Deep South college guide

Deep South

College Guide

Finding Your Perfect School: Real Students’ Voices Profiles in Higher Education b-metro.com

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Finding

Your Home for students college is more than just getting a great education Written by Lauren Lockhart

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I remember the car ride to move-in day my freshman year of college almost perfectly. The short, 20-minute drive to Birmingham-Southern College with my mother was one of few words—quiet, reflective, pensive. And then, in the sentimental moment of turning onto campus for the first time, sunglasses on as a preventative measure against a few meaningful tears, my mom blurted out, “Now, I don’t expect you to be an angel, but just don’t drink anything from a punch bowl!” Yep, my first college memory.

That day didn’t seem so long ago, mostly because it wasn’t. I graduated from BSC just a few short months ago, and as I proudly walked across the stage, diploma in hand and an amalgam of memories rerunning through my head, that first car drive with my mom couldn’t help but reemerge. That memory, no matter how awkwardly incongruous, was the instant I realized that I was really, truly a college student. That moment of self-discovery is different for everyone; for some, it’s opening that crisp, white acceptance letter from the school they’ve always dreamed of attending. For others, it’s stepping into their first class, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and an all-too-intimidating professor.

And for a few, it isn’t until they make that first trip back to their parents’ house and realize just how much that little, concretewalled dorm room actually feels like home.

There are 61 colleges and universities in the state of Alabama alone. And in the entire Southeastern region? Let’s just agree that it’s a lot. The city of Birmingham houses eight institutions of higher learning itself. Some students have grown up in Birmingham and choose to stay here for college. Other Birmingham natives decide to adventure out to a different state—or even country—for college, and even more will travel here and proudly call the Magic City their collegiate home. Some of these students will even establish permanent roots in Birmingham post-graduation. I have a friend who has applied for over 50 jobs in Birmingham because that’s how much she wants to move back to this great city since graduating. I don’t blame her.

I got the chance to chat with some friends—both old and new—about their college experiences. No matter the journey

getting there, these students have found home at their respective universities. And as I conversed with this diverse group, one commonality became apparent: it is the people—the fellow students, professors, faculty and staff—within these institutions that construct the community these students treasure above all else.

My good friend Lauren Faraino is brilliant. Brilliant in ways beyond a onesentence explanation. A lifelong resident of Birmingham, Lauren just graduated from Harvard University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country this spring. Yet above the academia and esteem of this university, predict what she takes away as her favorite aspect of the school.

“No question, the best thing about Harvard is the student body,” expresses Lauren. “I was surrounded by brilliant, accomplished people who also happened to be so down to earth. It’s the type of place where you can live across the hall from a guy who speaks 10 languages (I actually did) and be at a party with the founder of a national startup.”

Matthew Smith, a recent graduate of Montevallo University, agrees about the compassionate community at his alma mater: “The professors and students are focused on the same goal: success,” he says.

“Because Montevallo is a liberal arts college, the students are offered a wide variety of opportunities to grow in their chosen field with the support of the faculty and staff.”

A friend of mine, Katie Ann Bass—a track and field superstar who just finished her first year at BSC—understands the importance of finding a college with the right support for the individual, especially when starting your freshman year of college means balancing an increased

“No question, the best thing about Harvard is the student body,” expresses Lauren. “I was surrounded by brilliant, accomplished people who also happened to be so down to earth....”

-Lauren Faraino

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“The professors and students are focused on the same goal: success,” he says. “Because Montevallo is a liberal arts college, the students are offered a wide variety of opportunities to grow in their chosen field with the support of the faculty and staff.”

-Matthew Smith

Everyone’s collegiate experience is different.

That’s part of what makes college such a distinct and exciting time in a young adult’s life.

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workload with frequent athletic practices.

“I chose BSC to be my home for the following four years because I knew there was no other place with a staff that would care for me so genuinely, a student body that would work with me so well to accomplish my goals, a team that would support me on my good weeks and my bad weeks, and a president that would hug me every single time we ran into each other.”

So don’t choose a college solely because its cafeteria stocks a dozen varieties of sushi, or because it holds the best football tailgates in the nation, or because its grad school statistics are through the roof—there are several important factors to consider when choosing a college, but a school won’t feel like it is truly yours unless it surrounds you with a community of people that energize, motivate and inspire you. Find a school where you feel at home.

Everyone’s collegiate experience is different. That’s part of what makes college such a distinct and exciting time in a young

adult’s life. What many discover in college is the surge in unique, non-traditional educational experiences. From study abroad opportunities to career internships to innovative classes, you as the student get the chance to carve out your own educational pathway.

“I had the unique opportunity to take a class inside of Framingham Prison alongside a group of women who were currently incarcerated,” Faraino explains of a course that was co-sponsored by an organization that provides degrees for the imprisoned. “I learned as much from the women who were incarcerated as I did from any of my professors at Harvard. The women were so dedicated to their studies and were able to offer a perspective to that class that the average college student can’t.”

