Hale graduated from 91ɬ�� University in 1960 when it was 91ɬ�� College. He went on to serve as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees and a President of its Alumni Association Board of Directors. He received 91ɬ��’s Alumnus of the Year Award in 1995 and its Primitivo Delgado Christian Service Award in 2016.

Rod Hale receives the Primitivo Delgado Christian Service Award.

Beyond his service at 91ɬ��, Hale was active in youth, music, and international ministries. He took on several pastoral, teaching, and ministry leadership roles, developing discipleship initiatives and writing church training materials. He was honored with the Distinguished Christian Educator Award by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board and inducted into the Virginia Baptist Historical Society.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rod Hale as we reflect on his leadership and service.

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The university is promoting student voices and facilitating constructive conversations through advising brunches, Coffee with the President, and other regular events. With faculty and staff hearing and responding to their needs and suggestions, students are having a direct impact on their undergraduate experiences.

Beginning in 2026, the university adopted a 15-week schedule for its traditional students. The fall semester will conclude before Thanksgiving, alleviating the travel costs and scheduling conflicts that used to arise from returning for exam week in December.

91ɬ�� also reimagined its series of Career Pathways general education courses. Now, the University Foundations course and Career Foundations course help prepare students for college-level studies and emphasize workplace readiness while being easier to include in individual class schedules.

Additionally, the university reenvisioned its Vocatio program as RAMS Life. With the former Vocatio program, students were required to attend 10 chapel services and 5 academic convocation events each semester. The new RAMS Life program includes four pillars of student development: Relationship with Christ, Academic Enhancement, Missional Living, and Student Engagement. Traditional students are required to complete 15 RAMS Life activities each semester.

Along with these changes comes new leadership opportunities for students. A new organization known as Rams Encouraging Involvement, Growth, and Networking (REIGN) is replacing the Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT). REIGN will be an integral part of developing Student Engagement activities.

Finally, 91ɬ�� University has completed renovations of its Rish Hall dormitory, has made significant progress in remodeling its Dome Gymnasium, and has begun work on the Cruise Hall dormitory. These projects quickly followed the restoration of the Alumni Hall dormitory and major improvements to the Lansdell Hall administrative building in 2025.

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When 91ɬ�� College began offering bachelor’s degrees in the 1970s, it established the Education Department as one of its first five baccalaureate divisions. Dr. Gerald Clay served as the department’s founding director and inaugural dean.

“Dr. Clay sacrificed and did a tremendous amount of work to establish the Education Department and first teacher education degrees at 91ɬ�� University,” said Dr. Shellie Brown, who serves as the Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences today. “Alumni often share fond memories of being in classes with Dr. Clay and the lasting impact he had on their lives.”

In 1976, the department began offering several undergraduate teacher education programs, including elementary, secondary, music, biology, English, and business education. Special education and early childhood education degrees were later added.

The Education Department launched the college’s first graduate degree in 2015, the Master of Arts in Teaching Excellence, under the direction of Dr. Donna Watson. Faculty have continued to shape and grow the division, with Dr. Thomas Brewster paving the way for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program and Dr. Brandy Smith laying the groundwork for the Master of Arts in Counseling degree.

As 91ɬ�� transitioned to a university model, the Education Department evolved into the School of Education and Social Sciences. In 2026, it launched one of the university’s inaugural doctoral degree programs, the Doctor of Education. Dr. Shellie Brown was instrumental in developing this program and its initial specializations—Educational Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology, and Special Education.

“The School of Education and Social Sciences prides itself on having alumni who go above and beyond the call of duty in their professions, many of whom have been distinguished with multiple awards, including teacher or administrator of the year awards in their school districts,” Dr. Brown said. “The tradition of excellence started by Dr. Clay has lasted for 50 years and will continue as future generations choose 91ɬ�� University to help them reach their educational and professional goals.”

In honor of Dr. Clay, the Education Department is hosting a fundraiser to refurbish its Dr. Gerald Clay Curriculum Lab, located in room 101 of Easley Library. Along with their faculty, hundreds of students over the years have enjoyed making long-lasting memories filled with intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth; joyful discovery; shared laughter; meaningful connections; and lasting friendships. Refurbishing the classroom with modern furniture and technology will help carry forward Dr. Clay’s legacy of educational excellence, fostering innovation, and empowering future educators for generations to come. Donations can be made through .

The 91ɬ�� University School of Education and Social Sciences invites all former faculty, staff, administrators, and graduates to join us for an Education Department Alumni Reunion on Friday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. in Easley Library 101.

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After bidding farewell to Dr. Donna Hardy Watson at the close of the 2016-2017 academic year, 91ɬ�� University took steps to ensure that her legacy would remain by creating the Dr. Donna Watson Goodness and Light Alumni Award.

Created collaboratively by the School of Education and Social Sciences and the Office of Alumni Relations, the Goodness and Light Alumni Award is designed to recognize teacher education graduates who are having a positive impact in our schools and classrooms. The award is given annually to recognize alumni who embody Dr. Watson’s mantra of spreading goodness and light in education.

