SHC Updates

SHC UPDATES

Spring Hill College Welcomes Dr. Kenneth W. England as New Executive VP and CFO

Kenneth England, Ed.D., executive vice president and chief financial officer, joined the team in September of 2021, bringing more than 12 years of experience. He is tasked with guiding the College to maintain financial efficiency, promoting donor and alumni engagement, and advancing admissions and recruitment. England said, “There are so many fantastic opportunities here at Spring Hill and I look forward to helping our students, faculty, and staff achieve their goals. The work ahead will transform Spring Hill into a true beacon of excellence for generations to come.” He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Samford University and his Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He is joined here by his wife and three daughters.

Laura A. Burton Named Chief Marketing Officer

Laura Burton has been with Spring Hill College since 2016, previously serving as director of visual content and brand identity. In December, she was named chief marketing officer, responsible for the College’s overall communications strategy. Her award-winning career spans more than 25 years. Before coming to Spring Hill, she owned VERGE, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm. “Great things continue to happen at Spring Hill College,” Burton said. “I look forward to using my industry knowledge alongside my leadership experience to further the College’s goals. We have a great team; excellent leadership and I look forward to the work ahead.” Burton’s husband is a local business owner and she is the mother of two sons who are both in college. Dr. Racheal B. Banks Chosen to Lead the Advancement Team

Racheal B. Banks, Ph.D., vice president for advancement, joined Spring Hill in 2018 and began leading the advancement team in July 2021. Banks said, "I have worked in fundraising and alumni relations for almost 20 years and there's no comparison to Spring Hill. Every day I work with a dedicated team of professionals and fiercely loyal alumni. I am fortunate to be a part of an institution that is truly dedicated to its students, alumni, families, faculty, staff and the community." She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Montevallo, a master's from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. She is married to Lee and has two children, Maddie and Brantley.

Spring Hill College Hires Dr. Nathan B. Copeland as Vice President for Enrollment

Nathan Copeland, Ed.D., vice president for enrollment, came to Spring Hill in November 2021 with a focus on driving student enrollment. He began his academic career in the College of Business at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., where he taught classes on leadership, business communications, promotional strategies, and entrepreneurial studies. “I am motivated to work and focus on growing our footprint here in Mobile, as well as across the Southeast and throughout the United States. Spring Hill is such a special place, and there is so much history and opportunity here.” Copeland holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration at Harding and earned his Doctorate of Education at the University of Alabama. He is joined in Mobile by his wife, daughter and three sons.

Dr. Paige Rainey Named Education Division Chair

Spring Hill welcomed Paige Raney, Ed.D., as division chair of education in August 2021. She is focused on new undergraduate and graduate programs, developing partnerships, and increasing enrollment. She previously served as a district administrator in city and county school districts across the state. “Spring Hill College has quickly become such a home to me and is a wonderful place to lead and teach. Our students are eager to learn and positively impact young people. I’m honored to serve the next generation of teachers.” Rainey is a national board-certified teacher in literacy and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Higher Education Administration, an educational specialist and doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

Michael Cozart Leads Spring Hill’s TRIO SSS Program

Michael Cozart joined Spring Hill as its new TRIO Student Support Services director. The program was funded in 2020 and serves first-generation students who meet financial guidelines and students with disabilities. Cozart is a first-generation TRIO alum. He is a two-time graduate of Grambling State University, where he met and married his college sweetheart. He is a lifelong learner with 20 years in education (K-12, career tech & higher ed). Cozart and his wife have two children and have found a home in Mobile. He has connected with the local graduate chapter of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and they have enjoyed his first Mardi Gras.

Spring Hill College Announces Provost and Associate Provost

Spring Hill has named Rebeca Cantor, Ph.D. as the new Provost. She has served as a department chair, a professor of English and assistant provost. Cantor earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Fairfield University in Connecticut, an master’s in English from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in English from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA.

Lisa Hager, Ph.D., has been named associate provost, having served as interim provost since September 2020.

SPRING/SUMMER 2022