Similarly, Bass shares with me an unconventional course she took during BSC’s exploration term that focused on studying the statistics of poverty rates in America. “We were not simply asked to study poverty from a distance,” she says of the course, which included conducting vision screenings at local elementary schools

“We had to immerse ourselves in lower-income societies in order to get a better understanding of the cycle of poverty.”

-Katie Ann Bass

and helping underprivileged clients do their taxes. “We had to immerse ourselves in lowerincome societies in order to get a better understanding of the cycle of poverty.”

As a theatre major at Montevallo, Smith had the opportunity to participate in a weekend intensive course in New York City, a networking experience that extends far beyond classroom walls: “We [met] with casting directors, agents, choreographers, actors, etc., who are currently working on Broadway. We [had] workshops and mock auditions with feedback.” An experience like this provided real-world insight that is indispensable for student actors like Smith, who will be performing as Tom Sawyer in the upcoming Birmingham Children’s Theatre production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

And sometimes, a basic course can turn into so much more. Ali Massoud, a junior international studies major at UAB, enrolled in a class on ethnographic filmmaking out of pure interest. “My film partner and I produced a documentary about the art students at UAB and about

whether or not it was possible for college students to major in something they were passionate about while simultaneously having a pragmatic job outlook,” Massoud explains. After the course, Massoud entered his documentary in the Sidewalk Film Festival, where it was accepted into the festival lineup. “I had the honor of being the youngest filmmaker present,” expresses Ali. “It was so thrilling to see what had begun as a school assignment take me to such incredible places in the city.”

With each college offering its own distinctive schooling, how do you know which college is the right one for you? The best way to get a feel for the vibe of a college is to schedule a visit. Obvious advice, I know, but you’d be amazed at how much it impacts your college search process. Most colleges look great on paper, but you’ve got to immerse yourself in its campus culture to find out if it’s the right fit for you—you

With each college offering its own distinctive schooling, how do you know which college is the right one for you? The best way to get a feel for the vibe of a college is to schedule a visit. b-metro.com

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“My film partner and I produced a documentary about the art students at UAB and about whether or not it was possible for college students […] to major in something they were passionate about while simultaneously having a pragmatic job outlook,” -Ali Massoud

The long hours at the library don’t seem as long anymore. The strenuous exams and assignments are suddenly worth it. It’s like giving your academic subconscious an energy drink, something to tide you over until you graduate and turn your dream into reality.”

This is where it all happens.

Welcome to college.

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may even surprise yourself. KeKoria Greer, a junior public relations/marketing major at the University of North Alabama sure did.

“Honestly, I never thought I would end up at this great university,” says Greer, who had her sights set on a completely different school until she visited UNA’s campus.

“We got there and I literally fell in love with [UNA]. After being there for two days it just seemed so right, and I could not picture myself anywhere else.”

Once you find your collegiate home, your opportunities to excel are boundless.

As a sophomore, Greer was asked to host the UNA Homecoming pep rally, a job usually given to upperclassmen.

“I remember standing there on the field with the microphone in my hand and looking around at the sea of purple and gold,” she says. “It was that moment that it hit me; not only is this university great, but we have great school spirit.”

Massoud agrees, expressing how glad he is to be involved not only at UAB, but also within the Birmingham community at large. He explains, “Being involved in all of these things around the city provides great networking opportunities and ensures that my calendar is always full of exciting events. I’m making connections for my professional life and memories for my personal life, and I’m loving every minute of college!”

“Honestly, I never thought I would end up at this great university,” -KeKoria Greer,

College is ultimately preparation for your future. That doesn’t mean you’ve got to have everything sorted out on your first day of class—this is coming from a fine– arts–turned–business major, so you can trust me on this one. Things change. You change. Explore your innermost interests, immerse yourself in the learning process, then find your passion, grab hold of it and do all you can to make it your livelihood.

My friend Mitchell Rutherford, who is studying nursing at UAB, shared with me a story that I will always remember as the quintessence of the authentic purpose of college.

“I will never forget the day I spent working in the NICU during my clinical

rotations. I’ve wanted to work in a NICU since I was 12, and the fact that I got to spend time on the unit, even just as a student nurse, was surreal,” she explained to me.

“Being able to get a taste, no matter how limited, of your dream career or ultimate goal is such a positive thing for a student.

The long hours at the library don’t seem as long anymore. The strenuous exams and assignments are suddenly worth it. It’s like giving your academic subconscious an energy drink, something to tide you over until you graduate and turn your dream into reality.”

This is where it all happens. Welcome to college.

“I will never forget the day I spent working in the NICU during my clinical rotations. I’ve wanted to work in a NICU since I was 12, and the fact that I got to spend time on the unit, even just as a student nurse, was surreal,” -Mitchell Rutherford b-metro.com

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Profiles in

Higher Education

On the pages that follow, you will find the best the Deep South has to offer in higher education.

Educational opportunities are blossoming in a host of new directions, from distance learning to career-specific course-work. The world of academia is on the fast track, keeping up with the heightened demand for a high-value education.

The Deep South College Guide is a resource for parents, students of traditional age and non-traditional students to learn more about selected institutions of higher learning and the paths they offer to a better life. On the pages that follow, you will find these opportunities in detail in this collection of profiles of Southern institutions of higher learning, their programs and traditions.