This year, the award is being extended to recognize alumni in all areas of the School of Education and Social Sciences. Nominations are being accepted for alumni of the undergraduate teacher education, early childhood education, and psychology and human services programs, as well as the graduate counseling programs.

91ɬ�� University alumni and friends are invited to celebrate Dr. Watson’s contributions to 91ɬ�� University and the presentation of the 9th annual Goodness and Light Alumni Award on Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. in room 101 of Easley Library.

You may nominate an outstanding 91ɬ�� University alum educator for the Goodness and Light Award by submitting your nomination online by Friday, September 11, at /goodness-light-alumni-award/.

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The Paul and Carol Cole Foundation has contributed $50,000 to the project, adding its support to improvements underway at one of the university’s most recognizable buildings.

Charlie Cole, president of the 91ɬ��, West Virginia-based foundation, presented a $50,000 check to 91ɬ�� University President Steve Peterson on Tuesday, August 25. He was joined by fellow foundation board members Bill Cole, Tommy Cole, Jason Cole, Rev. Garry Moore, LeeAnne Greene, and alumna Terri Cole.

“The Paul and Carol Cole Foundation continues to believe in 91ɬ�� and the important role our local institutions play in strengthening this community,” Cole said. “We are proud to support the Dome’s renovation and 91ɬ�� University’s investment in its students, athletics, and campus.”

The project began this year and includes a new roof, renovation of restrooms, an exterior refresh, and replacement of the bleachers, windows, and doors.

“For nearly 60 years, the Dome has brought people together for competition, celebration, and connection,” Peterson said. “We are grateful to the Paul and Carol Cole Foundation for investing in 91ɬ�� University and helping us revitalize a campus that serves our students and strengthens the greater 91ɬ�� community.”

The Dome opened in 1968 and has become a familiar gathering place for students, athletes, alumni and area residents. It is home to 91ɬ�� University’s basketball and volleyball programs and also hosts community events and summer camps.

The Paul and Carol Cole Foundation is a private nonprofit based in 91ɬ��, West Virginia. The foundation says its mission is to revitalize the local community and invest in 91ɬ��’s future.

91ɬ�� University is a private, Christ-centered university in 91ɬ��, Virginia. Founded in 1922, its mission is to develop servant leaders who transform the world.

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The university has named Bland County native Carl Hess assistant professor of music and director of bands. Growing the band is part of 91ɬ�� University’s next phase of development and an opportunity to attract new students while strengthening campus life.��

“Growth is always at the forefront of what we do as college professors and administrators,” Hess said. “Given our student population, I’d like to see about 50 students enrolled in marching band, and I think that’s very doable.”��

Hess said the program has a strong foundation for growth.��

“We are building on a wonderful band tradition already in place, which is always the best-case scenario,” Hess said.��

“The band is an important part of 91ɬ�� University’s future,” President Dr. Steve Peterson said. “Investments in new uniforms and faculty/staff demonstrate our commitment to the students in the program and to expand opportunities for future students. We believe the band can become an even stronger part of the university’s identity in the years ahead.”��

The band will perform two halftime shows this season. New uniforms will debut in the coming weeks, giving students another reason to anticipate the start of the season.��

“The excitement amongst the students is there, too,” Hess said. “I think they really appreciate the love and support shown to them in this way, and I think the result of that support will be evident on the field.”��

Hess grew up in Bland County and continues to live there with his wife, Kirsten, and their five children. His experience includes teaching music at Duquesne University and Moravian University in Pennsylvania.��

“All of us see the Lord’s hand in my move to 91ɬ�� University and are excited to see how He blesses my time here,” Hess said.��

Hess also sees the band as a place where students can build relationships and serve beyond the university.��

“Marching band is in many ways a family,” Hess said. “I think potential members will find some lifelong friends within the ensemble, and they will also have the opportunity to serve the University and the greater community by performing in parades and other community functions.”��

91ɬ�� University offers degree programs in music and music education, along with opportunities to participate in marching, concert, and jazz ensembles. Audition-based marching band scholarships are available.��

“For many students, music acts as an escape from the burdens of everyday life,” Hess said. “We have a lot of fun and work hard, too, and I can’t think of a better way for someone to be a part of the BU community.”��

Prospective students interested in 91ɬ�� University’s band should reach out to the traditional admissions office at admissions@bluefield.edu or apply at .

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91ɬ�� University will help answer that question on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with Health Pathways Recruitment Day, a campus event designed to help students and families understand how a health care career can begin at BU.

