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The Independent Thinker
Private Colleges Serving the Public... One student at a Time
| | Merry Christmas from AAICU! | | AAICU is grateful for the partnership of our twelve member colleges. We look forward to our 69th year of promoting a greater appreciation of independent higher education and its importance to the educational, cultural and economic needs of Alabama and the nation. We are excited about what's to come in 2025. | | Faulkner University To Launch School of Nursing In Fall 2025 | | |
Faulkner University is excited to announce the official approval of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, set to launch in August 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding its healthcare education offerings and providing students with a Christ-centered, hands-on learning environment.
Faulkner University recently presented its approval request to the Alabama Board of Nursing, and the program was given the green light to begin in Fall 2025. The nursing program will offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in nursing, emphasizing compassionate care, professional excellence, and Christian values.
“We are thrilled to see this vision come to fruition,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “Our nursing program will equip future healthcare professionals not only with the knowledge and skills they need, but also with the values of faith, integrity, and service to others. We believe our students will graduate ready to make a real difference in the world.” Click here for more.
| | Oakwood University makes Top Ten Retention Rates Among HBCUs | | |
After reviewing data for 84 HBCUs, EDsmart has compiled a list of the top 10 historically black colleges according to retention rate. EDsmart suggests students who are looking for a college should have first-year retention rates as a high priority on their college checklist.
Here they are below:
- Spelman College: Retention rate: 90%
- Fisk University: Retention rate: 84.5%
- Morehouse College: Retention rate: 81.7%
- Howard University: Retention rate: 81%
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: Retention rate: 79.7%
- Elizabeth City State University: Retention rate: 79.1%
- Tougaloo College: Retention rate: 78.9%
- Winston-Salem State University: Retention rate: 78.3%
- Wilberforce University Retention rate: 77.7%
- Oakwood University: Retention rate: 75.6%
| | Huntingdon Breaks Ground on Outdoor Pool | | |
On Tuesday, November 12, Huntingdon College President Anthony Leigh alongside members of the Huntingdon College Board of Trustees and the Student Government Association, broke ground on the future site of the outdoor pool on the main Huntingdon College campus.The groundbreaking is the first of the building phases of the Heart of Huntingdon Campaign launched last October to raise funds for an outdoor pool and indoor wellness facility.
President Leigh, speaking to the crowd of guests and students, talked about the importance of the new addition to the campus as more than just a recreational feature. He stated, “Huntingdon College is increasingly recognized as one of the South’s premier pre-professional colleges. I have often said that students come to Huntingdon with a measure of ambition, and a desire to get a great pre-professional education in a faith-based environment and to fully participate in the life of the College.
But a Huntingdon education is more than a great academic experience offered in iconic spaces like Bellingrath Hall and Flowers Hall. Huntingdon is also a social experience, and our students need spaces on campus that enable them to have outlets for their social and recreational life. We celebrate our residential living experience, the uniqueness of the Huntingdon village, and the opportunity Huntingdon’s small close-knit community affords our students to form relationships and connections for a lifetime.
Click here to read more.
| | Samford Among National Leaders In Athletics Graduation Success Rate | | |
Samford University's athletics teams posted an impressive 98 in the NCAA's latest Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, released last month. Leading all schools in the state of Alabama and the Southern Conference, Samford tied for the second-highest score among all 351 Division I schools.The university has a long history of performing at a high level for its combination of excellence in both academics and athletic competition and has consistently earned an overall GSR score above 90 percent since 2012.
The NCAA Division I Committee on Academic Performance implemented the initial release of the GSR in 2005 to more accurately assess the academic success of student-athletes. The most recent GSR measures the academic years 2014-15 through 2017-18.
Twelve of Samford's teams earned perfect scores of 100 percent. The Bulldogs baseball, men's basketball, men's cross country/track, men's golf, men's tennis, women's basketball, women's cross country/track, women's golf, women's soccer, softball, women's tennis and volleyball teams all registered perfect scores. Every Samford team ranked at or above the national average.
The NCAA developed the Division I Graduation Success Rate in response to college and university presidents who wanted graduation data that more accurately reflect the mobility among all college students today. The graduation-rate data are based on a six-year cohort prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Samford competes in 17 NCAA Division I sports in the historic Southern Conference.
| | Spring Hill College’s Education Program Earns National Accreditation | | |
Spring Hill College’s Division of Education receives national recognition for its excellence in educator preparation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced that Spring Hill is one of 30 schools from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that earned accreditation for its educator preparation program. The CAEP is a nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. The organization was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a non-governmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement.