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Bevill State Community College Whether you’re starting your college career, returning to school to change careers, or looking for classes to enrich your life, Bevill State Community College can help you reach your goals.

As a comprehensive learning-centered institution, Bevill State is dedicated to providing higher education opportunities and services to residents in West Central Alabama.

As a public, two-year institution in the Alabama Community College System, Bevill State is committed to delivering programs in academic and career technical education, adult education and workforce training. Bevill State offers university-parallel courses that prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges

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to complete baccalaureate degrees. Health sciences, career technical education and short-term training programs prepare students to enter the workforce in two years or less. Adult Education focuses on improving individuals’ skill, productivity and training with GED preparation and testing, basic skills and English as a Second Language.

Bevill State strives to provide its students with state-of-the-art, well equipped campuses to meet the educational and self-developmental needs of each student. Each campus provides extensive library resources, bookstores, meeting facilities, dining facilities and much more. The College has multiple locations with main campuses in Fayette,

Hamilton, Jasper and Sumiton and an instructional site in Carrollton. The flexibility of day, evening, weekend and online classes provides individuals an excellent opportunity to further their education.

Bevill State students receive highquality education from caring, committed faculty members in small classes at an affordable price. Contact us today and learn more about the Real Value of a Bevill State Education.

Bevill State Community College 800.648.3271 www.bscc.edu

What does value about her her WhatPeyton does Peyton value about Bevill Bevill State education?

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Students at Bevill State are taughtState by highly skilled are Students at Bevill are taught byprofessionals highly skilledwho professionals who are determined to see them succeed. whether youSoplan to continue your determined to see So them succeed. whether you plan to education continue your education at a four-year school or learnschool a skill that will aput you in will a high at a four-year or learn skill that putpaying you incareer a highfast, paying career fast Bevill State instructors are instructors committed are to helping you to meet your you goals.

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• Savings of $36,000 in just two years* • Savings of $36,000 in just two years • Fun campus life • Fun campus life • Great friends • Great friends • Close to home • Close to home • Flexible class options • Flexible class options • Online and hybrid classes • Online and hybrid classes • Hundreds of career paths • Hundreds of career paths • Scholarship and grant opportunities • Scholarship and grant opportunitie

*Comparison of approximate cost of $45,000 for 60 semester hours at a four collegehours basedaton 2012-2013 numbers reported

by Alabama’s premier institutions to $8,400 for four semesters Bevillfor State. is the *Comparison of approximate cost of $45,000 for 60year semester a four year college based on 2012-2013 numbers reported

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Birmingham-Southern College Preparing the professionals of tomorrow.

You can go anywhere for a college degree.

At BirminghamSouthern College, we’re committed to offering you the hands-on experiences you’ll need to succeed—no matter what field you choose.

Our unique January term gives you four weeks of flexibility to pursue your dreams, and our top-notch academic programs will give you the skills to succeed. At BSC, you’ll: Explore the world and discover your own passions. Take a class that inspires you or visit a country you’ve only seen on a map. Make friends that give you new perspectives on life, expand your horizons

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in a campus club, or test your limits on the field of play. You’ll find your own path, all while building the skills today’s employers want.

Experience learning in a new way. Tackle challenges you never imagined, then take what you learn beyond the classroom. Whatever you choose—an internship, research with a professor, a one-on-one mentorship, a service project, or your own invention—you’ll get the tools you need to succeed in the world of work.

Excel before graduation and beyond.

Our students are among the very best, and our alumni exceed all expectations.

Whether they’re a U.S. senator, museum

director, prize-winning author, NASA scientist, attorney, entrepreneur, physician, or more, they credit BSC for their success.

Not only that, but they’re eager to help you meet your goals.

With more than 50 areas of study, including interdisciplinary majors and special programs in honors, leadership, study abroad, service-learning, and more, we have countless routes to your future.

Come see why Forbes magazine ranks BSC No. 1 in the state, and the book “Colleges That Change Lives” lists BSC among just 40 schools honored, calling it “what college ought to be.”

Are you ready?

Learn more at www.bsc.edu or call the Office of Admission at (205) 226-4696.

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At BSC, we prepare the professionals of tomorrow by giving our students every opportunity to apply what they learn to the real world.

Whether it’s an internship, study abroad, research partnership, or service, you’ll find your passion and learn from the very best.

That’s the pathway to success.

are you ready?

BSC

Birmingham-Southern College

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Jefferson State Community College Jefferson State Community College‌ A great place to start!

Jefferson State, one of Alabama’s leading two-year colleges, has provided excellence in education and workforce training for the greater Birmingham area since 1965. Jefferson State offers a multitude of university transfer programs, career programs and certificate programs. Our college takes great pride in providing the resources needed for students to succeed.

We encourage you to see why Jefferson State is a great place to start.

Quality Instruction & Personal Attention The programs offered at Jefferson State are taught by qualified and caring faculty.

Our classes are small which allow students to receive the attention they deserve.

Instructors get to know you and care about your success.

