Community News

New Director of Recruiting Position Created to Grow Biblical Studies Program

Faulkner University announced, effective March 1, 2023, director of admissions, Mike Horn transitioned to a new position in the Bible Department as director of Biblical Studies Recruitment and Giving.

Effective the same day, assistant director of admissions, Matt Olguin became the director of admissions.

To fulfill Faulkner University’s desire to increase the number of Bible majors at every level including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral, Horn will specifically recruit prospective students from churches, youth ministry events and other outreach events.

“Since beginning my term as president, the spiritual growth of all our campuses has been my paramount focus. With that, means a renewed emphasis on our Bible programs and an aggressive approach for recruiting godly men and women to attend our V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies,” Faulkner University President Mitch Henry said.

There is a great need for more students to go into ministry roles and Horn’s new focus will help Faulkner further develop enrollment in biblical studies. He will also fundraise for the Jack Zorn Scholarship, a full tuition scholarship specifically for on-campus Bible majors in the traditional program. For more information on the Zorn scholarship, visit https://www. faulkner.edu/zorn/

At the same time, Matt Olguin is the perfect choice to be our new director of admissions. He’s worked in that department for several years and for the last 2 years as assistant director. His track record and experience make him a great choice for this role.

Faulkner Accounting Majors Secure Internships with Local Firms

Ten Faulkner accounting students are currently interning with four different accounting firms in Montgomery, Alabama as the demand for accountants continues to rise.

Students Abigail Chavers, Emily Gilbert and Travis Armstrong are interning at Aldridge Borden & Company. Tucker Clifton, Liesl Langer, Isaiah Brooks are interning at Warren Averett. Nolan Taylor, Gage Gillich and Ethan Edson are interning at Kim Clenney & Company, Inc. and Rahdiashia Davis is interning at Jackson Thornton.

Davis, a senior, is in her second year interning at Jackson Thornton. There, she is responsible for preparing working papers, documenting audit tests and findings within certain programs, and inspecting multiple accounts to confirm accurate records.

“My time at Jackson Thornton has been amazing,” Davis said. “I have already created so many fulfilling relationships in such a short amount of time. Everyone from associates to partners are more than willing to answer any question and help in any way they can. They make it a priority to invest in their young professionals by planning parties, socials, and events to get us connected within the community.”

To learn more about Faulkner’s Accounting program and how you can be a part, visit https://www.faulkner. edu/accounting/

Richardson is now serving her company as a quality management analyst after her promotion in June 2022. To learn more about taking the next step to earning your degree at Faulkner University, visit the BSB and other executive programs at https://www.faulkner.edu/ one-plus-one/ or the MBA program at https://www. faulkner.edu/mba.

Mike Eubanks Speaks at Harris College of Business’ Ethics Institute

The Harris College of Business regularly addresses ethics in business by combining biblical principles with contemporary research and invites speakers to address these issues.

Alumna Hired, Earns Promotion Days After Earning Her BSB Degree

Christa Richardson, a Faulkner alumna, recently received a promotion thanks to her executive business degree from Faulkner and she is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Richardson earned her Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) with an emphasis in Health Administration in December 2021. She first began pursuing her degree 30 years ago, but never completed her degree until she came to Faulkner. Now with two adult sons, Richardson knew she needed to “practice what she preached,” put aside the excuses and complete her degree.

“I had so many reasons as to why I couldn’t go back to school,” Richardson said. “Faulkner’s program eliminated those reasons and replaced them with flexibility, options, and opportunities. The program provides space for the student with full-time responsibilities.”

Three days after her graduation ceremony for her BSB in May 2022, Richardson was hired to work as a member advocate for a not-for-profit health insurance company. Through her studies at Faulkner, she learned what she would need to get to the next level.

This academic year, Faulkner invited board of trustees Vice Chair Mike Eubanks to speak to more than 100 business students as part of the Harris College of Business Ethics Institute.

Every fall and spring semester, the Ethics Institute introduces students to successful leaders from industry who exemplify ethical behavior. Our hope is that students will learn from the successes and challenges faced by these real-world business practitioners. Past speakers include Dr. Rick Lytle of the CEO Forum (Fall 2021) and the recently appointed president of Faulkner University, Mitch Henry (Spring 2022).

In addition to our speakers, students encounter business ethics education throughout the curriculum. Whether it be in accounting, finance, management, marketing, or information systems, each of our courses presents an opportunity to introduce students to discipline-specific examples of ethics in the form of lectures, videos, or case analyses.

This year, Eubanks spoke on the decisions he has faced over his lifetime as an entrepreneur and the ethical stance he took when facing those obstacles. Eubanks currently serves as vice president of Gulf Hauling & Construction, Inc. in Mobile, Alabama.

“Don’t cross the line of getting paid for work you don’t do. It’s an opportunity for quick money that is not right and I see it every day,” Eubanks said. “Contractors come and go by doing this. They get big quick for making bad decisions, evade taxes and end up getting audited by the IRS. There are a million ways to go down the bad road in business. Don’t go down that road. Make ethical decisions.”

Faulkner University to Freeze Tuition for Traditional Students

In light of the current economic stresses facing today’s families, Faulkner University leadership has decided to implement a tuition freeze.

Faulkner University President Mitch Henry made the announcement in December 2022 that the university will not be raising tuition costs for traditional students enrolling this fall.

