Blue Mountain, Miss. - Blue Mountain Christian University proudly announces the President's and Dean's Lists for the Fall 2024 Semester.
Placement on the President's List is bestowed on undergraduate students who exhibit a commitment to academic excellence. These full-time students earned a perfect grade point average (GPA) of 4.0. Placement on the Dean's List is reserved for full-time students earning a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 for the semester.
President’s List
Rachel Alderman
Savannah Allred
Amanda Baker
Ashlyn Balash
Neely Barrier
Max Bates
Shante Beaulieu
Jeremiah Bell
Nathan Bennett
John Berry
Timothy Berry
Bethany Brown
Jacob Bryant
Josue Bustamante
Jesus Calvo Millan
Isabella Carlson
Gracie Cavin
Jory Collins
Loren Cross
Jennifer Cubillo
Jalen Davenport
Olivia Dean
Olivia Decanter
Hannah Dowdy
Kathryn Echols
Tony Edwards
Annelise Fish
Skylar Flake
Sydney Flake
Carly Frazier
Madison Garrett
Marissa Gerleman
Crystin Guy
Rae Hall
Autumn Harting
Isaac Harting
Bethany Hitt
Johnathon Hitt
Samuel Hopper
Annalyn Housley
Viviann Housley
Caroline Howard
Caleb Hughes
Julianna Ingram
Elijah Janes
Lillie Johnson
Martha Jones
Jackson Kelly
Madison Kirk
Sha'Merial Lacey
Jenna Landers
Skylar Lee
Kadon Lindsey
Jeslyn Logan
Maryn Macri
Sarah Martindale
Will Massengill
Parker May
Julia McCoy
Aleigha McDonald
Isaac McMinn
Katie Meeks
Lauren Milford
Lori Mims
Mallory Mitchell
Emma Montgomery
Bridgett Moses
Lindsey Murr
Carver O'Neal
Kaelyn Pettigo
William Porter
Robert Powell
Josiah Putnam
Jayden Rader-Butler
Madison Robinson
Bailey Rodgers
Petrone Rudolph
Kaytie Rutland
Leo Schon
Savannah Scruggs
Brandy Simmons
Lily-Ann Smith
Mya Spight
Anna Stanford
Isabella Stephens
Timothy Thurmond
Joseph Treadaway
Kaylee Turner
Alexis Tutor
Matteus Valone
Abigail Vaughn
Ashley Villanueva
Jacy Weaver
Benjamin Webb
Caleb White
Madelyn Whitfield
Brianna Wilder
Abigail Williams
Alexandria Yeats
Dean’s List
Clayton Adams
Logan Akins
Tanner Allen
Cosette Alsbrook
Hayden Arant
Andrew Ayala
Trenton Baggett
Madison Boatwright
Lelan Boulden
Adam Burge
Alexandria Burnham
Jenna Cale
Kelsey Camp
Shelby Childress
Matias Cisterna Aravena
Jackson Cook
Neely Cooper
Rachel Corbin
Daisy Cordle
Rebecca Crawford
Giana Curasi
Morgan Dabbs
Nathaniel Davis
David DeVaughn
Victoria Durost
Evi Edwards
Braxton Enzor
Lexie Faulkner
Leela Fernando
Erick Flores
Kohlton Ford
Zion Foster
Matthew Fowler
Caitlyn Fox
Katie Frederick
Cameron Gordon
Brandon Hall
Jacob Hamblin
Jack Herring
Jacob Hinton
Brooklyn Hodum
Bailey Holt
Terry Hooper
Mabry Jackson
Olivia Joles
Elizabeth Jones
Abigail Keller
Peyton Kidd
Acen Lambert
Abby Laney
Emma Laney
Yu-Chien Lin
Robin Lindsey
Elijah Logan
Ashton Lovelace
Brisanda Luna Lopez
Kimberly Madison
Jackie Medley
Dustin Miller
Brenden Mitchell
Jared Mooneyhan
Matheus Okuma Magalhaes Muniz
Adrianna Parsons
Roderick Patrick
A'Dasia Porter
Olivia Reynolds
Cobey Riddle
Lucia Rodriguez Garcia
Kayla Shaull
Andrew Shaw
Chloe Shelton
Ashtyn Smith
Samantha Smith
Victoria Smith
Kinsley Sprouse
Ameilya Stewart
Jacqueline Story
Jamien Terry
Melody Thornhill
Zavier Vanderson
Latricia Vernon
Rebecca Walter
Jasmine Watts
William West
Alivia White
Samantha Whitwell
Tabitha Wilkerson
Hannah Wilson
Ethan Wood
Jadyn Yarbro
Sophie Young
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The Blue Mountain Christian University Chorale will host its annual spring concert, “Rejoice and Sing!” on April 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium. This year’s concert will showcase diverse choral works, celebrating joyful music from the 17th century to contemporary pieces. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Long, Chair, Department of Fine Arts, the program will include a late Renaissance motet by Hans Leo Hassler, a Baroque chorus by Handel, and an acapella hymn by Mendelssohn. Audiences can also look forward to modern settings of Psalm texts, a new Easter hymn, “Christ Is Risen,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, and a lively spiritual titled “Pick Up a Crown,” composed by Heather Sorenson. The concert will also feature guest artist Isaiah Traylor, a tenor and former BMCU student. Traylor, a 2016 Tupelo High School graduate, attended BMCU from 2016 to 2018. As a student at BMCU, he became an award-winning performer in Dr. Long’s voice studio. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in music (voice performance) from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in voice from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Traylor is currently pursuing a career as a professional singer. This special musical event is a gift to the university and the community, with no admission charge, making it open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Greg Long at glong@bmc.edu