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Excellent Value Affordable tuition and fees at Jefferson State make education accessible to everyone in the community. Tuition and fees are significantly less than those at four-year colleges and universities. The current in-state tuition and fees are $142 per credit hour.

Convenience & Flexibility Jefferson State offers courses at four convenient locations and online. Students can attend the Jefferson Campus, the Shelby-Hoover Campus, the St. Clair-Pell City location, and the Chilton-Clanton location. Classes are offered during the day, evening, weekends and online.

Guaranteed Credit Transfer Jefferson State courses are guaranteed to transfer to four-year institutions in Alabama. With the guidance of an advisor and the STARS articulation agreement, students have peace of mind knowing their credit will transfer.

You are invited to go online or visit our campuses and learn how Jefferson State can meet your needs. Come and discover what Jefferson State has to offer. It is a great place to start!

www.jeffstateonline.com (205) 983-5911

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Miles College Miles College: A Historic Past and a Rich Future

Miles College, a school with a rich history, is making strides as an academic institution with a contemporary attitude and a cutting-edge future. With roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and in the tradition of the Historically Black College, Miles College motivates and directs its students to seek holistic development that leads to intellectual, ethical, spiritual and service-oriented lives.

Under the leadership of its president, Dr. George T. French, Jr., Miles has added new and innovative academic programs, is proudly recruiting talented students and is currently erecting three new buildings.

The new buildings include the Welcome and Admissions Center, the 204bed Bishop Teresa E. Snorton Residence Hall and the Dr. George T. French Jr. Student Activity Center, which will feature a Starbucks and the Kirkwood Balton Movie Theater.

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Miles has also added some interesting new academic programs in recent years.

Miles College is one of 23 schools in the nation with a Center of Academic Excellence under the office of the Director of National Intelligence. Training students for roles with U.S intelligence agencies and for an increasingly global society, the school now offers classes in Arabic.

The theatre department has enjoyed a Professor in Residence program with past participants actresses Robin Givens and Bern Nadette Stanis.

With an on-campus radio station, a heralded marching band and a competitive athletics program, campus life is bustling.

Miles competes in the NCAA Division II’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Miles football team won the 2011 SIAC championship. The program has men’s and women’s sports that include: basketball, volleyball, track,

baseball, softball, cross country and golf.

In the events being commemorated by the 50 Years Forward Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, Miles College played a critical role. In fact, the movement was influenced to come to Birmingham because of the activism of students at Miles College through their selective buying campaign facilitated by then Student Government Association President, Frank Dukes. The activism of Miles College students helped to make Birmingham, Alabama the Civil Rights Capital of the world.

Miles College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees in 28 disciplines. www.miles.edu

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The W Quality, Personal and Affordable Our students say there’s something special about The W. You might think they’re talking about our beautiful historic campus, our small class sizes, or the fact that we’ve been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly Magazine, and Online College Database.

Sure those are important. But what students say gives their education that extra something, is our community, which is down to earth, welcoming, and intellectually curious. It’s what makes them feel at home.

The W is known for its intimate setting; history and traditions; and “like family” attitude.

Physical Environment --Unique in the marketplace, The W provides a walkable, open campus; a large number of buildings on The National Register of Historic Places; and a

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geographic location in easy distance of its host community, Columbus, Mississippi.

Social/Psychological Environment --A campus known for its Southern hospitality, The W has a commitment to each student that closely aligns with its mission; a strong sense of service; a familiar tradition; and a closeness with faculty that allows building relationships that last.

Quality of Instruction and Academic Excellence --An experienced faculty; an institutional reputation for strong academics and program offerings; strong peer interaction; and a favorable 14:1 student faculty ratio.

The W was founded in 1884 on a pretty daring idea: women should have the chance for higher education. Today, the university attracts both female and male students from around the region and around the world.

It has established one of the premier nursing programs in the state, offering degrees from the associate’s through the doctor of nursing practice; and has developed a nationally recognized program in culinary arts.

The W’s four colleges include Arts and Sciences; Business and Professional Studies; Education and Human Sciences; and Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology.

We know college is not just about academics. It’s hard not to find a fit in one of more than 75 student organizations.

Help plan a concert, compete in intramurals, serve in student government, join a social club, sorority, or fraternity.

Or start your own organization. We’re all about you!

1-877-462-8439

DARE. DREAM. ACHIEVE. Looking for a great education that gives you a great value? The W is for you.

We have the lowest tuition at a public university in Mississippi, and many counties in Alabama qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers.

The W offers a private-college feel, with a studentfaculty ratio of 14 to 1. Your classes will be taught by professors who know you and mentor you.

We’ve been consistently ranked one of the top public regional universities by U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly Magazine, and Online College Database.

Dare. Dream. Achieve at a place where you matter— The W. For more information, visit

www.muw.edu/admissions

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Samford University Partners with Birmingham for 135 years in business, education, environmental science, music and nursing.

Samford offers 143 majors, minors and concentrations. It has a student-tofaculty ratio of 12-to-1, with no classes taught by graduate assistants. Samford offers an innovative liberal arts curriculum through the University Fellows honors program. A broad global education program provides an array of international study opportunities and integrates global education throughout the curriculum.

