Friday, October 11, 2024

			
				                                University of Mount Olive Board Chair Don Lassiter and University of Mount Olive President Dr. H. Edward Croom. (UMO photo)

Don Lassiter named chair of University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has announced that Don Lassiter, a retired fintech entrepreneur and long-time supporter of the University, has been named Chair of the UMO Board of Trustees. Lassiter brings decades of leadership, business acumen, and a deep commitment to the University’s mission.


			
				                                Grant Wacker

The life, character, and legacy of Billy Graham will be the topic of UMO’s...

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive (UMO) will host the Vivian B. Harrison Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Rodgers Chapel. Dr. Grant Wacker, the Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Christian History at Duke University, will be the guest lecturer. He will speak on the life, character, and legacy of Billy Graham in three parts.


			
				                                The University of Mount Olive recently honored members of the university’s board and trustees. Pictured are Kim Quinn, retiring trustee; Don Lassiter, UMO board chair; Dr. H. Edward Croom, UMO president; and Earl Worley, retiring UMO board chair.

UMO honors retiring trustee, board member

The University of Mount Olive recently honored members of the university’s board and trustees. Pictured are Kim Quinn, retiring trustee; Don Lassiter, UMO board chair; Dr. H. Edward Croom, UMO president; and Earl Worley, retiring UMO board chair.


			
				                                Kali Kasulis’ long-term career goal is to become a mobile livestock veterinarian in Eastern North Carolina. (UMO photo)

UMO graduate Kali Kasulis takes next step to become a veterinarian

MOUNT OLIVE — Kali Kasulis, a recent University of Mount Olive (UMO) graduate, is taking the next step toward fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary BioScience and minors in Chemistry and Biology, Kasulis is attending North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. Her journey is a testament to dedication, community involvement, and an unwavering passion for animal welfare.


			
				                                Students from Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience attend the annual Outdoor and Wildlife Symposium. (UMO photo)

Pioneering pathways to post-secondary success

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive Academy Program is committed to fostering educational advancement and career readiness among high school students. Launched in 2016 at the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA), the University’s Academy Program aims to cultivate students’ aspirations for post-secondary education and guide them toward well-defined career goals.


			
				                                Mikia Parks, a student at the University of Mount Olive, continues to pursue her educational goals despite bumps in her journey. (UMO photo)

Mikia Parks: A journey of resilience and transformation

MOUNT OLIVE — Mikia Parks, a 32-year-old mother of two, has overcome significant personal challenges to pursue her educational and professional goals. Her decision to return to college was sparked by a moment of introspection while working in the Emergency Department at UNC Wayne.


			
				                                Richard Ford

Sports attorney Richard Ford to speak at UMO

MOUNT OLIVE — Sports Attorney Richard Ford will speak at The University of Mount Olive on Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m. in Southern Bank Auditorium.


			
				                                The late Carl Kennedy

UMO receives $21,000 gift from Carl Franklin Kennedy estate

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has received $21,000 from the estate of Carl Franklin Kennedy. Kennedy, a lifelong resident of Deep Run, passed away on July 1, 2022, at Kitty Askins Hospice in Goldsboro. His posthumous contribution to UMO celebrates his legacy of quiet dedication and diverse interests, reflecting his commitment to his denomination and community.


			
				                                In honor of the late George Futrelle, a scholarship endowment has been established for the University of Mount Olive Aviation Program students. (Courtesy photo)

George H. Futrelle Endowed Scholarship established at the UMO

MOUNT OLIVE — In honor of the late George H. Futrelle, a scholarship endowment has been established to continue his leadership, mentorship, and service legacy in aviation and the local community. The George H. Futrelle Scholarship Endowment will support the University of Mount Olive’s Aviation Program students, prioritizing those with an advanced Instrument Rating and Commercial License status.


			
				                                These new UMO freshmen twins give the heart sign, showing that things will be OK.

Relax! It’s going to be OK: Advice for parents of college students

What an exciting opportunity to watch a child grow into a young adult and start a new chapter of their life at college. There are so many new experiences and relationships to consider as students have the chance to break out from under the supervision of the adults in their lives and make their own identities and choices independently. For some, this will be an easy and positive transition, but for many, it will be filled with anxiety, fear, and doubt. Of course, students will feel those emotions too, but what about the parents? Students get to embark on a fresh start, but many parents have great difficulty dealing with this time of separation and relocation. Parents need to recognize their own fears and sadness as they drop off their college freshman for the first time. When dealing with the anxiety of bringing your freshman or transfer student to school for the first weekend, the acronym RELAX may be helpful.