GOLDSBORO — With music, memories, and meaningful announcements, the University of Mount Olive marked its 75th anniversary during a gala held Thursday, February 26, at The Maxwell Center in Goldsboro.

More than a milestone celebration, the evening served as a powerful testament to the University’s enduring mission of faith, learning, leadership, and service. The event culminated with the announcement that $23,740,000 has been raised to date in support of the University’s comprehensive UMO GROWS! Campaign.

Guests gathered during a social hour featuring the Moonlight Swing Band before Campus Pastor Matt Sharp opened the formal program with prayer and recognition of the many volunteers, partners, and campus teams who made the evening possible. “Our thanks are to God and to the generations who have walked through these doors over the past 75 years,” Sharp prayed. “May He continue to bless this University as we keep Him at the center of our lives.”

Serving as student speakers for the evening, twins Brittany and Victoria Badgett represented the voice of the current student body. “We know firsthand the incredible impact UMO has on the lives of our students,” they shared. “It is not only a place of education, but of exploration and connection.”

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt delivered keynote remarks, sharing her family’s longstanding connection to the University. Her grandfather, James B. Hunt, Sr., served 25 years on the Mount Olive Board of Trustees, including 13 as chair. “Mount Olive didn’t grow because of one person,” Hunt said. “It grew because generations decided this institution was worth building. Worth protecting. Worth believing in.”

Lieutenant Governor Hunt encouraged attendees to view the anniversary not only as a moment of reflection but as a call to action. “Anniversaries are moments to look back,” she said, “but they’re also reminders that the next 75 years begin tomorrow.”

Remarks were also offered by Donnie Lassiter, Chair of the UMO Board of Trustees, and Ray McDonald, Jr., Chair of the UMO Foundation Board, who recognized distinguished guests including elected officials, foundation leaders, trustees, and longtime supporters.

Congressman Greg Murphy provided greetings and congratulated the University on its sustained impact across eastern North Carolina.

Throughout the evening, the University recognized Student Impact Partners, Campus Impact Partners, Legacy Impact Partners, and Strategic Impact Partners whose generosity continues to transform lives. Among the announcements:

Among the highlights was the announcement of the James E. and Mary Z. Bryan Foundation Fellows Opportunities Fund Scholarship Program, a five-year commitment that will expand scholarship support. The University also introduced the Anonymous Student International Travel Program, designed to give students access to life-changing global learning experiences through both immediate and endowed funding.

The Mount Olive Pickle Foundation was recognized for a significant multi-year commitment in support of the UMO GROWS! Campaign. The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission was acknowledged for its $1 million grant supporting construction of a new Educational Livestock Facility that will expand hands-on agricultural education. Legislative leaders were thanked for their continued support of the University’s mission and programs.

A special video message from Dr. Nido Qubein announced a $1 million gift from Nido and Mariana Qubein to establish the future Qubein Plaza and Amphitheater, a new gathering space expected to be completed by fall 2026.

In one of the evening’s most historic announcements, President H. Edward Croom revealed the naming of the House of Raeford Farms, Inc. School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, recognizing the extraordinary generosity and leadership of Bob Johnson, President and CEO of House of Raeford Farms, and his family.

“With this historic naming and significant gift,” Croom said, “the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences is positioned to become even more prominent among university agricultural programs, expanding opportunities for students and advancing the future of agriculture in our region and beyond.”

First Lady Phyllis Croom reflected on the University’s family spirit and shared a glimpse of the next generation of Trojans, reminding guests that UMO’s legacy is both deeply personal and forward-looking.

President Croom concluded the evening with an invitation. “As we look to the future, I invite everyone who believes in the promise of this great University to stand with us,” he said. “If you are ready to say yes to the next 75 years, stand with us now.”

As Carolina Sound filled the room with a powerful reprise of “It’s a Yes,” guests rose to their feet in a moving moment of unity and commitment. The evening concluded with the presentation of UMO GROWS! Campaign publications to attendees and heartfelt gratitude to the community of trustees, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, and friends who have sustained the University for 75 years.

“As we celebrate 75 years, we do so with deep gratitude for those who had the faith to begin this work in 1951 and for those who continue it today,” said Dr. Croom. “The University of Mount Olive has always been about more than buildings or programs. It is about people whose lives are shaped by faith, learning, and a call to serve. With God’s guidance and the support of this community, we will continue preparing students to lead with character and conviction for generations to come.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

Article by Rhonda Jessup

The post University of Mount Olive Celebrates 75 Years, Announces $23.7M Raised appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

CALYPSO – For Brooke Amara Braswell, art has always been a quiet thread running through her life, something familiar, comforting, and expressive. But at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), that thread has grown into a clear sense of identity and purpose.

