Blue Mountain, Mississippi — June 12, 2026 — Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ashley Coleman, Dean of the School of Education, has been officially approved to serve as a reviewer for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Coleman’s expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence in educator preparation. Dr. Coleman has been a vital leader within BMCU, guiding the School of Education with a focus on academic rigor, innovation, and a strong commitment to preparing highly qualified educators. With extensive experience in teacher education, curriculum development, and accreditation processes, she has played a key role in strengthening BMCU’s reputation for producing effective, service-oriented teachers. CAEP is a nationally recognized accrediting body that ensures quality and continuous improvement in educator preparation programs. As a CAEP reviewer, Dr. Coleman will work with teams of education professionals to evaluate colleges and universities across the country, ensuring they meet rigorous standards designed to advance excellence in the teaching profession. CAEP accreditation is widely regarded as a mark of distinction, signaling that an institution’s educator preparation programs meet high standards of effectiveness and accountability. “Being selected as a CAEP reviewer is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Ashley Coleman. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of educator preparation nationwide. This role allows me to collaborate with colleagues across institutions, share best practices, and support the continuous advancement of teacher education programs. It is a privilege to represent Blue Mountain Christian University in this important work.” University leadership also expressed pride in Dr. Coleman’s accomplishment and the recognition it brings to the institution. “Dr. Coleman’s selection as a CAEP reviewer reflects her exceptional leadership and dedication to excellence in education,” said the President of Blue Mountain Christian University. “Her work exemplifies the values we hold as a university—integrity, service, and a commitment to preparing educators who make a meaningful difference in their communities. We are proud of her achievement and confident she will serve with distinction.” Dr. Coleman’s appointment further strengthens BMCU’s engagement with national standards in educator preparation and highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to academic quality and accountability. Her participation in CAEP review teams will also provide valuable insights that will continue to enhance BMCU’s own programs and ensure they remain aligned with best practices in the field. Blue Mountain Christian University prepares students for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and service through a Christ-centered education that integrates faith, scholarship, and leadership.

Blue Mountain, MS — June 10, 2026 — Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Benson Family Scholarship , a new endowed scholarship created by Carla Freeman Benson, a proud BMCU graduate and longtime, former employee of the University. Mrs. Benson faithfully served Blue Mountain Christian University for many years as Executive Administrative Assistant to the president, where her dedication, professionalism, and warm spirit left a lasting impact on campus leadership, faculty, and generations of students. Her commitment to the mission of BMCU continues through this meaningful act of generosity. The Benson Family Scholarship has been established in loving memory of her husband, Robert W. Benson, and her son, Thomas Milton Benson, and in honor of her son, Robert W. “Skip” Benson, and her daughter, Teresa Benson Cooper. Through this scholarship, Mrs. Benson pays tribute to the importance of family, legacy, and faith-centered education. This endowed scholarship will be awarded to students from Tippah County, Mississippi, who are attending Blue Mountain Christian University. By specifically supporting students from her home region, Mrs. Benson ensures that local students have greater access to a Christ-centered higher education that can transform their lives and communities. The creation of the Benson Family Scholarship reflects the heart of BMCU’s mission: to prepare students academically, socially, and spiritually for lives of service and leadership in a Christian environment. By investing in students, Mrs. Benson’s gift goes beyond financial assistance—it becomes a ministry. Scripture calls believers to encourage and invest in one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and this scholarship embodies that calling by removing barriers and opening doors for students to pursue God’s purpose for their lives. Students who benefit from this scholarship will not only receive a quality education but will also be nurtured in their faith, challenged to grow in Christ, and equipped to impact the world for His glory. In this way, the Benson Family Scholarship serves as a powerful testimony of how generosity can extend the Kingdom of God through education. Gifts to support the scholarship may be made online at bmc.edu/giving or by mailing a check payable to Blue Mountain Christian University to P.O. Box 160, Blue Mountain, MS 38610. Please include the scholarship name in the memo line to ensure proper designation. As an endowed fund, contributions will be invested to provide ongoing, sustainable support for students, ensuring that the impact of this scholarship continues in perpetuity.

