COVER STORY 4 Division I FEATURES 12 Homecoming Awards 2016 22 For the Anderson Family, Philanthropy Equals Happiness 28 UNA Bridges Gaps with GIS and Caring 34 Harrison and Lions are True Student Athletes OF NOTE 2 President’s Message 8 Around Campus 26 A Letter from Robert Steele 31 Athletics 36 Alumni President’s Message 38 Haley Brink New Alumni Relations Director 40 Class Notes 44 In Memory

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA SPRING­2017­•­VOLUME­25­•­No.­1­• FOR­ALUMNI­AND­FRIENDS­OF­UNA MAGAZINE

ADMINISTRATION President Kenneth D. Kitts PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost John Thornell Kenneth D. Kitts Interim Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Evan Thornton ’15 of the season, legendary coach Bobby Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields Wallace announced his retirement. Coach Vice President for University Advancement Wallace’s impressive career at UNA Deborah L. Shaw ’82 led him to 126 wins and four National Championship appearances, making him STAFF PUBLISHER the winningest coach in UNA and Gulf Deborah L. Shaw ’82 South Conference history. After 15 years EDITOR on the UNA coaching staff, Chris Willis Bryan Rachal has stepped into the position of head COPY EDITOR coach. I am confi dent that Coach Willis B.J. Wilson ’80 Kenneth D. Kitts will carry on our tradition of graduating CREATIVE DIRECTOR champions. Dear Lions, Karen Hodges ’84 In December, we announced that our GRAPHIC DESIGNER Welcome to the Spring 2017 athletics program will be transitioning Chuck Craig ’79 University of North Alabama Magazine. Spring to Division I. UNA will continue as a UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER has arrived at UNA, and with it comes member of Division II and the Gulf South Shannon Wells ’05 a season-long fl urry of campus activity. Conference for one more year. In 2018, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Exciting annual programs such as the Amy Bishop ’06 thirteen sports will become a member of Taranae Cooley Miss UNA pageant, Step Sing, and Light the Atlantic Sun Conference. Football Emily Jones the Fountain fi ll our calendars. A host of will move into the Big South conference Joseph Romans Photography conferences, performances, and preview and will begin conference play in 2019. FEATURE WRITERS days keep crowd levels high. And the Shane Herman ’99 I encourage you to read the full article Jeff Hodges ’82 spring athletic teams are working toward about DI in this edition of University of B.J. Keeton ’09 another successful season. North Alabama Magazine to learn more Bryan Rachal B.J. Wilson ’80 The recent months have been about how the DI transition will benefi t eventful ones at UNA. In the fall of 2016, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS the university as a whole. Amy Bishop ’06 our offi cial student headcount was 7,492 On the academic front, we continue Bella Martinez students, the largest total enrollment to see substantial growth and progress. in the school’s 186-year history and a UNA recently entered into a partnership QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES: 5.8 percent increase over the previous with NASA that will initially include 256-765-4225 or [email protected] year. UNA’s freshmen cohort also broke the College of Business and the College ADDRESS CHANGES AND ALUMNI UPDATES: records. This fall we welcomed 1,177 of Arts and Sciences, and will focus on 256-765-4201 or [email protected] new freshman students, a 1.6 percent attracting high-quality undergraduate STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION increase over fall 2015’s cohort number students majoring in science, technology, It is the policy of the University of North Alabama to afford equal opportunities in education­and­in­employment­to­qualifi­ed­persons­regardless­of­age,­color,­creed,­ and a 26.4 percent increase over fall 2014. engineering, mathematics, management, disability,­national­origin,­race,­religion,­or­sex­in­accordance­with­all­applicable­ federal­and­state­constitutions,­laws,­and­valid­regulations.­The­coordinator­for­ Our spring headcount also represents an marketing, and entrepreneurship nondiscrimination­policies­for­students­is­the­Title­IX­coordinator,­Guillot­University­ Center,­or­256-765-4223­.­The­coordinator­for­employees­is­the­Assistant­Vice­ enrollment record. disciplines. The College of Arts and President­for­Human­Resources­and­Affi­rmative­Action,­Bibb­Graves­Hall,­or­telephone­ 256-765-4291­or­email:­[email protected]. Our football team earned their fourth Sciences is now offering its second Information contained herein is as it currently exists but is subject to change without prior notice. consecutive GSC Championship and a graduate degree in English, an M.A. berth in the DII National Championship in Writing. And we continue to be in Kansas City, Kansas. The leadership proud of our growing list of program and persistence of this team made the accreditations—these accreditations Lion Nation proud. At the conclusion are labor-intensive undertakings and

2 University of North Alabama Magazine $30 million

underscore our faculty’s commitment to CAMPAIGN UPDATE FROM THE VP FOR academic excellence. Our Human Environmental Sciences ADVANCEMENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Department has both a new home and a new name. The department has moved OF THE UNA FOUNDATION to the former Keystone building in downtown Florence, and will now be One group who is extremely known as the Connie D. McKinney committed to the success of our Department of Human Sciences, University is our new 2016-17 UNA Hospitality, and Design. This naming Foundation officers. Harry Smith ’64 is was made possible by brothers Chester our new Chair. Originally from Florence, and Joe McKinney in honor of their late Harry has lived in the Memphis area mother, a 1950 alumna. The addition for more than 35 years, and is a retired of 400 parking spots to campus off businessman who is active with numerous of Circular Drive is nearly complete. charitable organizations. Vice-Chair is Demolition of Floyd Hall is slated to Jeff Johnson ’85, who is a resident of begin in late spring. Once the demolition Dr. Deborah Shaw ’82 Florence and is the Owner/President is complete, construction will begin on of Elliott & Associates Insurance. Laura M. Harrison Hall, which will house Fantastic progress is being made Foundation Treasurer is David Sunseri the Anderson College of Nursing. toward our campaign goal of $35 ’98, who is the Vice President of Product We’re still hard at work on our million! We are currently at $30 Development at Berg, LLC, in Nashville, comprehensive campaign. “Build the million, and need everyone’s help Tennessee. I round out the officers as Pride” continues to see much success, and if we are going to Secretary, and along we’re so thankful for the generosity we’ve reach 100% of our with an active board of experienced. For additional information, target. Please, will you volunteer directors we all take a few moments to read Dr. Deborah consider giving? We believe we can help lead Shaw’s campaign update. Please need your support to UNA to new levels of remember that you can always visit una. make UNA one of the greatness. edu/campaign to pledge your support. top regional universities But we can’t do it It is truly a time to “Rise and Roar” in the Southeast. Join alone. Please remember at UNA. I hope that you will come see the thousands who give what your college for yourself the impressive things that are annually, we who give experience meant to happening on your university campus. because we believe. you — how it prepared I’m also excited to share with you We believe we have the best faculty you for a career, how you developed that in the next edition of the University and staff, the best programs, the best friendships you still have to this day, of North Alabama Magazine, we’ll feature a students, the best alumni, the best how it helped you understand the world recently completed economic study that friends of the university, and that we is a bigger place than your hometown. shows UNA has an economic impact in are in the best area — The Shoals. We all owe a debt of gratitude to our excess of $300 million! At a time of continued decreased alma mater. Please consider giving to our state funding, we must rely on private campaign (una.edu/campaign). Roar Lions! donations to not only operate, but to Roar Lions! Ken Kitts excel. And we believe we can reach Debbie Shaw ‘82 our highest potential with your help.

Spring 2017 3 Division I I

It’s a Monday afternoon in February still surround UNA’s future with Braly 2017. University of North Alabama Stadium, home of the football program. Director of Athletics Mark Linder is in his An addition to the athletics staff with office and a lot is on his plate. academic experience at the Division I With the athletic department’s level will also soon be sought. impending move to NCAA Division I While preparations are being made status, several changes are expected to be for the move, however, several UNA made in the next five years. Renovations teams still have their full attention and are being planned for Flowers Hall, focus on Gulf South Conference races home of the Lions volleyball, men’s, and and competing at the Division II level. women’s basketball programs. Questions The men’s and women’s basketball teams

“The move to Division I will help sustain enrollment, expand our fan base, and bring much-needed visibility for this wonderful institution.”

­— Ken Kitts, President

4 University of North Alabama Magazine | FEATURE Division

each qualified for the GSC Tournament. to continue to compete for GSC and Spring sports have also begun, including Division II championships. For the next the Lions’ NCAA Division II defending 14 months, our sole focus will be to national champion softball program. continue to be a solid member of the UNA baseball and men’s and women’s GSC and to try to represent it well at the tennis are off to hot starts as well. highest level.” In short, the UNA athletic North Alabama will remain a full- department is living in two worlds at the fledged member of the GSC and Division same time…a balancing act that is not II throughout the 2017-18 athletic always easy. seasons. After that, it will begin a four- “From one point of view, we have year transition period before joining one foot in Division II and one foot in Division I. The Lions will become Division I,” said Linder, who has remained members of the ASUN in all sports but in constant contact with administrators football. On the gridiron, UNA will from the Division I conferences UNA become an FCS member of the Big South is set to join, but is also committed to Conference. exiting Division II and the GSC with “Fans will start to see some grace and dignity. “Our focus right now announcements of UNA renewing is to have our coaches in a position some traditional rivalries that we once

Ted Gumbart, ASUN Commissioner

Spring 2017 5 had,” said Linder. “There is a fan base But there’s also talk about how UNA that remembers the kind of atmosphere plans to get the word out to not only we had in the 1970s and 80s that was prospective fans and athletes, but also to generated by those types of rivalries. prospective students. Those fans will be able to connect a little At the heart, the transition to more with playing against these schools, Division I is less about athletics than it is such as Alabama A&M, Jacksonville about institutional identity. An increased State, and Troy. Our hope would also be brand awareness of UNA would only “As we move to secure an FBC opponent for football help to benefit the Shoals region, and within the next 4-6 years.” significantly at that. A recent feasibility Flash forward to present day, where study showed that an increase of 100 forward, we are staff and administrators are already hard students translates into a $3.8 million at work spreading the good news about impact on the local economy. Ready going to see our the move, the benefits for fans, and the for the kicker? The average enrollment talk of new contracts with Adidas, etc… increase for schools moving to Division campus and our community transform before our eyes with this move and we would like to have everyone join us and get involved with it.”

­— ­Mark­Linder,­UNA­Athletics­Director­ Mark Linder, UNA Athletics Director, and Steve Pierce, UNA Board of Trustees

6 University of North Alabama Magazine | FEATURE DIVISION

I FCS is 13 percent, which would boost With all of the expected changes enrollment at UNA by almost 1,000 coming to the world of UNA athletics, students. An additional thousand students Linder and the rest of the department would add approximately $38 million per have come up with a slogan that sums year to the local economy. up the goals and expectations that fans There is no denying that we live have witnessed over the course of UNA’s in a sports-centered culture and the storied tradition: opportunity for increased exposure that I I Rise and Roar. brings certainly won’t hurt, as mentioned “The term ‘Rise and Roar’ kind of by UNA President Ken Kitts during the captured our hearts,” said Linder. “We recent press conference. are rising from Division II to Division I “This is an exciting time for Lion and it’s about the increase of expectations athletics, the University as a whole, and and the increase in the commitment the communities we serve,” said Kitts. to excellence. That is where the ‘Rise’ “The move to Division I will help sustain came from. When Dr. Kitts first came to enrollment, expand our fan base, and UNA, he said it was our time to Roar. bring much-needed visibility for this There are a lot of great things going on wonderful institution. We’re determined at the University of North Alabama in to spread the word about the amazing academics and athletics and we need things we have going on at UNA, so if to tell our story better. As we make this prospective students learn about us from a transition, bring more branding power to sports ticker, great!” Kitts said. the university, and enrollment increases, Part of that exposure will come in the you will really begin to see UNA rise and form of a constant presence on ESPN3. roar.” The league uses the ESPN3 format to Linder added, “We think the broadcast all games. The company, transition to DI will add value to the however, has specific qualifications for student experience here and will also a gymnasium to meet in order to allow add value to the degree they earn when an official broadcast. Because of this, the they graduate. As we move forward, we 45-year old building will need upgrades are going to see our campus and our to become compliant with the ASUN’s community transform before our eyes contract with ESPN. with this move and we would like to have Linder added that fans will everyone join us and get involved with it.” also notice the hiring of additional Or better yet, everyone should RISE staff members within the athletic and ROAR! department to assist with the transition. “Administratively, we need to make sure we take care of our academic and compliance programs,” he said. “We are beginning to look at hiring individuals with Division I experience in those two areas. The NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) kind of drives the boat in Division I, so we need to make sure we are putting resources into making sure we are successful academically.”

Spring 2017 7 catalog that includes some of the greatest songs of our time. Kitts said Hall has had a profound impact on UNA as well. “Rick has been of significant assistance to the UNA Department of Entertainment Industry as we strive to instill that same love of music in future generations,” Kitts said. “With that in mind, the university’s Executive Council UNA President Ken Kitts was entered conversations about how on hand to announce Hall’s honor best to honor an individual who has and noted that Hall has strong ties to given so much to our region. As a UNA. “Very literally, Rick’s legacy has result of those conversations, the been part of the university in the form Executive Council nominated Rick of his sons, Rick, Mark and Rodney, Hall to receive an honorary doctoral who are UNA alumni,” Kitts said. degree from the University of North Kitts went on to list many of Alabama,” he said. Hall’s accomplishments, including his Hall was very appreciative of his designation as Billboard’s Producer of award, which was conferred at UNA’s the Year for the World, his Grammy December 2016 commencement Trustees award and his publishing ceremonies.

