News

December 2, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Cole Swain

For senior Cole Swain, choosing the University of Montevallo was easy because of his family ties to the school and the generous financial aid offerings. “My grandfather came here in the 1970s, and my brother was here before me,” he said. “He got the Montevallo Ambassador Program Scholarship (M.A.P.S.), so I decided to apply for […]

November 22, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Allison Tillotson

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? My name is Allison Tillotson and I am the Executive Director of Advancement. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I am originally from Lilburn, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta). My husband and I moved to Birmingham in […]

November 21, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Dawn Makofski

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dawn Makofski, assistant director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition and HRIS, and deputy Title IX coordinator for students. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I’m from Montevallo and currently reside in Maylene. If you hold any degrees, […]

November 21, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Montevallo Celebrates First-Generation College Students

The University of Montevallo recently hosted its annual First-Generation Celebration in recognition of First-Generation Week, in which colleges across the nation celebrate the experiences of their first-generation college students, faculty and staff.  Attendees gathered in front of Farmer Hall on Nov. 7 to enjoy popcorn, cupcakes, a photo booth and props, music, yard games and […]

November 15, 2024 | Faculty Spotlight

Featured Falcons: Dr. Scott Varagona

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Scott Varagona, professor of mathematics. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I was raised in Birmingham and — aside from when I was a student at Auburn — I have lived in the Birmingham metro area my […]

November 8, 2024 | Press Releases

Senior Elite Night 2024 Recognizes Exceptional Montevallo Students

The University of Montevallo held its annual Senior Elite Night on Nov. 6 in Palmer Hall Auditorium. Senior Elite recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic and leadership abilities during their time on campus.  The event is a longstanding tradition dating back to 1933. Faculty in each academic department select the student Senior Elite honorees, […]

November 7, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Nick Hammett

What started as an idea for a standard game store back in 2019 has evolved over the years to become Valhalla Board Game Café, a Norse-inspired gaming venue and eatery in Pelham. The café opened its doors on June 1, and is co-owned by Nick Hammett, a 2016 University of Montevallo graduate, and his business […]

November 1, 2024 | Press Releases

University of Montevallo to Host Prospective Students for Fall Preview Day Nov. 16

The University of Montevallo invites prospective high school and transfer students to attend Fall Preview Day on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This interactive, in-person open house event will show you why “You Belong at Montevallo” through welcoming information sessions and an opportunity to experience life as a UM student. Representatives […]

October 29, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Montevallo Students Immerse Themselves in Art History on Italy Trip

Italian art, history and culture came to life for students, faculty and alumni from the University of Montevallo’s Department of Art as they delved into the country’s artistic legacy on a trip in May. Led by Dr. Catherine Walsh, associate professor of art, and Misty Bennett, professor of art, the group of 14 spent about […]

October 25, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Colton Rodano

One of Colton Rodano’s most memorable moments from his time at the University of Montevallo was being sworn in as Student Government Association president. The senior, now serving as president for a second year, was overcome with emotion as his predecessor, Cody Hodge, handed him the gavel. “That was kind of awesome to me because […]

October 16, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Dr. Brett Noerager

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
 My name is Brett Noerager. I am a professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
 I am originally from Houston, Texas. I moved […]

October 11, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Eron Burrell

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Eron Burrell, senior transfer admissions counselor. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I was born and raised in Mobile. My family and I currently reside in Calera. If you hold any degrees, what are they in and […]

October 2, 2024 | Press Releases

UM’s Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic Receives $50K Grant from T-Mobile

The University of Montevallo Foundation has received a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant, which will go toward the University’s Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic. The funding will be used for leveling and paving for accessible community parking, as well as sensory-rich playground equipment for community residents being treated at the clinic. “It is an honor […]

October 2, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Taylar Posey

Learning is a legacy for Taylar Posey — her mother is a retired school counselor, and her father is former University of Montevallo men’s basketball coach Rob Spivery. With almost 20 years in education under her belt, including 10 years in administration, Posey’s commitment to education is propelling her through her new position as principal […]

September 25, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Bella Macomb

Students at the University of Montevallo are highly encouraged to flex their creative muscles through the medium of their choice. Sophomore Bella Macomb’s chosen medium is flour, sugar, frosting and fondant, which she uses to produce intricately decorated cakes for her flourishing baking business, Izzy B’s Sweets & More. “I’ve been baking forever, but I […]

September 24, 2024 | Faculty Spotlight

Featured Falcons: Dr. Kelly Wacker

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dr. Kelly Wacker, professor of art. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I grew up in the Western U.S. — my home state is Colorado and some of my childhood was spent in California. I currently live […]

September 23, 2024 | Alumni Profile

Featured Falcons: Dr. Dessilyn Chappell

Dr. Dessilyn Chappell is a true lover of knowledge and learning. After earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2007, the Montevallo native realized that her passion lied in another field — education. “I’ve always wanted to instill a love of learning, especially in young children, because they […]

September 12, 2024 | Press Releases

Montevallo Ranked as Safest College Campus in Central Alabama

The University of Montevallo is among the top five safest college campuses in the state according to Niche.com’s 2025 Safest College Campuses in Alabama rankings. Niche, a leading platform for college and school rankings, has placed Montevallo third in the state and 168th in the nation for campus safety. UM also ranks as the safest college […]

September 9, 2024 | More Montevallo Stories

Featured Falcons: Danielle Parks

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Danielle Parks, administrative assistant in the Department of Teaching, Leadership and Technology in the College of Education and Human Development. Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? I am from Birmingham, where I still reside and commute daily. […]