New Albany, MS — June 3, 2026 — First Baptist Church of New Albany and Blue Mountain Baptist Church (formerly Lowrey Memorial Baptist Church), are pleased to announce the establishment of the Tom and Jane Sumrall Ministry and Missions Scholarship, an endowed fund created to honor the life, ministry, and mission impact of Bro. Tom Sumrall and his wife, Jane. This scholarship recognizes Bro. Sumrall’s distinguished and faithful pastoral leadership, including his service to both First Baptist Church of New Albany and Blue Mountain Baptist Church. Throughout his career, Bro. Sumrall demonstrated a deep commitment to shepherding congregations and advancing the Gospel through missionary service, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy in Mississippi and the world. Bro. Tom Sumrall devoted his life to pastoral ministry, faithfully serving congregations with a strong commitment to biblical teaching, discipleship, and community outreach. During his tenure at both First Baptist Church of New Albany and Blue Mountain Baptist Church, he was known for his compassionate leadership, steady guidance, and passion for nurturing spiritual growth. Alongside him, Jane Sumrall served as a devoted partner in ministry, supporting church life, missions, and the personal care of families within the congregations. Together, they exemplified a life of service marked by humility, generosity, and a shared calling to advance the Gospel. The endowed scholarship will provide financial assistance in preparing ministerial students, with a special emphasis on those called to pastoral leadership and missions work. By investing in future ministers and missionaries, the scholarship aims to extend the Sumralls’ passion for service and faith into generations to come. “Bro. Sumrall faithfully served our congregations with wisdom, humility, and a heart for missions,” said a representative of First Baptist Church of New Albany. “This scholarship is both a tribute to his legacy and a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders who will carry the message of Christ around the world.” Blue Mountain Baptist Church leaders added, “The Sumralls modeled a life of service and devotion. Establishing this scholarship ensures their example continues to inspire and equip those who feel called to ministry.” Community members, church members, and friends are invited to support the Tom and Jane Sumrall Ministry and Missions Scholarship through financial contributions. Gifts of any size will help grow the endowment and expand opportunities for students pursuing ministry. Gifts to support the scholarship may be made online at bmc.edu/giving or by mailing a check payable to Blue Mountain Christian University to P.O. Box 160, Blue Mountain, MS 38610. Please include the scholarship name in the memo line to ensure proper designation. As an endowed fund, contributions will be invested to provide ongoing, sustainable support for students, ensuring that the impact of this scholarship continues in perpetuity.

Blue Mountain, Miss. - Every semester Blue Mountain Christian University Speech and Theatre program produces quality main stage productions ( https://www.bmc.edu/speech-theatre-productions ), and this spring is no exception as they present Words by Fanny Crosby by Dan Neidermyer with anopening matinee on March 25 at 2 pm, and evening productions on March 26 & 27 at 7 pm in Garrett Auditorium. Produced by special arrangement with Eldridge Publishing Co., this production features a large cast of BMCU students and community members as they recreate the life of Fanny Crosby who was blinded as a baby and went onto to write the words to more than 8,000 hymns including the beloved “Blessed Assurance” and “Praise Him! Praise Him!” Set in New York from 1825-1875, Fanny’s story unfolds in a series of flashbacks as she answers questions from a brusque New York Times Magazine reporter. From her humble beginnings to her education at the New York Institution for the Blind, to reading her poems to United States senators and presidents, various highlights of her life are depicted where her faith brought light and hope to all she encountered, especially those in dark places including the New York State Prison, and the slums of Bowery. Several of her well-known hymns are sung throughout the production. “She felt her lifetime of blindness brought her closer to the heart of God,” Assistant Professor of Speech & Theatre Christi Mitchell said. “Fanny Crosby’s story is very encouraging, and our talented cast has brought her story to life with integrity and honor. I am immensely proud of them.” BMCU students include Jalynn Black (Fanny Crosby), Alivia White (Teen Fanny Crosby), Giana Curasi (Reporter), Nathan Hill (Alexander Van Alstyne), Thomas Floyd (William H. Doane, Irishman in Bowery), Lily-Ann Smith (Eunice), Johnathan Hitt (Dr. Russ, Prison Guard, Man in Bowery), Tallie Bird (Bowery Derelict), Savannah Dunn (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Kaylie Cox (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Abigail Vaughn (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Emma Bell (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Melody Thornhill (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Allie Pharis (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Jayla Jones (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), and community members featured include Grayson Hitt (Man in the Bowery), Tonya James (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Ana Hamilton (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Rylee Hitt (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Ruthie McMillen (Ann and child in the Bowery), Gabriel Hamilton (Percy and child in the Bowery), Vivian Mitchell (Penelope and child in the Bowery), and Reagan Hitt (Young Fanny and child in the Bowery). Admission is $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.