Officials with the University of North Alabama awarded music icon Rick Hall with an honorary doctorate degree from UNA. Hall is a legendary music producer known for founding FAME studios; he’s also credited as the founder of the modern day “Muscle Shoals Sound.” The announcement was made earlier in the year during a reception at Rogers Hall on UNA’s campus as part of a kickoff event for the UNA Theatre production “I’ll Take You There: The Music of Muscle Shoals,” an original work that featured the musical heritage of the Shoals. The VIP reception before the play was hosted by UNA in conjunction with the UNA College of Arts and Sciences, the Hamada family, and UNA Theatre. Mr. J. Walt Aldridge, Ms. Janna L. Malone, Mr. Rick Hall, Dr. Robert A. Garfrerick, and Mr. Peter Guralnick

8 University of North Alabama Magazine | AROUND­CAMPUS UNA ROTC Named “Top Program” 2016, While UNA Labeled Gold Level School for Military Friendliness

The University of North Alabama’s All Army ROTC programs “We honor military service and Reserve Offi cers Training Corps (ROTC) throughout the southeast U.S. want to support those who have program is the best of the best according compete for the “Top Program” served,” said Kitts. “We’ve worked to the 6th Brigade, United States Army award. The 6th Brigade consists hard in both Student Affairs and our Cadet Command! UNA Army ROTC of approximately 30 programs Offi ce of Military and Veteran Affairs was awarded the “Top Program” award for in the medium category in states to make education more accessible to 2016 in the medium category of schools, of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, service members and veterans. This which includes military schools that Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto designation tells me we’re taking the commission between 15 and 18 Second Rico. right steps.” Lieutenants per fi scal year. UNA was also recently Col. Nelson Kraft, commander of awarded the No. 1 designation for the 6th Brigade, United States Army Military Friendly Schools in the Cadet Command, presented UNA public universities with 10,000 with the award, which is given to the students or fewer category. best Army ROTC program in the UNA was ranked in Brigade as determined by the Brigade six categories: academic Command team. The award is based policies and compliance; on measurable, objective criteria that admissions and orientation; include physical, academic, leadership, culture and commitment; and effi ciency categories. fi nancial aid and assistance; “The success of this program graduation and career; and is directly related to the amount of military student support positive energy, effort and commitment and retention. UNA scored of our student cadets and amazing the highest in the culture staff,” said Lt. Col. W. Cochran Pruett, and commitment category, professor of Military Science at UNA. followed closely by the “That energy, effort and commitment fi nancial aid and assistance has been signifi cantly reinforced by category. the tireless support given by this great UNA President Ken University team. I am truly proud to be Kitts said this was one of a small part of this outstanding group of his goals when he arrived leaders,” he said. at the University.

Spring­2017 9 University of NORTH ALABAMA and NASA Agree to Partnership

The University of North Alabama and the National selected patents available for UNA students enrolled in Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have this program to conduct market analysis and prepare both agreed to a partnership, with students reaping the benefits. a classroom presentation and a written report. NASA, on As part of this endeavor, UNA hosted a NASA day the other hand, will benefit from the identification of new on campus on February 7. Information about the program markets and commercial partners. was provided, and NASA officials were on hand to speak with various classes across campus. The day culminated with the official signing of the agreement between the two entities. The partnership with NASA will initially include the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences, and will focus on attracting high-quality undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, management, marketing and entrepreneurship disciplines. “The program is an innovative approach to engage students early on as undergraduates and employ nontraditional classroom methods to allow top students to engage in experiential learning,” said Dr. Santanu Borah, UNA professor of Management and Marketing. “The purpose of the path is to provide high-achieving students with the business knowledge needed to successfully manage high-tech businesses,” he said. Students will have the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial experience focused on how to conduct market analysis and commercialization methods on NASA patents. Under the collaboration, NASA will make Whitney Young, Partnership Manager, NASA, with Ken Kitts, President

10 University of North Alabama Magazine | AROUND­CAMPUS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS WINS BIG IN 2016 The University of North Alabama recognizing cutting edge initiatives, to create, develop, and sustain the College of Business keeps racking and to promote their adoption by center, which will be administered up the accolades, with the most other universities and communities. through UNA’s College of Business. recent being a University Economic Program categories include: The proposed UX Accelerator Development Association (UEDA) Innovation, Talent, and Place, as well Center will cost $166,796 and will 2016 Award of Excellence for as the intersections of these three serve entrepreneurs and companies Innovation and Talent. categories. of all sizes, with an emphasis on UNA’s Shoals Shift, developed The College of Business will also small and medium size businesses. in the College of Business, beat out receive over $80,000 from the State The Center will provide UX testing a record number of applicants for of Alabama Department of Commerce and design, outreach to businesses, the top spot at the UEDA’s Annual for their User Experience program. and UX education for undergraduate Summit, which took place October UNA was recently awarded students. 16-19 in Roanoke, Virginia. Award $81,300 by the Alabama Innovation recipients were selected by a panel Fund for a User Experience (UX) of peers consisting of university and Accelerator Center. The project’s economic development professionals. funding was approved by Secretary The UEDA awards are designed of Commerce Greg Canfield and to help accelerate these programs by Gov. Robert Bentley and will be used

University of NORTH ALABAMA Sees Great Success with Inaugural Day of Giving Event

Taking a page from While the event #GivingTuesday, the primarily focused on social University of North media, the University also Alabama Foundation hosted a phone-a-thon hosted the first ever UNA during the day and set up Giving Day November 29, credit card machines around to coincide with the global campus to collect additional day of philanthropy. donations. Haley Brink, director Official numbers show of annual giving at UNA, UNA raised $41,868 from said they weren’t looking for a set 224 donors, with a majority of the amount of money to raise; they were money going toward current use more concerned with the number of Brink. “We were thrilled to get over funds in the foundation. Twenty-four people who gave during the 24-hour 220 donors who helped us raise over of the donors were first-time donors fundraising drive. $41,000. Everybody really came to UNA. Brink said they hope to “We had initially set a goal of together on this and we’re just so increase in both amount and new 100 donors for the whole day,” said thankful for their support,” she said. donors next year.

Spring 2017 11 12 University of North Alabama Magazine | HOMECOMING 2016 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR JOAN MOLLOHAN “Who knew in 1972 that a turquoise had one hospital and 4,000 employees - ribbon and invitation to be a charter when she retired they had 10 hospitals member and pledge Zeta Tau Alpha and 15,000 employees. During the at UNA would lead to a lifetime of national American crisis of Hurricane sisterhood and leadership?” said Joan Katrina, Joan moved into her offi ce at Mollohan ’76, one of the University’s Ochsner Hospital and worked 24 hours Alumni of the Year. Joan counts as a day to provide services to keep the precious her year spent as a traveling hospital operating. Her dedication during leadership consultant for ZETA, and this natural disaster highlighted her she is proud to be from UNA. In the career-long community focus. following years, her success only grew as In addition to being a charter member her career in human resources took off. and pledge of Zeta Tau Alpha at UNA, Joan was a trusted Human Resources she served her fraternity by being an Senior Executive who demonstrated advisor to the University of New Orleans servant leadership in collaboration, Chapter and serving as a National Offi cer, innovation, strategic thinking and District President for Louisiana, for problem solving with complex almost 10 years. HR disciplines. She is energetic, Since her retirement in 2014, Joan compassionate, service-oriented and has been the Board Chair of Girl Scouts mission-driven through the engagement Louisiana East with responsibility for of human capital; she is an experienced over 20,000 girls. She has worked with healthcare executive coach, a change the Girl Scouts for more than 25 years agent, and champion of leadership as troop leader, service unit leader, board development programs. member, and offi cer. She is passionate In 2007 she was named as one of about young girls building courage, the Top 50 Women of the Year in New confi dence, and character, and having Orleans. In 2011 she was named as one opportunities to learn, grow, and develop of the 10 Most Powerful and Infl uential into future women leaders. Women in Louisiana by the National Joan and her husband Bob are the Diversity Council. parents of two children, Gini and Robert When she began her executive HR Jr. (Jay). They have three grandchildren, career at Ochsner Health System, they Bella, Claire, and Jack.

Spring­2017 University of North Alabama Magazine | HOMECOMING 2016

14 University­of­North­Alabama­Magazine­|­HOMECOMING­2016 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR GRAHAM SISSON

Graham Sisson ’87 was appointed State’s ADA Coordinator and Assistant to the United States Military Academy Attorney General with the Alabama and was scheduled to report for basic Department of Rehabilitation Services. training at West Point when a drunk He was reappointed by Governor Robert driver changed his life forever. Graham Bentley as the Director of the Governor’s had a closed head injury and permanent Offi ce on Disability and State ADA paralysis from the waist down as a result Coordinator. of the June 1982 head-on collision – but He has published several papers and he was determined that the accident was has given over 500 presentations on not going to stop him from pursuing a life different aspects of the Americans with of purpose and joy. Disabilities Act, including employment, Just a few months later, in January public access, and private business 1983 Graham entered the University provisions. of North Alabama. He was a member Graham also serves as an adjunct law of Alpha Tau Omega and also served professor teaching a disability law course as Student Government Association at the Birmingham School of Law and president and on the staff of the Diorama is currently teaching a doctoral course yearbook. He graduated summa cum in disability law and history at Auburn laude in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science University. He is a doctoral candidate in in accounting with minors in English rehabilitation at Auburn University. and history. He received the Keller Key He is a graduate of the 2005 (highest GPA) and Turris Fidelis award Leadership Birmingham Class, often upon his graduation. traveling to Montgomery and statewide Graham then attended Vanderbilt in his service to Rehabilitation Services. Law School where he was appointed Graham is married to the former to the Law School Honor Council, Victoria Franklin. His hobbies are graduating with his jurisprudence vegetable gardening and woodworking. degree in 1990. He worked for several He is also a certifi ed scuba diver. Birmingham law fi rms before he was appointed a deputy attorney general and an assistant attorney general with the State of Alabama. He now serves as the

Spring­2017 15 HOMECOMING AWARDS 2016 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Jean Johnson served this University for more than thirty-nine years. She began her career in 1965 and has been an exemplary professor of English and represented UNA through her Harry and Beth Smith have debt. Encouraged by the College numerous publications and presentations, as well a passion for sharing their values of Nursing’s mission of “improving as her memberships in scholastic honor societies of integrity, compassion, love, and health in the community by effecting and professional organizations. Of particular note generosity in a practical and life- change in systems and policies, and is her long and devoted service to all matters affirming way. Harry graduated from to promote research and scholarly pertaining to freshman English. Johnson received Florence State College (FSC) in 1964 activities that advance nursing the Outstanding Educator Award, Women of with a degree in accounting while knowledge,” the Smiths established Distinction Program, from the Girl Scouts of Beth earned her first degree in 1969 the Grace Foundation Excellence North America; an Outstanding Educator Award from Florence State University and Scholarship. from Delta Kappa Gamma Society; and held again in 1981 from the University Harry believes that relationships the Laura M. Harrison Endowed Professorship of North Alabama. After graduating, matter most and with gratitude for in English. She received a certificate of merit Harry worked as a CPA for 16 years those who modeled integrity and for outstanding volunteer service to the Shoals before moving to Memphis, Tenn., counseled him along the way, he community and is listed in Who’s Who of to become co-owner, chairman, and delivers timeless values and practical Women in Education. CEO of Schilling Enterprises. The wisdom. The Smiths attend Bellevue Because of her motivational skills and her Smiths made a generous donation Baptist Church where Harry is a excellent teaching methods, she influenced many to the Build the Pride Campaign by deacon. students to enter the teaching profession. She establishing an endowed scholarship Harry and Beth have been was an enthusiastic professor and encouraged honoring President William G. married more than 53 years. They her students to develop those traits as well. Dr. Cale and President Robert M. have a daughter, Leslie, who is married Johnson was an avid supporter and facilitator Potts. This scholarship benefits the to Rex Jones, and three grandsons: of University readmission, library, research/ Honors Program at UNA. They also Barrett, Harrison, and Walker Jones. development, and fundraising committees. She established a scholarship in honor created an endowed scholarship in 2000 for of Harry’s former professors Dean students in the Department of English, and was Lawrence Conwill and Roy Stevens in an officer in Phi Kappa Phi. the College of Business. Since her retirement she has been reading, They have recently announced traveling with grandchildren in the U.S. and another tangible gift to UNA because abroad, attending Florence Discussion Club many nursing students do not have meetings, teaching Sunday School, singing in the the financial means to finish a degree church choir, and leading a monthly “Singing in without incurring student loan the Spirit” hymn ministry at Merrill Gardens.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 1997 to recognize and honor those who have left lasting impressions on this campus. A brick in a permanent location in our Alumni Victory Garden is reserved for the Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

16 University­of­North­Alabama­Magazine­|­HOMECOMING­2016 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Dr. Tracy Lloyd-Jones ’88 received Carlos Nelson ’96 received his David Waters ’97 earned his a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Master’s in Music Education in 2003 and and is currently working with the Defense Education (social science), a Master’s is currently director of bands at Muscle Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, Degree in Educational Leadership, Shoals High School/Middle School. Calif., with the Department of the and an Educational Specialist Degree Waters designs, writes and arranges Army. As a fulltime French professor and in Educational Leadership from the music/drill for the marching band Teaching Team leader, she devises weekly University of North Alabama. He and the concert percussion ensemble. schedules for students and teachers, and earned his doctorate in Educational David received the 2010 Southeastern prepares and chairs meetings with her Leadership from Samford University and Percussion Educator of the Year award Teaching Team and with students. At DLI is currently the deputy superintendent and is often a presenter at district and Tracy teaches students from the ranks of Sheffield City Schools. He has been national conferences. He served as UNA of soldier to colonel in their Intensive in the education field for twenty years, drum major and as adjunct faculty with Elementary French Program. This is a serving in the capacity of classroom the UNA music department’s W.C. Handy twenty-six week program where students teacher, football/baseball coach, assistant Jazz Band Camp. He is considered to be a in general start with no knowledge of principal, principal, federal programs leader of innovation in the marching and French yet they are required to pass coordinator, curriculum director, career symphonic band community of Alabama the Oral Proficiency Test (OPI) in the technical education director, textbook and consistently earns superior ratings twenty-fifth week as well as the Defense coordinator, and district drug testing and grand championship awards each Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) in coordinator. During his career in year. Under his instruction, the percussion Week 26. education, he has been an active member section enjoyed competitive success in In spite of the challenges associated of the Council of Leaders for Alabama WGI, winning two gold medals, one silver with managing 20 French professors Schools and the Alabama Association medal, and four bronze medals in a seven- from different backgrounds and cultures, of School Curriculum Directors, serving year span at World Championships. Tracy, who is committed to excellence on both boards of directors. Carlos also He is currently serving as District in everything she does, is more than currently serves on the Board of Directors III Vice Chairman of the Alabama up to the task. She is very supportive for Shoals Scholar Dollars, SafePlace, Bandmasters Association and is of the teachers under her supervision. and the Alabama Council for Leadership past chairman of the Shoals Area She encourages them to take on other Development. Carlos has presented at the Band Directors Association. He also responsibilities for their professional CLAS New Principals Institute and the occasionally plays music professionally as growth. Curriculum development, Alabama Association of Higher Education either a percussionist, drum set player, or research, assessment training, and Diversity Officers Comprehensive saxophonist. presentations are only a few examples of Diversity Conference at the University of David is married to Christy Corble her committed support to professional North Alabama. Waters, who is also a graduate of UNA. development for all teachers. Many of He is married to the former Deirdre He considers his daughter Emmie Beth to Tracy’s former students stay in touch years Mullins, a school counselor in the Muscle be his greatest accomplishment in life. after graduation. Shoals City School System, and he is a member of Eastside Church of Christ and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

The Educator of the Year award is most appropriate as the University has a long-standing reputation as an outstanding institution for teacher education and administration. The University was originally a state normal school, becoming a state teachers college and ultimately a fine institute of Higher Education.