“Our students are in high demand. Marketing them is easy because they are of such high quality. For our graduates, it’s not a question of whether they’ll have a job—it’s about choosing the best fit, as many receive three or four offers. We ensure they are day-one-ready, meaning they are confident and fully prepared to excel in the classroom,” said Dr. Dannelley.
| | Miles College McNair Scholars Shine at Prestigious Biomedical Conference | | |
Ten talented McNair Scholars from Miles College recently showcased their academic excellence and research prowess at the 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). Recognized as the largest conference for minority students in the biomedical and STEM fields, ABRCMS provided these students with a platform to present their original research and connect with professionals and peers from across the nation.
These scholars, supported by faculty mentors, made engaging and high-quality presentations that highlighted their dedication and contributions to their respective fields. Dr. Esther Suswam, Principal Investigator and Director of the McNair Research Scholars Program, and Dr. Nikaela Flournoy, Associate Professor of Biology, attended the conference to guide and support the students.
Notably, seven of the student presenters were fully sponsored by the McNair Program, reflecting the college's commitment to fostering academic growth and research opportunities. Additional support came from Dr. Flournoy’s NSF grant and the UAB Blazer BRAIN program, which funded two students who completed internships through the initiative during summer 2024.
Participating in ABRCMS offered invaluable exposure for the McNair Scholars, further equipping them for success in graduate school and beyond. The entire Miles College family celebrates their achievements and applauds the impact of their research at this prestigious event.
| | Amridge University Among Best Online Master’s in Family Counseling Programs | | |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in family counseling are projected to more than triple the rate for all other professions. With a 23% rate of growth anticipated through 2026, marriage and family therapists can expect a thriving, lucrative job market. The BLS attributes this soaring demand to the rising need for mental health services for issues such as alcohol and drug addiction, as well as a growing awareness of the role that mental health plays in one’s overall wellness.
Related occupations should enjoy similarly strong job prospects. For example, the BLS projects that employment for counselors specializing in substance abuse or behavioral disorders will also grow by 23% through 2026, while employment for school and career counselors and psychologists should increase by 13% and 14%, respectively, during that same period.
| | Talladega College Listed Among Key Institutions Featured in the Report and Showcasing its Role as a Vital Economic Engine in Alabama | | |
UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, proudly unveiled its 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report. The report, Transforming Futures: The Economic Engine of HBCUs, commissioned by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI), is a comprehensive, data-driven analysis highlighting the substantial contributions that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) make to their students, local communities and the nation. Talladega College is a UNCF-member institution, and its impact on the nation’s economy is significant.
Talladega College powers the economy of Alabama, including but not limited to:
- Talladega College generates $27.8 Million in total economic impact for its local and regional economies. This estimate includes direct spending by the college on faculty, employees, academic programs and operations, and by students, as well as the follow-on effects of that spending.
- Talladega College generates 348 jobs for its local and regional economies. Of this total, 193 are on-campus jobs, and 155 are off-campus jobs.
- A Talladega College graduate working full-time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $1,234,780 in additional income due to a college credential.
“The release of the HBCU Economic Impact Report by UNCF highlights the vital role that Talladega College plays not only in our local communities but also in the broader state of Alabama. With an economic impact of $27.8 million and the generation of nearly 350 jobs, Talladega is a significant economic driver in our region. Furthermore, our graduates experience substantial lifetime benefits from their education here,” said Talladega College Interim President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough. “This report clearly articulates the critical importance of HBCUs like Talladega College in fostering economic growth and providing opportunities for future generations."
| | Stillman College and the Saban Center Form Strategic Partnership to Transform STEM and Arts Education in Alabama | | |
The Saban Center, a cutting-edge educational campus that integrates STEM and the arts, is excited to announce a significant partnership with Stillman College to enhance and promote STEM and arts education throughout Alabama.
Stillman College joins Shelton State Community College and The University of Alabama as a strategic programmatic partner for the Saban Center. This collaboration with Stillman College aligns perfectly with the Saban Center’s vision of fostering an engaging environment that merges excitement, discovery, and education for
individuals of all ages. Stillman College will work alongside the Saban Center to create innovative programming and enrichment initiatives for campus visitors. This partnership aims to drive progress in West Alabama communities.