Blue Mountain, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University announces the students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. The President’s List recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. To qualify, students must be enrolled full time and earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the semester. The Dean’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who achieve a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. The University is proud to recognize these students for their outstanding academic accomplishments during the Fall 2025 semester. President’s List Kaylee Jade Aaron Robert Brayden Allen Tanner Luke Allen Abigail Dakota Austin Landon Cole Azlin Ashlyn Renee Balash Neely Nicole Barrier Emma Leigh Bell Blakely Chandler Bogan Krisslyn Ryan Boyles Jacob Riley Bryant Cross Alexander Burgess Alexandria Alene Burnham Andrew Reed Buse Jesus Calvo Millan Angel Gustavo Camarena-Silva Kelsey Paige Camp Isabella Leilani Carlson Gracie Ann Cavin Amanda Brooke Cobb Eliana Grace Cook Rebekah Grace Corbin Rebecca Lane Crawford Loren Kathleen Cross Nathaniel Evan Davis Olivia Grace Decanter David Lester DeVaughn Evelyn Morgan Dupree Adriaan Engelbrecht Braxton Riley Enzor Annelise Kristyn Fish Kohlton River Ford Madison Chloe Garrett Abigail Grace Gattis Daniel Gomez Fernandez Caleb Andrew Hall Jesse Dale Hancock Carter O'Neill Harris Anna Elizabeth Harrison Autumn Grace Harting Isaac Carson Harting Jack Richardson Hearn Jacob Stephen Hinton Thomas William Hiscoke Bethany Kathleen Hitt Anna Marie Hopper Claire Kathileen Hopper Annalyn Victoria Housley Viviann Rose Housley Caroline Clark Howard Joshua Wade Hudspeth Caleb Jonathan Hughes Ruth Kristine Hutchinson Mabry Elise Jackson Ethan Earl Keith Peyton Louise Kidd Madison Blaire Kirk Christina Eaton Kirkman Sha'Merial De'Asia Lacey Luis Lainer Maryn Firth Macri Lily Rachel Martindale Julia Lauren McCoy Jesse Lee Mellinger Brenden Lee Mitchell Jacob McKinlee Mobley Emma Grace Montgomery Jorja Kate Mooneyhan Jarrett Andrew Morris Shane Clayton Murphree Lindsey Kay Murr Hailey Ann Oliver Jacob Carson Prater Dawson Ray Razer Cobey Aaron Riddle Jacob Matthew Roberts Bailey Marye Rodgers Lucia Rodriguez Garcia Wesley Trace Roy Petrone Rudolph Vaye Leigh Savage Ella Marie Shepherd Kelly Dianne Smith Lily-Ann Christy Smith Aspen Jule Teague Timothy Clayton Thurmond Joseph Todd Treadaway Abigail Elizabeth Vaughn Latricia Nicole Vernon Bailey Ann Webb Benjamin Eugene Webb William Jeffrey West Brianna Faith Wilder Abigail Grace Williams Esrael Amari Yant Sophie Catherine Young Dean’s List Clayton Edward Adams Daniel Julian Petteri Aikas Yalin Alici Davis Altrofs Joleen Hussam Awwad Andrew Ayala Brayden Carter Ayers Trenton Cole Baggett Macy Celeste Bain Brianna Denise Barksdale Jonah Michael Barnhardt David Roger Bascomb Jeremiah Lincoln Bell Tallie Grace Bird Benjamin Scott Blassingame Madison Nikole Boatwright Cody Martin Bost Erick Braga Ferreira Goncalves Aubrey Grace Britt Kaitlyn Grace Cain Jenna Lynne Cale Josephine Marie Campbell Neely Grace Cooper Zachary Scott Cooper Hannah Rose Cox Jaelyn Alexis Cox Kaylie Ann Cox Taylor Elizabeth Crouch Morgan Lynn Dabbs Dylan Reed Davenport Hunter Bricen Dees Taylor Lewis Denson Victoria Eliza Nicole Durost Kathryn Olivia Echols Lexie Alyson Faulkner Dawson James Fish Gavin McKinley Foley Jimmy J'Rome Foster Kameron Renea Frazier Lila Nekia Gandy Marissa Dawn Gerleman Amy Nicole Goldsmith Bethany Grace Gordon Judson Lance Griffin Alex Blanchard Guidry Jennifer Lynn Gutzler Kinley Joe Hallmark Ethan Scott Hirons Johnathon Gene Hitt Kenneth