Spring 2017 17 HOMECOMING AWARDS 2016 COMMUNITY SERVICE

Melissa Bailey ’98 received a Brad Botes ’83 graduated with a Holly Hollman ’96 received a Bachelor of Science in professional double major in business management and Bachelor of Science degree in journalism geography in 1998. She has been the political science. He served as president and serves as the City of Athens grant City of Florence Director of Planning and of the UNA Student Government coordinator/communications specialist. Community Development since 2003, Association for two years. He received a She oversees media relations, social media and she was named Geography Alumna Juris Doctorate degree from Cumberland communications, and grant writing and of the Year in 2011. Melissa received School of Law at Samford University, grant management. She has trained as the American Planning Association, and he was recently named a Birmingham a public information liaison for Athens- Alabama Chapter “Plan of the Year” award “Top Lawyer for 2016.” Brad is the Limestone Emergency Management in 2010. She is chair of the Shoals Area founder and president of each of the Agency related to emergencies at Browns Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Bond and Botes Law firms, which are Ferry Nuclear Plant, and works with city TVA Master Plan Advisory Committee, located in Alabama, Mississippi, and departments and outside first response and the City of Florence Walk of Honor Tennessee, managing the team of lawyers agencies to coordinate communications Planning Committee, and she is active in since its inception in 1989. A member of during natural or manmade disasters. the American Planning Association and the National Association of Consumer Holly’s community service includes the City of Florence Board of Zoning Bankruptcy Attorneys, Brad has served as City of Athens Relay for Life Team Adjustment. She serves her community by a member of its Board of Directors and Captain; volunteer with Team Victory holding membership in the Florence Main as its first full time Executive Director. 4 All’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Street Board of Directors; as trustee and He has lectured on various bankruptcy Superhero Day; secretary and past campaign chair for the United Way of topics to local and national gatherings Publicity Committee chair for Spirit of the Shoals; and as team co-coordinator of of bankruptcy attorneys, trustees, and Athens; publicity chair for the Athens the American Heart Association Relay for judges. His community service includes Grease Festival, which won a Best Life. Melissa is involved in the St. Joseph serving as a member of the Board of Promotion Award in 2014 from Main Catholic School Board as president and Directors of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Street Alabama; publicity volunteer with as PTO president, and she is a member of Greater Birmingham, the Alabama Athens Saturday Market Committee, of both the Florence High School Head Injury Foundation, and the Alabama which won a Best Promotion Award Quarterback Club and the Tennis Booster Coalition against Rape. Brad also in 2015 from Main Street Alabama; Club. She is a cheerleading coach for donates a great deal of time and energy organizer for the Athens-Limestone Upward Sports, and serves on the Board to community projects, most notably as Community Breakfast, which benefits the of Directors of the Southeastern Color past president and board member of the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts; Guard Circuit. She is married to David Birmingham Crisis Center. Brad is married organizer of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Bailey and they have two children, John to UNA graduate Kaye Benson Botes Commission, which introduces high David and Olivia. ’84 and they are the parents of Bradford, school students to city government, Meredith, and Phillip. career options, grant funding, and community service projects. Holly received the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award from Spirit of Athens Each year the Alumni Association recognizes model citizens for service to their community. These are and the 2011 Habitat for Humanity individuals who have long been involved both professionally and as a volunteer to the community in Excellence in Journalism Award. which they live.

18 University­of­North­Alabama­Magazine­|­HOMECOMING­2016 FACULTY / STAFF SERVICE

Dr. Jana Beaver ’98 received a Dr. Lee Renfroe ’84 is associate Stephanie Montgomery ’86 Master of Arts in Education in Business professor of health education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in and Office Education degree and received a Master’s and an Ed.D. at the communications and psychology from a doctorate from the University of University of Alabama. Lee has taught at UNA, a Master’s from the University of Alabama. Currently an associate professor UNA since 2005. She serves as Faculty Alabama, and she is a fourth year Ph.D. of management, Jana is a member of Phi Senator for HPER and in undergraduate student at the University of Memphis. Kappa Phi, the Muscle Shoals Chapter core competencies as a mentor in the She is an instructor in fundamentals of of Institute of Management Accountants, UNA Academic Colloquium on Student speech, interpersonal communication, and the National Business Education Research. She has served on the Exercise nonverbal communication, and other Association. She received the College Science Visiting Scholar Faculty Search related communication courses of study. of Business Faculty Service Award in Committee and as a judge for UNA Stephanie is faculty advisor for Lambda 2012 and is a member of the Faculty Research Day. Lee has served on the Pi Eta, the national communication Senate, the Undergraduate Curriculum Wellness Council of America and the association’s honor society, and in Committee, and the Multicultural Alabama State Association for Health, 2012 she formed LionCom, a public Advisory committee. Beaver presented Physical Education, Recreation and communication organization for students on “Professionalism” at the UNA SGA Dance. She has co-authored scholarly in the department and others who want Leadership Summit for area high school performance/research and presented at to learn more about communication, students and regularly presents business- conferences state and nationwide. Lee participate in workshops, plan events, and related topics in the community and received the Health Educator of the Year serve students through speech mentoring. nationwide as a representative from award in 2015. She is a Certified Wellness She has participated in peer presentations the College of Business. A native of Coach and she is certified in National at conferences at the state and national Tuscumbia, Jana worked for Tuscumbia Institutes of Health Training (protecting level. Stephanie is the president-elect City Schools before joining the faculty of human research subjects). Her parents of Phi Kappa Phi and received the 2014 UNA. Jana’s mother, Dr. Joan Parris ’74 both graduated from UNA and her family Eleanor Gaunder Excellence in Teaching & 76, received the Faculty/Staff Service relationship through the generations Award, the Best of Alabama Award for Award in 2015. has played a vital role in her love for the NACADA (the National Academic University. Advising Association), and the Academic Achievement Award at UNA in 1997.

The Faculty/Staff Service Awards are presented to successful alumni among peers on this campus. These award winners possess far-reaching, long-term involvement and influence with students, organizations, and colleagues at the University.

Spring 2017 19 HOMECOMING AWARDS 2016 FRIEND OF THE UNIVERSITY MILITARY SERVICE

Master Sergeant Leray Smedley ’01 received the “The Spirit of Hope Award” Medallion at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. after selflessly volunteering over 300 hours, raising A UNA faculty member since Department for seventeen years. His $66,000, and leading 3,000 military 1996, Dr. Sharon Campbell recently distinguished academic career included and civilians towards serving the Beale retired as Chair of the Department work as an accounting professor Air Force Base and local community of Accounting and Business Law. at seven other universities, and he in 70 events. He boosted morale for She served in the Faculty Senate worked in public accounting prior burn victims at Shriner’s Hospital and representing the Department of to teaching. While at UNA Walter dispersed school supplies to 360 children. Accounting and Business Law and developed and maintained the UNA Leray engineered an “Airman’s Attic” was a member of numerous UNA College of Business alumni database, food drive which led to the collection of affiliations, including the Academic searching archival graduation records. more than 640 items and he orchestrated Affairs Teaching Award Selection He coordinated COB receptions in a monthly soup kitchen operation. His Committee, the UNA Undergraduate Birmingham, Huntsville, Nashville, tremendous contributions, commitment, Curriculum Committee, and the UNA Memphis, and the Shoals. He is a and service in support of service members SACS Financial Resources Committee. member of Delta Mu Delta and the led to the Hope award. She was treasurer of the UNA Phi Muscle Shoals Chapter of the Institute Recently Leray served as Network Kappa Phi Chapter, and she worked of Management Accountants. The Operations Manager at NATO with the Alabama Society of CPAs’ Alabama Society of CPAs named him headquarters Norfolk where he Student Interview Day. Sharon served as the Accounting Educator of the Year directly oversees technical support and a board member for the Muscle Shoals in 2012 and Alpha Chi named him network diagnostic repairs that support Chapter of the Institute of Management Business Professor of the Year in 2004 communication for 3,000 personnel Accountants, and is a member of the and 2006. representing 28 nations. In his assignment Alabama Society of CPAs. She has Together Walter and Sharon as a communications team leader for held membership in the American established the Campbell Accounting the President of the United States of Institute of Certified Public Accountants Endowed Scholarship in 2010 through America, he was selected to provide since 1980. She was a member of the the UNA Foundation and the UNA normal and emergency communications American Accounting Association, Lion Match Fund, and in 2015 assisted requirements for the Commander-in- 1997-2012, and for thirteen years was with funding to reach endowed status Chief. He epitomizes the Air Force core coordinator of the Accounting Awards for the scholarship. They are the values of integrity first, service before Banquet. parents of two children, Neil (Kelly) self, and excellence in all he does. He Dr. Walter Campbell retired and Shannon (Andy Venuto), and are makes his home in the D.C. area. after teaching in the UNA Accounting the proud grandparents of Ian. The Military Service Awards recognize the best of the best. These are the men and women from our The Friend of the University Award honors those who promote the mission of the University by their armed services who have chosen careers dedicated donation of time, resources, and energy. Their work is a labor of love. They are patrons, selecting to the service of our country and to the protection deserving causes and special interests where they can share their expertise and talents. of each one of us.

20 University­of­North­Alabama­Magazine­|­HOMECOMING­2016 PROMISING ALUMNI

Brandon Brown is a senior Sarah Green, of Harvest, Noelle Hall is majoring Lee Mayhall is a chemistry majoring in accounting. He Ala., serves as this year’s in nursing. She was a and industrial hygiene major is the UNA Club Soccer Student Government member of the 2015 and from Jackson, Tenn. He was Team president and has been Association president. 2016 SOAR teams and is a on the football team from honored as an Accounting She is a political science current member of Alpha 2012 to 2015 and is involved Scholar. Brandon has been major, a LaGrange Society Gamma Delta and the in the campus outreach President of the Honors Ambassador, member of the Student Nurses Association. ministries. He is the treasurer Student Organization, as UNA Swim Team, and a Noelle is a member of Phi for the Industrial Hygiene well as a College of Business sister of Phi Mu. She is also Kappa Phi Honor Society Student Association, a member Ambassador. Brandon is from in the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor and the National Society of of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Greenville, Ala. Society. Leadership and Success. She is Society, and Hampshire a native of Florence. Honor Society.

Gabriela Gomez is an Carson Hagood is a nursing Hannah Hopkins is a Patrick Twesme is an accounting major. Her major from Cornersville, computer science major. accounting major and a involvement includes College Tenn. He is involved in the Her involvement includes member of the UNA Golf of Business Ambassador and Honors Program and the 2015 Head SOAR Team. He serves on the she is a member of Beta Alpha Student Nursing Association. Counselor, LaGrange Society Student Athletic Advisory Psi. Gabriela also has received Carson has been a SOAR Ambassador, College of Committee and is a member the Alabama Society of Counselor as well as LaGrange Business Ambassador, and Phi of the Phi Theta Kappa Certified Public Accountants Society Ambassador. He is Mu Fraternity vice president. Honor Society. Patrick is from Educational Foundation in Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Hannah, who is in the Honors Florence. Chairman’s Award. Eta Sigma, and Phi Kappa Phi Program, is from Florence. Honors Societies.

UNA faculty and staff nominate seniors excelling in leadership, scholastics, character, service, and potential to receive the Promising Alumni Award. We are proud of their service to the University and we believe they will be outstanding alumni leaders in the future.

Spring 2017 21 For the Anderson Family, Philanthropy Equals Happiness

22 University of North Alabama Magazine | FEATURE ’‘We’re telling all these kids they can’t come here because we’re facility limited, so I said, let’s neighbors better, starting with Clyde Anderson build a building. And...we’re and the newsstand he started on the corner of Court and Tennessee Streets one hundred years building a building!” ago. Following in their father’s footsteps, brothers Charles and Joel, “just kind of fell into a rhythm” of giving back. “The more you do, the more you enjoy — Joel Anderson it, and the more you enjoy it, the more you do.” The family’s latest contribution, a $3 million donation toward the development of UNA’s College of Nursing, will help push UNA’s already- Joel, Terry, and Charles ’56 Anderson competitive program forward into new territory. The Anderson College of Nursing will be housed in an all-new, state-of-the-art facility where Floyd Hall The key to philanthropy is “just being a nice person,” is currently located on campus. With construction according to Joel Anderson. As vice president of the UNA Board set for May 2017, students should be taking classes of Trustees and member of one of the Shoals’ most philanthropic in the building as early as 2018. families, that simple idea influences how he lives his life. In The new facility, made possible in part by fact, he said that making “little contributions, little steps, little the Anderson family’s generous donation, will advancements so that people around you can live better lives” is more than triple the nursing program’s space from at the core of everything that he and his family have done over approximately 15,000 square feet to 50,000, and the past century. the building’s new, updated technology will train Since 1917, “being nice” is exactly what the Anderson several generations of nurses to be better prepared family has done. They have worked on making the lives of their for modern hospital floors.