Braswell, a sophomore majoring in Visual Arts & Design, was born in Goldsboro and has lived in Calypso for the past seven years. Her decision to attend UMO began as a practical choice because her mother, Heather, worked in the University’s library, making her eligible for tuition benefits. Choosing to major in art, however, was deeply personal. “I knew I wanted to do something with my life that I would enjoy,” Braswell said. “So, I chose art.”

From her earliest semester, Braswell found herself surrounded by faculty who pushed her to grow. Professor Cheryl Hooks has helped her refine her traditional techniques, while Professor Bob Murray has guided her development as a graphic designer. Together, they have taught her to trust the creative process. “Every time you start a project, the rough sketch may seem crude,” she explained. “But as long as you have a plan and you’re not afraid to play around, you can create something great.”

Painting has become the area where she has grown most dramatically. Although she painted casually before college, she didn’t recognize her full potential until she began classes at UMO. “I have since developed a love for painting,” she said. A standout project for her was a three-part study of a raven, where students reinterpreted a single subject in monochromatic realism, complementary abstractions, and simplified contrasting styles. “Those paintings showed me how good I could be at painting in multiple styles.”

UMO’s Visual Arts & Design program blends traditional and digital approaches, something Braswell sees as increasingly essential. “As I continue school and work equally with traditional and digital mediums, I take what I learn from each and apply it to my work,” she said. She also believes that traditional training is vital in an era where AI-generated art is becoming more prevalent. “Real artists bring detail, creativity, and intention. Traditional art teaches you those things.”

She describes UMO’s artistic community as welcoming and supportive. While in-class critiques have been important, public showcases have left the biggest impression. “To be recognized by members of the art community is a whole new feeling,” Braswell said. “It gives me pride and confidence in my work.”

Looking ahead, Braswell isn’t certain about her exact career path, but she knows it will be rooted in creativity. She hopes that when people encounter her paintings, they pause and take in the details. “I want them to analyze the work and what it represents,” she said. As she continues to grow as an artist, UMO is giving her the tools and confidence to shape her future.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

Article by Rhonda Jessup | Photos by Grayson Morgan

The post Brooke Amara Braswell Thrives in UMO’s Visual Arts & Design Program appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive (UMO) Agriculture and Biological Sciences students Harley Marie Haley of Goldsboro and Christian Gray of Chinquapin have been awarded a TriBeta Research Grant to support undergraduate research examining wildlife ecology in southeastern North Carolina.

The funded project, titled Seasonal Shifts in White-Tailed Deer Density During the Rut: A Comparison of Agricultural Fields and Bait Sites in Southeastern North Carolina, investigates how deer populations fluctuate across different habitat types during the rutting season. The study focuses on understanding spatial and seasonal patterns in white-tailed deer density, with implications for wildlife management, conservation, and disease monitoring.

Both students are active members of TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society, and have played an important role in strengthening student-led scientific engagement on campus. Their research is being conducted with faculty support from Biology Professors Dr. Jared Locklear and Sarah Jackson.

The pair will present their findings at two major scientific conferences this spring. They will share their research at the National TriBeta Convention, May 27–31, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, representing UMO at the national level. The pair will also make an oral presentation on their results at the UMO research symposium this semester

“Harley and Christian have worked diligently to help grow both the Science Society and TriBeta at the University of Mount Olive,” said Dr. Locklear. “Their research demonstrates that students can successfully conduct meaningful scientific studies in areas they are passionate about while learning more about their local environments and habitats.”

Dr. Locklear also emphasized the broader impact of the project on undergraduate scholarship. “We have a continued commitment to expanding student research opportunities at UMO,” he said. “Projects like this highlight the level of inquiry our students are capable of achieving.”

For Haley, the grant represents an opportunity to showcase both her research and the university beyond campus. “I am very grateful to have received this grant and excited for the opportunity to represent the University of Mount Olive at both the regional and national level,” said Haley. “Presenting our work at the Association of Southeastern Biologists conference and the National TriBeta conferences this spring allows us to highlight our university and promote the value of biological research and student involvement.”

