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. 

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.