Spring 2017 23 Architectural renderings courtesy of Create Architects, Dante, Bernard, & Andrews.

Elder brother Charles is excited can’t come here because we’re facility including TNT Fireworks and Books- to be involved in the project and limited, so I said, let’s build a building. A-Million (BAM!), the Andersons has high hopes for the future of the And...we’re building a building!” maintain their offices and homes right nursing program. During a recent For Charles Anderson, helping here in Florence. Being located in the interview after receiving the Horatio others pursue a college education Shoals is a deliberate choice by the Alger award for community service is one of the major benefits of his family for a number of reasons, not and support of higher education, philanthropy and is one of the best the least of which is the size of the hallmarks of his life, Charles said that ways a person can give back to the community and how good people “to be able to participate, to provide community. “I think you need a tend to be toward each other. some resources to help them, I think college education to give you the “Over my career, I’ve had many is a tremendous opportunity. I am tools [for success]. I think it also opportunities to relocate,” said Joel. honored, and I am very excited about gives you something else. I think it “I’ve traveled extensively, but I’ve just it.” The Anderson College of Nursing gives you a certain confidence.” The never found a place I like better. It’s is a testament to that dedication. expansion of the Anderson College of warm, it’s comfortable, and I like the The new facility will not only Nursing is a way for more and more people here.” DannyBut Joel’s Vinsoncommitment ’77 allow UNA to continue to prepare students to gain those tools and that runs deeper than just choosing to live nurses to practice in the global health confidence. The continued growth in Florence; he also has “always been care environment, but it will also of the program is possible not only interested in making this a better allow the university to train more because of the family’s donation, but community. I’ve always been proud of nurses. “We’re having to turn down also because of their dedication to it, and I just want to be prouder.” two out of three qualified applicants higher education in general. The family’s businesses contribute for nursing,” said Joel Anderson. This donation to the Anderson greatly to the economy of the Shoals, “Does that sound right to you? We’ve College of Nursing is only the especially with BAM! being the got the demand, we’ve got the staff, latest in a long line of contributions second-largest bookstore chain in the we’ve got everything they need. We the family has made to the Shoals United States and TNT the largest just don’t have a building to house community and to the University. fireworks distributor in the country. it. We’re telling all these kids they With a diverse portfolio of businesses While their businesses undoubtedly

24 University of North Alabama Magazine | FEATURE help the area in a number of ways, That’s easy for Joel to say, though, “wins” any time more nurses are added their community involvement is what since he has what he calls “a curious to the workforce, and the Shoals really makes the family noteworthy. twinge” that causes him to continually “wins” because the program and the And maybe more specifically than seek new ways to become involved. University will grow and, in turn, that, their encouragement for For those without that twinge, will help Florence and the rest of the other people to become involved is he suggests that folks first look at Shoals grow as well. “It’s about being a improving the lives of their neighbors. themselves and what truly matters good neighbor, being a good person, Terry Anderson, Charles’ son and to them. The Andersons advise the and making people’s lives better and TNT Fireworks Chairman, has always community to keep busy with events happier.” been involved in the family businesses and causes they are passionate about. With such an earnest ideal and their community service. While “Not just having a passing interest, guiding their family, the Andersons his family would have been happy but real passion,” Joel said. ” That have set a pretty high bar for the if he had chosen to go into any way, when you accomplish whatever rest of the Shoals community. All of field, going into the family business your objective is, you can look back it comes back around to what Joel was really the only choice for him. and be proud of it.” Anderson believes about being a nice “There’s no way to say it other than The Andersons are definitely person and a good neighbor. He we were blessed,” said his father. Like proud of the future of nursing at suggests finding a hole that needs to father, like son, Terry continues his UNA. Joel said that the University be filled and filling it. Not because family’s tradition of philanthropy and has “a fabulous nursing program, one you have to, but because you want to community involvement through his of the top in the South. And there’s and you can. nonprofit work and charitable giving. a critical national shortage of nurses, “Philanthropy is something we Not everyone can fund a College so we’re helping that problem, too. all should do,” he said. “Let me tell of Nursing, for instance, but everyone It’s kind of a win-win-win. Everybody you, if you’re walking down the is capable of making the lives of those comes out a winner on this one.” street and you pass someone, and you around them more comfortable, more Nursing students will “win” smile, that’s philanthropy. You just inviting, and more prosperous. “We because their education will be did something good for someone. can all do something. Opportunities provided in a state-of-the-art facility You brightened their spirits, their to give back are amazingly easy to made possible in part by the Anderson moments.” find,” said Joel. “You just have to open Family Foundation’s generous your eyes and look.” donation. The nursing profession

Spring 2017 25 A letter from Robert Steele Fellow Lions, Friends, and they did in the end. It is the same at the beginning Supporters of the University of North Alabama, of a school year, a college experience, and even throughout life. The end is a much more complete It was truly an honor to be able to celebrate picture than the beginning. being inducted into the UNA Hall of Fame this What I am referring to are moments in past year. UNA is a special place to me and I time. Each of us experiences moments in time wanted to share a few personal thoughts as it throughout our lives that ultimately become the relates to my experience at UNA and what I fabric of our lives. believe are a student athlete’s/student’s experience In 1974, I arrived on the campus of the newly through life. named University of North Alabama physically, Life is a series of moments. My mom taught mentally, and emotionally unprepared to become me about cooking. My father taught me about a college student or a football player for the constructing a house. My teachers taught me university. reading, writing, and arithmetic along with many In the spring of 1975, my freshman year, I other things. Administrators kept me in line, suffered my first knee injury. My ACL ligaments disciplined, and encouraged me throughout my were torn off the bone and my cartilage was educational experience. My coaches taught me shattered. Surgery was required. I spent eight about game plans, physical training, and pushing weeks on crutches hobbling around campus, myself beyond what I believed I was capable. My climbing stairs to my classes in Bibb Graves family has been, and always will be, by my side. and Keller Halls. Fully recovered, I entered my My friends have supported me through the good sophomore year excited about playing the season. times and bad. That did not happen. Halfway through the season, But here’s the thing: that the cake my mother I injured my right knee (Coach Gaskell called it taught me to bake and the houses and apartments my good knee) which required surgery as well. my father allowed me to watch being built looked Eight more weeks of crutches hauling Robert Steele ’78 much different in the beginning and middle than my body around campus attending classes,

26 University of North Alabama Magazine | FEATURE rehabilitating my knee and wondering if I that season, four draft choices and one hard lesson from, was the fact that once would ever play another down of football free agent. So, 45 returning veterans, 12 I accomplished those two goals, I did not was more troubling the second time draft choices and a total of 80 free agents set a third or even fourth goal. Football around. One knee surgery is usually a all competed for a total of 45 roster spots. was removed from my life as a result. death knell for your career. Two is almost I ended up being the only free agent The good news was that the certainly so. out of 80 to make the World Champion University of North Alabama prepared While preparing for the 1976 season, Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas newspapers me for life during football and for life I quickly realized that my upper body had written that I had a million to one after football. I am fortunate to be where had developed from those 16 weeks shot to make the team. Well, thanks to I am today. of crutches. I was physically bigger, my time at UNA, those odds did not The moments I have described stronger and even faster following my bother me one bit. here are moments of time in my life, rehabilitation from the surgeries. I did not Playing in SuperBowl XIII, to a but could be applied to any student. notice it then, but I realized it much later crowd of eighty-five thousand people and The similarity is that the moments we that those moments in time worked to my millions of television viewers, brought all experienced and are experiencing at benefit, not my detriment. my mind back to Braly Stadium and the UNA have prepared us for the future. Two healthy football seasons later, I fact that both fields were fifty-five yards These moments and accomplishments was preparing for graduating from UNA wide and 100 yards long. Identical in we are experiencing together today were physically, mentally, and emotionally a almost all aspects and the lessons learned created because of parents, teachers, much different person than I was a mere there helped me stay focused at a stadium administrators, coaches, family, and four years prior following my arrival onto just one year removed from my UNA friends. the UNA campus. experience. Quite simply, UNA made me the Ten days before my class finals, the I had set two goals concerning my man I am today. For that, I am eternally Dallas Cowboys came to campus and NFL career prior to my arrival. One was grateful. put me through a series of time trials, to make the Cowboys team. Next was to Make every moment count. agility drills, and interviews to see if I receive a game ball. I accomplished both. Go Lions! was worthy of being selected to become My mistake, and something I learned a Robert Steele ’78 a Dallas Cowboy. I was not selected as a draft choice but as a free agent to sign a contract along with 12 draft choices and 79 other rookie free agents. I negotiated my contract at Dale’s Restaurant with Cornell Green, without an agent. Years later, I realized that during my time in the business classes taught by Dr. Barry Morris and Mr. Bud Smith, along with many others, I was taught how to think critically and creatively and successfully negotiated my contract to FORMER UNA FOOTBALL STANDOUT become a free agent with the Cowboys. GIVES BACK TO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS I reported to training camp listed Robert Steele (’78) may have decided at a later date. number 20 on the depth chart of 20. The earned a Super Bowl ring on the field After graduating from UNA, first four receivers were Drew Pearson, for the Dallas Cowboys in 1978, but Steele played for the Dallas Cowboys Golden Richards, Tony Hill, and Butch before he was a world champion, he in 1978. He played for the Minnesota Johnson. The Cowboys were the World earned his B.S. in Marketing from the Champions having defeated Denver in Vikings the next year, before leaving College of Business at UNA. Superbowl XII. A short six weeks later, Gil sports and diving into the business Brandt came up to me and said “Robert, Now Steele is giving back to the world of insurance, where he excelled you have had a great training camp. In school that provided him with an for over 20 years. During that fact, we keep stats on every pass thrown education. Steele announced that he time, Steele served in the Georgia your way and for every receiver as well. has pledged $200,000 for renaming House of Representatives as a State You scored the highest pass/catch ratio in the College of Business’s Center for Representative. the history of training camp. Keep it up.” Professional Selling, the Robert H. Steele He later ventured into numerous Jim Goodman, my receivers coach, Center for Professional Selling. healthcare services, including software, made me do fingertip pushups, which Officials with the University services, and technologies, where he strengthened my hands to the point that I of North Alabama Foundation say has experienced phenomenal success could catch a pass one-handed across the the initial $100,000 received will be in sales, marketing and technologies. field. Another moment in time. distributed to establish a current use Steele also authored a book, Steele Here: After the Cowboys traded Golden fund to assist the Robert H. Steele Center for An Underdog’s Secret to Success. In 2016, Richards to the Chicago Bears, a spot Professional Selling with operational and Steele was inducted in the Athletic Hall was made for me to be a Dallas Cowboy. general project support. The use of the of Fame at UNA. Only five rookie players made the team remaining $100,000 donation will be

Spring 2017 27 Dr. Francis Koti and Dr. Greg Gaston UNA­Bridges­Gaps­with­GIS­and­Caring

According to ancient Chinese Koti said his original idea was to The program was cancelled, with philosopher Lao Tzu, “A journey of a bring a group of students to Kenya, his tickets paid and everything ready to go. thousand miles begins with a single step.” home country. However, he thought it It was an unfortunate setback and while For the University of North Alabama would be prudent to explore the area first Koti said he was a little depressed, it did and the University of Dar Es Salaam, the and determine what exactly he would not stop his drive. Three years later, he journey to a relationship didn’t actually be teaching when he got there. After all, came up with a different idea: while it begin with a literal step, but more like a Koti had already been teaching African was still a trip to Africa, this time the misstep. geography in the U.S., but in the field, destination was Tanzania. If you ask Dr. Francis Koti how that’s a different perspective. “It’s relatively calm; they speak the two entities ended up having a “I ended up getting a grant from the English. They speak Swahili. I speak relationship, he would respond quite College of Arts and Sciences in 2005 Swahili, so you know I thought, I could simply, “That’s a very interesting in order to travel to Kenya. I did some probably do this,” Koti said. question.” reconnaissance and I was planning to do a So Koti began to organize a trip, “When I interviewed here, I knew home-stay so that our students could have again, and in 2010 with another grant I had a plan to conduct a study abroad the complete cultural immersion,” he said. from the College of Arts and Sciences he program in Africa,” Koti said. “But I wasn’t Koti came back to the States with traveled to Dar Es Salaam, the capital of sure though, because I really wasn’t sure a plan, and in 2006 he advertised the Tanzania. But this time he had a different how the whole idea of Africa would be program and began collecting students approach; he had the idea to work with welcome. However, after a year had and fees for a summer 2007 trip. There the local university, the University of Dar passed I thought, I can probably pull this was just one big problem, he said. Es Salaam. off.” “In 2007, there was a U.S. State “I went to the university and Department travel advisory to Kenya.” introduced myself and basically said

28 University of North Alabama Magazine One thing led to another; Gaston took Hambati up on his offer, and in 2013 he was back in Tanzania as a Fulbright Scholar. For some context, GIS in layman’s terms is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. Clearly, this is a technical field that requires some high-tech equipment. “That was literally their GIS lab,” that I was trying to start a study abroad what we’re here to talk about today. Gaston said as he pointed to a picture of program in Tanzania, but I had no idea “I’m a physical geographer and I do a classroom containing a chalkboard and about Tanzania other than what I’ve read. GIS or Geographic Information Systems,” some desks, and a few ancient computers. I asked if they’d be willing to work with Gaston said. “In 2011, Dr. Koti developed “So one of the things I wanted to us,” he said. a study abroad program in Africa and I do and I mentioned it on my Fulbright According to Koti, university went with him in ’11 and ‘12. Not long application: I had some returned overhead officials said they didn’t know how they after, we were sitting around the table from a grant so I bought five laptop could help, but they were willing to at lunch with one of our colleagues computers and I contacted ESRI,” he said. lend a hand. Now that the host was out from University of Dar Es Salaam, Dr. ESRI is the Environmental Systems of the way, Koti began to look into the Herbert Hambati, and I was talking about Research Institute based in Redlands, curriculum. He knew there was a lot of Fulbright; he was like, ‘Well, why don’t California. They are also the standard geography in the Mount Kilimanjaro area you conduct your Fulbright studies in when it comes to GIS software. Gaston and on the coast near the university. Koti Tanzania,’” he said. managed to get a 20-minute meeting with said he thought he could teach the human geography related to the Rift Valley, and his colleague at UNA, Dr. Greg Gaston, could teach the physical aspects of geography. With a plan in hand, Koti returned to UNA and asked the then dean for permission. It was granted, and in 2011, Koti, Gaston, and their students were headed to Tanzania. Professor of Geography at the University of North Alabama, Dr. Greg Gaston, sits amid stacks of books in his quintessential professor’s office. Artifacts are scattered amongst maps, old documents, and memorabilia from trips past, including jaunts to Africa, which is

