They highlight hand-selected listees who have been recognized as Distinguished Leaders in their fields. Of 1.5 million listees, only a small percentage is recognized with the Distinguished Leaders honor.
On August 22, The Federalist Society invited Jeff Sessions, former Attorney General of the United States to speak to Faulkner Law students during a special on-campus event.
THOMAS GOODE JONES SCHOOL OF LAW
Fighting Crime and Fried Chicken: Chief Tommie Reese Finds Fulfillment
by Rebecca Burylo
Fighting crime and frying chicken may seem as though they are incompatible career paths, yet both were childhood dreams that Tommie Reese has found a way to live out. The first being his dream to serve as a law enforcement officer, the second to run his own restaurant.
As a young child riding through his hometown of Demopolis, Alabama, Tommie Reese noticed a police officer lounging in his patrol car off the side of the road.
His demeanor was relaxed, yet alert. Reese was struck that the officer’s mere presence, though approachable, still held enough strength and authority to deter crime. In that moment, Reese realized he too, wanted to protect his community.
A quieter dream of Reese’s was to one day run his own restaurant and bring a different, “soulful yet sophisticated” eating experience to the citizens of his hometown. This dream was one that was nurtured by his mother, who taught him to cook.
His career in law enforcement was the first goal Reese actively pursued and succeeded in garnering a decadeslong run as an officer and eventually retiring as chief. In addition, he is proud to hold two degrees from Faulkner University’s criminal justice program.
He first began his law enforcement career with the Alabama Department of Public Safety in 1985. He later joined the Demopolis Police Department as a Patrolman in 1987. In 1991, he joined the Marengo County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff and was later appointed to Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1994, where he served until he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Demopolis on February 5, 2009. In December 2017, he was appointed as the Public Safety Director expanding his oversight to include both the Demopolis police and fire departments. In December 2018, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall appointed Chief Reese as the State Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. He currently works for Walden Security, Federal Service Division to work alongside the United States Marshal’s Service as the District Supervisor for the Northern District of Alabama.
Throughout his career, Reese has dedicated his life to serving those he swore to protect. His efforts have brought justice to countless victims, blessed the lives of survivors, and made a difference in many lives. Their stories have in turn blessed his life and are ones he will not soon forget.
“During my career, I have had the heart to serve people,” Reese said. “Once you put that badge on your chest, you put on a different lifestyle of service. I have worked on some very violent cases. Lives have been lost, and I can bring closure to the victims of those crimes. One young man was eight years old when I worked the case in which his grandmother and a three-year-old were murdered. We closed the case within weeks. That same young man who survived the ordeal, grew up and I hired him to be one of my police officers.”
“In my line of work, I think about those lives that I touch, but I realize they touch my life just as much. A card, a final act, a hug, a simple handshake. There is so much meaning behind them. So much loss, yet so much gratitude. Those are memories that will stay with me for a lifetime,” Reese said.
While his dream to own a restaurant was temporarily taking a back seat to Reese’s meaningful and successful law enforcement career, he was presented with a new goal: to continue his education and earn a master’s degree in justice administration.
“While it had been in the back of my mind to get my degree, it wasn’t until I met Alison Cahoon with Faulkner University that I was encouraged by her to make it a reality,” Reese said. “We met at a networking event in Birmingham where it became known that we were both from Demopolis and we quickly became good friends. It was intimidating to go back to school in my 50s, but Alison was so encouraging and helped me through the process that I was soon on my way to completing my degree.”
He temporarily put his education on hold as he took time to take care of his father, who was sick and later passed away from cancer in 2017. His goal to complete his degree took on a new meaning as Reese returned to Faulkner’s program to honor his parents. He graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice and then completed his Master of Justice Administration 1-year degree from Faulkner. Since then, he’s earned a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and graduated from the distinguished FBI National Academy Session 210th Quantico, Virginia, and SLEDS. He has been recognized as a Certified Chief of Police by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police and as a Certified Law Enforcement Executive by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.
