Blue Mountain, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) proudly held its 151st session of commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium. The ceremony recognized the achievements of 167 graduates: 101 women and 66 men, including 35 recipients of master’s degrees. These graduates represent 13 states and 11 foreign countries, reflecting the university’s growing reach and impact. BMCU President Dr. Barbara McMillin delivered a charge to the Class of 2025, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, pursue excellence, place Christ at the center of all endeavors, serve with intentionality, and plan today for a brighter tomorrow. The university also celebrated the retirement of Dr. Sharon Ball Enzor , who was honored for 35 years of dedicated service to BMCU. Dr. Enzor, who has served in numerous leadership roles including Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, pronounced the undergraduate degrees during the ceremony. The commencement address was delivered by Juanita Floyd , Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at the CREATE Foundation. Floyd, a distinguished professional with over 40 years of service to the foundation, delivered a powerful and personal message centered on perseverance, faith, and purpose. Floyd challenged the graduates to embrace their journey, pursue their dreams, and make their lives count. “You are standing on the shoulders of those who sacrificed and prayed for you,” Floyd told the graduates. “Your dash, the time between your birth and your death, matters. Make it count.” The university sends forth the Class of 2025 with confidence, prayer, and hope for the future. As BMCU continues its mission to prepare students for lives of service and leadership, this commencement marked another meaningful chapter in the institution’s long legacy of Christ-centered education. Bachelor Of Arts Degree · Baleigh Olivia Bray, Myrtle · Courtney Suzanne Coulter, Brandon · Abigail Jewel Dean, Hernando · Ian Matthew Mehr, Selmer TN · Robert Blaine Powell, Booneville · Josiah Lehman Putnam, Vaiden · Robert Logan Sweet, Pontotoc Bachelor Of Music Education Degree · Jerry Daniel Fortenberry, Ripley Bachelor Of Science Degree · Savannah Nicole Allred, Kenton TN · Cosette Renae Alsbrook, Lawton OK · Allana Maya Andrews, London ENGLAND · Caleb Brandon Bass, Collierville TN · Max Henry Bates, Columbia MO · Shante LaRae Beaulieu, Philadelphia · Grace Elizabeth Beck, Guntown · Timothy Dalton Berry, Coldwater · Greyson Dewey Blair, Mantachie · Bethany Rose Brown, Michie TN · Eli Blake Bullock, Seminary · Rey Castaneda, Hanford CA · Matias Andres Cisterna Aravena, Santiago CHILE · Grady Wayne Collins, Bethel Springs TN · Jory Bragg Collins, Blue Mountain · Jackson Hilton Cook, New Albany · Maria Andrea Diedrick, Merrivale SOUTH AFRICA · Weston Daniel Enfinger, Loxley AL · Jose Victor Espinosa, Corinth · Sydney Danielle Farris, Winfield AL · Skylar Paige Flake, Ripley · Caitlyn Elizabeth Fox, Oxford · Katie Rose Frederick, Fulton · Michaela Belle Frederick, Crestview FL · Carson Robert Gault, New Albany · Jenna Delilah Landers Golden, Blue Mountain · Antonio David Gutierrez, Albertville AL · Crystin Kiana Guy, Mobile AL · Rae Ann Hall, Valley Grande AL · Ismael Hernandez, Blountsville AL · Audrey Rose Hillis, Daphne AL · Jaiyah Tianna Jackson, Alexander AR · Trae’Veion Markee Jones, Caseyville IL · Carianne Belle Kennedy, Coldwater · Emma Grace Laney, New Albany · Yu-Chien Lin, Taipei TAIWAN · Kadon Race-Farrer Lindsey, Ripley · Victor Lopez Hernandez, Barcelona SPAIN · Michael Anthony Lorenz, Hamilton OH · Brisanda Luna Lopez, Corinth · Kimberly Klausen Madison, Hammond LA · Juliana Catalina Madrid Torres, Cajica COLOMBIA · Peyton Wayne Marshall, Tupelo · Sarah Michelle Martindale, Walnut · Will Daniel Massengill, New Albany · Parker Kathleen May, Tupelo · Bradley Jeremiah McBrayer, Blue Springs · Alivia Mindilane McNutt, Burnsville · Mallory Jo Mitchell, Athens AL · Ammon Christopher Murphy, Trenton GA · Colten Ward Neihaus, Brandon · Pontus Hakan Nordstrom, Stockholm SWEDEN · Preston Reece Orender, Tupelo · Adrianna Nicole Parsons, Springdale AR · Roderick Emanuel Patrick, Theodore AL · Zariah Shanique Patterson, Corinth · Bethany Grace Patton, Guntown · Alyssa Mone’t Porter, Holly Springs · Jane Mary Ann Portillo, Houston TX · Chandler Andrew Pruett, Lexington TN · Deja DaShon Pryor, Cordova TN · Jayden Nicole Rader-Butler, McKenzie TN · Hayden Benjamin Redding, Mobile AL · Josiah Matthew Rivera, St Cloud FL · Tyrese Orlando Roberson, Ecru · Jordan Luke Sanders, Forest · Leo Ludwig Johannes Schon, Cologne GERMANY · Christion Blane Smith, Potts Camp · Victoria Graelynn Smith, Blue Mountain · Jackson Lynn Ward, Gulfport · Jasmine Makayla Watts, Ripley · Corbin Ven White, Saltillo · Samantha Paige Whitwell, Murfreesboro TN · Christian De-Vonta Williams, Blue Mountain · Rameon Michael Witt Jr, North Hills CA · Alexis Deanna Wynn, Selmer TN · Michelle Leigh Phillips Anderson, Potts Camp · Eneko Casas Lopez, Vitoria SPAIN · George Harry Caudwell, Newark UNITED KINGDOM · Kerianna Beth Collins, Hot Springs Village AR · Sydney Grace Flake, Ripley · Elio Garnier, Villeneuve FRANCE · Gabriel Gracia Ormeneze, Curitiba BRAZIL · Tiago Gracia Ormeneze, Curitiba BRAZIL · Zana Amira Hines, Tiplersville · Kaysey Marie Flores Johnson, Walnut · Sarah Grace Malone, Brookhaven · Matheus Okuma Magalhaes Muniz, Fortaleza BRAZIL · Jose Alfonso Rubio Diaz, Puebla MEXICO · Savanna Marlayna Loveless Turner, Nettleton · Martin Alexander Wieckowski, Somerville TN · Jacob Elijah Carter, Amory · Kayla Rene Miller, Ripley · Mason Kade Timmons, Saltillo Bachelor Of Science In Education Degree · Logan Walker Akins, Baldwyn · Christa Ann Hertel Byrd, Citronelle AL · Rachel Faith Nanney Corbin, Belden · Jennifer Patricia Cubillo, New Albany · Olivia Grace Dean, Houston · Maria Andrea Diedrick, Merrivale SOUTH AFRICA · Hannah Leigh Dowdy, Pontotoc · Leela Isabella Fernando, New Albany · Sydney Grace Flake, Ripley · Cameron Gean Gordon, Ripley · Jack Barton Herring, Saltillo · Julianna Marie Ingram, Water Valley · Lillie Alexandra Johnson, Gilbertown AL · Olivia Cheyenne Joles, Meridian · Madelyn Nacole Whitfield Kimbrough, Hornsby TN · Skylar Marie Lee, Louisville KY · Madyson Kylee Little, Blue Mountain · Aleigha Marie McDonald, Belmont · Lauren Olivia Milford, Middleton TN · Carver Michael O’Neal, Southaven · Anna Grace Stanford, New Albany · Ameilya Magdalene Stewart, New Albany · Andrew James Tutor, Pontotoc · Tabitha Paige Willard Wilkerson, Hickory Flat Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Degree · Daisy Lane Cordle, Andalusia AL · Carly Michelle Frazier, Myrtle · Peyton Nicole Henry, Myrtle · Elizabeth Grace Jones, Coldwater · Katie Mae Meeks, Corinth · Alexis Deanna Wynn, Selmer TN Master Of Business Administration Degree · John Mark Berry, Mount Olive · Itza Dayana Bustamante, Mesquite TX · Tony Frank Edwards Jr, Tremont · William Antawion Charles Porter, Tupelo · Michael Gage Thomas, Guntown · Zachery Olon Watts, Taylor · Hayden Lee Arant, Olive Branch · Nathan Lee Bennett, New Albany · Elizabeth Shelaine Gilleylen, Amory · Chasen Aaron Poole, Springfield OH Master Of Education Degree · Tonia Renia Sanders Bolen, Guntown · Autumn Dawn Jackson Bryant, Ripley · Maggie Isabella Hogue Cox, New Albany · Elizabeth Hope Smith Hatcher, Belden · James Thomas Henderson, Ripley · Shiloh Rose Mauney Henderson, Ripley · Alyvia Cynclair Jeter, Tupelo · Morgan Alyssa Hendrix Miller, Hernando · Emily Shae Griffin Mynatt, Holly Springs · Lauren Chasity Barnes Nelms, Corinth · Gabriella Grace Lewis Pitney, Walnut · Rebecca Diane Moore Ross, Thaxton · Hannah Grace Styers, Walnut · Connie Ann Perry Tennison, Booneville · Taylor Dee Smith Wells, Walnut · Tiffany Lynn Floyd Gates, Ripley · Mandie Izabella Jumper Godwin, Ripley · Bailey Lauren Tennison Hall, Guntown · Amanda Leigh Walker Harrison, New Albany · Gina Michelle Chastity Lambert Rainey, Michie TN · Kayla Elestra Reed, Waterford Master Of Science Degree · John Cole Giordano, Mendenhall · Jacy Dawn Weaver, Lexington TN CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES, JULY 25, 2025 · Charnita LaShuna Brooks, Memphis TN · Breno Neves Martins Da Costa, Norfolk NE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES, AUGUST 17, 2025 · Josue Daniel Bustamante, Mesquite TX 