Gray noted that his personal background has shaped his interest in wildlife research and conservation. “As a hunter, I understand the importance of wildlife conservation and the need for accurate information about local fauna, including population densities and overall health,” said Gray. “This research reflects an area I am passionate about and is something I plan to continue pursuing in the future.”

The research aligns closely with ongoing regional interests in wildlife health and management. According to Jackson, the work also supports long-term goals related to disease ecology in eastern North Carolina.

“We have a strong interest in understanding chronic wasting disease and other infectious agents affecting wildlife in eastern North Carolina,” said Jackson. “This project represents an important step toward expanding student-driven research in these areas.”

Both students plan to continue pursuing careers rooted in biological and environmental sciences. Christian Gray intends to attend graduate school in Wildlife Biology and Natural Resources, with a long-term goal of continuing ecological research. Harley Marie Haley, who will graduate in Spring 2026, has been accepted into veterinary school and plans to pursue a career as a large-animal veterinarian.

Through faculty mentorship, grant support, and hands-on field research, the University of Mount Olive continues to foster experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for advanced study and professional careers in science and natural resource management.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO Students Awarded Research Grant to Study Wildlife Ecology in Eastern NC appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive will host Giving Day on March 31 as part of its year-long 75th anniversary celebration, inviting alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and supporters to come together for 24 hours of collective impact.

The theme for Giving Day 2026, Honoring Our Roots and Investing in Tomorrow, reflects the University’s commitment to stewardship, service, and preparing students for lives of purpose. This year’s Giving Day will focus on support for the President’s Fund, which provides flexible resources that strengthen every area of the University.

Giving Day will include participation challenges and special opportunities to engage with the campaign, with details to be announced in the weeks leading up to March 31. While the event centers on fundraising, it also serves as a moment for the UMO community to reflect on the people, faith, and values that have shaped the institution over the past 75 years.

“The President’s Fund is one of the most important ways our supporters can invest in the future of the University of Mount Olive,” said Dr. H. Edward Croom, UMO President. “It allows us to respond quickly to the needs of our students and faculty, strengthen academic programs, and remain faithful to our mission of service. As we celebrate 75 years, this fund helps ensure we are not only honoring our past, but also preparing responsibly and thoughtfully for the generations who will follow.”

The President’s Fund supports students through tutoring, advising, internships, and career preparation, while also helping faculty enhance classrooms, develop new programs, and introduce innovative learning tools. Because the fund is flexible, it enables the University to address emerging needs as they arise.

In the days leading up to Giving Day, the University will host a series of call nights to personally connect with alumni and friends. “These calls are an opportunity to share updates about the 75th anniversary, answer questions, and invite participation in Giving Day,” said Vice President for Advancement Dr. Twyla Wells. “If you receive a call, we encourage you to consider a gift of any amount, as every contribution helps advance UMO’s mission and support our students.”

Each year, Giving Day participation continues to grow, reflecting strong engagement and shared pride in UMO’s mission. The goal for Giving Day 2026 is $1.5 million, with proceeds supporting students, academic excellence, and strategic priorities that help the University remain responsive and forward-looking.

As UMO honors its history, Giving Day highlights the importance of investing in what comes next. Support for the President’s Fund ensures the University remains strong and able to meet the evolving needs of students and communities across eastern North Carolina and beyond.

For more information or to make a gift, visit www.umo.edu/givingday or email Emma Marques at emarques@umo.edu.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO Prepares for March 31 Giving Day During 75th Anniversary Year appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – When Katie Broom arrived at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), she brought with her a competitive drive shaped on the lacrosse field and a curiosity for solving complex problems. What she did not expect was to discover a passion at the intersection of cybersecurity and accounting, or to find herself helping launch a real-world business partnership while still an undergraduate.

Broom, a senior cybersecurity major with an accounting minor, is set to graduate in May 2026. A native of Houston, Texas, she transferred to UMO after spending a year at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she was first introduced to cybersecurity while competing as a collegiate lacrosse player. After transferring to UMO to continue her athletic career, she moved from business management into the University’s newly established cybersecurity program. Accounting courses required within the major sparked an unexpected interest, leading her to add the minor.

“I enjoy the problem-solving side of cybersecurity, but I quickly realized how much I liked understanding how financial systems work,” Broom said. “Seeing how those areas connect has really shaped how I think about my future.”