Samford participates in 17 NCAA Division 1 sports as a member of the historic Southern Conference. An extensive campus recreation program offers intramurals, personal fitness and club sport opportunities.

A National Leader

Samford University has been Alabama’s leading private university since 1878, but its roots go deeper than that. Founded in Marion, Ala., in 1841, Samford’s relocation to the new city of Birmingham allowed both the young institution and the new city to grow and prosper together. Today, Samford is a vital part of the metropolitan region, with an annual economic impact of more than $330 million and a national reputation for its academic programs and its affordability.

A Comprehensive University Samford offers fully accredited law, pharmacy and divinity graduate/ professional degrees, and is the only Alabama institution that offers all three programs. Fully-accredited graduate/ professional degrees also are available 174

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Samford has been ranked in the top tier of its peer group by U.S. News & World Report for more than two decades and was ranked 4th in the South among regional universities in 2012. Samford’s academic programs and affordability also have been recognized by such prestigious publications as Kiplinger’s, Forbes and The Princeton Review. Programs in law, nursing, education and business also have received national recognition by prominent publications and rankings.

A New Vision To meet the growing health-care needs in the U.S. and globally, Samford University is embarking on its most ambitious academic initiative in more than 50 years. A new College of Health Sciences combines the resources of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing and the McWhorter School of Pharmacy and other existing health-related programs with two new academic units: the School of Health Related Professions and the School of Community and Public Health. And, a new Center for Faith and Health will serve as a foundation for faith and health initiatives, missions and ministries.

The new College will launch during the 2013-14 academic year and will strengthen Birmingham’s strong reputation in health care.

A Community Partnership Giving back to the community is an important part of the Samford mission.

Samford students participate annually in about 200 community service projects.

These include tutoring programs, sports camps, neighborhood renewal, health clinics and a variety of other activities that enhance the region’s quality of life.

Samford is a premier arts provider for the region, with more than 200 events each year through the School of the Arts, the Wright Center Signature Series and community partnerships with the Alabama Ballet, OperaBirmingham, Alabama Symphony, Birmingham Chamber Music Society, Preserve Jazz Festival, SuperJazz and others.

A Bright Future The new College of Health Sciences, expanded online degree programs and course offerings, a revamped Evening College, and a new state-of-the-art building for the Brock School of Business are on the immediate horizon and will contribute to a bright future for Alabama’s largest private, comprehensive university.

Samford University

School of the Arts Howard College of Arts and Sciences Brock School of Business Beeson Divinity School Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education Cumberland School of Law Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing McWhorter School of Pharmacy www.samford.edu

This is MY Samford “My Samford experience has challenged me in ways that cannot be described in words. I have met many people who have profoundly impacted my life. At the same time, I have been equipped to go serve others with the knowledge I have gained while at Samford University. That’s MY Samford story.”

Jeremy Towns Dolomite, Ala.

2008 Graduate and Valedictorian, Wenonah High School Senior sports medicine major, Class of 2014 Samford Ambassador Founder, R.A.N.S.O.M. ministry Member, Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society Student-athlete and scholar-athlete Future plans: medical school

Begin YOUR Samford journey today.

www.samford.edu Produced by Samford Office of Marketing and Communication

Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Institution that complies with applicable law prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin.

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University of Alabama at Birmingham Your world will never be the same.

Broad horizons. At UAB, nearly 17,000 voices from across the nation and 69 countries come together on a campus consistently ranked among the top 5 most diverse campuses in the nation. Students share cultures, ideas, interests, and unique personalities for an enriched education that surpasses the standard curriculum.

Bringing the world to UAB offers students a world’s worth of experiences during college, preparing them to create experiences of their own after graduation.

Deep roots. UAB and the Birmingham area offer opportunities to learn from—and work with—some of the world’s top scholars, performers, and experts. Programs from the sciences and engineering to the arts and humanities, and exclusive internship and co-op opportunities throughout the city, give students the benefit of expert instruction,

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exciting academic challenges, and experiences that will prepare them for a future in the job market, the lab, or the classroom.

Vital knowledge. A college education shouldn’t just convey facts—it should be a source of knowledge. UAB’s 137 degrees include courses of study that can’t be found anywhere else in the state or even in the Southeast, as well as unique educational opportunities through majors our students design for themselves. Placing unique curricula in real-life context can lead to a life-changing education.

Rich experiences. Waiting until graduate school to begin research in earnest means waiting to learn and waiting for a chance to make world-changing discoveries. UAB students don’t wait—every year, more than 3,500 undergraduates work independently and side-by-side with some of the nation’s

top researchers and scholars, making breakthroughs in the lab, in the classroom, in the studio, in the community, and within their own lives.

How can our knowledge change your world? Learn more at uab.edu.

Know More · 11,129 undergraduates on campus · Top 5 among public institutions for research dollars per freshman · 529,000 square feet of lab space · 1,300 Study Away destinations · 9 pre-professional programs offered · 2 top-notch medical education facilities on campus: UAB Medical Center and the UAB School of Medicine UAB. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Knowledge that will change your world

MAKING A HABIT OF CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO.