“My parents never got their degrees, so by completing my degrees, I wanted to show my kids that they can do the same,” Reese explained. “Now my son has his degree as well.”
Although it took discipline to finish his first two degrees from Faulkner while raising a family and working full time, Faulkner’s kind professors and flexible scheduling made it an enjoyable experience, he said. As a man of faith, Reese appreciated that Faulkner is a Christian school where his professors cared about his wellbeing as well as his educational goals.
This was especially true when on duty in his patrol car, Reese was slammed into from behind by another driver going 60 mph in a construction zone. His vehicle was totaled, but Reese was able to make a full recovery. During his convalescence, his professors worked around his schedule, put his classes on pause and sent texts, emails, and calls to check on his progress.
“Faulkner being a Christian school that it is, has good people who look out for their students,” Reese said. “They were concerned about my wellbeing and my education. I was more than a number. I genuinely mattered to them.”
After achieving his goal of earning his degrees, Reese retired as chief after a 38-year career in law enforcement. It was finally time to open his restaurant. He is now the proud owner of River City Soul restaurant in Demopolis, and he has already enjoyed a year of robust business.
“The concept for my restaurant was born out of an idea I had when I was a young teen, but has some added elements,” Reese said. “I have a place where I love their ribs and barbeque, but I have also tried different restaurants while traveling with my career in law enforcement. River City Soul is a blend of both those experiences. During the day we are a meat-and-three, soul-food restaurant with all the classic favorites, but at night the atmosphere changes to a more formal, dining experience with tablecloths, steak and salmon and grilled shrimp. I wanted to transport the people to a place outside Demopolis through food and a different setting.”
Alumni News
1990’s
Amy (Fussell, ‘90) Hollowell is employed at Central Church of Christ and has been for 30 years. She is married to David Hollowell and their twin daughters Anna and Abby are seniors at Faulkner University.
Daryl Bailey (‘96) is the Director of Admissions and External Affairs at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He recently retired after 30 years of service in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, having held the office of District Attorney for 10 years.
2000’s
Diane Burch (‘01) is the registrar at Mobile Christian School. She plans to retire in July 2025 to travel and work with the Sojourners.
Stephen Frisby (‘05 & ‘09 Jones) is an associate professor at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
2010’s
Laura Jean (Plunkett, ‘13) Bell has recently published a book, You Can Always Come Home: Following the Breadcrumbs of Your Past to Find the Hope for Your Tomorrow.
Rebekah (Stallings, ‘15) Dittman and Matthew Dittmann welcomed Sadie Elizabeth Dittmann, born on June 5, 2024 weighing 6 lbs 13 oz.
Daniel McDonough (‘15) was awarded the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) K99/R00 Grant and named the Principal Investigator at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Erichea Shay Barnes (‘16) works for Delta Air Lines based in Atlanta as an aircraft mechanic and is pursuing an Airframe and Power Plant License.
Ryan Fox (‘16) was nominated to the Montgomery Chamber’s 40 Under 40 List. He currently serves as the Regional Manager for Spine and Robotics at Medtronic.
Caleb McGaughy (‘16) is the student minister at the Peachtree City Church of Christ. He and fellow Faulkner grad Connor McLean (‘13) hosted the THRV WKND youth rally in Peachtree City, Georgia. Caleb’s wife Maggie (Mobley, ‘16) works in
communications. The couple have two children, Moriah and Canaan.
Daniel Phipps (‘17) is a law enforcement officer with the Oxford Police Department in Oxford, Alabama.
Adrin Doety (‘19) is celebrating 18 years of employment at Southern Company as a workforce development analyst in talent acquisition on December 4, 2024.
Sonny Sanders (‘17) is a cybersecurity teacher at Shades Valley Highschool in Hanceville, Alabama.
Nayla (Contreras, ‘18) Borowski married Luke Borowski September 21, 2024.
Holly Walterscheid (‘19) is an assistant professor at Faulkner’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
Joe Brewton (‘18) is an assistant football coach at Faulkner University.
2020’s
Danielle Eiland (‘21) works in payroll at Alabama State University and is set to graduate with her Masters of Science in Management in December.
