HARRIS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES GOES TO GUYANA
“WHERE FAITH SHAPES FUTURES”
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Editorial Staff
Publisher
Patrick Gregory
Editor-in-Chief
Rebecca Burylo
Designer
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
Angela Bennett
Staff Writer
Rebecca Burylo
Contributors
Robin Bradford
Tom Ford
Loren Howell
Jade Klose
Carter Moles
Charlotte Morris
Haley Scott
Jeremy Smith
Cabinet Members
Mitch Henry, President
Richard Boutwell, Chief of Staff
Billy Hilyer, Chancellor
Wayne Baker, Vice Chancellor
Cassie Boyd, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Candace Cain, VP for Student Services
Billy Camp, VP for Advancement
Board of Trustees
Mr. Mike Eubanks, Chair
Mr. Tim Richardson, Vice Chair
Mrs. Wilma Phillips, Secretary
Com. Roy Johnson, Parliamentarian
Mr. Jason Akins
Mr. Sid Aultman
Mr. Steve Brannan
Dr. Kristi Busby
Mrs. Martha Burleson
Mr. Terry Cagle
Mr. John DeBerry
Mr. Joseph W. Donaldson
Mrs. Scherry Douglas
Mrs. Rhonda Fernandez
Mrs. Carlton Freeman
Mr. Stanley Gray
Mr. Mike Gurganus
Mr. Ken Harris, Jr.
Trustees Emeriti
Mr. James Campbell
Mr. Ernie Chappell
Mr. Archie B. Crenshaw
Dr. Fred D. Gray, Sr.
Mr. David Howell
Mrs. Libby Jones
Dr. Billy Lambert
Charles Campbell, Dean, Jones School of Law
William Cooper, Director of Strategic Analytics
Pat Gregory, VP for Marketing
Elisabeth Hailes, Special Projects Manager / Grants Coordinator
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
Charlie Robinson, Executive Assistant to the President
Joseph Vickery, VP for Finance
Reed Sutton, Interim VP for Athletics
College Deans
Dr. Jeff Arrington
Dr. Justin Bond
Dr. Cassie Boyd
Dr. Todd Brenneman
Dr. Charles Campbell
Dr. Sandy Ledwell
Dr. Mike Houts
Mr. Jason Isbell
Mr. Frank “Butch” Jones
Dr. Dale Kirkland
Dr. Jeff Langham
Dr. Henri McDaniel
Judge Carole Medley
Mr. Brian Mitchell
Mr. Thomas Smith
Dr. Bud Stumbaugh
Mr. Jon Sykes
Senator Jabo Waggoner
Mr. Eddie Welch
Dr. Richard “Rick” Williams
Mr. Bob Lee
Mr. Louis Lester
Dr. W. Mansel Long
Ms. Glenda Major
Mr. Phil Norton
Mr. Ted Norton
Faulkner’s Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education Equips Students for Success
by Rebecca Burylo
For decades, Faulkner University’s Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education (COB) has been preparing students for success across a wide range of industries through faithbased, career-focused degree programs offered both online and on campus.
With undergraduate and graduate programs designed for traditional, adult and online learners, the college delivers foundational and advanced business knowledge that empowers students to lead in today’s competitive job market.
There are numerous undergraduate programs currently available from accounting and finance to marketing with new offerings in AI and Business Analytics coming in spring 2026.
Accounting
Faulkner’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting helps students become fluent in the language of business. Accountants provide key insights and financial decision-making skills for individuals, small businesses and large corporations. Accounting jobs are expected to grow 6% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Career options include:
• Auditor
• Tax Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Corporate Controller
• Internal Auditor
• Government Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Certified Public Accountant
Business Administration
Faulkner’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration delivers a broad understanding of business operations, including finance, accounting and
data analysis. It is available at Faulkner’s Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville campuses.
Finance
Finance students gain skills in investing, financial planning and management. The BLS projects 5% job growth with 450,000 new finance jobs over the next decade. Career paths include:
• Finance Officer
• Financial Analyst
• Loan Officer
• Investment Banking
• Financial Planner
• Insurance Agent
• Hedge Fund Manager
• Venture Capitalist
• Chief Financial Officer
Business professor Elizabeth Carden teaches a finance class
Information Systems
This program trains students to develop and manage IT infrastructure in business environments. With 11% job growth projected, IS graduates enter high-paying roles such as:
• Business Systems Analyst
• IT Manager
• Business Process Engineer
• Info Security Manager
• Database Administrator
• Chief Technology Officer Management
Faulkner’s Bachelor of Science in Management prepares students for leadership roles through a Christiancentered curriculum. Offered in Montgomery, this program equips students for employment or graduate study.
Marketing
Marketing majors study consumer behavior and strategy to drive business success. Creative and analytical skills lead to roles like:
• Marketing Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Director of Digital Marketing
• Business Development Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Public Relations Specialist
Risk Management and Insurance
The Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance trains students to evaluate and reduce organizational risks. In a rapidly changing world, RMI professionals are essential to business continuity and financial stability.
Adult & Online Degree Completion Programs are designed for adult learners who have completed at least two years of college, the following programs are offered in flexible evening, weekend or online formats.
Executive Bachelor of Science in Business
Available fully online, this program can be completed in as little as one year. It opens doors to careers in operations, human resources, sales and more. This degree can be completed with emphases in management, marketing and information systems.
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
This fully online, one-year program prepares students to support employees and ensure legal compliance in any workplace. HR professionals help businesses thrive by fostering strong teams and ethical environments. This degree can be completed with a general emphasis or a health administration emphasis.
Graduate Programs are executive-style degrees that combine convenience, speed and a Christian foundation.
Information systems student
Alesha Phillips
Master
of
Science in Management (MSM)
This fully online one-year program develops leadership and management skills grounded in theory and realworld applications.
Master of Science in Management with Emphasis (MSM-E)
This degree includes four different tracks to choose from.
MSM – Business Analytics Emphasis
This five-semester residential program includes inperson instruction, internship opportunities and a focus on data-driven leadership.
MSM – Information Technology Emphasis
This executive-format degree adds an IT concentration to the core MSM curriculum, helping professionals meet industry demands while maintaining a Christian worldview.
MSM – Data Science Emphasis
Designed for future-focused leaders, this program blends data science with management to create innovative decision-makers ready to navigate the digital economy.
MSM – Artificial Intelligence Emphasis
Preparing professionals to lead in an AI-driven economy, this program combines advanced business and leadership training with practical AI applications in strategy, automation, and decisionmaking.
Executive MBA
Faulkner’s fully online Executive MBA allows working professionals to earn an advanced degree without stepping away from career or family responsibilities. It prepares graduates for upper-level roles in business leadership.
The Harris College of Business and the Khandaga School of Executive Education equips students with the knowledge and values to succeed in business and also in life.
l-r Business administration students Tucker Clifton and Madelyn Stanfield
Business student Martha Mendez
Faulkner’s MSM-E Program Expands Global Reach
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University’s Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education is experiencing significant growth in its Master of Science in Master of Science in Management with Emphasis (MSM-E) program as it looks to expand its international presence.
The program, which currently has nearly 150 students, is attracting international interest thanks to opportunities for work experience in the United States, a year of optional practical training (OPT), plus twoyear STEM extensions after graduation. Faulkner, to further grow the program, has entered into an exclusive collaboration with UniversityHub, an international service partner based in Hyderabad, India.
UniversityHub, which began working with Faulkner in 2022, has broadened its recruitment efforts beyond
India to include Brazil and other parts of South America. The program has already drawn international students living in the United States, alumni from Faulkner’s undergraduate programs, and American professionals seeking an edge in the competitive STEM fields.
Faulkner’s MSM-E program, under the leadership of program director Colton Kasarjian, offers concentrations in business analytics, information technology, data science and artificial intelligence. The five-semester program requires 30 hours of coursework and includes both residency and online components.
“We offer four areas in STEM that are in high demand globally, with prices that are very competitive,” Kasarjian said. “Our students gain work experience in
MSM-E students attend a three-day residency on Faulkner University’s Montgomery campus
the U.S., which is a great advantage for them. Not only that, but our program is extremely flexible allowing our students to live anywhere in the country.”
The residency-based program requires students to attend one on-ground sessions split between Faulkner’s main campus in Montgomery, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia. Each three-day residency includes lectures, seminars and classwork on core management skills. The remainder of the coursework is delivered online and customized to the student’s chosen concentration.
From the first day of enrollment, international students are eligible for work in the United States through
curricular practical training (CPT). After graduation from the master’s program, students qualify for a year of employment in the United States under (OPT) and after that, they can apply for a 2-year STEM extension that would allow them two extra years of employment in STEM-related fields.
“For students who are citizens of another country, the opportunity to learn, work and train in the United States is very desirable and a very marketable opportunity for them as they return to their countries and advance their careers,” said Justin Bond, dean of the Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education. “Because our MSM-E programs combine IT and business together, our students are broadening their marketability and widening their opportunities to progress in their corporations.”
Seats are available now for spring 2026 enrollment. Apply now and learn more about Faulkner’s MSM-E program and its four emphasis areas below.
Information Technology - https://www.faulkner.edu/ online/online-masters-degrees/master-of-sciencein-management-science-information-technologyemphasis/
Business Analytics - https://www.faulkner.edu/ online/online-masters-degrees/master-of-science-inmanagement-science-business-analytics-emphasis/
Data Science - https://www.faulkner.edu/online/ online-masters-degrees/master-of-science-inmanagement-data-science/
Artificial Intelligence - https://www.faulkner.edu/ online/online-masters-degrees/master-of-science-inmanagement-ai-emphasis/
l-r MSM-E students Devang Dhirajkumar Suthar and Parin Manishkumar Patel
l-r
MSM-E graduate Yagnesh Rao Thirunarayanapura Venkata and Dean Justin Bond
MSM-E student Oluwatomisin Eludipo
Built for Success: Faulkner Business Alumni Excel Across Industries
by Rebecca Burylo
Graduates of Faulkner University’s Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education (COB) are making their mark across industries. Equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive, they have launched successful careers in nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate administration, finance, data analytics and beyond. Their stories highlight how a Faulkner business education prepares alumni not only to enter the workforce but to excel as leaders in their fields.