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — The James L. Travis Educational Trust is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Travis Scholarships. This year's recipients include: David Bascomb (Belden) Steven Crawford (Water Valley) Johnathon Hitt (Myrtle) Caleb Hughes (Red Banks) Thomas Magers, III (Baldwyn) Brenden Mitchell (Tyler, Texas) Joshua Taylor (Fulton) William West (Senatobia) Established by the Ministerial Alumni of Blue Mountain Christian University in 1980, the James L. Travis Educational Trust honors Dr. James L. Travis, a distinguished leader and Chairman of the Division of Biblical and Associated Studies at the University. The trust aims to further the educational development of young individuals enrolled at Blue Mountain Christian University who are committed to full-time Christian service, with a preference for those preparing for ministry. For more information about the Travis Scholarship and the James L. Travis Educational Trust, please contact Dr. Meeks at rmeeks@bmc.edu Blue Mountain Christian University is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that equips students for effective leadership in ministry and service.
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University is proud to announce that Dr. Rosalynn Rutland, professor and program coordinator of degree programs in Spanish within the Department of Language & Literature, has been named the 2025 Humanities Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council. As part of this prestigious recognition, Dr. Rutland will deliver a public lecture entitled “Educators Perceive Biliteracy as a Resource for Students in Mississippi.” The lecture is scheduled for February 27 at 4 p.m. in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium, located in the Lowrey Administration Building. A reception honoring Dr. Rutland will follow at the Paschal Student Union Building. Since joining the BMCU faculty in the fall of 2016, Dr. Rutland has been dedicated to fostering an engaging learning environment for her students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi University for Women, a Master of Arts from Mississippi State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi. “Since the adoption of the Mississippi Seal of Biliteracy in 2020, literacy in English plus another language has replaced the perception held of English-only literacy as best for Mississippi students,” said Dr. Rutland. “It’s exciting to share that educators like school administrators, counselors and classroom teachers perceive that students’ home languages in addition to English is valuable to their education. Educators in two schools in Mississippi stated that biliteracy is beneficial for students’ education and provides an advantage in the competitive job market.” The public is invited to attend this insightful lecture, which aims to shed light on the significance of biliteracy in empowering students and enhancing educational outcomes. For more information, please contact Dale Cutrer at dcutrer@bmc.edu
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — The Department of Speech and Theatre at Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is excited to announce its Spring production, "Bigger Than Life! American Folktales and Legends," written by Cynthia Mercati. The show will take the stage at Garrett Auditorium, capturing the spirit of the American frontier with a lively old-time traveling medicine show format. "Bigger Than Life!" features energetic songs and beloved folktales, bringing to life legendary characters such as the Mississippi Screamer Sal Fink, the fierce Bess Call, cyclone cowboy Pecos Bill, giant-slayer Sally Cato, sharpshooter Little Miss Sure Shot Annie Oakley, and the legendary showman P.T. Barnum. The cast includes BMCU students, such as Giana Curasi as Bess Call, Lily-Ann Smith as Sally Cato, Alivia White as Annie Oakley, and Johnathon Hitt portraying both Pecos Bill and Frank Butler. BMCU alumni Thomas “Nate” Foster takes on the role of P.T. Barnum, along with community talents like Moriah Addison as Sal Fink, Ana Hamilton as the Mayor and Daughter, and Kingslee Hendrix as the Villain and Mean Cowboy. “This high-energy show is bursting at the seams,” said Christi Mitchell, director and Assistant Professor of Speech & Theatre. “Very family-friendly, this cast is doing a great job embracing their characters and bringing real historic people to life with humor and excitement.” Performances are scheduled for a matinee on March 5 at 11 a.m. and evening shows on March 6 and 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Garrett Auditorium. Admission is only $10, and cash or checks are accepted at the door. All BMCU faculty, staff, and students can attend for free with ID. While reservations are not required, inquiries can be sent to cmitchell@bmc.edu. This production is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, CO.