“As today’s families struggle financially, we want to ease their burden and provide some relief as they look to enroll their graduating seniors into higher education. We hope you consider Faulkner University,” Henry said. “We understand the importance of a higher Christian education for your sons and daughters, so while many institutions and businesses raise prices and raise rates, we will implement a freeze on our traditional tuition.”

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

College of Health Sciences Partner with AMBUCS to Donate Adaptive Tricycles to Families

Several smiling children left the College of Health Sciences March 3, 2023 with their brand-new, customfitted adaptive tricycles donated by Montgomery River Region AMBUCS.

These tricycles were fitted and given to their special needs patients after they took them for a whirl around the Health Science's Marceil Harrison Pediatric Gym.

National AMBUCS, Inc. is a national 501 charitable organization with the mission of providing mobility and independence. They do this through providing Amtryke adaptive tricycles to those in need and provide educational scholarships to therapists.

Earlier that same day, AMBUCS provided students at the College of Health Sciences a seminar to teach them how to outfit adaptive tricycles to their patients and the proper use of these tricycles for therapy.

Lady Eagles Soar to SSAC Tournament Title

Faulkner reached rarified air on February 25, 2023, winning its first conference title in the 13-year history of the women's basketball program. Doing so required snapping a six-game losing streak against Loyola, the team that entered the evening game having won eight consecutive SSAC tournament games as it sought its third straight title.

Faulkner executed its offense masterfully over the first three quarters of the game, building enough of a lead to survive a dreadful shooting period in the fourth on the way to a 67-55 victory and the right to cut down nets for the first time.

The Lady Eagles made 50 percent of their shots in the first, 35.3 percent in the second and 53.3 percent in the third to carry a 58-43 lead into the fourth quarter. From there, Loyola ratcheted up the pressure defensively to limit Faulkner to just 9.1 percent from the floor with an Angela Grant make accounting for the only field goal of the frame. Faulkner did enough at the free throw line to hang on, knocking down seven of 16 attempts to end the game.

The Lady Eagles asserted themselves early and often throughout the contest, trailing for less than four minutes and never by more than four points. A Jazmene McMillan layup with 7:17 left in the first quarter put Loyola up 8-4.

From there, Faulkner launched a 10-0 run to vault itself into the lead. A Grant layup and a Morgan Holland jumper tied the game with 5:48 remaining in the period. A layup by Nequoia Adams and two more by Holland put Faulkner ahead 14-8.

The occasion marks the first time since 2018 the Lady Eagles qualified for the national bracket.

Summer Mission Trip Opportunity

Are you interested in traveling to Africa this summer? This overseas mission opportunity in Arusha, Tanzania is open not only for Bible majors, but for all undergraduate students at Faulkner. Go global and experience this (approximately) 10 day, life changing adventure in missions!

For more information contact Bible Professor Richard Trull, Ph. D., who is over the Missions Program, via rtrull@faulkner.edu, or scan the QR Code provided.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (ESV) 1 Peter 4:6 l-r the undergraduate department chairs and is the ideal candidate.

“I am so pleased Dr. Justin Bond will be serving as Interim Dean of the Harris College of Business after the tragic death of Dr. Khadanga. Justin has the experience, intellect, and character necessary to move our respected Business College forward during this important time,” President Mitch Henry.

Please keep Dr. Bond in your prayers as he transitions to this new chapter in his career leading the University’s College of Business and Executive Education.

Faulkner’s Offices of Advancement and Marketing Restructured

This year, Faulkner University’s Office of Advancement experienced a strategic restructuring in order to separate the Office of Marketing, which now reports directly to the Office of the President.

With the restructuring, came new leadership and new appointments for each office.

President Mitch Henry, center, announces the 2023 Mr. and Miss Faulkner.

l-r Sarah Hargrave, Crystal Klose, Erin Vansandt, Molly Presnell, Peyton Osborn, Garrett Akins, Travis Armstrong, Grayson Plunkett

Justin Bond Named Interim Dean

In the wake of the untimely and unfortunate passing of Dr. Dave Khadanga, Faulkner has appointed Dr. Justin Bond as the Interim Dean of the College of Business to serve out the rest of this fiscal year which ends May 31. Dr. Bond is a professor within the college, serves as one of

Patrick Gregory began his new role as chief marketing officer on January 1, 2023 and oversees all marketing efforts of the university.

Gregory brought decades of real-world advertising and marketing experience to Faulkner when he was hired in 2014, and dedicated the last nine years to helping grow Faulkner’s adult and online programs as director of University Marketing.

Kasey Oakley was promoted to chief information officer on January 1, 2023 and is responsible for the coordination of the information technology functions across the university. He is charged with providing strategic and operational leadership throughout the enterprise in all aspects of information technology planning that advances the Faulkner mission and facilitates the operation of the university.

Oakley brings decades of IT experience with him into this role, with his most recent experience working in the Education IT realm, helping schools throughout the nation with their Internet and network infrastructure planning and funding. Kasey will be in charge of leading our current IT team and working with each department within the university to optimize technology and business functions.

Dr. Wayne Baker, vice chancellor of Faulkner University, is now also serving as interim vice president of Advancement. He has been serving at Faulkner for many decades and is a staunch supporter of Christian higher education.

Donna Churchwell served in the university's department of Human Resources prior to starting her new role as the administrative assistant to the vice president of Advancement.

Lastly, Karen Bruce is coming from Faulkner Birmingham where she served as director and was highly involved and influential in the community and businesses in the larger Birmingham area. She will use her networking skills well in her new role as Advancement's annual gift officer.