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The University of Alabama UA Students Thrive in a Climate of Excellence The University of Alabama provides students an education that allows them to reach their full academic and personal potential. Our dedication to excellence has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, which has ranked UA among the top 50 public universities in the nation for more than a decade.

Excellence demands individuality. We offer more than 200 majors and minors.

New College allows students to customize a course of study. And Honors College is home to the best and brightest students, all of whom were in the top tier of their high-school graduating class.

At UA we help in-state, first-time freshmen pay for college through scholarship opportunities such as Capstone Scholars, Collegiate Scholars and Presidential Scholars. We also offer meritbased scholarships such as National Merit

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Finalist, National Achievement Finalist and National Alumni Association Crimson Scholarships. To learn more about these and other scholarships, visit scholarships. ua.edu.

In addition to scholarships, 35 percent of UA undergraduates receive some type of federal financial aid such as work-study, loans or grants. To learn more about additional financial aid opportunities, visit financialaid.ua.edu.

Our commitment to students goes beyond the classroom, with local volunteer opportunities, study abroad, internships and cultural events. Undergraduate research is a hallmark of UA academics; more than 550 undergraduate students participated in the 2013 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference. UA offers more than 350 student groups ranging from politics

to intramural sports, and a thriving Greek system. Our campus ministries organization is robust and diverse, allowing students to grow in their faith or explore avenues for spiritual growth.

UA challenges students to work harder, reach higher and go farther than ever before. Our students accept that challenge.

UA leads the nation in USA Today’s AllUSA College Academic Team members, having placed 46 members on the team since 2003. We have produced Rhodes Scholars, Goldwater Scholars, Truman Scholars, Hollings Scholars and Javits Fellows.

The University of Alabama teaches excellence; here your potential for success can flourish. To learn more, visit gobama.ua.edu.

YOU ARE UA

Wherever you want to go in life, find your path at The University of Alabama.

With more than 200 majors and minors, nationally ranked academic programs, an award-winning faculty and countless opportunities for engaged scholarship through research, service learning and study abroad, The University of Alabama is the college experience that you have been looking for. Take your next step at The University of Alabama and discover how far you can go.

Discover more of the advantages we have waiting for you.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , GOBAMA.UA.EDU

CALL 800-933-BAMA (2262) OR (205) 348-5666.

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University of Montevallo Founded in 1896, the University of Montevallo is located in the community of Montevallo, approximately 35 miles south of Birmingham.

Red brick walks and drives crisscross the breathtaking campus, which boasts three antebellum structures and more than 25 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The central part of campus is a National Historic District.

With the look and feel of a small, private college, the University of Montevallo, a public university with an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students, offers one of the best values in higher education in Alabama. Here students from virtually every county in Alabama, as well as from other states and 23 countries, learn in an educational environment that boasts a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 21.

Montevallo offers academic programs in four colleges: arts and sciences, business, education and fine arts. Students choose from more than 30 degree programs

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and approximately 75 majors and concentrations. They have unprecedented opportunities for conducting undergraduate research under faculty mentors, more than 95 percent of whom have earned either the doctorate or another terminal degree.

UM fields 12 NCAA Division II athletic teams that compete in the Peach Belt Conference.

Unique to Montevallo is its homecoming tradition, College Night, which is known as the only homecoming tradition of its kind in the nation and which brings hundreds of alumni back to campus each February. College Night was selected as a “Local Legacy” for the Library of Congress’s bicentennial celebration in 2000.

Montevallo is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the top public master’slevel university in Alabama in the 2013 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” a distinction it has held each year since 2008.

For 2013, Montevallo is listed as the 14th

best public university in the South in its division and 37th overall in the South.

Montevallo is also recognized in this edition as one of the top four Southern universities that graduates students with the lowest average debt loads. In addition, UM’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges with zero recommendations and no sanctions of any kind – a rare achievement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UM: Visit go.montevallo.edu or www.montevallo.edu Call 205.665.6030 or 1.800.292.4349 (toll-free) Send e-mail to admissions@ montevallo.edu Join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/goMontevallo

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The University of West Alabama There’s something about this place!

Those who have experienced the University of West Alabama often say, “There’s something about this place.”

Nestled on 600 beautiful acres in Livingston, Alabama, the University of West Alabama is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the South, known for its outstanding on-campus and online academic programs, vibrant student life, and close-knit community where everybody knows your name.

Established in 1835, the University of West Alabama is a fully accredited, four-year public institution with 2,300 on-campus students enrolled in 52 undergraduate and 37 graduate degree programs and another 2,500 students in 37 graduate education degree programs and six undergraduate degree programs offered completely online.

At the University of West Alabama, you’ll find many opportunities that are not

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available at other colleges and universities, such as: •Top-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs with caring and accessible professors who are mentors inside and outside of the classroom; • Small classes with a 14:1 student-toprofessor ratio so you will never get lost in a crowd; •An immaculate campus with incredible nature trails and a 54-acre lake that is stocked for fishing; •18 varsity sports teams that compete for Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II championships; •Vibrant student life including intramural sports, sororities and fraternities, and more than 65 campus, student government, and religious organizations; and • Modern, state-of-the-art residence halls

including an apartment complex and the new suite-style, freshman-focused Gilbert Hall, plus much more.