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University proudly announces Dr. Ashley Coleman as the new Dean of Education. A native of Pontotoc, Coleman brings over a decade of educational experience and a strong commitment to student success. Coleman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from the University of Mississippi, her Master of Education in School Leadership and Supervision from Belhaven University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Freed-Hardeman University. She has a robust background in teaching and curriculum development, with a distinguished 15-year career in the K-12 sector, including 12 years of dedicated service with the Pontotoc County School District. Coleman taught English Language Arts for ten years before transitioning to the role of Curriculum Specialist and MTSS Director, where she served for five years. She also served as the district's New Teacher Mentor Coordinator. In addition to her work in education, Coleman is the owner of Level Up Educational Consulting LLC. Through her consulting firm, she specializes in resume enhancement, English Language Arts training, writing training, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and leadership development. "I am honored to step into the role of Dean of Education at Blue Mountain Christian University," said Dr. Coleman. “This institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered education aligns with my personal and professional mission to inspire future educators who are grounded in faith and equipped to lead with integrity and compassion. My faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of my life and work, and I am dedicated to guiding students to integrate their faith into their calling as educators. My prayer is that, together, we will empower students to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms and communities for the glory of God." Coleman resides in Thaxton with her husband and their two sons. Her strong ties to the community and extensive experience in education position her well to lead and inspire future educators. For more information, please contact Dr. Coleman at acoleman@bmc.edu
Blue Mountain, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Leora Duce Leadership Diploma, honoring nine outstanding seniors who exemplify the ideals of intellectual integrity, civility, Christian character, and servant leadership. This prestigious award, part of the Leora Duce Leadership Initiative, recognizes students who have excelled in their academic pursuits and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their time at the university. Initiated by Dr. Leora Duce, a distinguished 1957 BMC graduate, the leadership program aims to equip students with the skills and values necessary for effective leadership both on campus and in their future careers. The selected recipients have shown commitment to their studies, active engagement in campus activities, and a dedication to improving their communities. The 2024 Leora Duce Leadership Diploma recipients are: - Amanda Kaylee Baker - Kaysey Marie Johnson - Martha Abigail Faith Jones - Kaelyn Makenzie Pettigo - Madison Mathis Robinson - Mya Denise Spight - Alexis Victoria Tryon - Caleb Easton White - Alexandria Janell Yeats To earn the leadership diploma, students must accumulate at least 100 points through various activities to cultivate essential leadership skills. These include problem-solving, team-building, effective communication, and a commitment to service and civic responsibility, all grounded in biblical principles. The LDLI aims to foster servant leadership, encouraging students to embrace their roles as community servants and ethical leaders. This year's recipients are poised to make a significant impact in their future endeavors, guided by the values instilled in them during their time at BMCU. For more information about the Leora Duce Leadership Initiative at Blue Mountain Christian University, please contact Lynn Harrison, LDLI Coordinator, at lharrison@bmc.edu .