Terry Saban, Stillman College Board of Trustee member and philanthropist stated, “I am thrilled to see Stillman College partner with the Saban Center to create new opportunities in STEM and the arts for our community. This collaboration not only enriches our educational landscape but also empowers our youth to explore their passions and potential. Together, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and creators in West Alabama.” Click here to read more.
| | Tuskegee University Receives Breast Cancer Research Support | | |
Tuskegee University will share $1.1 million from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama to support ongoing breast cancer research. In partnership with Auburn University, Tuskegee is one of 22 research projects at seven institutions across the state that will share the funding.
Tuskegee is partnering with Auburn University on the research to leverage each institution’s strengths, said Dr. Deepa Bedi, who is Tuskegee’s principal investigator and an Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences. She is collaborating with Auburn University’s Dr. Maninder Sandey.
“We are deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on breast cancer research, with a particular focus on addressing health disparities in underserved communities,” said Dr. Bedi, who holds a patent for her breast cancer research. “My passion lies in empowering our students to engage in transformative science that not only advances knowledge but also directly improves lives. By involving students in initiatives like this one, we aim to inspire the next generation of researchers, ensuring they understand the significance of their contributions to addressing a disease that affects millions. My hope is that through their involvement, students will carry forward the values of innovation, community service, and scientific excellence to create a lasting legacy in the fight against breast cancer.”
| | From Campus to Competition: United States Sports Academy Alumni at the Paris Olympics | | |
As the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded in August, a trio of United States Sports Academy alumni were representing the university in their influential roles in the global sporting event. Scott Novack, LaTanya Sheffield, and Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY each bringing their unique expertise and dedication, left a significant impact on the Games. Their contributions demonstrated USSA’s commitment to developing exceptional sports professionals who excel on the world stage.
Scott Novack, the Program Operations Manager for the USA Rugby Men’s Eagles Sevens team, played a significant role in the team’s preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Novack’s responsibilities encompass overseeing daily operations, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that the team is equipped with everything needed to perform at their best. His role was vital in optimizing the team’s performance and ensuring smooth operations both on and off the field.
LaTanya Sheffield stepped into the spotlight as the Head Coach for Team USA’s women’s track and field at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sheffield’s role involved not only coaching athletes to peak performance but also mentoring them through the rigorous demands of Olympic competition. Her expertise was essential in preparing the team for a successful showing on the world stage.
USSA Director of Sport Leadership and faculty member Dr. Noemi Zaharia, managed the e-OLY house, which is a virtual platform for world Olympians to congregate and network during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Additionally, she organized and presented the panel discussion “Embracing Olympism: From Sporting Achievement to Life’s Successes” with three other Olympians, including Edwin Moses, Laurel Brassey Iverson, and Javier Raya as well as Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, the president of the Association Familiale Pierre de Coubertin. Dr. Zaharia also presented the preliminary research that she and Dr. Cristian Zaharia are currently conducting on leadership skills of Olympic athletes at the OLY House.
| | University of Mobile Family Nurse Practitioner Students Celebrate Success with White Coat Ceremony | | |
Nineteen aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners in the University of Mobile School of Nursing recently donned their white coats, marking a pivotal step in their journey toward advanced practice. In a powerful moment unique to the Christian university, each student took a pledge that set them apart, affirming their commitment not only to excellence in patient care but also to a calling shaped by faith and compassion.
“I will endeavor to be a good steward of my knowledge and skills and of all those resources granted to me by God, understanding that my call to this vocation is for the glory of His Kingdom,” they pledged.
As they recited the Advanced Practice Nurse Pledge, these future practitioners affirmed a commitment to lifelong learning, community leadership and person-centered health care.
Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean of the School of Nursing in the university’s Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, said the original pledge was written two years ago by faculty.
“Our goal in creating this pledge was to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility that goes beyond clinical skill,” Garner said. “We want our students to see their role as advanced practice nurses as a calling – one rooted in compassion, integrity and a commitment to serve others with humility.
“This pledge reflects the values we hold dear at UM, encouraging our students to approach each patient with empathy and to view their vocation as a way to honor God’s work through them.” Click here to read more.
| | Did You Know? More Independent Education Students Rate Their Education as Excellent | | | | |