Tyler Dunaway serves as partner at CRI Advisors, LLC, and Carr Riggs & Ingram, LLC. He provides audit and consulting services to local governments including municipalities, education agencies and counties, as well as external audit services for employee benefit plans. Known for his strong communication and focus on relationships, Dunaway helps clients navigate audits and daily operations with timely and relevant guidance. He also serves as president of the Executive Board of Wiregrass Christian Youth Camp, Inc.
Brady Hancock is the founder of Measure Marketing Pro and a marketing analytics expert. He has worked with more than 100 businesses to develop analytics systems, repair tracking issues, design dashboards and build strategies that guide smarter decisions. Hancock specializes in data collection, reporting solutions and measurement strategy to help businesses turn information into clear insights.
Jonathan Moorey, a twotime Faulkner graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration in 2017 and an Executive MBA in 2024, is a demand planner for Lowe’s. He has been with the Fortune 40 company for six years, previously serving as finance manager for inventory replenishment and freight cost optimization and as a finance analyst. In 2024 he led initiatives that delivered a record savings increase of about 70% year-over-year while building forecasting models and leading cross-functional projects.
Wendy Mose, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010 and her Executive MBA in 2016. She is a division manager for corporate Waffle House in Central Alabama and has been with the company for more than seven years. Mose previously served as a district manager and unit manager and credits her Faulkner education with giving her the confidence to advance her career and start a new business venture.
Jake Newcomb, a COB graduate with degrees in accounting and business administration, is a certified public accountant and certified financial planner. He works for Mariner where he provides clients with wealth management services and integrated strategies to help them grow and protect
their assets. Newcomb previously worked as a wealth management advisor at Blackwood Financial Group, an audit associate at Warren Averett and an area sales manager at Buffalo Rock Company.
Cori Rogers, a 2016 Faulkner graduate with a degree in business management, serves as a project client manager at ArMex Stone in Buford, Georgia. She has worked for several companies since graduation, but her most impactful role was serving full time in the pro-life movement. That experience inspired her and her husband to launch Among the Reeds, a pregnancy resource center within the church that provides practical resources and support to help families thrive through the truth of God’s word.
Fatima Washington, Mobile native, earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Faulkner and two master’s degrees from Troy University. She has served as director of administrative services and customer experience at Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) since 2021. A 20-year employee, she oversees customer operations, human resources, public affairs, training, payroll, safety, meter reading, disconnection and connections and supplier diversity. Washington previously worked as director of human resources, assistant HR director and employee relations manager. She also holds three HR certifications, including IPMA-SCP, SHRM-CP and AAPPA-CS. She is the past president of the Alabama Association Public Personnel Administrator (AAPPA).
Griffin Weed, a 2018 Faulkner business administration graduate, is a commercial underwriter for Local Bank in Birmingham. He analyzes and approves a wide range of loans while developing processes to improve efficiency across the lending department. Within his first six months, he introduced the bank’s first “smart” lending checklist, a tool that has reduced exceptions and streamlined the loan process. The tool, introduced in August, has already reduced lending exceptions and become an essential resource for the department. In addition, he streamlined communication between the mortgage division and lending team by establishing an efficient referral review process. Weed previously worked for BBVA and PNC Bank.
Ross Whisenant, a 2021 Faulkner business graduate with an executive MBA earned in 2023, serves as executive manager of operations and growth at Alabama Roofing Brokers where he oversees day-to-day operations and expansion initiatives including sales, marketing, order fulfillment, customer success and employee management. Since joining the company in 2023 he has helped double revenue into the multimillion-dollar range, cut sales processing costs by more than $50,000 a year, and tripled the workforce while leading major marketing and operational improvements. Whisenant also developed invoicing and billing systems, increased fixed assets and owner equity, and launched statewide marketing campaigns across radio, social media and billboards while leading the development of a website and branding kit.
Are you a business alum? Share your career news with us by emailing COBAlumni@faulkner.edu
Balancing Life and Career With Faulkner’s Executive MBA
by Rebecca Burylo
For working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting life on hold, Faulkner offers a fully online Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that blends flexibility, academic rigor and Christian values.
The program is designed to meet the needs of established business professionals who want to grow their leadership skills and prepare for upper-level positions while maintaining personal and professional responsibilities. Unlike a traditional MBA, which often focuses on foundational business concepts, an executive MBA emphasizes advanced strategies and leadership practices. It is tailored for students who are already immersed in their careers and ready to refine their skills. Because the courses are entirely online and offered on a part-time basis, students can complete the program without stepping away from their current roles.
Faulkner’s Executive MBA consists of 10 courses, each lasting five weeks. Students take one course at a time, allowing for deeper focus on each subject. With start
dates every five weeks, students can begin the program at their convenience and finish in as little as one year if courses are taken consecutively. Classes combine traditional learning methods with integrated video segments to keep students engaged. Topics include modern management practices, finance, decisionmaking, marketing, quantitative reasoning, strategic thinking, corporate operations, international business, information systems and entrepreneurial practices.
True to Faulkner’s mission as a Christian university, the program integrates biblical principles into its curriculum. Students are encouraged to grow in intelligence, character and service, seeing their careers not only as professional pursuits but also as opportunities to serve others.
Patrick Smith, the new director of the Executive MBA program, said his primary goal is to ensure students graduate with the most relevant, up-to-date skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
“This means continuously adapting the curriculum to reflect current industry trends, emerging technologies and evolving leadership practices, while also strengthening opportunities for practical application and real-world problem solving,” Smith said. “I want the program to be a place where experienced professionals not only deepen their knowledge but grow personally and spiritually into the leaders that the world desperately needs.”
Smith, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Faulkner, has been a part of the university community since 2022 when he began serving as a graduate enrollment counselor.
“Whenever anyone asks me about my history with Faulkner, I always tell them, ‘I didn’t attend or work at Faulkner. Faulkner adopted me,’” Smith said. “My fellow students, the faculty and staff supported and loved me throughout my academic and professional journey. I
Patrick Smith
never felt alone, and I knew that no matter what I was facing, the people around me were there for me.”
Graduates of the Executive MBA program often cite its balance of flexibility and practicality as a key advantage. The online format allows students to balance work, family and studies while eliminating the need for a commute. The accelerated structure means degrees can be earned in less time than traditional programs without sacrificing quality or support.
“The program’s design revolves around the balance of flexibility and practicability,” Smith said. “It emphasizes real-world applications that professionals can apply immediately to their current roles, creating value for themselves and their organizations. It equips students with the tools and knowledge to advance their careers and stay relevant in this fast-changing work environment.”
Smith added that Faulkner’s program is set apart by its unique integration of faith and ethics. “Our program
does not focus solely on technical business skills,” he said. “Our Executive MBA integrates ethical decision making and a faith-based perspective. We prepare students to become leaders that are not only effective but also principled and purpose driven. Our faculty are seasoned industry professionals who seek to actively support our students.”
For Smith, the value of the program goes beyond career advancement. “Earning your Executive MBA at Faulkner University is an investment in your career, your future and yourself,” he said. “Our program is designed to fit into the lives of industry professionals, allowing you an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge you might not have thought possible.”
More information, including application details, visit faulkner.edu.
Faulkner’s Harris College of Business Shapes Ethical Leaders for Today’s Marketplace
by Rebecca Burylo
In a world where stories of corporate corruption dominate headlines, the need for ethical leaders has never been greater. Faulkner University’s Harris College of Business and the Khadanga School of Executive Education is taking a proactive role in addressing this challenge through its Ethics Institute, which blends biblical principles with contemporary research in ethics.
“With Colossians 3:23 as the foundation, we encourage our students to be men and women of high moral character and integrity,” said Harris College of Business Dean Justin Bond. The verse reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
The mission is clear: prepare graduates who can stand firm in their convictions, make principled decisions, and serve as ethical leaders in today’s business landscape. The Ethics Institute equips students with practical tools for ethical decision-making, guided by the ultimate model for moral and ethical behavior— Jesus Christ.
Learning from Real-World Role Models
One of the most impactful aspects of the Ethics Institute is its speaker series, which brings in distinguished business leaders to share their experiences, leadership philosophies, and the ethical challenges they have faced.
Mike Eubanks speaks to business students during the 2022 Ethics Institute
Dr. Rick Lytle speaks to business students during the 2021 Ethics Institute
Past speakers have included:
♦Dr. Rick Lytle, president and CEO of the CEO Forum (Fall 2021)
♦Mitch Henry, Faulkner University’s ninth president (Spring 2022)
♦Mike Eubanks, chairman of Faulkner’s Board of Trustees and vice president of Gulf Hauling and Construction (Fall 2022)
♦John Gordon, Faulkner alumnus and financial adviser with Edward Jones (Fall 2022)
♦Tom Pendley, president and CEO of Mannington Mills (Spring 2023)
♦Paul Evans, partner with CRI Advisers, LLC, and CRI M&A Advisors, LLC (Fall 2023)
♦Bill Trick, CEO of IMS Communities (Spring 2024)
♦Jason Isbell, Faulkner alumnus, board member, and vice president of state government affairs at Regions Bank (Fall 2024)
♦Anne Ostholthoff, vice president of corporate social responsibility at AssuranceAmerica, and
♦Eric Martinez, associate general counsel at AssuranceAmerica (Spring 2025)
♦Al Crosby, president at Crosby Electric (Fall 2025)
Fall 2024 speaker, Jason Isbell, who has served as the senior vice president of state government affairs and economic development at Regions Bank for the last four years, said the Ethics Institute is an essential and unique component of a business major’s education.
“Any business school can offer classes on accounting, marketing, and management, but the Ethics Institute is one of the things that sets Harris College of Business apart from all the rest,” Isbell said. “Learning the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the business world is important, yet today’s job creators crave trustworthy employees who will represent themselves with integrity and character. That type of learning is woven into Faulkner’s mission, and in my opinion, our business school alums are more marketable in the workplace because of the Ethics Institute.”