Broom says UMO’s smaller class sizes and accessible faculty have allowed her to engage more directly with course material and feel comfortable pursuing opportunities outside the classroom. That approach led to her involvement with UMO’s Business and Financial Solutions Center, where she is working with Seegars Fence Company as a Student Project Lead. In that role, Broom helps manage and develop microlearning modules used for employee training. She coordinates with faculty mentors, a student teammate, and company representatives to guide the project from planning through delivery.

Her week includes strategy meetings with the UMO project team, visits to Seegars in Goldsboro, and time spent developing content for review and implementation. Broom said working with a live client changed how she approached her work.

“When you know a company is relying on what you create, you take more ownership,” she said. “It pushed me to think differently about communication, deadlines, and follow-through.”

Outside the classroom, Broom is an active member of the women’s lacrosse team and was recently voted captain. She says balancing athletics, coursework, and professional responsibilities has required discipline and structure, but it has also reinforced habits she relies on every day. “I have had to reprioritize how I use my time,” Broom said. “Between school, work, and lacrosse, my schedule stays full, and communication matters with Seegars, my professors, and my coaches. Getting comfortable speaking up in professional settings has been the biggest challenge, and it is one that has helped me to grow the most.”

Broom credits faculty mentors for encouraging her involvement and trusting her with professional-level responsibilities, noting that those relationships have played a key role in her willingness to step into unfamiliar roles. “Dr. Cwik and Dr. Langley have both encouraged me to get involved and they have trusted me with meaningful work,” she said.  “That support has given me the confidence to step into new roles.”

Looking ahead, her experience with Seegars has influenced her plans after graduation. She intends to pursue a career in accounting and has developed an interest in project-based work, with long-term plans that may include opening her own firm.

“When I first got to UMO, my goal was simply to be more involved,” Broom said. “That started with Dr. Paul Cwik encouraging me to join Ethics Bowl, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I made at UMO. It helped me develop skills I use every day, and it changed how I see myself. I’m proud of the confidence I’ve built and the belief that I can step into whatever comes next.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO’s Katie Broom Takes Lead on Applied Business Project  appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive’s Mock Trial Players Association has reached a defining milestone by becoming an official member of the American Mock Trial Association and earning the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate competition at the regional level.

On February 21-22, UMO students will travel to Williamsburg to compete in the AMTA Regional Tournament against nationally recognized institutions, including the UNC – Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, Catholic University of America, University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and the United States Naval Academy.

For Glenn Coffey, chair of UMO’s Justice Studies Program, the moment reflects years of intentional growth rooted in experiential learning and student development.

The origins of mock trial at UMO trace back more than three decades to Coffey’s early career as a prosecuting attorney, when Coffey trained home-schooled students for local courtroom competitions. That experience later shaped Coffey’s approach as a professor, first integrating mock trials into criminal law courses and eventually expanding them into a dedicated, immersive experience for students seeking real courtroom exposure before entering graduate or professional programs.

“A student once told me he wished he had some courtroom experience before heading to law school,” Coffey said. “That conversation sparked the idea to revisit mock trial in a more structured way, and it grew from there.”

Initially offered as a special topics course, mock trial at UMO evolved as student interest increased and faculty support expanded. Early classroom trials soon gave way to public performances, including full criminal trials staged before audiences of faculty, administrators, alumni, and legal professionals. Those performances became known as the Mock Trial Experience, a name that reflects both the educational rigor and theatrical intensity of the program.

As the Justice Studies curriculum shifted toward a stronger emphasis on praxis alongside theory, mock trial became a cornerstone of that philosophy. Students took on increasing responsibility for case preparation, witness development, and trial strategy. Faculty mentors, including Willie Wilcutt, John Ryan, Aaron Carver, Allen Hull, and Glenn Coffey guided the process while challenging students to think critically and perform under pressure. “Mock trial is about more than learning procedure,” Coffey said. “It forces students to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected challenges, and develop the confidence to speak in difficult spaces.”

The program’s steady growth led faculty to consider whether UMO students could compete beyond campus-based experiences. With growing student commitment, increased institutional backing, and a track record of increasingly professional productions addressing complex social issues, the Justice Studies faculty began laying the groundwork for intercollegiate competition. Coffey likens the moment to a David and Goliath scenario, noting that while UMO may be smaller in size compared to its competitors, its students bring preparation, adaptability, and resolve to the courtroom. “Win or lose, it is not about the size of the institution,” Coffey said. “It is about the amount of fight, confidence, and growth students bring with them.”