Blue Mountain, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University is excited to announce its annual Lessons and Carols service on Dec. 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium and marks the official welcome of the Christmas season, celebrating the arrival of Jesus Christ, our Immanuel. This cherished campus community event, which is free to the public, will feature powerful performances by the Chorale and guest musicians. Attendees will be invited to join in a festive celebration centered around the traditional nine lessons of scripture, which articulate the prophecy of the promised Messiah and celebrate His miraculous birth in Bethlehem. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Long, chair and professor of music, along with Laura Long, instructor of music, the voice-auditioned choral ensemble will fill the auditorium with the spirit of Christmas through melodic holiday carols. Each carol will be interspersed with meaningful readings of the nine scripture passages by the university’s administration and faculty members. “This special event is one of my favorite experiences each year here on our BMCU campus as we welcome the Christmas season and celebrate again the glorious good news of God’s gift of salvation through the promised birth of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Immanuel,” Dr. Long said. “I love hearing the dramatic reading of the nine scripture lessons and the beautiful singing of the carols presented by the Chorale and the entire congregation with full audience participation. It is truly a seasonal worship celebration!” Everyone in the community is invited to attend this evening of music, reflection, and joy. Join us as we come together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. For more information, please contact Dr. Long at glong@bmc.edu
Blue Mountain, Miss.– Blue Mountain Christian University invites the community to a weekend of celebration and fellowship during its annual Founders Day and Homecoming events. This year’s festivities are set for Nov. 1-2, 2024, featuring a lineup of engaging activities for all ages. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, Nov. 1, will be the BMCU Chorale Fall Concert titled "How Great Your Name." This special performance, hosted by the Blue Mountain Christian University Department of Fine Arts, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, promising an unforgettable evening of music. Additionally, the Palmer Donnell House Guild will host the popular bluegrass and gospel band Murphy Ridge at 2 p.m. on Friday. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere at the Palmer Donnell House. Homecoming festivities continue on Saturday, Nov. 2, with a beloved tradition welcoming back alumni and current players to the baseball diamond at 9 a.m. Following the baseball event, the Homecoming Court will be presented in the Tyler Gymnasium at 11 a.m. A pregame lunch will be available at Ray Dining Hall from noon to 1 p.m., providing a perfect opportunity for guests to mingle and celebrate. The excitement continues as the women’s basketball team takes to the court at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s team at 3 p.m. Join us on the mountain for a weekend filled with events, music, and fellowship. For more information about the events, please contact Kayce Bragg at kbragg@bmc.edu
Experience an Unforgettable Evening of Music at the BMCU Chorale Fall Concert: 'How Great Your Name'
Blue Mountain, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University Department of Fine Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming Chorale Fall Concert, "How Great Your Name," as part of the Founder's Day Celebration on Nov. 1, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium. This event is open to the public, and admission is free. “I have invited a select group of talented home-schooled high school students from the Shepherd’s Horn music school in Bartlett, TN to join with the Chorale in singing “Jubilate Deo” by Peter Anglea and “Te Deum” by W. A. Mozart. We are also inviting a select group of singers from the New Albany Presbyterian Church sanctuary choir to combine with the Chorale on several new selections of Psalms and hymns. The concert will conclude with two favorite anthems of mine in which alumni singers from the Chorale will be invited to come up on stage and sing with the Chorale once again in a joyful finale for our annual Founder’s Day celebration. This musical event promises to be a special evening of beautiful singing and joyful celebration!” Isaiah Traylor, a tenor and a former student, will be gracing the occasion as the distinguished guest artist. For any inquiries or further information, please contact Dr. Greg Long, chair of the Fine Arts Department, at glong@bmc.edu .
Blue Mountain, Miss. - Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is thrilled to announce that all nursing graduates have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate. This exceptional achievement serves as a testament to the dedication and quality of education provided by the BMCU School of Nursing. The inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) class has set a high standard, reflecting the School of Nursing unwavering dedication to academic excellence and the nurturing of future healthcare professionals. Dr. Barbara McMillin, President of BMCU, expressed her pride and congratulations to the graduates, stating, "A 100% pass rate by the inaugural BSN class clearly affirms the BMCU School of Nursing’s commitment to Christ-centered excellence. We congratulate each of these graduates and wish them ongoing success as they fulfill their calling." The success of BMCU's nursing graduates underscores the university's mission to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields, while upholding the values of faith-based education. For more information about Blue Mountain Christian University and its School of Nursing, please visit bmcnursing.org