We invite you to discover the University of West Alabama and see for yourself why everyone says, “There’s something about this place.” Visit us on the Web, send us an email, or give us a call, and we will take care of the rest.

Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management The University of West Alabama Station 4 Livingston, AL 35470 205-652-3578 800-621-8044 (toll-free) admissions@uwa.edu www.uwa.edu

Earn your degree at UWA

on campus

or online

For additional information, visit

www.uwa.edu or call

1-800-621-8044

There’s something about this place!

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Faulkner University

Faulkner University: Close to Home, Nationally Known More students across Alabama and the Southeast are choosing to attend Faulkner University. You can get a quality, Christian education close to home. Here are some of the reasons why people like you are deciding to further their education at Faulkner:

•The Christian education difference: At Faulkner, you will grow not only academically but also spiritually. Bible classes, daily chapel and late-night devotionals make a Faulkner education distinctive. You will be taught by faculty who are Christians and who care about you as a person.

•Locations near you: We’ve been serving the higher education needs of Alabama and the Southeast for more than 70 years. Our main campus is in Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama, with excellent access to Birmingham, Atlanta, Mobile and the beaches. Faulkner has extension campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile, plus an eCampus that offers online degrees.

•Convenient degree programs for all phases of life: In addition to our traditional undergraduate program in Montgomery, Faulkner offers degrees for people of all ages that can be completed during evenings and weekends, or even online.

•Choice of academic majors: Faulkner offers more than 60 majors in popular fields including business, education, ministry, computer science, counseling, biology and criminal justice. Our graduate programs include a nationally accredited law school.

•Fun and friendly campus: You won’t get lost in the crowd at Faulkner. This is a campus where professors will know you by name and where lifelong friendships are formed. Students at Faulkner University enjoy an active campus life with modern on-campus housing options, great dining venues, social clubs, intramural sports, band and theater. The university is also home to an active intercollegiate athletics program •Exceptional value: We offer great financial aid opportunities that can help keep a college education more affordable. We also offer special incentives for those in the military and veterans.

To learn more about Faulkner University, go to www.faulkner.edu or check us out on Facebook

Choose Faulkner Faulkner University has been providing Christian higher education in Alabama for more than 70 years. We offer traditional, adult and online degree programs.

Come see the Faulkner difference.

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Montgomery | Birmingham | Huntsville | Mobile

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faulkner.edu 1-800-879-9816

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Lawson State Lawson State Community College, ranked as one of “America’s 50 Best Community Colleges,” is a comprehensive, public, two-year, multi-campus college, which seeks to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life for people in its service area.

Further adding to its distinctions, Lawson State was one of 17 community colleges honored by the White House in September 2011 as a “Champion of Change” for its community impact and innovative approaches to solving challenges and helping individuals achieve educational and career goals.

Since its founding in 1949, Lawson State has focused its attention on the educational success and the career accomplishments of its students. The

College offers more than 85 areas of study on its Bessemer and Birmingham campuses in four educational divisions: business technologies, career technical, health professions and liberal arts and sciences. Numerous financial aid options are available for students including grants, scholarships and work-study programs.

To foster a well-rounded collegiate experience Lawson State encourages participation in its numerous clubs and organizations, choir, cheerleading and dance, and competitive sports and intercollegiate athletics, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and men’s baseball. The college also offers residential living on the Birmingham campus.

First-hand acquaintance will reveal all that is truly distinctive about Lawson

State—a well-qualified and dedicated faculty, a congenial atmosphere and a college devoted to learning and its students.

For more information call: Bessemer and Birmingham Campuses: (205) 925-2515 www.lawsonstate.edu Bessemer Campus (Exit 108 off Interstate 20/59) 1100 - 9th Avenue SW Bessemer, Alabama 35022 Birmingham Campus 3060 Wilson Road Birmingham, Alabama 35221

A quality education opens the door to your future. Start with us and build a solid foundation for success.

Lawson State Community College is a comprehensive, multi-campus college, which seeks to provide educational opportunities, promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life for people in its service area. The College is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible learning opportunities in order to prepare students for employment or career advancement, enable students to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and provide customized training needs for business and industry.

Start Here, Go Anywhere!

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES

CAREER/ TECHNICAL

For more information call: Bessemer and Birmingham Campuses: (205) 925-2515 www.lawsonstate.edu Dr. Perry W. Ward, President Bessemer Campus (Exit 108 off Interstate 20/59) 1100 - 9th Avenue SW Bessemer, Alabama 35022

Birmingham Campus 3060 Wilson Road Birmingham, Alabama 35221

COLLEGE TRANSFER PROGRAMS b-metro.com

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Mississippi College Academics are not the only thing that make a university great. What makes a university great is the people. People who genuinely care about the students and strive to support them in every facet of their lives. Mississippi College has been educating and supporting students for nearly two centuries - since 1826.