Pursuing official membership in the American Mock Trial Association became the next logical step. “AMTA competition aligns directly with our Find Your Voice initiative,” Coffey explained. “We want students to move from the back of the classroom into public forums where they can be heard. Competing at this level shows them that it does not matter where they start. What matters is how far they are willing to go.”

Preparation for regional competition now mirrors the intensity of varsity athletics. Students are divided into teams, assigned attorney and witness roles, and engage in round-robin trials on campus. Faculty serve as educator-coaches, offering guidance while allowing students to take ownership of strategy and performance. Only one team will advance to represent UMO in Williamsburg, supported by their peers throughout the process.

At the regional tournament, students will participate in four full trials over two days, presenting a single case written by a national board of attorneys and evaluated by panels of judges. For many, it will be an experience that few practicing attorneys ever encounter. “Once students survive that environment, there is very little that will intimidate them in public speaking or professional settings,” Coffey said.

While wins and losses will be tallied in February, Coffey measures success differently. “It is not about one team on one weekend,” Coffey said. “It is about years of students who found their voices, challenged themselves, and grew into leaders. That is the real measure of this program.”

With intercollegiate competition now underway, the future of the Mock Trial Players Association will be shaped by the next generation of students and faculty leadership. For Coffey, the focus remains firmly on the present. “I am grateful to have witnessed students believe in themselves,” Coffey said. “Mock trial allows us to see education in action, leading students out into their own potential.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post Small Program, Big Stage: UMO Mock Trial Heads to Regionals appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – More than 100 University of Mount Olive (UMO) business majors gathered this morning at the Pope Wellness Center Gym for the Tillman School of Business (TSB) Internship and Career Expo, an event designed to connect students with employers and introduce them to potential career pathways.

The expo began with an initial networking session, followed by a series of six-minute employer presentations in which the employers highlighted their respective companies, discussed workplace culture, and outlined internship and employment opportunities. The event concluded with additional networking opportunities.

Participating employers represented local, regional, statewide, and national organizations across a variety of industries, including banking, healthcare, insurance, energy, government, military service, and professional services. Businesses in attendance included Goshen Medical, KS Bank, Atlantic Casualty, Sampson-Bladen Oil, NC Department of Information Technology, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, UNC Health Wayne, and Ernst & Young. Representatives from the UMO MBA program, the University’s Business and Financial Solutions Center, and recruiters for military and federal civil service careers also addressed students.

Presenters emphasized growth opportunities, community engagement, and organizational culture. Mike Tidwell of KS Bank encouraged students to take ownership of their futures. “It is up to you how far you go,” Tidwell said. “We focus on professional development and personal fulfillment as we put unity in community.” An Atlantic Casualty representative added, “We bring a fun and family-focused atmosphere to our workplace.”

Employers discussed career paths in finance, accounting, marketing, cybersecurity, and human resources. Students also learned about the qualities organizations seek in potential hires, including reliability, strong work ethic, teamwork, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones to grow professionally.

Students described the experience as both informative and motivating. “My biggest take-away is that there are many companies looking for employees who are ready to learn and grow,” said Baleigh Godwin, an accounting major and management minor from Selma, NC.

Kristoffer Dalbak, a finance major from Norway, added, “I learned about some great opportunities today.”

Kayden Crawford, a business management major from Wilmington, NC, said, “I really enjoyed the presentation by Sampson-Bladen Oil. They have a lot of great opportunities both locally and statewide. Mrs. Gail Thornton was very knowledgeable and informative.”

Henry “Brayden” Taylor, a business management major from Bear Grass, NC, reflected on the value of networking. “The importance of making connections that will be useful down the road was very eye-opening to me,” he said.

Dr. Kathy T. Best, Dean of the Tillman School of Business, said the expo reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers. “This event is just one example of how the Tillman School of Business intentionally connects classroom learning with real-world opportunities,” Best said. “Our goal is to equip students with the professional skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post TSB Hosts Internship and Career Expo Connecting Students with Employers appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive (UMO) Ethics Bowl team joined 19 other campuses from across North Carolina for the 2026 NCICU Ethics Bowl, a two-day academic competition focused on ethical reasoning, leadership, and collaborative problem solving.

Now in its 15th year, the NCICU Ethics Bowl challenges students to explore ethical questions tied to vital societal issues. Teams spend months researching case studies, grounding their positions in academic ethical theories, and preparing to explain their reasoning using clear ethical principles. The event is not a debate. Opposing teams may take the same side of an issue and are evaluated on preparation, ethical understanding, and how compellingly they present their perspective.

