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. 

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The Blue Mountain Christian University Chorale will present its annual fall concert, He Is Making All Things New , on October 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium. The concert will feature contemporary choral works that highlight peace, comfort, and hope. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Long, Chair of the Department of Fine Arts, the program will include selections by Dan Forrest, hymn arrangements by Tom Trenney, Craig Courtney, and David Schwoebel, and a modern setting of Psalm 121 composed by Heather Sorenson. The centerpiece of the program is Elaine Hagenberg’s All Things New , with text from Frances Havergal and adapted from Revelation 21:4–6: “Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end, He is making all things new.” The concert will also honor the life and legacy of Dr. Douglas Bain, former Chair of the Department of Biblical Studies at Blue Mountain College, whose recent passing inspired the musical selections. The program reflects themes of comfort, peace, and eternal hope. The Department of Fine Arts offers this concert as a free event to the university and local community. Admission is open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Greg Long at glong@bmc.edu . 

Blue Mountain, Miss. – The Speech & Theatre Department of Blue Mountain Christian University proudly announces its fall production of Alice in Wonderland , adapted by Maggie Miller. Performances will be held in Garrett Auditorium with an opening matinee on Wednesday, October 8 at 11:00 a.m., followed by evening performances on Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. In this endearing retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, audiences will follow Alice on a whimsical adventure after the Queen’s prized tarts mysteriously disappear. With the White Rabbit’s life hanging in the balance, Alice sets out on a quest through a maze of curious encounters, culminating in a lively trial where the true thief is revealed. “This classic story is brought to life with amazing talent, and I cannot wait for audiences of all ages to see it,” said Director and Assistant Professor Christi Mitchell. The production features a cast of 17, including BMCU students Alivia White as Alice, Jayla Jones as the Cheshire Cat, Jalynn Black as the Duchess, Savannah Dunn as the Knave of Hearts, Thomas Floyd as the Mad Hatter, Giana Curasi as the March Hare, Tallie Bird as the Dormouse, Lily-Ann Smith as the Queen of Hearts, Abigail Vaughn as the Gryphon, Melody Thornhill as the Mock Turtle, and Johnathon Hitt as the King of Hearts. Community members also join the cast, with Vivian Mitchell as the White Rabbit, Ana Hamilton as Margaret, and Gabriel Hamilton, Rylee Hitt, Reagan Hitt, and Elizabeth Bailey appearing as Jury Members, Sea Creatures, and Hedgehogs. Tickets are $10 general admission and will be available at the door (cash or check only). The production is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. For more information or to reserve a spot for the matinee performance, contact director Christi Mitchell at cmitchell@bmc.edu . 

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Jean Harrington Education Scholarship, created by Blue Mountain Baptist Church in honor of Mrs. Harrington, a 1959 graduate of Blue Mountain College, longtime BMCU employee, and former English teacher at Blue Mountain High School. Mrs. Harrington, who currently serves as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Graduate & Continuing Education, was surprised with the announcement during a special presentation in the September 7 worship service at Blue Mountain Baptist Church. The Jean Harrington Education Scholarship will be awarded annually to students preparing to become English education teachers. Mrs. Harrington invested more than three decades teaching English at Blue Mountain High School and has devoted over 30 years of service to Blue Mountain Christian University, leaving a legacy of faithfulness in education and ministry. Dr. Michael Baker, pastor of Blue Mountain Baptist Church, shared: “Because of Miss Jean’s faithfulness to the Lord, her years of teaching Sunday school, 30 years as an educator at Blue Mountain Attendance Center, and 35 years of service at Blue Mountain Christian University, we wanted to honor her. It is with great pleasure that we establish this scholarship in her name and thank her for her service to the Lord, to our church, to BMCU, and to this community.” Dr. Barbara McMillin, president of Blue Mountain Christian University, expressed gratitude for the church’s generosity: “We are grateful for Blue Mountain Baptist Church and its decision to honor Jean Powell Harrington through the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Blue Mountain Christian University, leaving a lasting investment in the lives of students. This is a meaningful tribute to support Christian education and students who choose to study at our institution. We sincerely appreciate the support of the scholarship program and look forward to awarding the first recipient of the Jean Harrington Education Scholarship. Without this kind of support, many students might not ever experience the life-transforming education offered on the Hill. Your thoughtfulness and generosity serve as a source of encouragement and affirmation to us all.” Photos from the presentation can be viewed here , and a video of the service can be found here . For more information, contact Chelsey Griffin at cgriffin@bmc.edu About Blue Mountain Christian University Founded in 1873, Blue Mountain Christian University is a Christ-centered institution located in the hills of North Mississippi. BMCU seeks to equip students with the academic knowledge and spiritual foundation needed to serve faithfully in their chosen professions.

