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 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. – 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

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 .