When Hannah Joy Jefcoat first encountered the University of North Alabama at a college and career fair in her hometown of Corinth, Mississippi, she didn’t expect that chance conversation to shape her future.
A spontaneous campus visit, without even a scheduled tour, quickly turned into a defining moment. Members of the LaGrange Society welcomed Hannah and her parents, offered a personal tour, and introduced her to faculty who took the time to show her their labs and research before she was even admitted. “That level of kindness and attention really stood out and made my decision easy,” Hannah says.
Having graduated in spring 2025 with a biology major degree with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology, she’s currently enrolled in graduate school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. What once felt like a concern about attending a smaller university has become one of the greatest strengths of her UNA experience. The specialized concentration enabled her to delve deeply into her interests, while small class sizes facilitated meaningful relationships with professors and provided opportunities for extensive hands-on research. “I’ve had more one-on-one time with professors and more hands-on research opportunities than I might have had at a larger university,” she explains. “Choosing UNA was absolutely the right decision.”
Hannah’s academic journey also reflects the freedom UNA gives students to explore and evolve. Entering as a pre-med student, she initially pictured her future in a hospital setting. But after stepping outside her comfort zone and joining research projects, she discovered a passion for genomics and bioinformatics. Through experiences such as STEM poster sessions, the CODE Program, and independent lab work that she sought out herself, Hannah learned that curiosity and the confidence to ask can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Her work has taken her to conferences, research presentations, and even first-author publication credit, experiences that have positioned her strongly for graduate study.
Beyond academics, Hannah found a community that challenged and supported her, encouraged by professors who noticed when students struggled. Classmates who shared ambitious goals, she built friendships rooted in mutual motivation and support. Living in Florence also enriched her experience, offering outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities that quickly became an integral part of her life outside the lab. “I came [to UNA] not knowing anyone,” she says. “I didn’t expect to find such a strong, supportive community… everywhere I go, I see familiar faces and have conversations that build friendships.”
Looking ahead, Hannah is driven by a deeply personal mission: advancing Alzheimer’s research. Having lost three grandparents to Alzheimer’s or dementia, she is committed to helping uncover better diagnostic tools and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Her time at UNA—marked by discovery, mentorship, and meaningful work—has prepared her to pursue that goal with purpose. For Hannah, success at UNA came from being willing to try something new. That single step changed her path and set her on a journey to make a difference far beyond campus.