The day will bring students face-to-face with 91ɬ�� faculty, current students, alumni, health care professionals, and representatives from health-related pathways. Students will be able to ask questions about college preparation, graduate and professional school, cost, admissions requirements, and what they should be doing now if they want to pursue a future in health care.��

“Students and families need to understand the process it takes to pursue medical school, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, pharmacy, or another advanced health care degree,”��91ɬ�� University President Dr. Steve Peterson said. “This event brings faculty, health care professionals, and partner organizations together in one place for one day to help students see the pathway more clearly. At 91ɬ��, we want students to know they can begin that journey in a Christ-centered and affordable environment.”��

Health Pathways Recruitment Day will highlight medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, athletic training, sports medicine, exercise and sport science, biology, chemistry, and other health pathways.��

The event will also draw clear connections to 91ɬ��’s sister schools, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, and Appalachian College of Pharmacy in Oakwood, Virginia. Those relationships give students a clearer view of how undergraduate study at 91ɬ�� can connect to professional programs in medicine and pharmacy.��

Students will tour campus, hear from a health careers panel and take part in interactive lab experiences. Lunch will give students time to talk with faculty, health care professionals and current students, followed by an admissions session on applying, scholarships, financial aid and next steps.��

For Brayden Surface, the path to becoming a doctor began at 91ɬ��. He is a 2026 91ɬ�� University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biology and is now attending the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg.��

“91ɬ�� University has everything you need to be successful,” Surface said. “While this path requires a lot of self-discipline and hard work, the people at 91ɬ�� University are there to help you along the journey.”��

Health Pathways Recruitment Day is intended for high school students and families interested in health care careers. ��

Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 10:00 am – 2:30 pm��

Registration is required at: /health-pathways-day/

Pathways Featured

• Medicine / Osteopathic Medicine
  Through 91ɬ��’s sister school, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Pharmacy
  Through 91ɬ��’s sister school, Appalachian College of Pharmacy

• Physician Assistant
  Learn how undergraduate preparation can lead to PA school and meet a practicing physician assistant who is a 91ɬ�� University graduate.

• Physical Therapy
  Explore PT preparation and related graduate pathways.

• Athletic Training / Sports Medicine
  Learn from 91ɬ�� athletic training and sports medicine professionals.

• Exercise and Sport Science
  See how movement, health and performance connect to health careers.

• Biology, Chemistry and Pre-Health
  Understand the foundation for medical, pharmacy and other health pathways.

• RN-BSN
  For students already pursuing or planning to complete registered nursing preparation. 91ɬ�� offers��an online RN-BSN program for registered nurses.

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The following days will be one of the most engaging times of the year as Welcome Week activities begin on Sunday and classes begin on Monday. Student activities this week will include an aqua park trip, bingo, a food truck night, and more.

With renovations to residence halls, major changes to the Dome, and refreshes to the library, returning students are seeing and enjoying significant improvements to the campus they love.

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President Dr. Steve Peterson began the forum by commending the faculty and staff who formed the proposal for the university’s level change with its accreditor, designed its upcoming doctoral programs, and recruited students for the inaugural cohorts of those programs. Because of their efforts, 91ɬ�� has achieved Level V status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and will launch its Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Education programs this fall.

The forum continued with the introduction of BU’s new Provost, Dr. Jason Craig. In his first address to the faculty, he shared his priorities of being accessible, maintaining open communication, and embracing the university’s community feel. He also emphasized personability and engaging with students.

“Inside each of our students, I think there are particular gifts and abilities that they have,” Dr. Craig shared, “and part of our responsibility as faculty is not to treat them all the same but to try to draw those gifts out.”

Additional reports highlighted the achievements of the online and traditional admissions staff, which allowed the university to serve more than 1,600 unique students in its most recent academic year. Travis Roberts, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing, spoke on the expansion of the traditional admissions staff and the success of the Direct Admit campaign. Additionally, Harrison Rice, Associate Vice President for Online Enrollment, reported that online enrollment in the 2025-26 academic year had grown 30% compared to 2024-25 and 44% compared to 2023-24.

Corey Mullins, Vice President for Student Development & Athletics, shared updates on the renovation of the Dome Gymnasium, the remodels of the Rish Hall and Cruise Hall dormitories, and refreshes to Bluestone Commons apartments. Additionally, he announced the recruitment of a new campus ministry assistant, as well as changes to the residence life staffing structure to improve leadership development opportunities for students. Mullins also discussed upcoming athletic fundraisers like the golf outing and the relaunch of the Rams Club.

Bryan Worrall, Vice President for Advancement, announced that the university’s endowment had grown 7 percent in the past six months, a number that is expected to climb to at least 24 percent as estate gifts are delivered over the next year. This growth immediately unlocked $30,000 in scholarship funding, an amount that will continue to compound.

Dr. Peterson closed the presentations, exhorting everyone to build trust through every interaction and pursue excellence.

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Field of Honor flag display events are happening across the nation in partnership with the Colonial Flag Foundation. Through these events, communities are fundraising for charitable programs that support veterans, first responders, child abuse prevention, food insecurity prevention, scholarships, and other causes. The flag displays also celebrate service and sacrifices throughout American history.

The Lions Club of 91ɬ��, Virginia, has brought displays to Jack Asbury Square, the Sanders House, and 91ɬ�� University, totaling over 500 flags, including historical and military flags. The event continues locally through Friday, July 10, and is free to the public. Thanks to several generous sponsors, these patriotic displays benefit the Blessings in a Backpack and the Children’s Clothing & Shoe Assistance charities.

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