Since graduating from Faulkner in 2002, Isbell’s professional career has revolved around politics, banking and legal fields that do not always have the best reputation when it comes to ethics and integrity, he said.
“I’ve worked diligently to try and maintain a reputation as an honest broker and have worked long enough to know that ‘The Golden Rule’ is the best way to operate. Even when I’ve fallen short, keeping that goal front-and-center has been my professional standard, and it has served me well,” Isbell said.
Ethical instruction at Faulkner is not limited to special events. Business ethics is integrated into the curriculum across disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, marketing, risk management, and information systems. Students explore realworld scenarios through lectures, videos, and case analyses, giving them the chance to practice applying ethical principles to industry-specific challenges.
Isbell encouraged business students as they prepare to graduate.
“You can’t reach the top of the ladder without stepping up on the bottom rung,” he said. “Business majors entering the workforce must have the humility to do hard work, the patience to do it as long as it takes and the character to do it well.”
Jason Isbell
Eric Martinez speaks during the 2025 Ethics Institute
Faulkner Partners With AssuranceAmerica and Thompson Insurance to Grow Risk Management Program
To address the growing shortage of qualified insurance professionals, Faulkner University announced in 2024 the establishment of The Stumbaugh School of Risk Management and Insurance within its Harris College of Business.
The school was made possible through support and a historic gift from AssuranceAmerica, a leading automobile insurance provider that gives 5% of profits annually to charitable endeavors, and co-founder Guy W. Millner.
In January 2025, The Stumbaugh School of Risk Management and Insurance enrolled its first students in the executive-style accelerated online degree program and microcredential courses. Two of those students are on track to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in risk management and insurance.
Currently, 24 students are enrolled in online courses — 19 in the bachelor’s program and five in microcredential courses. Of these, four students have earned the Collegiate Studies for the CPCU Certificate and one student has earned the University Associate Corporate Risk Manager designation.
The on-campus traditional four-year program, the Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance, enrolled 10 students in its inaugural class in fall 2025.
“We were thrilled to launch our on-campus program in August with an inaugural cohort of 10 student,” said Ed Pappanastos, PhD, ASLI, Department Chair of the Stumbaugh School. “This is especially encouraging given our initial promotion of the program was in March— well after most high school students had already finalized their college decisions last fall.”
by Charlotte Morris
More than $1 million in AssuranceAmerica scholarships have been awarded.
Other insurance leaders, including Thompson Insurance, learned about the program at the 2024 Benefit Dinner and have stepped forward to fund their own scholarships and paid internships for students.
In July 2025, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish the Thompson Insurance Internship Program, while a separate agreement created the Thompson Insurance Scholarship, which will provide $25,000 annually to one qualified full-time student. The first two interns have been selected and will gain handson professional experience in risk management and insurance at Thompson’s Montgomery location.
“We are incredibly grateful to Thompson Insurance for investing in our students and the future of the insurance industry,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “This partnership offers realworld opportunities that will enhance our students’ learning and career readiness in risk management and insurance.”
Front row: l-r, Thompson Insurance President George W. Thompson III and Faulkner President Mitch Henry. Back row l-r: Billy Camp, John A. “Trey” Henig III, D. Harrison Hawke, Drew Gunn, Danny Rhyne, Ed Pappanastos and Rick Boutwell
Faulkner’s Nursing Program Equips Students for a Purpose-Driven Career in Healthcare
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) is helping to prepare the next generation of nurses through its dynamic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which launched this fall. Whether you are continuing your education at Faulkner or joining from another institution, Faulkner’s BSN program offers a seamless transition into one of today’s most rewarding and high-demand professions. Learn more or apply today at www.faulkner.edu/nursing.
The Upper Division is designed for students who have completed foundational coursework and are ready to step into advanced nursing studies. With 62 credit hours completed over four semesters, students engage in rich, hands-on learning through Faulkner’s cuttingedge Simulation Center. This immersive environment prepares students to think critically, make sound clinical decisions, and provide compassionate care in real-world settings.
“Faulkner’s nursing program combines rigorous academic preparation with compassionate, Christcentered care,” said Shellye Vardaman, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, NEA-BC, CNE, director of the School of Nursing. “Our goal is to develop skilled professionals who not only provide excellent care but also serve with integrity and purpose.”
Courses include:
• Dosage Calculation and Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Adult Health Nursing
• Maternal/Infant and Pediatric Nursing Concepts
• Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing in the Faith-Based Community
• Complex Nursing Concepts
• Healthcare Disparities
• Preceptorships and Professional Role Seminars
In addition to technical training, Faulkner nurtures the whole student through its Christian liberal arts foundation—emphasizing ethical leadership, spiritual growth, and community service. Graduates are prepared not only for licensure but also for meaningful, purpose-driven practice.
With nursing jobs expected to grow 6% by 2033 and median salaries over $86,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), Faulkner’s BSN graduates are well-positioned for success. Faulkner’s Career Services also connects students to job opportunities throughout Alabama and beyond.
Additional opportunities for experienced nurses through Faulkner’s Continuing Education include:
• TNCC Provider Course – Advanced trauma care skills, ENA 4-year verification.
• ENPC Provider Course – Emergency pediatric care certification.
• TNCC/ENPC Instructor Courses – Train the trainer certification tracks.
Explore our course offerings or begin your application at www.faulkner.edu/apply. For more details, contact the College of Health Sciences or visit https://www. faulkner.edu/nursing/
The first cohort of nursing students stand with Dr. Shellye Vardaman (right) following the program’s “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony
Sarah Housley Named Director of Faulkner’s New Cradle Through Independence Center
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University welcomes Sarah Housley as the inaugural director of the university’s new Cradle Through Independence (CTI) Center, an education and therapy program for children and young adults with autism and other developmental or cognitive disabilities.
Housley, who formerly served as lower school director at Montgomery Academy, is bringing extensive experience in education leadership, program development and child advocacy to her new role at Faulkner. “There is a significant need in our community and beyond for comprehensive educational and developmental services for children and young adults with a disability. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of the CTI Center and passionate about the important work ahead to help bring its vision to life,” said Housley. She also serves Faulkner’s College of Education as a faculty member, assisting in accreditation efforts and expanding the university’s programs in special education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Housley as the inaugural administrative head of the Cradle Through Independence Center,” said Sandy Ledwell, dean of Faulkner’s College of Education. “Her vision, leadership, and passion for inclusive education will be instrumental in building a dynamic, Christ-centered program that serves children and families from birth through college graduation or independence. With Mrs. Housley's expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, the CTI Center will become a cornerstone of innovation and impact within Faulkner University and beyond.”
For students interested in continuing their education, the CTI Center will feed into Faulkner’s Center for Accessibility’s new Eagles Bridge Program. Eagles Bridge is a college experience program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, designed to empower them with skills for independent living. Offered as a two- or four-year certificate, each program is tailored to the student, providing a full Faulkner experience that prepares them for the future.
As director of the CTI Center, Housley has begun development of the comprehensive, inclusive special education and therapy center. She is designing undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Special Education, researching state certification and licensure requirements, and working to secure funding through grants, government agencies, charitable organizations, and other sources. She is also responsible for program assessment, partnership development, grant writing, and maintaining accreditation standards.
During her time at Montgomery Academy, Housley served in both the lower and middle schools as a classroom teacher and spent the past eight years as the lower school division director where she worked alongside faculty, staff and families to support the growth and development of students in kindergarten through fourth grade. As a member of the Montgomery Academy Leadership Team, she chaired the school’s accreditation efforts in 2020 and led initiatives to improve the academic support program and to refine faculty recruitment and retention processes.
For more information about Faulkner University’s College of Education, visit https://www.faulkner.edu/ academics/college-of-education/.
Sarah Housley
Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences Serves in Guyana on Medical Mission
by Rebecca Burylo
This summer a group of 34 students, alumni and faculty from Faulkner University’s College of Health Sciences (CHS), local health partners and members of University Church of Christ and other churches of Christ spent a week in Guyana on a medical mission trip to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the community.
Guyana faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and remote regions. Barriers such as restricted access to medical services, a shortage of healthcare professionals and economic limitations negatively impact the health of those living there.
The mission, sponsored and funded by University Church of Christ and supported through grant funding
by Making A Difference Foundation, was designed to integrate clinical service, cultural immersion and spiritual growth in alignment with Faulkner’s commitment to holistic education and faith-driven service. Students and faculty provided hands-on care in underserved areas while strengthening partnerships with local health organizations and the congregations of Plaisance Church of Christ and Industry Church of Christ.
During the trip, the group served daily in a medical clinic, attended services at Industry Church of Christ and visited the Enmore Church of Christ Children’s Home and Orphanage. Team members spent time in God’s word each morning and night and worked in the
clinic during the day. Patients were triaged to medicine, optical, rehabilitation, auditory and pharmacy stations, receiving care for conditions ranging from colds and hypertension to stroke-related weakness and autoimmune disorders. Treatments included providing adaptive mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes, therapy sessions and referrals for follow-up care. Pharmaceutical medications were also provided to patients through the contributions of Blessing’s International.
Robin Irwin, professor in Faulkner’s physical therapy program and medical director for the trip, said the experience transformed both patients and providers.
“Throughout this journey, we witnessed the true power of service—strangers became a family united in purpose, compassion and faith,” Irwin said. “As we parted ways, each person carried home a deeper resolve to serve, strengthened relationships and a renewed connection to God.”
The ministry team for the trip led by Dustin Jones with University Church of Christ, who served as director of missions operations, included Brandon Pressnell, preaching minister at Madison Church of Christ, Josh Fowler, CHS campus minister, and Don Walker, minister at Lowndes County Church of Christ. Together with local missionaries Bruce and Naomi House and local minister Floyd Cato, they provided spiritual follow-up and set up about 60 Bible studies. The ministry team interacted with every patient, engaging them in spiritual conversations, asking questions and lifting them up in prayer.