Alysia (Perkins ‘24) Cutts married James Cutts on June 1, 2024. Cutts is a member of the inaugural graduating class of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the College of Health Sciences.
Trae Parker (‘24) is the educational technology specialist for Faulkner University’s online program.
Emily Linck (‘24) is the SLP Online Clinic Director at Faulkner University.
Athletic Alumni Corner
stories by Robin “Bird” Bradford
EAGLE Spirit in the 1960s
Helen Baker, Martha Baker Jackson, and Carol Haynes Godwin, who led the Eagle Spirit at Alabama Christian in the 1960s, returned to campus for the annual ACC Summer Reunion in June 2024.
Helen Baker, who was a student at Alabama Christian’s Ann Street Campus from second grade through junior college, lived on campus with her family while her parents, R.A. and Dollie Baker, worked at the school. During her college years from 1961 to 1963, Helen was voted Most Athletic alongside J.T. McCollough. She recalls playing games like volleyball, kickball, and softball on a dirt court. Baker also served as President of the P.E. Club and was a member of the Pep Club.
After graduating from ACC, Baker continued her education at David Lipscomb College, graduating in December 1964. She returned to Alabama Christian in January 1965 as the school’s first female Physical Education teacher, covering junior high, high school, and junior college classes, including bowling at Bama Lanes.
Baker also coached cheerleaders starting on the Ann Street Campus and continued at the Atlanta Highway Campus for both high school and college cheerleaders. Helen Baker cherishes the memories of the students she taught and the cheerleaders she coached. She still has mementos from them, including an eagle, a trophy, and an engraved platter. Reflecting on her time at ACC, Helen said, “I was a kid teaching kids.” She added, “We were not well off but collectively we had a lot.”
Martha Baker Jackson was an Eagle cheerleader in both high school and college at Alabama Christian’s Ann Street Campus. She attended Alabama Christian from first grade through junior college. Growing up on the Ann Street Campus with her older sister Helen Baker and younger sister Phoebe Baker Dunn, the entire family was involved in campus events. Jackson recalled that their mother, Dollie Baker, often drove the cheerleaders to games, and during her high school cheerleading days, Phoebe served as their mascot.
Reflecting on a 1964-1965 college cheerleader photo, she remembered that their cheerleading skirts were made of heavy corduroy and reached below their knees. She also shared that the cheerleaders practiced on the lawn in front of the girls’ dorm on the old Ann Street Campus, and in bad weather, they practiced on the stage in the school auditorium.
Carol Haynes Godwin was a cheerleader at Alabama Christian College’s new Atlanta Highway Campus during the 1966-1967 school year.
She recalled, “I attended Alabama Christian High School from 7th to 12th grade and was a cheerleader from 10th through 12th grades. I started at Alabama Christian College in the fall of 1966 and became a cheerleader there as well. At that time, our sports programs only included basketball and baseball.”
Godwin added, “My how things have changed! I have fond memories of cheering with some great gals and
Helen Baker, our awesome cheerleading coach. Those were good times.”
Alabama Christian College alumni and their families gathered for an annual Summer Reunion on campus in June, where these three Lady Eagles reunited. At the reunion, Jackson and Godwin presented their coach, Baker, with an engraved platter.
The Borens: Athletes, Coaches and Spouses
Amanda Pence Boren and Blake Boren have deep ties to Faulkner University, with Amanda’s connection extending through both athletics and academics, and Blake’s involvement spanning golf and coaching. Faulkner is where they met and fell in love as students.
Amanda Pence Boren, who attended Alabama Christian Academy, was closely connected to the Faulkner Family because her mother, Nannette Pence, worked on campus. This connection influenced Amanda’s decision to attend Faulkner, where she joined the Women’s Soccer team from 2005 to 2009. She reminisced about her time with Coach Brent Mitchell, who managed both the men’s and women’s teams during those early years, and about practices held on a field behind the boys’ dorm. She also fondly recalled “Nerd Practice” under Coach Jon Ireland and the team’s transition to practicing and playing at the YMCA fields in Montgomery. Her final soccer coach, Jeff Ireland, led the team to a standout season with top striker Nikki Jagt. Amanda valued the close-knit friendships formed through soccer, her social club Tri-Alpha, and the strong influence of her coaches.