Spring­2017 29 the head honchos and mentioned his plan University of Dar Es Salaam to see what courage to stay the course helped a lot in to provide a few computers with ESRI their needs are. Now we are not even establishing this. But that’s not our biggest software to the GIS lab at the University a part of the picture. It’s bigger than us contribution. Our biggest contribution is of Dar Es Salaam. now,” he said. getting their students to believe they can “The University of Dar Es Salaam is In terms of stature, as far as GIS actually do what our students do. Getting now a partner with ESRI,” he said. “So I programs are concerned, Koti said their students to see themselves as folks took the five computers I had loaded with who can actually do GIS. To me that’s the the GIS software and I started trying to biggest contribution. It’s not computers, train graduate students on how to learn.” because someone could’ve done that on Flash forward to 2016 and Koti their own. But to get those students to get said the project has grown to something with our students, you can’t place a value they could not even imagine when they on that,” he said. started. What started as a few laptops For more information on Geography now has grown to a full GIS lab with at UNA: una.edu/geography. multi-screen computers. For his part in it, Gaston is hesitant to say it all started with five laptops, but he did mention that he “poked enough things and things happened.” the GIS program at Dar Es Salaam is “It was a surprise to me that anything considered to be one of the best in Africa would work like this did, though certainly and has transformed how the country we were hopeful. I think we’re all pleased does geography. And realistically, it may with how it turned out,” Gaston said. have started as a fluke. Had Koti visited “When ESRI donated the software, Kenya, this never would have happened they saw an opportunity to expand and – or would have happened in a different they have a hub in neighboring Kenya; manner, at a different pace. their regional ESRI offices are there,” Koti “It looks like a fluke, but I give more said. “So now they send people to the credit to Dr. Gaston,” Koti said. “His

30 University of North Alabama Magazine Ashley Moffitt ’04, Vanessa Ferretti Howell ’06, Robert Steele ’78, and Kent Sullivan ’92

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTS FERRETTI, MOFFITT, STEELE and SULLIVAN as Class of 2016

VANESSA FERRETTI during her career at UNA, Ferretti was Player. She also received first-team (Volleyball 2003-05) named to the Gulf South Conference AVCA All-South Region honors in 2004 A native of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Vanessa Team of the Decade for 2000-09. A and 2005, was first-team Daktronics Ferretti is one of just 10 student-athletes first-team AVCA and Daktronics All- All-South Region in 2005, All-South in school history to be named both All- American selection as a senior in 2005, Region Tournament in 2005, AVCA American and Academic All-America she led the NCAA Division II with 757 National Player of the Week for Sept. at UNA. A three-year starter for the kills and was third nationally in kills per 12, 2005, and honorable mention AVCA Lions from 2003-05, she helped lead the game at 5.69 while leading UNA to a All-American in 2004. An Academic All- team to the NCAA Division II National 36-2 record. Selected second-team All- GSC selection as a senior in 2005 and a Championship in 2003, and to Gulf GSC in 2003, Ferretti was named first- GSC Top 10 honoree, Ferretti was also South Conference championships in team All-GSC in 2004 and 2005 and was named CoSIDA Academic All-District 2004 and 2005. UNA had a combined GSC East Division Player of the Year as and third-team CoSIDA Academic All- 93-16 record during her three seasons a junior and senior. She earned six GSC America®. Following her graduation from in the program. Among her more than Player of the Week awards and was 2005 UNA in 2006 with a degree in Political 30 individual honors that she received GSC Tournament Most Outstanding Science, Ferretti played professional

Spring 2017 31 Vanessa Ferretti Howell ’06 Ashley Moffitt ’04 Robert Steele ’78 Kent Sullivan ’92

volleyball in Lleida, Spain, at Finques selected first-team All-GSC, All-GSC ROBERT STEELE Borrell Camp Escolar. She then served as Tournament, first-team AVCA All-South (Football 1975-77, Baseball 1976) a graduate assistant volleyball coach at Central Region, AVCA South Central A native of Columbus, Ga., Robert Steele Troy University. She and her husband, Region Freshman of the Year, All-South was a three-year letterman as a wide Wess Howell, have two sons, Noah and Central Region Tournament, first-team receiver in football for the Lions from Ben. She currently works as a pre-school Daktronics All-South Centrak Region, 1975-77 and also played one season of teacher in Dothan, Ala., and coaches and third-team Daktronics All-American. baseball. He went on to become the first the Houston Academy Middle School In 2001 she was first-team All-GSC, UNA Lion to play in a Super Bowl when volleyball team. All-GSC Tournament, earned a GSC he played with the Dallas Cowboys in Player of the Week award, was first- Super Bowl XIII against the Pittsburgh ASHLEY MOFFITT team AVCA and Daktronics All-South Steelers. While at UNA, he caught 59 (Volleyball 2000-03) Central Region, All-South Central Region passes for 997 yards while battling knee A native of Crestwood, Ky., Ashley Tournament, earned an AVCA National injuries. He was selected second-team Moffitt was a three-time All-American Player of the Week honor and was All-Gulf South Conference in 1976 and selection at UNA and four-time All-Gulf second-team Daktronics All-American. first-team All-GSC as a senior in 1977. South Conference and All-South Central As a junior in 2002 she was again first- Steele signed a free agent contract with Region pick during her career with the team All-GSC, All-GSC Tournament, the defending Super Bowl Champion Lions from 2000-03. She was not only and first-team AVCA and Daktronics Cowboys in 1978 and became the only named to the Gulf South Conference All-South Central Region. In 2003, free agent out of eighty to make the 45- Team of the Decade for 2000-09, but was Moffitt was first-team All-GSC, All-GSC man roster. In 1979 he played for the also selected as the GSC East Division Tournament, earned two GSC Player of Minnesota Vikings, and was awarded a Player of the Decade. Moffitt led UNA to the Week awards, an AVCA National game ball against the Tampa Buccaneers a 135-19 combined record from 2000-03. Player of the Week honor, was first- for blocking a punt which resulted in a That record included three Gulf South team AVCA and Daktronics All-South game winning touchdown. In all, Steele Conference championships (2000, 2001, Central Region, All-South Central Region played in 30 games during his NFL 2002), four straight NCAA Tournament Tournament, third-team AVCA All- career. Following his time in the NFL, appearances (2000-03), two Division II American, and first-team Daktronics All- Steele moved on to become a leader in Regional Championships (2000, 2003), American. She was also UNA’s co-Female insurance, benefits, and healthcare fields and the school’s first NCAA Division II Athlete of the Year for 2003-04. A 2004 with technology being his primary focus. National Championship in a women’s UNA graduate with a Bachelor’s degree Steele currently serves as President of sport (2003). Moffitt led Division II in Human Environmental Sciences, Steele Financial Group, a healthcare in assists twice and set two Division II Moffitt later earned an associates degree technology sales and marketing company. national records. She led Division II in Information Technology. She works in Named to the UNA Team of the Decade with 14.07 assists per game in 2001 and medical sales and is employed as a project for 1969-78, Steele authored a book in 14.35 in 2003. She was also ranked fifth manager for installation for products in 2011 entitled Steele Here, An Underdog’s Secret in the nation as a freshman with 13.44 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) to Success, which detailed his journey to and ninth in the nation as a junior with across the country. earn a spot on the Dallas Cowboys and 13.34. As a freshman in 2000 she was his later success in the business world.

32 University of North Alabama Magazine | ATHLETICS ALUMNI

Steele is an active speaker and has PRIDE authored articles on sales, motivation, healthcare and technology over the past 35 years. Steele also served in the Georgia State Legislature as an elected state representative for two years from 1989-90. He has four children and two grandchildren and resides in Las Vegas, Nev.

KENT SULLIVAN (Baseball 1990-91) A native of Signal Mountain, Tenn., Kent Sullivan was a two-year letterman in baseball at UNA in 1990-91. As a senior he was selected All-Gulf South Conference, fi rst-team All-South Region, Bobby Wallace at Homecoming Lion Walk and third-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association. In April of 1990 he earned a Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Week honor after pitching in three games and earning two wins for the Lions. He pitched seven and two-thirds innings of relief against 14th ranked Mississippi State to get the win in a 10-3 UNA victory. He scattered six hits while giving up one earned run and striking out four. He then pitched an inning and a third to get a win in relief over Montevallo. He had the lowest ERA in the NCAA Division II in 1991 at 0.68 and had 35 strikeouts with an 8-0 record. He made 27 appearances, with 26 in relief, and fi red a complete game shutout in his only start. In 52.2 innings that season, he allowed just 39 hits and 13 President Ken and Dena Kitts with children, Colin and Corbin walks while striking out 35. He also did not allow a single home run all season. Sullivan had a 15-2 career record and his 88.2 winning percentage is among the best in GSC history. His 1.32 career earned run average is the lowest in GSC history. The Lions had a combined 67-28 record during Sullivan’s two seasons at UNA and he helped lead the 1991 squad to a berth in the NCAA South Atlantic Regional. A 1992 UNA graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in History, Sullivan has worked more than 20 years as a middle school teacher and is currently employed at Space Center Middle School in Seabrook, Texas. He and his wife April have a 16-year-old daughter, Montana, and a 13-year old son, Nash. Summer Richardson and Drake Vaccaro

Spring­2017 33 “Football has been one of the most important things to me, but now football is over. The education that it has helped me receive is something that no one can ever take away from me.” — DeAndre Harrison

HARRISON and LIONS are TRUE STUDENT-ATHLETES

34 University­of­North­Alabama­Magazine­|­ATHLETIC­FEATURE DeAndre Harrison knows what it As a department, UNA Athletics had 2016-17 was senior volleyball standout means to be a true student-athlete and has a cumulative grade point average above Natasha Fomina of Broomfield, Colo. always done what it takes to excel in both 3.0 for the second straight semester, with Fomina became just the tenth student- areas. a 3.07 in the Spring of 2016 and a 3.02 athlete in school history to earn both All- An honor student and all-state athlete in the Fall of 2016. Those are the two American and Academic All-America® at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia, highest cumulative semester GPAs by the honors. Fomina also helped lead the Lions Ga., Harrison signed to play football at department since similar records began to back-to-back GSC volleyball titles the University of North Alabama in 2011 being kept in 2005. (2015 and 2016) and NCAA Regional and had a plan for success – to use the This past Fall, the UNA women’s Tournament appearances. opportunity to play a sport he loves to cross country team led the way with a earn an education that will benefit him cumulative 3.64 GPA, followed closely the rest of his life. by men’s tennis (3.58), women’s tennis As Harrison looks ahead to his (3.50), women’s soccer (3.32), and UNA All-American and graduation this May with a Bachelor women’s basketball (3.30). Academic All-America® of Science degree in Exercise Science “We really appreciate the hard work with a concentration in Clinical Exercise that our staff and student-athletes have Ronda­Price­Bell­­...... Volleyball Physiology, he can look back on a unique put in to make academics a top priority,” Rachel­Price­Brinley­...... Volleyball career at UNA. He was a member of said UNA Athletic Director Mark Linder. Josh­Willingham­...... Baseball the first team in Gulf South Conference “Our mission is Graduating Champions Douglas Hargett ­...... Baseball history to win four straight league football and we are committed to the academic Vanessa­Ferretti­Howell­...... Volleyball championships and was a contributor on success of our student-athletes. We also all four squads. The Lions also made four want to thank our outstanding faculty that Will­Batson­...... Football straight NCAA Playoff appearances and educates our students here at UNA and Nikki­Brown­...... Soccer advanced to the 2016 Division II National creates a quality academic environment.” Jake­Greer...... Golf Championship Game. On the academic Another UNA student-athlete who Chloe Richards­...... Soccer side, Harrison earned Academic All-GSC enjoyed the highest level of success in Natasha Fomina­...... Volleyball honors four straight years, making him just the third student-athlete in school history and one of just a handful in conference history to receive that honor four consecutive years. “I always knew football would be my platform and would help me get my higher education,” Harrison said. “Football has been one of the most important things to me, but now football is over. The education that it has helped me receive is something that no one can ever take away from me.” Harrison’s success story is just one of many among the student-athletes at UNA as the Lions have continued their role of championships on the field and high achievements in the classroom. Harrison was one of 226 student- athletes that the UNA Athletic Department honored on its Academic Night this past February, an honor reserved for those student-athletes who Natasha Fomina have achieved a 3.2 grade point average or higher in the 2016 Spring or Fall semesters. “Our mission is Graduating Champions and Of those student-athletes honored, we are committed to the academic success 56 had perfect 4.0 grade point averages and another 93 had GPAs between 3.50 of our student-athletes.” and 3.99. ­— Athletic Director Mark Linder