“When you think about Jesus’ ministry, one of the powerful ways He built His influence was by helping
people with their physical ailments to open the door to deeper, more spiritual conversations,” Pressnell said. “That was our goal throughout the trip.”
One patient who was brought in by his family, was suffering from Post-Polio Syndrome. He could barely move into the room for treatment.
“Our incredible team of therapists worked to give him more attention than he had had in a very long time,” Pressnell said. “His lips quivered as he spoke in broken
Members of the medical team from Faulkner University and University Church of Christ during worship at Industry Church of Christ. Front row l-r Joshua Fowler, Samuel DiQuattro, 2nd row l-r Shelby UTZ, Karen Harness, Aaron Schlipp, 3rd row l-r Elizabeth Bartel, Priscilla Ford, Elizabeth Ford, Mary Ford
Priscilla Ford, second from the left, is between ladies from the Industry Church who helped with the clinic
Isaac Marchio with children from the Children’s Home
sentences about their care and compassion. We prayed together for better days and I watched him cry as he walked more freely to the car taking him home. It was touching because not only had he received incredibly skilled treatment, he was presented with the love and mercy of Jesus.”
Team members described their work in Guyana as life changing. Nearly 1,000 patient treatments were administered during the four-day clinic. Patients expressed gratitude, with many returning multiple days and bringing additional family members.
For CHS students studying speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician
assistant studies, the experience offered lessons in adaptability and compassion. With limited supplies, physician assistants treated wounds, physical therapists used drawings to explain exercises and occupational therapists fabricated custom splints and orthotics. Vision screens and eyeglasses were also provided to patients. All services were given free of charge.
A young man by the name of Jonathan came through the clinic looking for eyeglasses and stopped by the table that offered patients a religious survey.
Fowler began talking with Jonathan. “He mentioned how there was so much evil in the world and was wondering how God would be able to protect him from this evil. I’m very thankful for Brandon Pressnell and his wisdom in turning to Ephesians 6 and highlighting that God has given us an armor to guard ourselves against the enemy,” Fowler said. “That if God is our protector the battle is already won. Jonathan came into the clinic looking for some eyeglasses but left with a newfound strength and curiosity about the scriptures.”
One of the most memorable cases for Irwin was a home visit to a woman with an autoimmune disorder causing severe muscular inflammation, who had lost
Instruction is given prior to the setup of the clinic in Industry Church of Christ on Sunday evening after worship. l-r Elizabeth Lackey, Robin Irwin, Brandon Pressnell, Caitlin Miller, Samuel Diquattro, Dustin Jones, Sarah Marchio, Isaac Marchio Mel, Adobah, Naomi House
Industry Church of Christ
mobility after surgery. The medical team provided therapy, dietary recommendations, medication, a walker and a Bible at her request. Funds were also left with local missionaries to cover further treatment at a private hospital and consultation with a rheumatologist. Plans have been established to monitor her progress and maintain follow-up care.
Irwin said the trip reflected Faulkner’s mission to prepare healthcare professionals who integrate faith into practice. “By working together, our students are empowered to promote the holistic well-being of those they serve—addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” she said.
Next year’s mission will include a three-day clinic at Plaisance Church, a one-day clinic at Industry and a four-day camp at the orphanage. Students from both the College of Health Sciences and the College of Education will be invited.
Those interested in supporting future missions can donate through Faulkner’s website under “Guyana Medical Missions” at faulkner.edu/give-now or by scanning the QR code below.
l-r Zach, Isaac, and Sarah Marchio
Entire Medical Team
Shelby Utz
Bruce House, left and Robin Irwin, right, stand with a neighbor of the church
Faulkner Celebrates First OTD Graduating Class and National Accreditation
by Rebecca Burylo
When Tyler Hill walked across the stage as part of Faulkner University’s first Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduating class, he knew he was stepping into more than just a career — for him, it was a calling.
“Being the hands and feet of Jesus is what we are called to be,” Hill said. “As Christian occupational therapists, we strive to serve the physical and spiritual needs of our communities.”
Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences officially launched its Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program in April 2022, adding it as the fourth component of the college alongside speech-language pathology, physician assistant and physical therapy. The college has since added a nursing component, which launched in fall 2025. In December 2024, the OTD program earned national accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), a milestone that allows graduates to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing the exam grants the title of Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
OTD Program Director G. Nikki Raines, OTD, MPA, OTR/L, CAPS, said the curriculum focuses around three themes — integration of faith in clinical practice, interprofessional education and service. “Occupational therapy helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regain independence in all areas of their lives. We have courses specifically on service in the workplace because as a Christian university we train our professionals to treat their patients as Christ would.”
Occupational therapists help individuals and their families regain independence after life-changing accidents, strokes or other conditions that impair daily living skills such as feeding themselves, tying shoes or getting dressed. They also train individuals with disabilities to use adaptive tools for self-sufficiency.
The program also prepares therapists to serve those with autism and sensory processing difficulties. Occupational therapy is a client-centered health profession focused on helping people participate in meaningful activities (occupations) and achieve independence, health, and well-being.
Service-learning courses encourage students to apply their skills in local, national and international settings, combining professional guidelines with faith-based compassion.
Tyler Hill
Group- l-r Brooke Glaser, Tyler Hill, Madison Hurston (McKee), Cassie McWhirt, Brianna Miller, Audrey Rhodes, Allie Shepard, Camryn Smith, Sidney Alex Wells
Hill’s path to Faulkner began at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where he earned a degree in human performance and fitness. Drawn to the opportunity to help build a new program from the ground up, he found occupational therapy to be the perfect fit.
“I’ve always wanted to help others achieve their goals,” Hill said. “There’s no other profession that allows you to do that like occupational therapy.”
Being part of the inaugural OTD class came with challenges, but Hill said the faculty’s guidance was key to his success. “Our staff is top tier and helped us face those bumps along the way,” he said. “Their guidance was crucial to our class’s ability to become great therapists ... I really enjoyed faith being integrated into
our curriculum and loved that professors would pray with us before big exams.”
Hill has accepted a position at Sweet Pea’s Therapy in Davenport, Iowa.
Additional information regarding the application process and the programs’ full accreditation statement, can be found by visiting, https://www.faulkner.edu/ graduate/graduate-degrees/occupational-therapy/
The entry-level OTD degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its website is www.acoteonline.org
Faith Shapes Futures Capital Campaign Launched
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University is investing in Montgomery. It officially launched its largest capital campaign on October 2 during its annual Benefit Dinner, announcing plans to raise $53.7 million to support the university’s continued growth and fund three major capital enhancements.
First, the campaign, titled “Where Faith Shapes Futures,” will fund the construction of the Academic Resource Center (ARC), a state-of-the-art collaborative learning center. The ARC will include the Gus Nichols Library collection, student learning areas, academic coaching services, student technology services, a virtual learning space, laboratories for high-demand computer engineering, digital media and health sciences degree programs, as well as high-tech classrooms that virtually connect Faulkner’s campuses in Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville and Birmingham.
Second, the capital campaign supports the transformation of the Montgomery Probate Judge’s Office next to the College of Health Sciences to house an expanded state-of-the-art healthcare simulation center. Faulkner students will learn patient care on the best simulation technology equipment in the world. Faulkner will share this center with healthcare workers, physicians, therapists, nurses and first responders who
receive critical annual healthcare training through Faulkner’s Partnering in Alabama for Training in Healthcare (the PATH partnership).
Third, the space next to the simulation center will be converted to become a new School of Nursing, which enrolled its first students this fall. Faulkner’s School of Nursing will have the capacity to graduate as many as 128 nursing students annually to meet critical nursing shortages. All three projects will be connected by attractive pathways, parking and infrastructure supported by campaign dollars.
More than 73%, or above $39 million, of the “Where Faith Shapes Futures” campaign goal has already been raised or identified. President Mitch Henry said the campaign represents an opportunity to build facilities that foster learning, training and character formation while expanding programs that serve communities and workforce development.
“This campaign is about equipping our students to make a difference,” Henry said. “When we answer the call to help, we find out what we’re made of. Together, we create a ripple for good that impacts generations to come.”
To give, visit faulkner.edu/capital-campaign.
Faulkner Answers the Call of Healthcare Education at Benefit Dinner Featuring Candace Cameron Bure
by Rebecca Burylo
Faulkner University honored 100 individuals in healthcare during its annual Benefit Dinner on October 2, 2025. The sold-out event, held at the Renaissance Convention Center in downtown Montgomery, drew more than 2,000 guests and featured award-winning actress Candace Cameron Bure as keynote speaker.
Before Bure, best known for her role as D.J. Tanner on the television series “Full House,” took the stage, healthcare workers from across the region were recognized for their service. Men and women representing multiple roles in the field of healthcare were invited on stage, where they were applauded for their sacrifice and commitment to patient care.
“You as healthcare professionals are worthy of honor,” Faulkner University President Mitch Henry said. “You have answered the call to help and go out of your way, even if it means putting yourself at risk, to help others.”
Henry recounted the story of Dr. L.L. Hill, an Alabama physician who performed one of the first open-heart surgeries in the country 123 years ago by lantern light. Called upon in the middle of the night, Hill successfully operated on a young African American man who had been shot in the heart, saving his life.
“His actions made a wave of change in the nation and in the field of medicine, which in turn has saved thousands of lives,” Henry said. “When we answer the call, we find out what we’re made of. If we have the spirit of Dr. Hill, we can make a ripple for good. Those we are honoring today have answered that call.”
Faulkner is also answering the call to address healthcare shortages in Alabama. This fall, the university launched its first nursing program within the College of Health Sciences. The Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research has already performed more than 43,000 free clinic visits, offering services in speech, physical and occupational therapy as well as autism treatment.
The university’s commitment to service extends beyond healthcare. Faulkner Law’s Thomas Goode Jones School
of Law has reported nearly a 20 percent year-overyear increase in enrollment as the school welcomed its largest incoming class in nearly a century. Universitywide enrollment reached 3,532 students this fall, with graduate online programs and health sciences leading the growth.