“With only one new team member and the rest returning, UMO students entered this year’s Ethics Bowl with greater confidence in the process, expectations, and their own abilities,” advisor Adam Garfinkel said.

This year’s competition theme was, “Ethics in Leadership,” which asked students to consider ethical challenges they are likely to encounter beyond the classroom. There were four rounds of competition, with teams paired in each match and evaluated by panels of three judges including business representatives, community leaders, and legislators.

Garfinkel said the collaborative nature of the competition was evident during one exchange. “This year Team UMO presented one case where we discussed the ethical dilemma presented and a funding solution to address the issue,” he said. “The opposing team adopted our solution to present as an expansion of their position, and the judges rewarded that team for doing that.”

That moment reflected the purpose of the Ethics Bowl format. “Ethics Bowl is similar to traditional debate, but with less of an emphasis on presenting a set position and winning or losing,” Garfinkel said. “Teams apply their chosen ethical lens to a leadership decision scenario presented which can include both teams adopting or interpreting the same issue or side of the issue, so it is not set up as a pure adversarial competition with opposing viewpoints debated. Rather each team is scored on metrics of their performance resulting in a winning school being declared in each of the four rounds.”

Students also strengthened skills that extend well beyond the competition. “Time management is an essential skill regardless of how prepared factually our team is on the issues presented,” Garfinkel said. “That became especially clear when the competition shifted from five-minute to three-minute rounds, requiring students to refine and prioritize their arguments with greater care.”

“For us, success is defined by the experience itself. It is about engaging with students and faculty from the other 19 schools and helping our students develop the judgment, perspective, and sense of responsibility they will carry into lives of leadership and service,” he said.

This year’s Ethics Bowl team included Kathryn Broom, a senior cybersecurity major from Houston, TX; Christian Chavez-Ramirez, a senior accounting major from Pink Hill, NC; Reece Gery, a sophomore exercise science major from Goldsboro, NC; Joshua Hernandez, a senior accounting major from NC; Nicholas Logue, a senior accounting major from CO; Savannah McAfee, a senior business management major from FL; Kayleigh Snowe, a junior double major in Christian studies and business management from Swansboro, NC; and Kendal Snowe, a junior business management major, also from Swansboro, NC.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO Ethics Bowl Team Shows Growth and Collaboration at 2026 Competition appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – For Tariq Talley, sports have always been part of the rhythm of life. Long before college, before majors and internships, there was always a season to prepare for and a game to play.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Talley attended Towson Law and Public Policy High School and grew up in a single-parent, ex-military household. He credits his mother with shaping the values that continue to guide him. “Some of the values my mother instilled in me were always respecting people and being grateful for everything you have,” he said, lessons that continue to influence how he approaches both academics and athletics.

Those who know Talley best would describe him as confident, funny, and adaptable, qualities that align with his steady work ethic. Sports became part of his life early on, shaping much of his childhood. He began playing soccer and baseball around age seven and later added football and basketball. “There was never a season when I wasn’t playing a sport when I was younger,” he said. By high school, he focused on baseball and basketball, sports that demanded both skill and consistency.

Talley’s lifelong connection to athletics eventually pushed him to think beyond playing the game. He began college at Harford Community College in Maryland as an Exercise Science major, but during his sophomore year realized he wanted to stay in sports while shifting his focus to leadership and operations. Sports Management felt like the right move.

That decision led Talley to the University of Mount Olive. The strong tradition of the baseball program first caught his attention, but a one-on-one conversation with Coach Rob Watt confirmed it was the right fit. The smaller campus environment also mattered. Talley appreciated the chance to build real relationships with faculty and coaches, something he felt would be harder to find at a larger school.

As a member of the Trojan baseball team, he has gained perspective on sports from every angle. Being a student-athlete has helped him understand the game not only as a player, but also from the viewpoint of coaches and administrators who handle scheduling, funding, equipment, and daily operations.

In the classroom, Talley has stayed focused, maintaining a 3.4 GPA. He says discipline comes from wanting to stay on the field without worrying about assignments, as well as holding himself to a standard his mother expects. For him, academics and athletics go hand-in-hand.

Talley says each experience continues to reinforce that he is in the right place.  “Dr. Tony Franklin teaches us something new and shows us different opportunities.  From visiting professional stadiums to hearing from guest speakers who once sat in the same classrooms as me. These experiences have helped me see how wide the sports industry can be,” he said.