Spring­2017 35 UNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Michelle Eubanks ’96, President Aaron Irons ’99, President Elect Derrick Chatman ’08, Vice President message from the Bishop Alexander ’09, 2nd Vice President Christa Raney ’97, Secretary Raleigh Green ’10, Treasurer ALUMNI PRESIDENT Pat Burney ’88, Club Advisor Pat Roden ’77, Faculty Advisor Douglas Hargett ’02, Past President Haley Brink ’08, Director of Alumni Relations Dear Alumni and Friends of UNA, UNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gloria Aday ’70 It all started with cups, really. When I open Bucky Beaver ’64 Bart Black ’95 my kitchen cabinets, I’m bombarded, sometimes Mark Blackburn ’75 quite literally, by cups from our family’s trips to SEC Andy Betterton ’75 Tosha-Paige Brewer ’13 football games. Here’s one from an Iron Bowl, or Robbie Burdine ’12 there’s the one from that nail-biter of a game against Anna Wilson Burnley ’97 Jordan Graham ’14 Georgia. They’re great memories, these cups. Chase Hagood ’04 What I didn’t understand was why I had all of Will Hodges ’10 Jan Ingle ’85 these commemorative cups from these other teams, Eric Kirkman ’97 and I didn’t have any – not the fi rst one – from my Andy Mann ’92 Nikki Mann ’94 alma mater and that of my husband, Jeff. Where was Jean McIntyre ’65 the purple and gold, the Lions, and the University of Ana Fuller Pannell ’06 Gale Satchel ’06 North Alabama in all of this? Rod Sheppard ’98 As president of the Alumni Association, it Larry Softley ’89 became my mission to change it. I enlisted the help Elaine Softley ’88 Michelle Rupe Eubanks ‘96 Katherine Fowler Stone ’02 of fi rst vice president Aaron Irons, and, together, we Linda Vaughan ’70 Maria Warren ’00 gathered pricing and samples and a plan. We wanted Kim West ’08 these cups to be the Alumni Association’s gift to UNA Athletics and their move to Cheron Pitts White ’98 Division 1 and the Atlantic Sun Conference. UNA ALUMNI CLUB LEADERS We’ve had several conversations with the Executive Council, and the plan will ALABAMA Auburn/Opelika • James Langcuster ’82 also be presented at the upcoming Alumni Summit. (If you haven’t attended one, I Athens • Holly Hollman ’96 Montgomery/SE Alabama • Apriell Curtis Hartsfi eld ’00 certainly recommend it. See what you could be missing?) Further, we’ve met with the Birmingham • Chris Burrell ’02 Athletic Department, specifi cally with Athletic Director Mark Linder, about logistics Colbert/Sheffi eld • Elaine Witt ’76 Decatur • Patrick Johnson ’99 of sales in the different venues for all sports. Florence • Ryan ’01 and Lisa Clayton ’00 And I’m very happy to report to you, dear readers, that the cups will be available Huntsville • Laurentis Barnett ’03 Russellville • Heath Daily beginning in January of 2018. Clearly, this is an exciting time for the alumni and Scottsboro • Stan Mannon ’85 athletics, and the cups are an embodiment of that excitement. Already, I’m planning Tuscaloosa • Jim Page ’01 to be in the concession line at a basketball game or softball game or baseball game, TENNESSEE Memphis • Coleman Barron ’14 purchasing my cup and supporting UNA. Of course, they’ll be available for the Nashville • Jamie Moorer Ellis ’08 football season, too. South Central Tennessee • Mac ’72 and Cathy Brown ’76 I have no doubt these UNA cups will quickly outnumber those from the other FLORIDA Jacksonville • Maury Shipper ’78, Janet Price ’77 teams that are currently housed in my kitchen cabinets. UNA is our home team, after Orlando • Lawrence Davis ’80 all. GEORGIA Atlanta • Carnette Johnson ’83 Speaking of the home team, we welcomed a new member in January. Haley Brink South Georgia • Toby Davis ’80 took over her offi cial duties as Director of Alumni Relations. She’s been a pleasure to MISSISSIPPI work with during the course of these past few months, and I look forward to seeing Jackson • Ethan Broadfoot ’11 Northeast Mississippi • Keith Henley ’89 her vision for the alumni association grow and develop. We also have a couple of East Central • Michael Thorn ’82 new members on the Executive Council. Christa Rainey is our secretary, and Raleigh Coastal Mississippi • Rita Buckley ’85 Green is serving as our treasurer. TEXAS Dallas Metroplex • Paul Smith ’66 As we look ahead, we’ll be reaching out to you for names of individuals whom Houston • Tommy McNeill ’69 you believe would be deserving of an award during Homecoming. It’s a special time West Texas • Charles Inman ’71 to honor UNA’s alumni and friends, and I hope you’ll consider nominating those who YOUNG ALUMNI LEADERS Bishop Alexander ’09 have been loyal to UNA. GEOGRAPHY Later this year, you’ll be hearing plans for the third Lions Under the Lights dinner Robert Nall ’14 to take place on the UNA grounds. We’ve enjoyed this fundraiser tremendously as it SOCIAL WORK Stacy Lee ’01 allows us to spotlight the incredible and delicious things happening in the culinary UNA BAND department. You won’t want to miss it! Jeff McCreary ’83 ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY Katie Swann ’14 Roar Lions! Michelle Rupe Eubanks ‘96 2016-2017 Alumni Association President

36 University of North Alabama Magazine | ALUMNI Lions Under the Lights ALUMNI PRIDE

Brian and Jan Ingle ‘85 with Patricia and Harold Lewis

Vernon Cox, Lonzie McCants ‘82, and Will Bragwell

Haley Brink ’08 with Shannon and Brent Hurd

Paul Doughty ‘66, James Battcher ‘66, Carl Mathis ‘66, Alice Trimble ‘64, Janet and Greg Carnes with Lindsey and Butch Davis with Stanley Trimble ‘64, Sherry Gambel ‘66, Jo Finch ‘65, Elaine ’88 and Larry Softley ‘89 Chester and Jenny McKinney Johnny Finch ‘66, and Curtis Morris ‘66 Miss UNA

Saturday January 21, 2017 Victoria Roose was Jonathan Irons and Aaron Irons ‘99 crowned the 43rd Miss UNA.

Spring­2017 37 & HALEY BRINK New Alumni Relations Director

Full name? Haley Tidwell Brink

Where were you born? Florence, AL (ECM)

Tell us about your family; what does your husband do? My husband, Wes, and his family own Brink Apartments and build homes in the Shoals area. Wes and I both grew up in Florence and we married in March 2006. We have two children, Madelyn and Ryder Brink. Madelyn is 7 years old and attends Kilby Laboratory School. Our son, Ryder, just turned 2 years old in December and is full of energy. Our children are the highlight of our day and we enjoy spending as much time with them as possible.

What attracted you to this position? First of all, I have known that I wanted to be in Higher Education since I was 18 years old. My first position in higher education was as a student worker at NWSCC in the Admissions office. After graduating with my BBA from UNA in 2008, I immediately started working for UNA in the Office of International Admissions. Four years later, I was hired as the Director of Annual Giving and I was challenged in a completely new way that I grew to love. I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to serve UNA as the Director of Alumni Relations, but I knew that it was a chance of a lifetime and I feel so blessed to serve our university in this role.

38 University of North Alabama Magazine | ALUMNI­FEATURE What are some of the Favorite Movie? biggest challenges you’ll be facing? I love the movies “Grease” and “The Notebook.” I have I am a planner by nature, so I find myself thinking about watched them both a million times. club development, events, Homecoming, communication, and new ideas all at once. My past experience has helped me know Favorite food or drink? where to begin, but I want to plan the whole year in a day. I I am a true Southerner, because I love fried chicken and have to remind myself that any position has a learning curve, sweet tea. My grandmother was one of the best cooks and I and I find comfort in knowing that I have a group of UNA alums grew up eating at her house every Sunday. Even though I have who are willing to help me accomplish these challenging task. her recipes, I have yet to make anything as good as she did.

What’s your favorite thing about UNA? I love the personal connections I have made and I never understood how rare these connections were until I started talking with other peers in Higher Education. While in college, my professors knew me by name and many ended up being references on my résumé. I have also been a part of many projects that have come to life because our UNA faculty and staff are willing to do whatever it takes to benefit UNA. We all work together as a team and that makes for a great work environment.

What inspires you? I like to challenge myself and I love to learn new things. In my career, I have always pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I have never stopped trying to think outside of the box. I constantly find myself thinking, “I know there is a better way to do this.”

Hobbies? Outside of work, I love to read, watch movies and spend time with my family. My family is the most important part of my life and I strive every day to be the best wife and mother I can possibly be. Some days I do better than others, but I would say I spend a good amount of time trying…

Favorite book? My favorite love story is: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski. My favorite historical fiction is: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I also love anything written by Nora Roberts. Wes, Ryder, Madelyn, and Haley

Spring 2017 39 CLASS NOTES

YEARS Keith Griffin ’80 the Harold Stitt ’84 was Cambridge Semantics based UNIDENTIFIED Mohawks all-time winningest recently interviewed for an in Boston. In this newly coach, has agreed to terms article series about Vietnam created position, Hamby will Chip Lindsey, who served with the team to return for his veterans as the United States serve Cambridge Semantics’ as offensive coordinator and ninth season in Amsterdam. commemorates the 50th federal government customers quarterback coach at Arizona During his tenure with the anniversary of the Vietnam seeking insights from big data State this past season and Mohawks, Griffin has won War. He served two tours in discovery, analysis, and data Southern Miss for two years six league championships. Vietnam as a Huey helicopter management solutions, such prior, has been named the Griffin is from Gadsden, and pilot. Stitt, who was inducted as the Anzo Smart Data Lake, offensive coordinator and is a graduate of Livingston in the Madison County Military to provide timely, accurate quarterback coach at Auburn. University. He holds a master’s Hall of Heroes in 2016, served and customizable information Lindsey was a member of the degree from the University of in the war from May 1967 to staff, citizens, media football team while attending North Alabama. through May 1968 and from and businesses. He holds a the University of North June 1970 through June 1971. bachelor’s in management. Alabama and was a prep Rick Adams ’82 presented Harold Stitt was an ROTC coach in Florence. Out of the Wood at the instructor at the University of Lisa Stooksberry ’87 Kennedy-Douglass Center North Alabama from 1981- was appointed the new for the Arts. Out of the Wood 1983 and earned his Master Deputy Executive Director is an exhibition of wood and of Business Administration by the National Assessment ceramic sculpture. Adams is a degree from the University of Governing Board. Stooksberry 19 60s Muscle Shoals native. North Alabama. is a distinguished assessment Dr. Milton Sewell ’66 expert and former educator Ronnie Garner ’83 is a Robert Cox ’86 opened President of Freed-Hardeman who, working with the lifelong resident of the Shoals. the 2017 exhibition season for for almost two decades, was executive director and A graduate of Deshler High the Alabama Center for the joined on stage by Laurel, his other staff, will support School and the University Arts with Around the Bend, wife of more than 50 years, the Governing Board’s of North Alabama, he is the an exhibition of drawings as this year’s “Masters of congressional mandate to owner of Garner Properties, and paintings. According to the Bell.” The Tolling of the set policy for The Nation’s LLC, and co-owner of Garner a press release, Cox’s work Bell ceremony signals the Report Card, also known as Autos, LLC. Garner has is inspired by the regional start of each academic year, the National Assessment recently been elected to be landscape of the Southeast reuniting students, faculty, and of Educational Progress one of eleven members of and focuses on the biological the Freed-Hardeman family (NAEP). Stooksberry holds the First Metro Bank Board of and cultural heritage of our with those new to the school undergraduate and graduate Directors. national forests and wilderness and those who shaped the degrees. areas, wildlife refuges, and private university’s storied Jerome Thompson other public lands. Cox holds past. Serving as chancellor Mark Narmore ’88 ’83 was recently voted a degree in studio art. since 2008, Milton Sewell has received a degree in Lawrence County Chamber of been a part of the Henderson commercial music in 1988. Commerce Citizen of the Year. Dr. Carlos Nelson ’96 was campus since 1962, when he He was awarded a bronze star He graduated with a Bachelor the guest speaker at the Unity graduated from what was then for his musical achievements, of Science degree. Speaker and Concert event known as Freed Hardeman which is on permanent display held by the Northwest-Shoals College. He also holds in the lobby of the Alabama Steve Richerson ’84 threw Community College. Nelson is degrees from the University Music Hall of Fame. His songs himself into street performing the Deputy Superintendent of of Alabama, Harding College, have appeared on seven gold in New York City two days Sheffield City Schools. He has and Florence State College. or platinum albums. Mark has after graduating with a degree been in the field of education been a staff songwriter for in theater. He found his calling for 20 years. He received his FAME, Jody Williams Music, after a passerby threw litter at Bachelor of Science degree in Reba McEntire’s Starstruck 19 80s him in 1984 and demanded Secondary Education Social Music Group, March Music, a magic trick from it. He now Science, master’s degree in Clay Bennett ’80 spoke Sony ATV Tree, and currently uses garbage in the majority Educational Leadership, and on editorial cartooning at for Noble Vision Music Group of his act as Steve Trash and Educational Specialist degree an Elder Scholars meeting in Nashville. Mark has had he recently performed at the in Educational Leadership. in December 2016 at the 11 songs co-written with and Ohio State Fair. University of Tennessee in recorded by Josh Turner. Steven Hamby ’87 was Chattanooga. Bennett double appointed to Managing majored in history and art. Director Government at