Brayden Hodum Terry Dwayne Hooper Benjamin Oliver Hopper Samuel Tyler Hopper Billie Amber Marie Hudson Chelsey Leeann Hudson Carlin Robert Johnson Corina Olivia Jones Jayla Constance Faye Jones Joshua Andrew Jones Jackson Brady Jordan Acen Cody Lambert Peyton Matthew Lathrop Addison Claire Lucius Luan Felipe Macedo Nascimento Christian Maness Callie Christian McDonald Isaac Nathaniel McMinn Jacob Smith Meilstrup Arthur Fernandes Menezes Hayley Morgan Messer Juliana Joy Miller Timothy Gauge Montgomery Abigail Leigh Moore Caden Zayne Moore Jessica Ann Moss Michael Andrew Newman Whemblem Thiego Oliveira Goncalves Lauren Avery Paul Yaidel Perez Katherine Nicole Pettiette Caleb Bradley Pettigo Martin Sebastian Puetate Garcia Breanna Leigh Ramsey Sadie Sheree Randolph Sawyer Henson Richey Veronica Michelle Rodasta Caleb Ross Rogers Hannah Brooke Russell Kyleigh Lane Scott Kayla Elizabeth Shaull Chloe Abagayle Shelton Ashtyn Jade Caroline Smith William Anderson Spencer Ayla Morgan Stowe Zachary Scott Taylor Reise Manning Thomas Melody Rebekah Thornhill Jeanelle Lee Valdez Baker Allen Walker Rebecca Olivia Walter Roman Abie Whitfield Chryshawn Keneil Wiggan Elsie Jewel Wilbanks Dalton Cole Williams Kaedyn Addison Wilson Kora Michelle Wilson Brenda Karen Wisher Deborah Gail Wisher Angel Nicole Wright Jadyn Brianna Yarbro 

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University has been recognized by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) as a Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Educator Preparation Program for the 2025-26 academic year. BMCU is one of only four universities in Mississippi to receive this distinction. The designation honors educator preparation programs that demonstrate strong alignment with the science of reading and show evidence of preparing teacher candidates to deliver structured, research-based literacy instruction. The recognition ceremony took place Dec. 8, 2025, in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium on the BMCU campus. Representatives from MDE’s literacy leadership team joined faculty, students and partners to celebrate the accomplishment and present the official banner recognizing BMCU as an Emerging Science of Reading Educator Preparation Program. During the presentation, Amanda Malone, state literacy director for the Mississippi Department of Education, affirmed the strength of BMCU’s preparation program . “This program is designed to move candidates from understanding the ‘why’—the research behind how we know children learn to read—to doing the ‘how,’ which is delivering effective reading instruction. This grounding in explicit, evidence-based practice prepares graduates to walk into classrooms ready to teach reading well on day one. Because of BMCU’s commitment to training teachers and equipping them with the very best knowledge to be literacy leaders, your students are well equipped for success.”  Dr. Ashley Coleman, dean of the School of Education, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Being named an Emerging Science of Reading Educator Preparation Program reflects the heart of our mission at BMCU. We are committed to preparing future teachers with strong, research-driven practices so they can make an immediate impact in Mississippi classrooms. This recognition affirms the faithful work of our faculty and the dedication of our candidates.” This acknowledgment highlights BMCU’s continued commitment to preparing Christ-centered educators who are equipped to serve and strengthen literacy outcomes in classrooms across the state. For more information, contact Dr. Ashley Coleman at acoleman@bmc.edu .