Blue Mountain, Miss. – Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 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 2025 Leora Duce Leadership Diploma recipients are: Savannah Nicole Allred Baleigh Olivia Bray Bethany Rose Brown Jackson Hilton Cook Courtney Coulter Olivia Grace Dean Skylar Paige Flake Kohlton Rivers Ford Crystin Kiana Guy Kadon Race Farrer Lindsey Sarah Michelle Martindale Will Daniel Massengill Aleigha McDonald Katie Mae Meeks Lauren Olivia Milford Carver Michael O'Neal Josiah Lehman Putnam Madelyn Whitfield Kimbrough 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 (BMCU) officially broke ground on the Center for Grace and Healing , a transformative facility designed to prepare future healthcare professionals. The May 2 ceremony brought together board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local community members to celebrate this historic milestone. The Center for Grace and Healing will serve as the new home for BMCU’s School of Nursing and will offer expanded space for natural sciences. The $15 million facility will include eight classrooms, 16 offices, simulation and science labs, and a conference room—significantly enriching the university’s academic infrastructure and student learning experience. Construction of the building will be led by Worsham Brothers of Corinth in collaboration with Oxford Architecture of Nashville, Stamps Design Group of Knoxville, and supported by USDA Rural Development. “Groundbreaking for the Center for Grace and Healing launches the construction of a beautiful addition to our already picturesque campus, but more importantly it marks the beginning of a new era of Christ-centered academic excellence at BMCU,” said Dr. Barbara Mcmillin, BMCU President. “We praise God for the opportunity that this new facility affords us for educating healthcare professionals who are equipped to minister to patients with skill, compassion, and grace.” This marks the first new building to be added to the BMCU campus since the completion of Fisher Washburn in 2005. For more information about the Center for Grace and Healing , please contact Haley Carpenter at hcarpenter@bmc.edu .

Blue Mountain, Miss. — Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is excited to announce the launch of several new academic programs in collaboration with Rize Education, aimed at preparing students for success in fast-growing industries. The new offerings include a Digital Marketing major, and two new minors: Nutrition and Esports & Gaming Administration. Among these, the Nutrition minor is available fully online, offering students the flexibility to pursue their studies from anywhere. This program provides a science-based approach to dietary health and wellness and is ideal for students interested in public health, fitness, and related careers. Program highlights include: • Digital Marketing (Major): Equips students with essential skills in online strategy, social media, branding, and data analytics for success in the digital economy. • Esports & Gaming Administration (Minor): Introduces students to the business side of the esports industry, with a focus on management, marketing, and event coordination. • Nutrition (Minor, Online): Offers a flexible, science-based curriculum in dietary science, health, and wellness, fully available online. These new programs demonstrate BMCU’s dedication to providing forward-thinking, career-focused education that responds to the changing demands of today’s students and the modern workforce. Enrollment is now open. Please visit bmc.edu/academic-programs to learn more and apply.

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