40 University of North Alabama Magazine | CLASS­NOTES Dana Walker ’88 is the Elementary School. She was Greg Seitz ’95 is a acquisition, development, Coordinator for the RN- recently awarded with the Waynesboro, Tenn., native. and disposition of assets, BSN program at Mississippi Teacher of the Year award and He began his association with as well as providing expert University for Women. She is set to retire. college athletics at UNA while leadership and strategic vision graduates May 2017 with a working for sports information as part of the executive team Doctor of Nursing Practice Heather Wood ’91 works director Jeff Hodges. Seitz for the firm. Rivas graduated (DNP) degree from Samford as BancorpSouth Operations took a job at Jacksonville with a Bachelor of Business University in Birmingham. Center. She and her husband State in 1992 and eventually Administration degree. In have three teenagers, four became the school’s sports 2000, he earned a Master of Richard Henley ’89 is dogs, a cat, and two horses. information director. After Business Administration. the president of the Tupelo She loves to exercise and serving as an interim athletic Elvis Fan Club. He is the 2016 travel. director for 14 months, president of the Northeast Seitz accepted the job as 20 00s Board of Realtors and is Sondra Blount ’92 Jacksonville State Director of the 2016-2017 treasurer of has been selected to join Athletics on a permanent basis Gary Chandler ’00, Mississippi Association of the Nursing Board at the in February 2016. President and Chief Operating Realtors as well. American Health Council. Officer of the Alliance in Blount is a Staff Nurse at Vonda Burroughs ’96 has the city of Corinth and Tammy McCaplin ’89 Vanderbilt University Medical twin girls and a son: Cate, Alcorn County, Miss., has works in accounting at Center in Nashville and she Claire, and Bo, and they are all accepted an offer from the Mitchell, McNutt & Sams Law will be sharing her knowledge musically gifted. Her husband Jackson County Economic firm in Tupelo, Miss. She is an and expertise in the areas Ken’s band, Mississippi Development Authority to active member at First Baptist of Patient Care, Trauma, Stomp, was named the 2016 become EDA president and Church in Saltillo, Miss. Tammy and Radiology. She received Mississippi’s Rock Band of the CEO. Chandler is a native of also is an avid golfer and loves a Bachelor of Science in Year. Tupelo, Mississippi, and he to line dance with the Cedar Nursing. holds a bachelor’s in political Hill Steppers. Pete Nelson ’98 stepped science. April Potter Holleman out of his role as T-Rac, the Brad Montgomery ’89 ’95, President of April Potter Tennessee Titans mascot, in Misty Williams ’00 is the serves as University of West Agency, has announced that the summer of 2016. Nelson Director of Sales at Embassy Alabama’s head athletic APA will be representing started his mascot career Suites by Hilton Huntsville trainer and joins his wife, all Gospel, Christian, and as Leo the Lion for UNA Hotel & Spa of John Q. UWA associate AD and senior Inspirational dates on Larry and he served five seasons. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. women’s administrator, Janet Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Nelson graduated with a With more than 13 years Montgomery, in the UWA who have been performing for Bachelor of Science degree of hospitality experience, Hall of Fame. Mark graduated audiences for more than 60 in communications and after primarily in Huntsville, with a bachelor’s in physical years. April Potter Agency is a UNA, served as the Titans’ Williams will supervise the education and biology. full-service, exclusive booking mascot from the beginning of TripAdvisor Certificate of and management company T-Rac’s unveiling. Excellence Hall of Fame located just north of Nashville, hotel’s sales and marketing 19 90s Tenn., representing such Jason Taylor ’98 is the team. Williams graduated with artists as Crosby Lane, Gold Data Communications a Bachelor of Science. Barbara Peppers ’91 was City, Highland Park, MARK209 Technician for BancorpSouth. a graduate of Phil Campbell and others. Potter is a Franklin He is married and has one Emilee Chappell ’01 is High School and attended County, Alabama, native and a son. the Director of Marketing for Northwest Shoals Community music business graduate. She TOTO USA Inc., the world’s College (then Northwest currently resides in Nashville Ricardo Rivas ’99 was largest plumbing manufacturer Jr. College) to earn her with her family. named as Principal and and the recognized leader associate’s degree. Afterward, Chief Investment officer at in performance design she obtained her degree in Anna Robinson ’95 is the Allied Orion Group. Allied and innovation. Emilee is education from the University owner of GiGi’s Cupcakes in Orion Group is a multifamily responsible for marketing of North Alabama. She taught Tupelo, Miss. She is married to investment, construction, strategies, communications, third grade for 19 years and Jon Robinson. They have four and property management and public relations activities was a resource teacher for children and enjoy boating on firm. Rivas will be responsible for TOTO Americas. She six more to total 25 years of Bay Springs Lake. for overseeing Allied Orion graduated with a Bachelor teaching the children of her Group’s multifamily investment of Arts in Communications community at Phil Campbell business that includes and has been with TOTO and

Spring 2017 41 CLASS NOTES

active in the kitchen and bath Arthur Martin III ’02 head basketball coach at education degree from the industry for over 10 years. She serves as Deputy Director, Austin until he moved back University of North Alabama. has served as both the Chair Installation Support and to Cedar Ridge four years and a Board Representative Programs Management ago. He received his Master Christopher McBride for the NKBA KBIS Advisory Directorate at the of Arts in education from the ’15 has been named as Council. Engineering and Support University of North Alabama. Head Coach of the women’s Center in Huntsville. He was soccer team for Southeastern Chris Estave ’01 was selected as one of the two Angela Howard ’07 has Louisiana University. After welcomed as Vice President individuals from the Corps twin daughters, two medical he graduated from Martin and Mortgage Lending Officer of Engineers to participate patents, and has a book being Methodist with his bachelor’s at First Metro Bank. Estave is in a very competitive senior published in 2017. in physical education and a Shoals native and graduate executive program at Harvard minor in biology, he went on of Bradshaw High School University. Martin graduated Cherie Sibley ’08 has to receive his master’s from who is deeply invested in the with a Master of Business been named Chief Operating UNA in health and human community. Administration. Officer of LifePoint Health performance. He served as at the Brentwood-based an assistant coach for North Jim Page ’01, the President Jon Bret Smith ’04 company’s Central Group of Alabama for four years where and CEO of the West Alabama was recently elected as hospitals. Sibley has been an he and the UNA goalkeepers Chamber of Commerce, is the superintendent-elect of employee of LifePoint Health recorded eight shutouts and spokesperson for the Alliance Lawrence County. Smith since 2001 and in her new role averaged 0.75 goals in 2015. for Alabama’s Infrastructure graduated with a Bachelor will oversee operations for (AAI), a coalition of groups of Science in Education, a LifePoint hospitals in Indiana, Adam McCollum promoting increased Master of Arts in Education Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi ’15, Community and Sales funding for improvements to in Mathematics Education, and Tennessee. She holds a manager at Sky Zone, Alabama’s roads and bridges. and an Education Specialist Bachelor of Science degree in graduated with a degree Page graduated with a Degree with a certification in Nursing. in business management. Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Administration McCollum’s main duty includes Political Science. for P-12. Smith took office securing partnerships with January 2017. 20 10s schools and charities. Barbara Peeters ’01 joins Team Sunweb as its new Lauren Baker ’04 was Kevin Ledoux ’12, is the Dacia Schell ’15 and Chief Commercial Officer. named Counsel to Dominick new coach of the Miami Dade Jennifer Thomas ’15, In this position, Peeters will Feld Hyde. She graduated College men’s basketball Belle Forest Elementary oversee the refinement and with a major in public team. Ledoux, a New School teachers and UNA implementation of the team’s communications and received Hampshire native, played alumnae, began their teaching sponsorship strategy and will her JD from Cumberland college basketball at the careers with Shelby County be responsible to promote School of Law. University of North Alabama. Schools January 2016. Both further development of He earned his degree in were hired following a teacher commercial activities. Peeters Brett Trapp ’05 released business management. job fair in November that graduated with a degree in his first writing project during took place at the University of public relations and during her fall 2016, “Blue Babies William Shepherd ’12, a North Alabama. time at UNA she played on Pink.” In his blog, Trapp third-year student at the UA the women’s basketball team. writes about his 15-year Little Rock Bowen School of Kyle Stephenson (’15) struggle of growing up gay Law, is clerking in the Civil works at Nail McKinney Christy Jordan ’02 in the Christian South. Trapp Department. He graduated Professional Association in published her third graduated with a Bachelor of with a degree in business Tupelo, Mississippi. cookbook in the fall of 2016, Science degree in Professional administration and marketing. “Sweetness.” The name Writing and a minor in Robert B. Calhoun (’16) applies to her recipes and the Religion and Philosophy. Aaron Batchelder ’14 of Madison, has become sweet stories she tells from was transferred from teacher affiliated with Crye-Leike’s her childhood and about her Demond Garth ’07 was to Assistant Principal of Madison branch office. family. Jordan graduated transferred from Assistant Brookhaven Middle School. Calhoun brings to Crye-Leike with a Bachelor of Science Principal at Cedar Ridge Batchelder grew up in Texas over 11 years of real estate in Human Environmental Middle School to Interim and has worked in education appraisal experience with Science, Merchandising. Principal at West Decatur. He 18 years. He spent the past the Alabama Department of is a 1996 graduate of Austin nine years at Brookhaven Revenue as a tax valuation High School and was former and earned his specialist in analyst. There, he appraises

42 University of North Alabama Magazine | CLASS­NOTES ALUMNI PRIDE all aspects of real property, received his Master of including but not limited to, Business Administration residential, commercial, vacant degree. Darnell completed land, and waterfront. He is a his MBA degree online in certifi ed Alabama appraiser two years while working (CAA) who holds a Master full-time at the FDA. He of Business Administration graduated with a 4.0 GPA degree. and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Larry Darnell ’16, Director of Information Systems at the Caroline Gray, Roy Gray, Mike Coston, Paula Coston ‘69, Joe Spalding Florida Dental Association, Luke Gray, Claire Gray, and Carol Lyles ‘70

Carol Lyles ‘70 and Amy Bishop ‘06 Shirley Self ‘60 and Nancy Sanford ‘78

Alabama Writers Hall of Fame Tyrie Fletcher ‘14, Elizabeth Tyson ’15, Carol Lyles ’70, Jordan Graham ‘14

T.S. Stribling (1902) was in 1881. He graduated from inducted into the Alabama what is now the University Writers Hall of Fame. of North Alabama in 1902 Stribling is a Pulitzer Prize with a degree in education. winner and University of Stribling won the Pulitzer North Alabama alumnus; Prize in 1934 for his novel, he is among a group of nine The Store, part of a trilogy authors from around the set in Florence, Alabama. His state who were inducted on short story, Birthright, was September 29 in Tuscaloosa. adapted for the screen as a

Thomas Sigismund Stribling silent fi lm with sound added Pat Burney ‘88, Carol Lyles ‘70, Judy Jackson ‘91, was born in Clifton, Tenn., later. John Battcher ‘65, and Ann Battcher ‘65

Spring­2017 43 Martha Olivia Moore the youngest Chevrolet Dealer Bryant passed away in the U.S. peacefully at her home on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. Dewey Talbert (“D.T”) 11. Martha attended Florence Whitfield, Jr., age 70, IN MEMORY State Teachers College and died Friday, Feb. 3, at his while there, she majored in residence. He was born Jan. FACULTY AND STAFF University of North Alabama English Literature at Florence, 16, 1947, in Booneville, Miss., Dr. Kenneth Ray Johnson as a Professor of Marketing. sang in the school’s Glee to Dewey Whitfield, Sr., and was born Dec. 10, 1927, in Club, was a member of Sigma Osene Johnson Whitfield. In Covington County, Alabama. Jason Waycaster “J.J.” Tau Delta Honorary English his earlier years, he played An Army vet, Dr. Johnson Thomas, age 44, died Fraternity, and she served as basketball for Booneville High served nearly three years in Saturday, Dec. 3, at North the president of the Women’s School, Northeast Mississippi Korea. He taught in public Mississippi Medical Center Student Association. Community College, and schools and later joined after a sudden illness. He was for the University of North the faculty at the University born Feb. 27, 1972, in Tupelo, Melba H. McClellan, age Alabama. of North Alabama in 1966, Mississippi. Thomas was a 84, of Matthews, passed from teaching several different Center Manager for ORBIS this life Aug. 18. Melba was Scott Lyon Henninger history courses, becoming RPM in Columbus, and was a born in Tuscumbia. was born Sept. 15, 1927, and head of the department, and member of Harrisburg Baptist passed away on Sunday, Feb. retiring in 1996 still holding Church in Tupelo. He was a Larry Pat Overton, age 12. Scott was a resident of the title of Professor Emeritus. drum line instructor/arranger 70, of Pensacola, Florida, died Tuscumbia at the time of his for UNA Pride of Dixie Band. of natural causes Monday, passing. He graduated from Jason Eugene Flynn, age Aug. 29. He was born Aug. Deshler High School. Scott 24, 1946, in Russellville. Pat served in the United States 40, of Florence, passed away YEARS UNIDENTIFIED Tuesday, Oct. 18. Jason was married Brenda Johnson Sept. Coast Guard. Martha S. Taylor, age 66, born in Fayetteville, North 23, 1978, in Sheffield, Ala. of Huntsville, passed away Carolina, Sept. 1, 1976. He was President of APWA Edie Gregg Walden, age Jan. 23, 2017 at Crestwood Jason worked as an Associate Florida Chapter and a former 93, entered peacefully into Hospital. Martha was born on Professor of Film & Digital Public Works Director in rest Feb. 27, at her residence Aug. 14, 1950 and graduated Media Productions in the Escambia County. He proudly in Augusta, Ga. Mrs. Walden from Sparkman High School Communications Department served in the U.S. Navy and was born in 1923 and raised before attending Florence at the University of North was a veteran of Vietnam and on a farm in Alabama. Prior to State University. There she met Alabama. He started the Desert Storm. marriage, she taught school her husband, Jerry Taylor to department in August 2008. in Anniston. Mrs. Walden was whom she was married for 45 Ginger Llewellyn of a teacher and substitute for years. Frank B. Mallonée, Bluewater Bay, Florida, died many years with Richmond passed away Dec. 7 in Aug. 12. She was born on County schools. Thomas Hendrix passed Needham, Massachusetts. Nov. 29, 1936, in Michie, away Friday, Feb. 24. Hedrix Dr. Mallonée was born Jan. Tennessee. She met her was born Feb.14, 1943 in 4, 1931, in New Bedford, husband, Dave Llewellyn, Tuscumbia. He graduated 19 40s Massachusetts. He spent his while at UNA and they were from Deshler High School entire career as a political married March 10, 1955. She was and attended Florence State Christine Counce ’47 science and history professor and her husband Dave spent born Mary Christine Daniel Teachers College. He served at the University of North 30 years serving our country June 28, 1925, in Cherokee. in the Army Reserve and was Alabama. He received the in the U.S. Army. In addition, Christine graduated Phi Beta a resident of Tuscumbia at the University of North Alabama’s she worked for the Federal Kappa from Florence State time of his passing. Outstanding Service Award in Aviation Administration Teacher’s College. She served 1984 for his high standards of in the Human Resources as President of the Methodist Mr. Chesley David Clem, academic excellence and his Department. South District of the United Jr., age 49, of Goodlettsville, sense of intellectual honesty. Methodist Women in the mid- Tennessee (formerly of His remarkable legacy in Dennis Allen Marlar, age ’60s. She was Vice President Staunton,Va.), passed away the classroom earned him 62, died July 21 of natural of the Memphis Conference of December 1 after a battle with the University’s Lifetime causes in St. Petersburg, the United Methodist Women cancer. Mr. Clem was born Achievement Award. Florida. Mr. Marlar was in 1976 and 1977. April 11, 1967, in Staunton. a successful Chevrolet He was a 1985 graduate of Dr. Marlon C. Rico, Jr. automobile dealer, auto resale Marshall County High School Hettie Butler Terry ’48 passed away peacefully with dealer, a pilot, and he was in passed away peacefully on in Benton, Ky. He attended his wife Beth by his side the real estate business for Sept. 5. She was 89 years the University of North Jan. 30, 2017, in Gulfport, over 40 years. Born Aug. 5, of age. She was was born in Alabama and The Art Institute Mississippi. Marlon was an 1953 in Paducah, Kentucky, Lawrence County, Alabama of Atlanta. He worked as a accomplished pilot with Dennis grew up in Fayette. At and graduated from Hatton self-employed contractor in over 8,000 hours of flight age 19, Dennis Marlar became High School. She received Staunton. time. Marlon retired from the