Amanda also worked with the Lady Eagles Basketball Team as a student assistant during the 2010-2011 season. She praised Coach Reed Sutton for his exemplary leadership and the valuable lessons she
learned, which she has applied in her teaching and coaching career. She earned her degree in Education with a Physical Education certificate in December 2011 and later obtained a Master’s in Education with a focus on Physical Education in December 2017. Amanda has spent 14 years teaching in Autauga County Schools, first as a high school basketball coach at Marbury High School and now as a teacher at Prattville Primary School. She and her husband Blake have three children: Logan, Brayden, and Conner.
Blake Boren, drawn to Faulkner by its Christian education and its golf program, enrolled in 2005. He played for the Eagles Golf Team from 2005 to 2007 and credited Coach Brent Barker with significantly shaping the program. Blake also served as a student assistant coach for Faulkner Football from 2007 to 2008, gaining valuable experience in college football operations.
Blake’s fondest memories include his time with Amanda and their friends on campus, as well as his involvement in athletics. He appreciated the supportive campus community. Blake earned his degree in Education with a Physical Education certification in May 2009 and later pursued a Master’s in Education and an Instructional Leadership Pathway for School Administration.
After college, Blake spent 17 years in coaching and recently became the Athletic Director at Prattville High School. Previously, he served as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Montevallo High School. He highlighted his tenure as an Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Faulkner from 2012 to 2017, where the football program achieved significant success, including two conference championships and a top national ranking. Blake reflected on the impact of working with his father, Charlie Boren, Faulkner’s winningest head football coach.
The Boren family remains closely connected to Faulkner, attending athletic events and maintaining friendships with former colleagues. Blake expressed his gratitude for the university’s role in shaping his career and personal life, hoping to impact his students in a similar way.
A Football Family, The Woodason Brothers
Three of the four Woodason brothers wore Faulkner Eagles blue football jerseys, while the fourth brother, Seth, wore the black and gold of Harding University.
Matt Woodason, who initially chose Lipscomb University over Faulkner, shared how his grandfather, George Woodason, encouraged him to consider Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Matt said, “During my junior year at Lipscomb, I heard about Faulkner’s plan to start a football program and loved the idea. I stayed at Lipscomb for my senior year, extending my studies to five years instead of four to play at least one year of college football. It wasn’t as if Faulkner had contacted me due to my stellar athletic ability and wanted me to come down and play for them! Nope! I wanted to see if I could get back into shape and thought it would be cool to play with one of my brothers, which it was!”
Matt’s transition to Faulkner was unique. He recalled, “I was married the week before arriving at Faulkner for summer workouts in 2007. Bringing my new wife, Anna, to a state and city nine hours away from her family and friends in Indiana probably wasn’t one of my best decisions, but it’s what we did.”
Matt appreciated the support from the University Church Family and the friends they made, which helped them adjust.
He reminisced about his time at Faulkner, noting, “I remember the Montgomery heat in August and the gritty nature of how the program started. Coming from Indiana, I thought I had an idea of what heat and humidity felt like, but I was wrong! I will never forget the turf grass on the practice field, and the helmets and shoulder pads.” He also recalled the early challenges,
like practicing at Goodwyn Middle School’s field and using the gym or parking lot for walk-throughs. “Looking back, I do have fond memories of all those crazy times,” he said.
Playing football with his brother Jake was a highlight for Matt. “I distinctly remember one night at Goodwyn when Jake and I were on the field together and thought, ‘how cool is this!’ I made the tackle on that play and not Jake, but that is beside the point...as it may have been the only time either one of us saw any playing time!” Matt graduated in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
After college, Matt and Anna stayed in Montgomery for a few years before moving back to be closer to family. They now have six children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they traveled the country in a fifth wheel, which caught fire in Fort Myers, Florida. They returned home and are now homesteading with a variety of animals. “If you are from the Midwest, anytime you get to Montgomery, you are basically at the beach. We have made several trips to the beach and will usually stop by and see the campus...and grab a box or two of Krispy Kremes!” Matt said.
