FOUNDERS’ DAY
Celebrating Montevallo Moments The University celebrated 126 years Oct. 13 with its Founders’ Day convocation and the dedication of the Charles Webb Jr. Post Office — the second Black man in UM history to have a facility named for him. President Stewart said the Founders’ Day theme, A Montevallo Moment, represents how the Montevallo family is truly held together by their experiences at UM. “A Montevallo Moment may come from personal success or recognition, or it may be the smallest act of kindness that leads to lifelong friendships on our campus,” he said. Blake Hudson, a 2002 graduate who became the dean and a professor of law at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in July — one of two UM graduates at the helm of accredited state law schools — served as the keynote speaker. “Serving as the dean of the Cumberland School of Law at Samford ...would not have been possible without many moments that shaped me during my time at Montevallo.” Watch the full convocation at youtube.com/ montevalloforyou.
Several faculty, staff and alumni were honored at the convocation for their exemplary work and service. Dr. Ashley Wurzbacher, an associate professor of English, was named the 2022 University Scholar for her short story collection “Happy Like This,” which has received national and global recognition. Dr. Jermaine Mitchell, an assistant professor of exercise science who died Feb. 20 at the age of 41, was posthumously awarded the Jermaine Mitchell Faculty Service Award for his dedication to community service and impact on the University community. His wife, Dr. Qshequilla Mitchell, accepted it on his behalf. “He showed heart and compassion for people and their wellness,” said Dr. Claire Edwards, president of the Faculty Senate. “He strived for inclusion, built relationships and was devoted to the disadvantaged and misfortunate.” William “Bill” Carmichael, an adjunct professor of world civilizations, received the Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award. The Convocation also featured the Investiture of the Seniors and students Rachel Johnson, Cole Swain and Lucy Frost-Helms were recognized for winning the annual Hiding of the Crook competition for the second year in a row. Charles Webb Jr. Post Office Dedication In honor of Charles Webb Jr., a Black man
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from Montevallo who delivered mail to every building on campus from 1941 — while he was still in high school — to 1977 when he retired, the UM post office in Farmer Hall was renamed the Charles Webb Jr. Post Office. “During our country’s social justice movement there were discussions all over the country on college campuses about naming buildings on campus and spaces on campus,” Stewart said during the dedication ceremony outside of Farmer Hall. Stewart said they created two committees out of that conversation. One researched the history of building names on campus, and the other worked on creating new names for campus buildings. He said Charles Webb Jr. was remembered well by alumni and was highly recommended. Cynthia Todd ’88, the newest member of UM’s Board of Trustees, who also served on committees as the UMNAA Board president, said Webb always had a smile on his face and was always on time. Webb’s family thanked Stewart and the board for honoring “Uncle Charlie” and continuing to improve diversity at Montevallo.
Left: (from left) UM Associate Professor of Communication Studies Dr. Ray Ozley, the Webb family and UM Archivist Carey Heatherly in front of the newly named Charles Webb Jr. Post Office; below: Blake Hudson ’02 delivers the keynote address at Founders’ Day.