Mississippi College stands as the oldest college in the state and the second oldest Baptist college in the world. Our university has evolved over time with new academic programs, student organizations, and new facilities, but has far from forgotten the Christian principles that it was founded upon. Academically, MC features over 80 areas of study on the undergraduate level, as well as graduate programs, a law school, a Physician’s Assistant program, and doctoral programs.

MC’s 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio consistently promotes student success, allowing faculty the opportunity to get to know students on an individual level,

something not always found in a university setting.

Students also benefit from a wide variety of student-led organizations and extracurricular activities. From intramural sports to honor societies to social clubs & tribes (MC’s version of Greek life), there is an organization for everyone to be involved in. Between our reputable academic programs and our vibrant campus life, MC has achieved a heritage of producing servant leaders – students who excel academically, socially, and spiritually.

Mississippi College has been recognized nationally for its commitment to academic excellence and the cause of Christ. In its 2011 Best Colleges: Region

by Region ranking, the Princeton Review named MC as one of 133 colleges that are “Best in the Southeast.” Furthermore, MC consistently appears as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. The International Mission Board ranks MC as a top-25 school from which

missionaries graduate. And Forbes recently recognized the University as one of the top 25 “Best College Buys” in the nation.

Further indication of MC’s commitment to excellence is its ability to produce outstanding professionals and citizens. Some of MC’s exceptional alumni include: Presidents and CEOs of multinational corporations, renowned scholars, doctors, scientists, authors, artists, missionaries, and more.

For Mississippi College students, higher education is more than getting a degree. It is about finding a family away from home; having their Christian values reinforced in all areas of their lives; and obtaining an education that will serve them well throughout their careers.

To learn more about Mississippi College, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-738-1236 or visit our website at www.mc.edu.

AppROxiMAtELy

5100

students

iNcLudiNg uNdERgRAduAtE, gRAduAtE & LAW SchOOL

1826

MC is a plaCe full of possibilities & opportunities.

Mississippi College was founded in 1826—the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi.

college is the unique time in your life to discover who you are and what you love. As you dive into the Mc experience and find your place within our 80+ majors, you’re not only preparing for success in your area of study, but for life after college. if you’re looking for a college that offers esteemed academics, a thriving campus life, and a family-like atmosphere, Mc is the place for you!

Forbes recently ranked MC as one of the

“best College buys” in the nation.

MC has a

very low and very personal

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LEARN MORE & StARt yOuR AppLicAtiON NOW!

www.mcpossibilities.com/bmetro

admissions@mc.edu 601/925-3800 800/738-1236 Box 4026 clinton, MS 39058

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Troy University

It’s About a Spirit:

Choosing the right university for you.

Whether you are attending college for the first time, returning to complete your education, or pursuing a specialized degree, the search for the right educational fit can be an overwhelming task. So why not start at the beginning – the foundation of the university.

Founded in 1887, with the motto “Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act,” Troy University’s continuing mission is to prepare future leaders through teaching the importance of service to the community. According to TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., “TROY is not trying to be all things to all people, but what we promise in preparing

tomorrow’s leaders through service, ethics and patriotism, we do very well.”

TROY’s founding principles have remained steadfast for more than a century. “At Troy University, we saw the need to provide distance learning options to our students in the military more than 60 years ago, so we committed to developing programs that maintained the same quality and the same spirit of an education obtained on our Alabama campuses,” says Dr. Hawkins.

With in-class and online programs in fields like business, education, nursing, computer science, and criminal justice, students can pursue an in-demand education with a university that continues

to receive accolades from the nation’s top publications. TROY has been recognized by the Princeton Review as “one of the best in the Southeast,” by U.S. News & World Report as “one of the top universities in the South,” and by Military Times as “a top university for troops.”

TROY is the right university to help you meet your educational goals.

To find out more about Troy University’s on campus, in class, and online degree programs visit troy.edu or call 1-800–414–5756 today.

Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, the body to act.

- TROY Motto 1887

IT’S ABOUT

A SPIRIT

The TROY story is not about a place. It’s about a spirit.

TROY is one of Alabama’s and the nation’s leading universities with four state campuses, Division 1 athletics, new faith-based housing, a pioneering online education program, teaching sites worldwide and undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are nationally recognized.

But our greatest achievement? More than 140,000 alumni worldwide who found in TROY, and in themselves, the spirit of service and servant leadership.

“One of the Safest Campuses in America” Chronicle of Higher Education “One of the Best in the Southeast” Princeton Review

Visit troy.edu to learn about traditional on campus and flexible online programs.

In class • Online • Within reach • www.troy.edu • 800-473-0975

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getting you ready for where you’re going

• JSU is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians in Jacksonville, AL. • 100+ clubs, organizations, honor societies, & leadership groups for you to join.

• More than 79% of JSU students receive some form of financial aid.

• Over $90 million was awarded in scholarships, loans, grants, or campus employment in 2012.

• Fall 2012 enrollment: 9,161 students.

• More than 3,800 of those students took their courses via distance education.

188 b-metro.com • The student:faculty ratio at JSU is 18:1. www.jsu.edu | 800-231-5291