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) and William Carey University (WCU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing new academic pathways designed to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in medicine and pharmacy across North Mississippi. The signing took place on Dec. 2, 2025. The agreement creates a streamlined early-entry pathway for qualified BMCU students into the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), along with a developing partnership that will offer an accelerated route into William Carey’s School of Pharmacy. Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of WCUCOM, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to serving Mississippi. “We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity to pre-med students at Blue Mountain,” Subbarao said. “We already have students from BMCU enrolled in our medical school who are performing exceptionally well. Students who meet the requirements outlined in this agreement will be admitted into our medical program, and we believe many will return to serve northern Mississippi. Serving Mississippi is at the heart of what we do.” Dr. Barbara McMillin, president of BMCU, said the partnership will strengthen educational access and expand service to communities across the state. “This is a significant moment for both institutions,” McMillin said. “We believe many future students will benefit from this pathway, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with William Carey University in preparing future physicians who will serve across our region and state.” In addition to the medical school pathway, BMCU and WCU are finalizing details for a second agreement that will create a Mississippi Pharmacy Pathway, offering students a clearly defined route from their undergraduate studies at BMCU to professional training in pharmacy at William Carey. The pathway will include a structured undergraduate sequence at BMCU tailored for pre-pharmacy students, followed by direct transition into William Carey’s accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program. The partnership also provides coordinated advising and recruitment support from high school through graduate training. Both pathways support a shared goal of preparing students from North Mississippi—including rural areas such as Chickasaw, Calhoun, and Pontotoc counties—to return and serve their home communities. Representatives from William Carey’s School of Pharmacy and College of Osteopathic Medicine will visit BMCU after Christmas to meet with interested students and collaborate with campus recruiters. For more information, contact admissions@bmc.edu .

Blue Mountain Christian University will present its 14th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the MLB Auditorium on campus. The long-standing tradition marks the beginning of the Christmas season for the BMCU community and guests. The historic service features nine selected Scripture passages that trace the story of redemption—from humanity’s fall to the Old Testament prophecies of Immanuel and the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ birth. Faculty members and administrators will read each of the nine lessons, with carols interspersed throughout as musical responses to the passages. The BMCU Chorale will be featured, along with selected student soloists. “The Festival of Lessons and Carols is one of the most meaningful events we share as a campus each year,” said Dr. Greg Long, chair of the Department of Fine Arts. “The Scripture readings, the beautiful choral music, and the opportunity for the entire audience to join in singing familiar carols create a worshipful atmosphere that draws our hearts to the miracle of Christ’s birth.” Several of the carols will include congregational participation, inviting all in attendance to take part in the celebration. The event is free and open to the public. BMCU welcomes community members, alumni and friends to join in an evening of reflection, worship and joyful celebration. For more information, contact Dr. Greg Long at glong@bmc.edu 

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Robert and Bess Pryor Memorial Scholarship, created through the generosity of Dr. Joanne P. Carter (’73) and her husband, Sam T. Carter, Jr. The endowed scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Carter’s parents, Robert and Bess Pryor, and will support students pursuing a degree in education. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, helping ensure that the Pryors’ legacy of encouragement and opportunity continues to bless future generations of educators. “I was strongly encouraged to pursue my education by my parents, Robert and Bess Pryor,” said Dr. Carter. “They supported Blue Mountain through gifting during my college days because they believed so strongly in its mission. We desired to continue their legacy of giving, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to establish this scholarship in their memory.” Dr. Carter, a 1973 graduate of Blue Mountain College, was first introduced to Blue Mountain through her connection with “Ms. Johnnie” Armstrong at Camp Crestridge. She and her husband now reside in Carrollton, Texas, where they continue to reflect the Christian values that shaped her time at Blue Mountain. Dr. Carter also shared a quote that inspired her throughout her studies: “No aspect of education is to be disparaged; it is the highest blessing bestowed on mankind, and it is the best of them on whom it is most fully bestowed.” — Jeffrey Doonan For Dr. Carter, these words capture the sacred purpose of learning — that all forms of education, formal or informal, are valuable and transformative, and that those who fully embrace learning are best equipped to make meaningful contributions to the world. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. and Mr. Carter for honoring the legacy of Robert and Bess Pryor through this endowed scholarship,” said Dr. Barbara McMillin, president of BMCU. “Their generosity will provide meaningful support to our students, especially those called to the field of education.” For more information, contact Chelsey Griffin at cgriffin@bmc.edu.