That hands-on learning has continued through his internship in UMO’s athletic training room this past semester. Working alongside athletic trainers, Talley supported fellow student-athletes while learning about injury prevention and rehabilitation. The experience strengthened his communication skills and taught him how to serve people in different ways. Balancing baseball, coursework, and long internship days also sharpened his time-management skills.

Like many student-athletes, Talley’s journey has not been without challenges. Injuries tested his patience and resilience. A car accident last semester left him without transportation, forcing him to rely on teammates for rides. That experience deepened his appreciation for his team and the support system around him.

After graduation in May, Talley plans to pursue professional baseball while continuing to explore leadership opportunities within athletics. Long term, he hopes to remain in the sports world, with the goal of one day becoming a head coach at the Power 4 level. As he reflects on his time at UMO, Talley is most proud of stepping into an unfamiliar environment far from home and making the most of every opportunity. With graduation ahead, he is focused on applying what he has learned and staying open to wherever the game leads him next.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO’s Tariq Talley Sees the Game from Every Angle appeared first on University of Mount Olive.

MOUNT OLIVE – As tax season approaches, the University of Mount Olive is once again offering a valuable service to residents across Mount Olive and surrounding communities: free, professional tax preparation through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, commonly known as VITA.

Led by Tillman School of Business faculty and trained student volunteers, the UMO VITA program provides no-cost tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers while giving students meaningful, hands-on experience in accounting and financial services. The program has steadily grown since its inception in 2018. In 20025, UMO students prepared more than 100 tax returns.

“The VITA program at UMO seeks to serve the surrounding community while also helping our students build valuable tax preparation skills,” said Assistant Professor of Accounting Waylon Woodall, who serves as site partner for the program. “For taxpayers who qualify, our students prepare their tax returns for free, and every return is reviewed to ensure it is complete and accurate. It’s a way for our students to grow in both technical skill and a heart for service.”

Free tax preparation fills a critical gap in rural communities where many families lack access to affordable professional tax services. By offering VITA, UMO helps ensure local residents can file accurate returns, understand available credits, and navigate tax season with confidence.

The program also strengthens the University’s connection to the region it serves. Many VITA clients return each year, and word-of-mouth referrals have fueled much of the program’s growth. “The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” Woodall said. “People trust the service, and that trust is something we take very seriously.”

For community members, the VITA process is straightforward and secure. Taxpayers begin by dropping off required tax documents at the VITA site. Student volunteers conduct an intake interview, review paperwork for completeness, and prepare returns using IRS-approved tax software. Each return then undergoes a mandatory quality review by a certified reviewer, Dr. Tanya Smith, before being finalized and electronically filed. Taxpayers receive copies of their completed returns and original documents.

“The quality review step is central to the program’s success,” said Smith. “It ensures accuracy, protects taxpayers, and upholds IRS standards. Strict confidentiality rules and required IRS training further safeguard sensitive financial information.”

While VITA provides an essential public service, it also reflects UMO’s commitment to experiential learning. Students majoring in accounting, finance, and related business fields complete IRS training and certification before working with clients, including instruction in tax law, ethics, and professional conduct.

By working directly with community members, students gain real-world insight into the responsibilities of tax professionals. They learn to apply classroom concepts, communicate clearly with clients, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information with integrity.

“Employers regularly tell us that VITA experience stands out on resumes,” Woodall said. “Students leave feeling more prepared for internships and full-time roles, and that confidence pays dividends well beyond one tax season.”

This year’s VITA team is made up of accounting majors at various stages of their academic journeys. Senior Kayla Jackson brings advanced experience to the program. Junior students include Kacey Gore, Tanya Granholm, Melissa Montijo, and Yaneli Sanchez. Sophomore participants Raul Ruiz, Kayden Richter, Pablo Salazar, Titus Tanui, and Charlee Thomas, are all gaining early professional experience. 

For individuals considering using the VITA service for the first time, Woodall has advice.  “Know that you’ll be treated with respect, professionalism, and care,” he said. “Our trained volunteers follow strict IRS standards, and your information stays confidential. We’re here to make tax season easier and help you receive the credits and refunds you’re entitled to, at no cost. By allowing us to serve you, you’re also helping educate the next generation of professionals.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

The post UMO Offers Free, Trusted Tax Help Returns with VITA Program appeared first on University of Mount Olive.