Henry also announced the public launch of the university’s most ambitious financial campaign, “Where Faith Shapes Futures Capital Campaign,” with a goal of raising $53.7 million. More than 73% has already been secured. Funds will support the construction of the Academic Resource Center, designed to enhance academic excellence, create spaces for community and spiritual formation, and expand health sciences programs.
Bure expressed her gratitude for healthcare workers and praised Faulkner’s role in Christian healthcare education. She credited her faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of her career and personal life, sharing how it has guided her from her days as a child star to her role as a wife and a mother and her current work as an actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur.
“I am very outspoken about my faith,” Bure said. “Making movies, doing a podcast, making shows; those are fun, but they are not my purpose. My purpose is to share the Gospel.”
In addition to her acting career, Bure is CEO of CandyRock Entertainment and Chief Creative Officer for Great American Media. She has starred in multiple holiday romantic comedies and mysteries, including the recent Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker on Great American Family. She has received the Grace Award for TV and the Best Family Television Award at the Movieguide Awards.
Faulkner Law Graduate Sworn in as Circuit Judge
Judge Dee Dee Calhoon was sworn in as circuit judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, Place 4, in January 2025 after a successful election.
She is a graduate of Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law’s first provisionally accredited class, finishing in December 2006 and receiving her bar results on April 27, 2007, at age 33.
Calhoon has excelled in her legal career as an assistant U.S. attorney, owner of her own law office and now as circuit judge. The seat primarily focuses on family law matters in Autauga, Elmore and Chilton counties.
Faulkner Law Sees 100% First-Time Pass Rate on Alabama Bar, Ranked Among Nation’s Best by Princeton Review
Faulkner Law has been ranked among the nation’s best law schools in the Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools 2025 rankings. The school received two specialty distinctions, ranking ninth for “Most Competitive Students” and fifth for “Most Conservative Students.”
The news follows another major achievement for Faulkner Law, as graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Alabama Bar Exam in February.
“These rankings reflect some of the things that we know very well about our law school community,” said Faulkner Law Dean Charles B. Campbell. “Our students have a real work ethic and they seek to take advantage
of the many learning opportunities afforded by the law school’s rigorous curriculum, through our clinics and field placements, and in Alabama’s capital city and beyond.”
Governor
Ivey
Appoints
Faulkner Law Graduate Bo Offord as Alabama Medicaid Commissioner
Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Bo Offord, a graduate of Faulkner Law, as the next commissioner of the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
Offord, who began practicing law in 2007, has served the agency since 2010, providing legal guidance in probate, circuit, appellate and federal matters. He has represented and advised the agency in a wide range of cases, including complex federal issues.
On September 26, 2025, Faulkner Law hosted a special reception to honor the generous gift of six books donated to the Law Library by the Alabama Division of the National Society of Magna Charta Dames and Barons.
THOMAS GOODE JONES SCHOOL OF LAW
l-r Donna Spears, Dean Charles Campbell, Sarah K. Curtis, John Hagood, Mike DeBoer, Menelle Weiss, Kemper Franklin, Justice (ret.) John G. Browning
Community News
Faulkner
Receives Alabama Power Foundation Grant for College of Health Sciences
Faulkner University received a generous grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to support its growing College of Health Sciences and its students through the foundation’s Health and Human Services “Energy to Thrive” grant initiative. Grant funds were used to purchase 16 Anatomage tablets as well as two 75” Newline Panels (large tablets) that can be utilized by all programs in a variety of instructional activities. Students will have access to these tablets, which act like miniature versions of the college’s state-of-the-art anatomage tables used for body anatomy and digital dissection.
AL Engage Together Project Selects Two Faulkner Students as Research Fellows to Advance Statewide Fight Against Human Trafficking
The Alabama Engage Together Project (ETP) has selected 12 Research Fellows from six universities across the state, including two students from Faulkner University, to join its groundbreaking, multi-year effort to end and prevent human trafficking in Alabama. ETP is a two-phase, three-year transformational community assessment initiative spearheaded by Attorney General Steve Marshall. As ETP Research Fellows, Faulkner students Amy “Grace” Faulk and Don Heald will contribute to research, analysis, and community engagement efforts focused on human trafficking and exploitation.
Bear Brothers, Inc. has completed Phase I and II of constructing nearly 2,500 feet of ornamental ironwork security fencing along the front of Faulkner’s Montgomery campus—complete with 15 brick columns. This project is part of Faulkner’s Master Plan to enhance campus security and aesthetics. The university is proud to partner with University Church of Christ, who contributed matching fencing in front of their building to create a seamless, unified look along Atlanta Highway and Wares Ferry Road.
eSports Team Claims Super Smash Bros. Title
Faulkner Blue claimed the Playfly Open Plus 1 Super Smash Bros Ultimate Championship in April with a comeback win over Northwest State, defeating the Thunder 2-1 (8-12, 12-11, 12-9) at the Regitar USA HiRes Arena to claim the title. The title is the second one in program history and the first in Super Smash Bros., following a Fall 2022 Rocket League championship.
Back Row, l-r Josh Chalchi, Logan Chalchi, Seth McGaughy, Ross Franklin, Cooper Fisher, Dale JohnsonFront Row, l-r Conner Hagin, Darrien Rogan, Cameron White, Brady Zink
Faulkner Hosts Youth Super Sports Saturday
Youth Super Sports Saturday with Lakeshore Foundation allowed children with physical disabilities the opportunity to try wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and more this summer on Faulkner’s campus. Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences has partnered with Lakeshore Foundation to bring more similar events to the university. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals with physical disabilities to lead active, healthy lives.
College of Health Sciences Partners with ASHS Foundation
Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences has partnered with the ASHS Foundation to help develop the Alabama School of Health Sciences (ASHS) in Demopolis, Alabama.
In May, the College of Health Sciences hosted a meeting focused on advancing the new high school, which will serve an underserved area of Alabama. Bloomberg Philanthropies, founded by Mike Bloomberg, has contributed significant funding to the ASHS Foundation for the project. The collaboration between Faulkner, the ASHS Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies will strengthen the quality of education the new school provides and create a clear pathway for students to pursue professional degrees in health sciences.
Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research Director Awarded
Alan Deal, OTR/L, director of the Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research, received the 2025 Scott Renner Award. The award honors the legacy
of Dr. Scott Renner, a leader in assistive technology known for his innovation, enthusiasm and advocacy for change.
“Having the opportunity to work alongside Alan, learn from him and educate with him has been a blessing,” said Kendall Alford, DHSc, MS, OTR/L, ASDCS. “His commitment to advancing assistive technology in occupational therapy is something to be admired. He strives to support students, empower patients and advocate for innovative and evidence-based strategies in our field. His passion for OT inspires colleagues like me to keep pushing for greater accessibility and inclusion for all patients while continuing to educate future therapists on the importance of assistive technology.”
Lora Emily Banks Becomes New Director of the Physician Assistant Program Among Other Accomplishments
Lora-Emily Banks, was named the new director for the Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program and has done much to advocate and bring awareness to the field of physician assistant and healthcare education. She recently served as a featured panelist at the ARCPA 2025 Conference in a session titled “Perspectives on Accreditation: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Change.”
In addition, Banks was appointed as Secretary of the 2025–2026 Alabama Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA) Board and recently received her Doctor of Medical Sciences with a specialty track in Health Professions Education from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Leadership Changes and New Coaches Within Faulkner Athletics
In June, 1978 alum Hal Wynn, who has been with the university for 40 years, stepped down from his role as vice president of athletics, a title he assumed in 2024 after having previously held the athletic director title. Wynn will remain with the university as its head softball coach.
l-r President Mitch Henry and Mike Bloomberg
Reed Sutton, who has been with Faulkner since 2010, stepped into the role of interim athletic director. Sutton served 14 seasons as the head coach of women’s basketball, having started the program in 2010. He also coached Faulkner’s cross-country team.
Taylor Roark was hired as the new head coach of Faulkner Cheerleading. She previously volunteered as a women’s basketball volunteer assistant to her husband, Jacob Roark, at Florida College and Faulkner.
Mike Rogers was selected as the ninth head coach in Faulkner Golf history. Rogers has served the past several seasons with the Prattville Christian Academy golf program as the head women’s coach and assistant men’s golf coach.
Caleb Kilpatrick was named as the third head coach in the crosscountry program’s history since their rebirth in 2022. Kilpatrick earned his degree in criminal justice at Faulkner. For seven seasons, he was an assistant coach for track and cross country at Alabama Christian Academy.
Heritage Award Provides $12,000 in Aid for Members of a Church of Christ
Faulkner now offers the Church of Christ Heritage Award, ensuring qualifying students receive at least $12,000 in financial aid each year. The award is available to eligible students who are members of a church of
Christ. After applying federal, state and institutional aid, Faulkner will cover the difference, up to $6,000 per semester. For eligibility requirements, visit www. faulkner.edu/heritage-award.
College of Education Dean Serving on Compendium Educator Advisory Team
Sandy Ledwell, dean of Faulkner’s College of Education, has been selected to serve on the Compendium Educator Advisory Team for The Biology Compendium. Her professional biography is also featured in the publication, showcasing Faulkner University and highlighting the strength of the College of Education. The Biology Compendium is a collection of active learning resources that reinforce the Course of Study for high school biology.
Stevens, McCraney Anchor State Champions Bass Fishing Title
The Faulkner Bass Fishing team had four boats competing in the Southern Collegiate BASS Open Series State Championship on Lake Eufaula at Lakepoint State Park in April. The Eagles representing Faulkner were Grant McCraney and Skyler Stevens; Connor Green and Peter West; Hayes Finch and Parker McKee; and Matthew Bennett. Not only did the anglers come up with all placing inside the top 15, the duo of Skyler Stevens and Grant McCraney brought the program a state championship after an amazing firstplace finish. They brought in a bag of 20.72 pounds and locked in the program’s third team in the national tournament.
Carrillo to The Show! Alex promoted to the New York Mets
by Carter Moles
Former Eagle standout pitcher Alex Carrillo became the third player in Faulkner history to make it to Major League Baseball when he debuted with the New York Mets in a series against the Baltimore Orioles in July.