Jake Woodason also reflected on his college choice, noting, “I wanted to play football outside of Indiana. My grandfather spoke highly of Faulkner, and when I saw they were starting a football program, I saw it as a great opportunity to play with one of my brothers.” He remembered the challenging August heat in Montgomery and said, “Coming from Indiana, experiencing the record heat was quite a change.”
Jake cherished the chance to play football with his brothers and fondly remembered being named Homecoming King alongside his now wife, Myra Tarrh Woodason. “I was fortunate to be named Homecoming King, and even stole a kiss on the 50-yard line during halftime of that game in 2010!” he said.
Jake And Myra graduated in 2011, married, and moved to Nashville before returning to Indiana. They have five
daughters. Jake, who has been in corporate insurance consulting, and Myra, a former Dave Ramsey employee now homeschooling their children, visited Faulkner for the 10-year anniversary of the football program in 2017.
David Woodason, who also wanted to play football in college, chose Faulkner for its quicker opportunity to see the field and its smaller campus. He joined the team in 2009 to study Sports Management. “Unfortunately, by the time I got to Faulkner, my brothers weren’t playing anymore. But I think it’s something to be proud of that all four of us played in college and three of us played for the same university,” David said.
David, who played as a long snapper, recalled the extreme heat: “I remember my brothers telling me how hot it was playing in Alabama, but I didn’t truly appreciate that until our cleats were literally melting on the field during our first home game my freshman year.”
He was a member of Epsilon Phi Upsilon social club all four years of college, serving as president his senior year.
David graduated in 2013, and worked in Faulkner’s Student Life Department, and later at Auburn University. He is now the Department Chair of Kinesiology and Exercise Science at Faulkner. He met his future wife, Emily Irwin, at Faulkner, and they married in 2015. Emily is a speech-language pathologist, and they have three children.
David expressed, “I made many friendships through the years at Faulkner and the University Church of Christ. This community has provided many positive experiences in my life, and now I am honored to be a part of the change in my students’ lives.”
With fourteen children among the three Woodason brothers, it is likely that more future Eagle athletes are on the horizon.
The Path to Becoming an Eagle
Drew Teel’s connection to Faulkner University began early. His parents, Willie Teel and Pam McCormick Teel, attended Alabama Christian College, which later became Faulkner University. Drew fondly remembers his childhood experiences on campus, including nights spent at his grandmother Toni’s dorm, who was dorm mother at the time, and attending Focus each year. “Growing up, I was always on campus,” Drew said. “I also had close friends like Andrew Itson and Jordan Jones attending Faulkner, so I was excited to join them there.”
After graduating from Alabama Christian Academy in 2004, Drew enrolled at Faulkner in the fall to study Sports Management. His interest in golf led him to join the Faulkner University Golf Team as a walk-on.
“I loved my time on the team,” Drew said. “We had so much fun practicing and playing. Especially memorable was practicing at Arrowhead Country Club and seeing Coach Donahoo on his porch across the pond, urging us to play better. Coach Donahoo and Coach Barker were great!”
In his sophomore year, Drew was voted Most Athletic, sharing the honor with Rachel Logan.
Reflecting on his college years, Drew said, “My favorite memories are from my time in Kappa. We won Club of the Year three times, and I made lifelong friends. The years at Faulkner were all about relationships.”
He also appreciated his professors and mentors, particularly Mr. Walcott, whose classes were memorable for his wit, and Mrs. Rayla Black, who canceled class for March Madness after Drew’s persistent requests.
Drew graduated from Faulkner in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and later earned a graduate degree in the same field from Auburn University Montgomery. He applied his education by coaching at AUM under Coach Larry Chapman and Coach Nigel Card. In 2009, one of those basketball games brought the AUM team to Tine Davis Gym where Coach Teel was welcomed back to his alma mater by the Eagle fans.
