Tag: Alabama

  • Sydney Stafford

    Sydney Stafford

    Sydney Stafford, a Secondary Education History major from Huntsville, Alabama, began her UNA journey early—literally. Inspired by her older brother, who was already a student at UNA, Sydney enrolled in the university’s Early College program to get a head start on her degree. “I wanted to get college credit and experience before graduating high school,” Read more

  • Dr. Jim Hauschildt

    Dr. Jim Hauschildt

    When Dr. Jim Hauschildt enrolled in the University of North Alabama’s Master of Science in Nursing program with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership, he was already a seasoned leader with decades of experience in healthcare, business, and education. He held an MBA, a doctorate in education, and was serving as the president of a nursing Read more

  • Jasmine Parks

    Jasmine Parks

    For Jasmine Parks, a junior social work major from nearby Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the University of North Alabama was always close to home—but it wasn’t until she saw the university’s band perform that it truly came into focus as her future. “Being in band at my high school, I was captivated by their performance and Read more

  • Connell Cornelius

    Connell Cornelius

    For Connell Cornelius, attending the University of North Alabama wasn’t just a choice — it was a legacy. As a third-generation UNA student, Connell came to campus with strong roots and high expectations. What ultimately drew him to UNA, though, was the university’s exceptional music program. “The music program here is phenomenal — that’s what Read more

  • The Byrd Family’s UNA Journey

    The Byrd Family’s UNA Journey

    Jamie and Tasha Byrd, both UNA alumni, were thrilled when their twin daughters decided to attend their alma mater. Jamie graduated in 1999 with a degree in Business Management, while Tasha earned a master’s in Education. For them, UNA was not only an academic institution but also a cornerstone of their personal and professional development. Read more

  • Kesley Butler

    Kesley Butler

    Kesley’s desire to become a nurse was rooted in her childhood experiences caring for her grandmother, who lived with her family after suffering several strokes. Her mother, also a nurse, inspired Kesley to pursue a career where she could make a difference in people’s lives. Nursing wasn’t about the money—it was about the ability to Read more

  • Claire Hendrickson

    Claire Hendrickson

    When Claire Hendrickson first visited UNA in the spring of 2020, it was the beauty of the campus that caught her eye. As a recent graduate of Jacksonville High School in Anniston, Alabama, she was uncertain about her college plans due to the pandemic. But as she walked around the campus, something clicked. She snapped Read more

  • Trinda Owens

    Trinda Owens

    Trinda’s path to social work wasn’t linear, but it was driven by purpose. After beginning her college journey at UNA in 1988 with a focus on the entertainment industry, she soon found that her interests were elsewhere. She explored fashion merchandising, but it wasn’t until a personal hardship led her to social work that she Read more

  • Talon Pritchard

    Talon Pritchard

    Talon Pritchard’s journey to UNA started with his passion for athletics. Growing up in Helena, Alabama, he played a variety of sports, but it was cross-country running that ultimately brought him to the University of North Alabama. Recruited by several schools during his junior and senior years of high school, Talon visited UNA and quickly Read more

  • MacKenna Gosart

    MacKenna Gosart

    MacKenna Gosart always knew she wanted to help people, and her dream of becoming a physical therapist began at a young age. When she discovered UNA during a service project at age 12, she fell in love with the university and never looked back. Majoring in Exercise Science with a concentration in Pre-Professional Studies, MacKenna Read more