Carrillo, a member of the 2018 and 2019 teams, earned his call to Major League Baseball after dazzling in AAA with 5.2 innings of perfect pitching with 10 strikeouts and a 100 mile per hour fastball, going from AA to the MLB in just 14 days.
For Carrillo, the rise has been a long time coming, but not surprising to anyone who knows him and his talent. As an Eagle, Carrillo posted a 3.79 ERA over 99.2 innings in his two seasons in the Gump with 101 strikeouts to just 35 walks and a .259 batting average against, earning first team All-SSAC honors in 2018. The native of West Covina, California, started his professional career in 2019 starting in the Northwoods League playing for the St. Cloud Rox before signing with the Texas Rangers. Carrillo saw three appearances with the Arizona League side in rookie ball where he saw great success in limited outcomes with six strikeouts over 4.1 innings of work.
After COVID, Carrillo joined the Frontier League with the New York Boulders before heading to Mexico and pitching two seasons for Quintana Roo from 2022-2023. He returned Stateside for baseball in 2024, pitching for the Washington WildThings in the Frontier League and posting a 3.38 ERA over 17 appearances. His stellar performance with the WildThings earned him a shot with the Venezuelan Winter League pitching for Tigres de Aragua and continuing his torrid form posting a 3.38 ERA and a 4-1 record.
Following the Winter League success, Carrillo earned another call from affiliated baseball, inking a contract with the New York Mets where he started the 2025
season in AA with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies where he posted a 4.19 ERA over 15 appearances with a 2-1 record, earning a call up to the Syracuse Mets on June 24.
“We knew that he had special stuff. We knew what he could be. He has proven himself in every league where he has played. Continually growing and working harder,” Baseball Head Coach Patrick McCarthy said. “It is one of the most rewarding moments of my career, to see his success and tenacity. I've always dreamed of watching one of my guys on the big stage, and here we are. What others might not know about Alex is that he is a devoted husband, father, son and he follows Christ. This is a blessing for him, his family and for the entire Faulkner community!”
“I don’t think there are words for how excited I am for him,” Assistant Coach Mike Correa said. “His long journey, a lot of guys would’ve hung up a long time ago and then he stuck it out and what a testament to being resilient and hard-working! Originally starting with the Rangers, being let go, then going to Indy ball, then the Mexico league, and then just year after year, work after work, it all comes to fruition now. It couldn’t happen to a better guy and it couldn’t happen to a better kid.”
“A God’s promise Fulfilled,” Assistant Coach Jonathan Villa said. “Not only to him, but to his wife, Danna, who’s been through all of this from day one with him and his son, Aiden. A testament to the world that regardless of what the world says you should do, only God has the authority on what His plan is for you and the result of enduring hardship and not giving up in the process.”
Villa caught for Carrillo before becoming assistant coach, but the connection goes much beyond that.
“Alex, Danna and Aiden are not only me and Katie’s friends. They’re our chosen family and couldn’t be more happy that the Lord has led them to this point. It fills my heart with true joy. It was 6 years ago that we got in the water together– Alex was the first person I had the blessing of God using me for him to receive the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit, so this feels like I can’t even put it in words.”
Carrillo (r) with Faulkner baseball alum Shawn Ross
University to Honor 2001 National Title Team
by Jeremy D. Smith
A quarter century after it hoisted the school’s first NAIA national championship trophy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 2001 men’s basketball team will return to campus for a special celebration. Faulkner University announced that it will induct the entirety of the 2001 men’s basketball program into the school’s athletics hall of fame, marking the first time in history an entire team has been commemorated in such a manner.
Head coach Jim Sanderson as well as players Paul Little and Treives Henry, already in the Faulkner Athletics Hall of Fame as individuals, will become two-time honorees alongside Doug Amos, who served as the play-by-play voice for the Eagles’ legendary run to a 34-5 season and championship glory.
In totality, 23 individuals will receive induction into the Faulkner Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the event. Players from the 2000-2001 squad to be honored at the January 23, 2026, event include Rodney Keener, Joe Richardson, Kellen Cole, Ben Baxter, Donta Frazier, Terrence McNeil, Terrell McNeil, Travis Williams, Moussa Dioum, Treives Henry, Paul Little, Paschal Ike and Jared Kosmatka Holmes. The staff to be honored includes Sanderson along with assistant coach Mark
Price, student coaches Brian Parker and Emerius Washington. Managers Fred Barnett and Freddie Brooks will receive induction along with statistician Jake Dickey, trainer Susan Weedon Thomas, and radio personalities Doug Amos and Darrell Dapprich.
The banquet will serve as not only a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, but a celebration of the season that was, with Amos serving as emcee for the event. Current and former students, faculty and other Faulkner community members are invited to take part in the celebration, which tips off a weekend dedicated to celebrating the Eagles that gave flight to the university’s championship aspirations. Tickets are available for $25 and include a catered meal and attendance at the event as well as a ticket to the January 24 SSAC basketball matchup against Dalton State University. That game will be the capper to the weekend’s festivities, with the 2001 squad again being honored amid a series of activities surrounding the contest.
Tickets are available until January 16 and can be purchased under the “tickets” tab at www. FaulknerEagles.com.
Back Row left to right:Coach Jim Sanderson, Joe Richardson, Kellen Cole, Terrell McNeil, Terrence McNeil, Donta Frazier, Rodney Keener, Coach Mark PriceFront Row left to right:Paschal Ike, Ben Baxter, Travis Williams, Moussa Dioum, Treives Henry, Paul Little, Jared Kosmatka Holmes, Freddie Brooks
Athletic Alumni Corner
stories by Robin “Bird” Bradford
Faulkner Football “Welcome Home” Celebration
In June 2006, Faulkner University announced the start of its football program. The team played its first varsity season in fall 2007 at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl Stadium. In 2012, Eagles football officially came home to campus with the opening of John Mark Stallings Field in Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.
Whether you wore the royal blue in 2007 or as recently as 2024, Faulkner invites all former players and coaches to return for the “Welcome Home” Celebration during the Nov. 1, 2025, Homecoming football game. For $25, former players, coaches and their families can enjoy a pregame tailgate meal, reconnect with teammates, and receive admission to the Faulkner vs. Campbellsville game and Homecoming festivities. The registration includes parking for one vehicle and entry for the former player, coach, spouse and children. Former players and coaches who register by Oct. 27 will be honored as part of the Homecoming festivities. Registration is available at faulknereagles.com under Tickets > Faulkner Athletic Events > Faulkner Football “Welcome Home” Celebration.
John Cooper, who played from 2010 to 2013, has started a Faulkner Football Alumni Facebook Group to help connect players and coaches. Former coach Chuck Knapp, who served from 2007 to 2019, and former player and alumnus David Woodason (2009–2013) are also helping organize the event. Both Cooper and Knapp looked back on their time with Faulkner Eagles Football.
Q&A with John Cooper
Q: How did you first get connected with the Faulkner Football Team?
A: I was contacted by Coach Greg Baker after he reviewed my high school film and invited me for a
campus visit in winter 2010. I met the staff, future professors, and toured the campus.
Q: What years were you associated with Faulkner Football and in what capacity?
A: I played offensive line from 2010 to 2013. I was blessed to play at Crampton Bowl and to start during the first-ever game at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium against Lindsey Wilson in 2012. That inaugural home game ended in a Faulkner victory.
In those early years, it was nothing but excitement. From 2010 to 2014, we saw the program transition from its beginning stages to showing real success. I’m grateful for the relationships and experiences Faulkner and Faulkner Football gave me.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories as an Eagle?
A: Meeting my wife, Beth Morgan Cooper, at a Faulkner social club event is my favorite memory. The best thing about Faulkner is not just the Christian education but the relationships and experiences. Winning the Mid-South Conference Championship in 2013 was pretty sweet too.
John Cooper #57 played in Faulkner’s first football game at Billy D Hilyer Stadium in 2012
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I’ve been in education and coaching for 12 years, primarily in exceptional student education. I’m entering my third season as head football coach of the Franklin County Seahawks and am close to becoming the winningest coach in school history. Faulkner prepared me well for this career.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: I absolutely love Faulkner and what it has given me. I’d like to give back. At a smaller college, your experience is different, so our alumni can still make a real impact by supporting the current team. Our football program is now old enough for alumni to come back and show support for the next generation of Eagles.
Q&A With Chuck Knapp
Q: How did you first get connected with the Faulkner Football Team?
A: I was working as the assistant director of admissions when Dr. Billy Hilyer asked if I’d be interested in helping with Faulkner’s first football team. I jumped at the opportunity.
Q: What years were you associated with Faulkner Football and in what capacity?
A: I worked with the program from its first year in 2007 through 2019 as a position coach and director of football operations.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories as an Eagle?
A: There are too many to count, from our first win to our first playoff appearance during the 2013 snowstorm. But the relationships mean the most. The bonds formed with coaches and players over the years still bring a smile to my face. The scores and plays may fade, but the brotherhood lasts.
Q: Share a few words about reconnecting with Faulkner Football alumni.
A: It’s been a blessing to reconnect with past players and coaches. We’ve hosted similar events before, and it’s always great to sit down and visit with the guys you spent so much time with. This year’s event will be even bigger. Athletic Director Reed Sutton and Jeremy Smith have worked hard to make it special, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the vision Coach Dayne Brown has for this team.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Faulkner University will always hold a special place in my heart. Now both of my sons play football for Faulkner and get to experience what this university means to so many families. Playing high-level college football at a strong Christian university is a blessing, and now they’re part of the Faulkner Football brotherhood too.
l-r Beth (Morgan) Cooper and John Cooper
The Knapp family after Faulkner’s first football conference championship game in 2013
Teammates on the Court, Friends in Life
Remembering Tim Lee and Dwight Madison, who passed away just days apart, takes us back to the days of Alabama Christian College (ACC) basketball in Tine Davis Gym—before the school was renamed Faulkner University.