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University has announced that it will freeze tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year, reaffirming its commitment to affordability and accessibility for students and families. The decision means that tuition rates will remain at current levels, providing stability for students as they plan for their educational and financial future. “At BMCU, we know the cost of college weighs heavily on families,” said Alyssa Cooper, Vice President for Enrollment Services. “Freezing tuition is one way we can ease that burden and give students confidence as they plan for the future. We want them to know that a Christ-centered education here is not only life-changing, but also within reach.” The tuition freeze aligns with the university’s mission to combine academic excellence with financial responsibility, offering high-value education grounded in Christian principles. It also complements recent scholarship initiatives, including tuition assistance for children of Southern Baptist Convention ministers and missionaries, and a 50 percent tuition discount for non-alumni enrolling in the Master of Education program beginning Fall 2026. For more information, contact Haley Carpenter at hcarpenter@bmc.edu .

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The family of the late Kennie Kirk Foley, a 1982 graduate of Blue Mountain Christian University, has established a new endowed scholarship in her memory to support aspiring elementary educators. The Kennie Kirk Foley Scholarship for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Education was created by her brothers, Larry and Mike Kirk, to honor her life, legacy, and dedication to the teaching profession. The scholarship will benefit BMCU students majoring in elementary education who share Kennie’s passion for learning and her heart for children. Kennie Foley devoted her life to education, teaching at East Union and New Albany Elementary Schools. She was widely known for her compassion, often going above and beyond to meet the needs of her students—ensuring that no child ever went without. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom, where her kindness, selflessness, and wisdom touched countless lives in the community. The Kennie Kirk Foley Scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to her calling by investing in students who will carry on her legacy of excellence, grace, and service in education. It reflects the mission of Blue Mountain Christian University— an institution of higher learning that assists students in developing intellectual integrity, academic excellence, civility, and character. Those who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund may give online at bmc.edu/support-us or send a check by mail to: Blue Mountain Christian University Office of External Relations P.O. Box 160 Blue Mountain, MS 38610 Please include “Kennie Kirk Foley Scholarship” in the memo line. For more information about giving opportunities at BMCU, contact Chelsey Griffin at cgriffin@bmc.edu or call 662-685-4771 ext. 177.

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University has been named to the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, a national recognition honoring colleges and universities that go above and beyond to support community college transfer students. This year, 251 institutions were selected based on key data from PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students navigate the transfer process. The award considers factors such as admissions practices, cost of attendance, recruitment strategies, campus support, and student satisfaction. Transfer students at BMCU are eligible for a variety of academic scholarships based on GPA, including awards up to $10,000 for members of Phi Theta Kappa and additional funding through the Academic Excellence Program. The university also offers stackable supplemental scholarships for qualifying students, such as children of alumni, siblings enrolled simultaneously, and dependents of Southern Baptist ministers or missionaries. These scholarship opportunities help make a Christ-centered education both affordable and accessible. The Transfer Honor Roll is based on a review of nearly 40 data points drawn from each institution’s PTK Connect profile. Blue Mountain’s selection reflects its commitment to creating accessible and student-centered transfer pathways that remove barriers and promote success. “We’re thrilled to receive this honor,” said Alyssa Cooper, vice president for enrollment services at BMCU. “We know the transfer journey can be challenging, and our goal is to make that transition feel seamless and personal. From the moment a student connects with us, we want them to know they’re not just welcome here — they’re wanted here.”  As part of the recognition, BMCU will receive a commemorative certificate and obelisk award and will be featured in Phi Theta Kappa’s national publications and media channels. Blue Mountain Christian University remains committed to providing a Christ-centered education that equips students to lead lives of purpose, service, and faith—no matter where their journey begins. To learn more about transferring to Blue Mountain Christian University, visit bmc.edu.

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University has announced the appointment of Dr. Tammie McCoy as provost. McCoy has served as dean and professor of nursing at BMCU since 2022 and brings more than 30 years of higher education and health care leadership experience to the role. McCoy holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Mississippi. Prior to joining BMCU, she served in several senior academic roles at Mississippi University for Women, including dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her career has been marked by excellence in teaching, strategic program development, accreditation leadership, and community engagement. Since joining BMCU, McCoy has contributed to the university’s strategic planning initiatives, accreditation efforts, and academic program expansion. She has also secured grant funding to enhance nursing education and support workforce development across Mississippi. “As an academic leader committed to Christ-centered education at Blue Mountain Christian University, I seek to cultivate an environment where faith and scholarship flourish together,” McCoy said. “I believe the role of provost is to serve the mission of the university by guiding faculty, nurturing students and advancing academic excellence with integrity. My calling is to help shape a community that forms minds, transforms hearts and sends prepared graduates into the world.” For more information about Blue Mountain Christian University, visit www.bmc.edu .