In 2011, Drew married Elizabeth Gill, who graduated from Jones School of Law in 2012. The couple moved to Logan County, Kentucky, where Elizabeth is from.
Drew began working as an aide in the Russellville Independent School District. He later earned a Master’s
in Education with an emphasis in Special Education and taught for seven years at Russellville High School and Olmstead School.
In 2021, he completed his Educational Administration - P-12 Principal degree and became the Assistant Principal at Auburn School in Auburn, Kentucky. In the summer of 2024, he was appointed Principal of Russellville High School. “I’m thrilled to return to the district that gave me my start in education,” Drew said.
Drew remains close with many friends from Faulkner. “I attended the Benefit Dinner with Drew Brees, and reconnecting with so many people I hadn’t seen in over twelve years was wonderful. My time at Faulkner was invaluable, both educationally and for building lifelong friendships. I wouldn’t trade those years for anything!”
If you were an Eagle Athlete, please share your story & pictures with “Bird” at rbradford@faulkner.edu and complete one of the two forms on our website under Alumni and Friends.
Faulkner Unveils The Stumbaugh School of Risk Management & Insurance
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University announces the creation of The Stumbaugh School of Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) within its Harris College of Business through support and a historic gift from AssuranceAmerica (a leading automobile insurance provider who gives 5% of profits annually to charitable endeavors including education and homelessness) and Co-Founder Guy W. Millner. In January 2025, The Stumbaugh School of RMI will offer students an executive style accelerated on-line RMI degree and micro-credentials. In the fall of 2025, the school will offer a traditional four year oncampus RMI degree.
Through this $3 Million gift, Faulkner will award an AssuranceAmerica Scholarship providing free tuition for on-line and on-ground RMI students who meet admission requirements. It also covers tuition for those seeking RMI micro-credentials (A micro-credential is a short, focused program course that develops a person’s skills and knowledge in a specific RMI area.) Courses are designed to supplement students’ preparation to achieve a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Faulkner in this important way to both honor our AssuranceAmerica Co-Founder, Bud Stumbaugh, and launch a new RMI program here at Faulkner University,” shared CEO Scott Pitrone. “Bud has been a major force for development of both enterprises, and what a pleasure to see his legacy praised with a gift championed by our Executive Chairman Guy Millner.”
This shared investment will expand Faulkner’s education offerings, providing the public with the
benefit of a well-educated and trained RMI workforce we all depend on with every policy we buy to protect each of us and those we love.
“Our on-line RMI executive track will equip those in the insurance workplace seeking credentials to propel their careers,” said Justin Bond, Dean of the Harris College of Business and Executive Education.
Dr. Ed Pappanastos, PhD, ASLI, is the Department Chair of the Stumbaugh School leading this new initiative as a RMI content expert. He will collaborate with AssuranceAmerica and other marketplace leaders to develop the curriculum with expertise given his previous experience as Chair and Associate Chair of Economics, Finance and Risk Management & Insurance at the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University.
Dr. Pappanastos said, “The Stumbaugh School of RMI launch represents an exciting time at Faulkner University and for the insurance industry, where there is a significant talent shortage. As RMI professionals, our graduates will spend their careers helping individuals and businesses recover from catastrophic events -- what a tremendous way to serve the Lord!”
The school’s namesake, Bud Stumbaugh, is not only a retired Co-Founder of AssuranceAmerica, but is also a public servant. Having served as a State Senator of Georgia, and as a trustee for multiple non-profit boards, Faulkner University is fortunate to have benefitted from Bud’s volunteer contributions over many years.
“AssuranceAmerica and Guy Millner have bestowed a well-deserved honor upon a dedicated public servant. Bud Stumbaugh’s legacy of service has touched many lives. Faulkner University is privileged to have The Stumbaugh School of Risk Management & Insurance added to his legacy for generations to come,” said university President, Mitch Henry.
Go to Faulkner.edu and click RMI to learn more.
l-r Board of Trustees member Bud Stumbaugh and Faulkner President Mitch Henry