Teammate and lifelong friend Lewis “Teddy” Washington recalled, “Tim and Dwight were part of the original transition basketball team that moved Alabama Christian College from a junior college program to a four-year institution. They were both part of the first four-year graduating class in 1983. They set the bar for the rest of us on the basketball team to prove that we could compete on the court and leave 5345 Atlanta Highway with a degree that would allow us to compete in the world. I thank the Lord for those two guys being a part of my life.”
Washington shared that his friendship with Lee began long before college. “I met Tim when I was in the 10th grade at an ACC basketball camp. We had no idea we would become teammates. Our bond really began in September of 1980, and for 45 years we remained the best of friends—joking, praying, and sharing our thoughts about life and family,” he said.
“Tim often credited me with setting him up with his wife, Sharon,” Washington added with a smile. “It didn’t hurt that she was from Wetumpka, and so was I. That helped the Ragin’ Cajun break through that cultural divide between big-city Baton Rouge and small-town Wetumpka. Tim never met a stranger. He had enough love for everyone, and we all loved him back.”
Washington also reflected on his memories of Dwight Madison, saying, “When Dwight joined the basketball team, not much was known about him, but he quickly earned his place on the team and in the hearts of fans. He was a sight to behold when he’d grab the ball and hit one of his quick jumpers or surprise a defender with a dunk. His care for teammates, especially the underclassmen, was genuine. He was the consummate teammate who always put the team first.”
Washington said Madison also encouraged his teammates spiritually. “He pushed us to attend chapel and Bible study. In recent years, we reconnected, and the laughter and memories rejuvenated us both. I spoke to him four days before his death, and his greeting with our nicknames was still the same after 45 years: ‘What’s this, Blois?’ My reply was the same: ‘What’s this, Buddy?’”
Ken Bush, team manager and Lee’s college roommate, described Lee as “Mr. Hustle.” “Tim was one of the hardest-working players on the team,” Bush said. “He was always encouraging everyone. He was competitive, even off the court playing Spades in the dorms. He loved his vinyl record albums and often played ‘Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight’ and ‘Celebration’ by Kool & The Gang after basketball and flag football games.”
Bush recalled that Madison lived next door in Baldwin Dorm. “Dwight’s younger brother Delbert often came to games and spent the night in the dorms. We shared snacks and what he called ‘Gate-ade,’ which was really just Gatorade. Delbert idolized his brother, who was known for his rebounds,” Bush said.
The Knapp family during a Faulkner football game in 2025
Delbert Madison added, “The time I spent on campus was extraordinary. The way those guys on the basketball team treated me really made me feel special. Hanging out in the dorm and eating popcorn with them are memories that still stand out. Those Eagles quickly became family.”
Another team manager and roommate, Keith Cantrell, remembered Lee as a natural encourager. “As one of the team managers, I saw Tim as both a player and a friend. He gave everything he had on the court and led the student body in the famous ‘step-slide drill’ before every game,” Cantrell said. “He truly lived out Matthew 22—‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ That’s why he made friends with everyone he met.”
Scott Brooks said Lee’s influence shaped his life. “I met Tim Lee in 1982 at church in Baton Rouge. From that first handshake, there was something steady and magnetic about him,” Brooks said. “He’s the reason I went to Alabama Christian College. His faith and encouragement nudged me toward a place that would define my adult years. Coach Naylor later offered me a scholarship and made me sports information director, traveling with the team and getting to know the players.”
Brooks remembered Madison as “smooth on the court and in life—quiet, calm, steady, and good.” He said, “He was an exceptional player and a kind soul with a great smile.”
Off the court, Brooks and Lee were roommates and lifelong friends. “More than his friendship, it was Tim’s love for Jesus that impacted me most,” Brooks said. “His faith wasn’t just words—it was in how he treated people and how he helped me through my struggles. Three days before he passed, we talked about Heaven—how real and beautiful it would be. Tim was everything a true friend should be. I’ve lost my friend, but I haven’t lost what he gave me: his faith, laughter, guidance, and example.”
Faulkner Sports Network Sophomore Secures Gig for ESPN College GameDay
Faulkner University sophomore Judd Bailey is making significant career moves less than two years into his college tenure. A sports, recreation, and fitness major from Decatur, Alabama, Bailey made the most of his first year on the Faulkner Sports Network before networking himself into a whole different crop of opportunities, including a recent gig as a runner for ESPN College GameDay. The experiences are, in part, a product of Bailey taking his education into his own hands following a November 2023 visit to Faulkner.
When he and his mother Rachel made that visit to campus, they did so with great uncertainty. Bailey, a student-athlete at Austin High School, knew he wanted to pursue a career in sports and was leaning heavily toward broadcasting. However, Faulkner boasted no such academic program, and another school seemed like the most viable option for him. That was difficult to process given the deep ties the family already had with Faulkner. His brother, Jake, was already well established at the school. Moreover, his parents, Scott and Rachel Bailey, and his uncle, Andy Priola, are all proud alumni
by Jeremy Smith
of the university. But Bailey was determined to pursue his career goals and wanted to give himself the best chance of doing so.
“Up until that point, every person I had talked to had told me that you had to have this major in order to have this job and that if I had that major, I could get that job,” he said of his understanding prior to the visit.
His admissions counselor made certain to arrange a meeting with Jeremy Smith, who headed up the Faulkner Sports Network (FSN). The student-driven organization has been a critical piece of the athletic department infrastructure since Smith and Carter Moles revitalized the initiative in 2018.
“When I came here, they told me it wasn’t about the major as much as it was about the field experience. That made a lot more sense,” Bailey said. He learned that FSN would give him the chance to develop his broadcast voice on the job while also taking part in assorted other functions that are necessary for conducting athletic events.
“Also, it wasn’t about just the one thing. It was about all the people who run a game day, from stats to chasing the ball. I had never run a game day because I had always been the one playing. So I told my mom that if we were serious about it, this was the place I needed to be,” he explained.
So Bailey picked Faulkner and proceeded to make the most of every FSN job that came his way. From working ball rotation at volleyball to mopping the floor at basketball games, he soaked up every moment he could. The effort he invested in less glamorous areas translated to his on-mic opportunities as well.
“Judd is highly intentional and adaptable. He approaches his classes and work with FSN as opportunities for growth, aligning them with his longterm goals and success,” David Woodason, Faulkner’s department chair of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, said. “He carries a humble attitude - no task is beneath him - and consistently does whatever it takes to help his team succeed.”
Judd Bailey
Despite no experience as a broadcaster, Bailey earned his place as the play-by-play voice of Faulkner’s junior varsity women’s basketball team as well as Faulkner Softball.
“I texted my family that I was calling that first night, and my whole family watched just to hear me call Faulkner women’s JV basketball, not caring a lick about the team but wanting to hear me call. It felt right. It felt natural. I had never practiced it at all. For some reason, the words kept flowing,” Bailey said. “Normally, at the house, when I talked about a game, everybody was annoyed. Now they want to watch the game and hear me talk about it.”
By the end of his freshman year, Bailey had worked his way to being one of the play-by-play voices of the Southern States Athletic Conference Softball Championships. When he returned to campus as a sophomore, he added volleyball and football to his resume. But it is the steps he took during the summer that have elevated his experience to rare levels. His persistence helped him land a suddenly available internship with the marketing department of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. That helped him connect with Cayce Tanner, who has since moved on to the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball. He also struck up a connection with Lexi Link, a production coordinator for ESPN. It was that relationship that linked him to a whole new avenue of opportunities.
He parlayed that relationship into a job as a runner for the ESPN broadcast of the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, N.C. Following that event in August, he continued to keep up with Link and remained open to any other chances that may become available. That relationship almost bore fruit again in September when Link contacted him about the possibility of traveling to State College, Pennsylvania to serve as a runner for ESPN’s College GameDay when it landed at the site of a key Big 10 matchup between Penn State and Oregon. While that job fell through at the last moment, Bailey remained engaged in looking for further chances.
Soon thereafter, he saw an Instagram announcement that ESPN College GameDay was headed to Tuscaloosa, and he quickly reached out to Link to make himself available.
Once selected, he headed to Tuscaloosa early enough to try and familiarize himself with the surroundings. In the days that followed, he found himself on the set
of one of the most iconic sports shows in the history of American television and in the presence of well-known personalities Reece Davis, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit, and Desmond Howard as well as that week’s celebrity guest picker, Theo Von.
His ESPN experience hit new heights during the GameDay gig, but Bailey continued to make sure it was far from over. He will return to his gig as a runner for GameDay when it visits Vanderbilt on October 25. He is also lined up to work future events such as SEC Basketball Media Days and the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“I have been extremely impressed with the opportunities Judd has pursued, as well as the positive feedback I’ve received from his host supervisors. He consistently brings a contagious, positive attitude and demonstrates a true servant-leader mindset. When someone models a clear path to success, others are naturally inspired to follow—and Judd has done just that,” Woodason said. “His journey reflects the value of combining quality classroom instruction with hands-on experience through the FSN program. Judd’s work with ESPN is a strong example of how the skills developed through our program are not only relevant but highly transferable across industries and organizations of any size. He is living proof of what’s possible when education and practical experience come together.”
Still, despite the big stage and the iconic sets and all the time spent refining himself into a professional broadcaster, it is the quiet jobs behind the scenes that have helped him excel so early in his educational career.
“A willingness to do whatever. As a runner, your job description is running errands. But I think I did more at the site than I did running errands. As an example, putting ratchet straps on the chairs. I had to teach somebody how to do that. I learned that from my dad putting ratchet straps on stuff at the church building. For some reason, ratchet straps helped me make a connection at College GameDay,” he explained.
The same energy that led him to ESPN’s College GameDay enables him to enrich the work of the Faulkner Sports Network in capacities he had never imagined. “I’m blessed to be here. If it means sitting in a parking lot and telling people which way to go, that’s a whole lot better than a lot of other people. And my dad is the hardest worker I know. He instilled that in me,” he said.