44 University of North Alabama Magazine | IN­MEMORY her bachelor’s in elementary Fayette. She taught school for and Florence City Schools Mr. Gattis served in the Army education and taught school many years in the Birmingham “Teacher of the Year” in 1986. National Guard and retired for nine years. She served on School System, with most of from Redstone Arsenal after numerous boards including that time at North Roebuck Christos “Chris” 37 years – serving as Chief the UNA Alumni Board, the Elementary and Smith Cassimus ’58 age 80, of of Acquisition Management, UNA Foundation, and the Elementary Schools. Huntsville, died Wednesday, Division of the Joint Attack Riverbend Center for Mental Oct.13. Chris was born June Munitions Systems (JAMS) Health. She was also state Lt. Colonel Elmon G. 13, 1936, in Decatur. He Office. president of the Alabama Terry Sr. ’54 passed away graduated in 1958 with a Medical Auxiliary and served peacefully at the age of 90 in Bachelor of Science degree in Delano Turner Densmore on the state board of the Atlanta. Col. Terry was born Business Administration. Chris ’62 passed over peacefully American Cancer Society. in Decatur. He served in the honorably served his country at home on Aug. 20. Delano Hettie was a member of the Naval Air Corps during World as a member of the U.S. Army was born on Valentine’s Day DAR, the Colonial Dames, and War II. He also served in from 1959-1961, where he of 1937 in Joppa. He married Phi Mu sorority. the Army during the Korean obtained the rank of First his childhood friend Suzanne Conflict. After the wars, Col. Lieutenant. He graduated from Mckee in 1958; they were Terry served with the Alabama the University of Oklahoma and married until her death in 19 50s National Guard and later in 1971 with a Master of Arts 2010. Delano graduated with as Commander of the 115 in Public Administration. He a bachelor’s in 1962 as well as Pearl Nugent ’51, age Signal Corp based out of retired from the U.S. Army a master’s in mathematics in 94, passed away of natural Florence until his retirement Missile Command at Redstone 1963. Delano started as a high causes Nov. 21. Pearl was in 1979. Col. Terry served in Arsenal where he worked as school basketball coach and born June 11, 1922, at her the Lauderdale County School Program/Budget Analyst. taught math for 30 years. family home in Anderson. System for 35 years, where he She began her teaching was principal of Underwood Barbara Cooper Williams Marilyn Steele Becks ’69 career in 1943 at Anderson Elementary School. Terry ’58 age 80, of Huntsville, age 69, of Sterrett, passed Elementary where she taught served as UNA Alumni passed away Nov. 25. Williams away Jan. 31. She was born for 12 years while gaining her President and was actively was born in Russellville. Upon Sept. 29, 1947, in Tallassee. degree from Florence State involved with the Alumni graduation, She worked Marilyn was a loving wife for Teachers College. In 1955, Board and Athletic Clubs for for the Federal Housing 47 years to Roger Becks. She she transferred to Rogersville several years. Administration. In the 1960s earned her undergraduate Elementary where she taught she went to work for the Army degree in business and was until she retired in 1976. Benjamin Forrest Law Rocket Guided Missile Agency a teacher and administrative ’55 passed away Nov. 17 for the chief scientist. In the assistant in many places across Mary Jean Edgemon at his home, surrounded by late 1980s, she worked for the Southeast. Potts ’51 was born Aug. his family. Ben was born in Teledyne Brown Engineering, 19, 1927 to William Calvin Scottsboro, Nov. 30, 1930. He from which she retired in 1995. Edgemon and Olive Elizabeth joined the Army in 1951 and 19 70s Pittman Edgemon in Venice, went to serve his country in Florida. She died Aug. 27, in Korea with the 151st Engineer 19 60s Marshall Bradford ’70 age Houston, Texas. Combat Battalion, Company 69, passed away Oct. 18 of B. After he returned and Althea Warren Bonner natural causes.. He graduated Nancy Ruth Redding ’51 graduated from college, he ’61 age 93, of Lawrenceburg, from Florence State College age 88, formerly of Greenhill, married Susie Smith, and they Tennessee, passed away at and from Advanced ROTC in died Tuesday, Nov. 8 in started their family. In 1970, Beverly Park Place in Knoxville, 1970. He was commissioned Arlington, Texas. Ruth was he started his own company, Monday, Nov. 7. Born Nov. as a Second Lieutenant in born in Lauderdale County. Delta Automotive. 22, 1922, Althea taught the U.S. Army. He continued Upon graduation, she began math and science at Loretto additional training at the teaching in Lauderdale County Mary Larkins Holland and Lawrence County High Airborne School. He served Schools where she taught for ’57 died peacefully Sept. 5, Schools, retiring after twenty- his country in Germany and 23 years. at 90. Mrs. Holland was born five years. Anniston, before receiving in Charlotte, Tennessee. She an honorable medical Elaine Hammond ’52 was married the love of her life, Paul Gattis ’62 age 78, discharge. He worked as born in Lexington, April 14, John W. Holland in 1946, of Huntsville, passed away an environmentalist for the 1921, and went to be with and they lived in Florence Aug. 15. Born in Huntsville Department of Public Health the Lord, Nov. 17. Turner on Lake Wilson for 45 years. to Rufus Woden Gattis and in Colbert and Tuscaloosa was a long time principal and Mary taught first grade at Flora Belle McGee Gattis, Mr. Counties. He was a Master administrator with Orange Powell School for 25 years Gattis graduated from Butler Mason, a member of the County Public Schools. after completing a bachelor’s High School in 1956. He American Legion, and a and master’s degree in Early received his bachelor’s degree lifetime member of the Naomi Sanford (Myers) Childhood Education. She in business from Florence Disabled American Veterans. Wilson ’52 age 86, of Pell was a member of Delta Kappa State Teachers College and his City, passed away on Nov. 20. Gamma Education honorary master’s in Procurement from Mrs. Wilson was a native of and was the Powell School Florida Institute of Technology.

Spring 2017 45 Terry Joe Counselman her career as a kindergarten where she graduated with a He was born Dec. 5, 1962. ’70 age 74, of Thomaston, teacher. She was a founder bachelor’s in Marketing and Michael received his master’s died Oct. 29, at his home. of the Covenant Presbyterian Management Information from the University of North He was born Jan. 15, 1942, Church Early Childhood Systems in 1984. She was a Alabama. He taught high in Mobile. He was a veteran Center in Huntsville. She was member of Phi Kappa Phi and school and college math for of the US Army. He was also a leader in the Educational held professional certifications several years. a retired teacher and former Improvement and Head Start from the Project Management mayor of Thomaston. Programs in Huntsville. Institute and APICS. Angela was an Information 20 00s Mildred Louise Popwell James Patrick Henry Technology consultant and Kirkland ’70 was born ’72 died Saturday, July 30, architect. Paul Michael Littlejohn Feb. 15, 1928, and passed surrounded by his family, in ’02 age 39, died Thursday, away Saturday, Feb. 25. She Asheville, North Carolina. He Patricia Ann Vinson Feb. 23, at Baptist Memorial married Mose Reed Kirkland in was born Jan. 18, 1950, in Shewbart ’85 age 81, Hospital North Mississippi in Birmingham. Mildred was an Decatur. He worked 40 years passed away Feb. 16. She was Oxford. He was born March accountant from Thorsby and for the State of Alabama. born Nov. 22, 1935, in Franklin 11, 1977, in Memphis. He was Reed was a Merchant Marine County and raised in the employed as a police officer from Birmingham. Mildred, Ellen Scott Goode ’77 Halltown community until she for Blue Mountain, Walnut, after having three children, was born Sept. 14, 1954, and married James Carl Shewbart, Blue Springs, and Saltillo graduated with a bachelor’s passed away Wednesday, Sr., in 1952. She graduated police departments. He was degree in Secondary Feb. 8, 2017. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in also a security guard with the Education, English. from Bradshaw High School Nursing. Department of Homeland and then earned a degree in Security. Phillip Benford Logan Education and Art. Ellen was James Rankin Patterson ’70 was born Feb. 6, 1948. a resident of Tuscumbia at the ’86 age 54, of Sheffield, Ben Phillips ‘04 had been He was a long-time owner time of her passing. passed away Friday, Nov. 4. a resident of Colorado for of Modulation, Inc., a local Randy was an Alabama native the last five years where he cabinet manufacturing and a graduate of Mars Hill enjoyed an active outdoor life, company. He then owned and 19 80s Bible School. He received a including his passion for snow operated Logan Industries bachelor’s degree from the skiing. of Haleyville and was in Charles Wilson Leonard University of North Alabama, sales at Southern Homes in ‘83 was born Jan. 12, 1931, and later received his master’s Double Springs. He received in Mayfield, Kentucky. He degree. He worked as a 2010s a Bachelor of Science degree joined the Air Force in 1949, nuclear chemist at TVA Browns in Business Administration. He and spent nearly four years Ferry Nuclear Plant. D’Arcy “Dre” Coleman also played football for UNA of honorable service to ’10 passed away from a rare from 1966-1969. He served his country. He went on to Carolyn Austin ’87 was form of cancer in March of on the UNA Board of Trustees earn his Master of Arts in born Jan. 13, 1943, and 2015, only 10 days after his from 1990-2002 and was Counseling, and he continued passed away Wednesday, 28th birthday. Coleman was a chairman for two terms. to teach for several years. Jan. 25. She graduated with defensive line coach for the a degree in management. Cleveland (Miss.) Wildcats. Frederick (Fred) William Donna Lee McWilliams She was a Graduate Student Merrill ’70 of Yazoo City Maier ’83 age 53, passed Counselor at the University of Barbara Ann Grimes passed away Wednesday, away peacefully at her home North Alabama. Carolyn was Goswick ’12 age 64, of Nov. 30. Fred Merrill was surrounded by her family a resident of Tuscumbia at the Mayflower died Saturday, born in Colon, Panama, Dec. Sunday, July 24, 2016. Donna time of her passing. Feb. 25. She was born Dec. 16, 1939. He graduated was born in Sheffield. She 11, 1952. She obtained from the University of North received a bachelor’s in Benjamin “Ben” Malone her Master of Business Alabama with a bachelor’s management/marketing and West ’87 age 57, of Administration and was a in English. Upon moving to was the senior financial analyst Birmingham, passed away Certified Public Accountant. Jackson, Miss., he established at Lake Charles Memorial Thursday, Oct. 20. Born and Her career in higher education his career in the hospitality Hospital. She worked there for raised in Russellville, he served spanned more than 35 years. industry as manager of the 30 years. four years in the United States Capital City Petroleum Club, Air Force. Ben later moved Jared Matthew serving as president of the Angela Johnston to California to work for the Mothershed ’13 age 27, of Club Managers Association of Dormagen ’84, of Department of Defense as a Muscle Shoals, passed away America. Huntsville, passed away Aug. chemist for the Navy. Oct. 29. Jared was born in 20, 2016 in Washington, Florence, Feb. 9, 1989. He Willa Marie Catherine D.C., of complications after received a Bachelor of Science Wirth Vial ’70 passed away a recent illness. She was 54 19 90s in Education for Secondary Friday, Sept. 2. She was born years old. Angela was born Education and Social Sciences. in Downers Grove, Illinois, in Durham, North Carolina. Michael L. Hawkins ’92 After high school graduation, Jan. 4, 1925. Mrs. Vial was a She played basketball at the age 53, passed away at his he attended Northwest Shoals career educator and started University of North Alabama, home in Tupelo Nov. 18.

46 University of North Alabama Magazine | IN­MEMORY Community College where he played two years of college baseball and made Jr. College All-American his sophomore year. He played his last two years at UNA where he started at center field. Jared was married to Sara Knight Mothershed on April 7, 2012; they were married for four years, and had one child, Knight Jacob.

Tiffany Ferguson ’15 passed away Feb. 28. Tiffany was raised in Loretto, Tennessee, and was born May 11, 1993. She was a nurse at Saint Thomas West Hospital and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The University of North Alabama closed its 2016 football season by making the school’s fifth all- time appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in Kansas City, Kan. While the Lions came out on the short end of a 29-3 score against Northwest Missouri State in a game that was played in sub-zero wind chill, 22 mile per hour winds and five inches of snow, UNA’s 2016 season was one for the record books. North Alabama became the first school in Gulf South Conference history to win four straight GSC football championships and the Lions advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for a record- tying 21st time. UNA finished the year with an 11-2 record.

Senior quarterback Jacob Tucker finished third in the voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy for Division II National Player of the Year and senior offensive tackle Stephen Evans was a national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman in Division II.

Spring 2017 47 ALUMNI INFORMATION UPDATE Name (include maiden name if applicable)

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