Great Books Honors Program Expands Global Learning Opportunities
by Jade Klose
The Great Books Honors Program at Faulkner University took its first step into international education in 2024, launching a study abroad trip to the United Kingdom. Open to alumni, students, staff and friends, the program offers shorter trips that allow participants to explore other parts of the world without the three-month commitment of Faulkner’s traditional study abroad program.
Great Books partners with Explorica, an organization that handles all trip logistics, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the cultural experience. For Cherith Petit, a student in the program, the experience was transformative.
“Getting to spend time in conversation with the professors outside of the classroom helped show me that the GB program isn’t just about class, but more about learning how to form your own educated beliefs and opinions on all different aspects of life,” she said. Dr. Andrew Jacobs, director of the Great Books program, emphasized the value of encountering new ideas and experiences.
“Life is spent attempting to figure things out as we experience them, especially things that are different and that we don’t understand,” he said. “You need a certain amount of courage to enter a new book, to enter a new country or to enter into a new relationship with God.”
The program aims to teach students not only how to engage deeply with literature but also how to interact meaningfully with others and live well as human beings. During the study abroad trips, participants benefit from the expertise of local guides, gaining insights into the culture that might be missed on a solo journey.
These international trips offer students and faculty a chance to break free from the classroom, expand their cultural understanding and strengthen their relationships with peers and professors alike.
“This trip helped me branch out and do things that made me nervous and uncomfortable — like kissing the
Blarney Stone — and see how much fun it was,” Petit said. “I am so grateful for all the fun memories I made with my friends and professors, and it will always be a part of who I am.”
The study abroad experiences also serve to bring the curriculum to life. Dr. Taten Shirley, a professor in the program, recalled how visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, brought their studies into sharp focus.
“There were continuous mentions of GB authors, but I think the one that stands out the most was getting to visit Stratford-upon-Avon,” Shirley said. “It was incredible to see the house where he was raised and to see the church where he is buried.”
The Great Books Study Abroad program visited South Korea and Japan in summer 2025. The program is now enrolling for summer 2026 that will include visits to France, Austria, Germany and Switzerland from May 27- June 4, 2026. The deadline to register is January 2026. For more information, visit Faulkner University’s Great Books Honors Study Abroad Program website, https://www.explorica.com/Jacobs-9524 or email Jacobs at ajacobs@faulkner.edu.
Peyton Jenkins takes a picture with the Great Books Study Abroad group in front of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England
Alumni News
1960s
Mike Dutton (’66) was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame on March 6, 2025.
2010s
1990s
Arthur F. Ray II (JSL ’96) was named general counsel by the Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. Ray previously served as the acting general counsel for the department and also serves as director of Governmental Affairs. He’s been with the department for 15 years.
2000s
Chad Brown (’05) is a recruiter/admissions counselor at the Huntsville Extension Center.
Jake Mitchell (’15) is an assistant women’s basketball coach at Faulkner University. He is also head coach of the women’s J.V. basketball team.
Kelly Davis (’17), librarian at Gus Nichols Library, has released her new novel Acceptance. She will be hosting a special book-signing reception on October 30 where guests can meet the author and grab a copy of her book.
Cody Davis (’19) is a recruiter/admissions counselor for traditional admissions at Faulkner University.
2020s
Chasmine Parker (’20) was named 988 Call Taker of the Year by CIT International. Parker currently serves as a 988 crisis call therapist and graduated from Faulkner with a Master of Science in Counseling. She credits her education for equipping her with the critical skills necessary to thrive in the field of crisis intervention and provide vital care to her community.
Alex Osborne (’21) is a recruiter/admissions counselor for traditional admissions at Faulkner University.
Gina Williamson (’21) is the director of Faulkner University’s Mobile Extension Center.
Caleb Kilpatrick (’22) is the head coach for cross country at Faulkner University.
Garret Akins (’23) is an instructor in the English Department at Faulkner University.
Joel Sellers (’23) is a sports information specialist at Faulkner University.
Amir Edwards (’24) was promoted to major after serving 20 years in the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department.
Joshua Houston (’24) is a lecturer in Biblical Studies at Faulkner University.
Ainsley Lockwood (’24) is an assistant coach with Faulkner University’s Women’s Soccer team.
Ja’Mese Hawkins (’23) was named Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s Realtor of the year. She is an associate broker and realtor at Garth Realty Group in Montgomery, Alabama.
Preston Roberts (JSL ’24) serves as the External Affairs Department assistant director. Roberts joined the External Affairs Department as director of agricultural legislation in 2019. He received his Juris Doctor through Faulkner Law’s Executive J.D. Schedule and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar.
Glory Cantrell (’25) is a library services associate at Faulkner University’s Gus Nichols Library.
Isabelle and Nic Cavender (’25) have a baby boy, Elliot, born September 5.
In Memory
Tucker Clifton (’25) is an apartment manager with Student Services-Student Life at Faulkner University.
Diane Newell, 72, former director and longtime employee at Faulkner University’s Mobile Extension Center, died on February 21, 2025. Newell was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful member of Central Church of Christ in Saraland, Alabama. She married Dr. Clifford E. Newell Jr., and the couple shared 53 years of marriage. At Faulkner, she led the Mobile campus with excellence and continued to teach after her retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband.
Jason Conley (’25) completed his Masters in Justice Administration online while living in California. He is an officer with the Pomona Police Department where his father, Alex Conley, (pictured right) also served.
Josh Fowler (’25) is the College of Health Sciences campus minister at Faulkner University.
Beth (Parker) Ward (1979), 66, was a beloved alumna, teacher, and devoted Christian, who passed away February 15, 2025. Ward was a longtime teacher at Alabama Christian Academy, where she taught for 20 years before retiring to care for her grandchildren. A member of Vaughn Park Church of Christ, Ward served faithfully in many ways. She also loved to write, filling journals with poems, stories, and reflections on faith. In late 2024, she published an autobiography for her children and grandchildren—a final gift of love and legacy.
Erin Wilson (JSL ’25) serves as assistant district attorney for Covington County District Attorney’s Office.
Liesl Langer (2025), was a senior and an accounting graduate at Faulkner University who had battled cancer since the fall of 2019. Just days before her passing on September 7, 2025, Langer was awarded her degree in a special ceremony at home surrounded by her family. Because she had completed more than 80% of her program of study, Faulkner University President Mitch Henry was able to confer her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. Faulkner, through a collaborative effort, was able to adopt a policy creating a procedure to award a degree when a student is suffering from a terminal illness and has completed more than 75% of the degree requirements.
Langer was best known for her bright spirit, her determination, and her faith. She poured her heart into her studies, into tutoring others, and into living out her love for Christ. Her strength, grace, and positivity have left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her wish was that her life would lead others to Christ.
Tim Lee (1983), passed away on August 28, 2025. He was best known for his capacity to love. He texted hundreds of people a day, always offering encouragement, a word of the day, Scripture or a favorite song. He made everyone feel like his best friend. Lee gave away countless purple pens printed with his reminder that “Life can change on a dime.”
Lee loved God, his wife of 40 years, Sharon Wadsworth Lee, his church, Landmark Church, his family and his friends. He was a proud graduate of Faulkner University, where he built friendships and a foundation that shaped his ministry and love for people. He had a special heart for ministering to those struggling with addiction.
Dwight W. Madison, Jr. (1983) died September 9, 2025. Madison was a part of the original transition basketball team that moved Alabama Christian College from a junior college program to a four-year institution. He was a part of the first four-year graduating class in 1983. Madison was known as an encourager on and off the court who cared about the spiritual wellbeing of his teammates.
Cecil May Jr., 93, beloved Bible faculty member, passed away on June 22, 2025. May served as dean of the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies for 15 years and received an honorary doctorate in Christian education from Faulkner University in March in recognition of a lifetime of faithful service. A pillar in the churches of Christ and in Christian education, May ministered, taught, and mentored countless students, leaders and ministers across the country. His impact through the classroom, the pulpit and the written word will echo for generations. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Winnie Agnes Williamson May. He is survived by his wife Janice Blevins May.
Alumni Spotlight: Darin and Karen Phillips Play a Part in Transforming Prattville’s Historical District
by Haley Scott
Faulkner alums Darin ('96) and Karen ('98) Phillips are bringing something big to Central Alabama. Now under construction, Prattville, Alabama’s landmark waterfront jewel, The Picker House, is undergoing modern renovations honoring its historical charm.
A destination for tastes of the South and waterfront views, “The Picker House will offer upscale dining with a southern flair and casual spaces overlooking the iconic Prattville Spillway. A first-of-its-kind in the River Region and Prattville, The Picker House will draw the attention of foodies and culinary experts across the Southeast,” said owner Karen Phillips.
Under ownership of her restaurant group, Watering Hole Management (WHM), Phillips plans to use The Picker House as a catalyst to transform Prattville’s waterfront landscape, bringing visitors and the community together through food, live music, and incredible views. Executive Chef Jeremy Johnson will oversee the culinary art and dining experience. Johnson also serves as the executive chef at WHM’s existing restaurant, 243 South, also owned by the Phillips and located in downtown Prattville.
Brimming under layers of rescued history, The Picker House is being brought to life with designer Logan Craik, Steve Cannon and Associates, and Chambless King Architects at the helm. Other Faulkner alumni involved are Haley Itson Scott ('12), WHM marketing director and Steven Cannon ('95-'96), owner of Steve Cannon and Associates.
The Picker House is set to open April 2026 and will be located at 230 South Court Street.
l-r Darin and Karen Phillips
Blended on-campus & online delivery over 4 years CONTINUE YOUR FAULKNER EDUCATION WITH A
è ONLINE DURING THE WEEK & SUMMERS
ON CAMPUS 2 WEEKENDS A MONTH
MAINTAIN YOUR CAREER & PERSONAL LIFE WHILE YOU PURSUE YOUR LAW DEGREE.
Designed for those seeking a J.D. without weekday on-campus classes, the Executive J.D. Schedule offers a reduced load of blended classes over four years. Blended classes meet on campus two weekends a month (excluding summers) and have an online, distance education component during the week.
