What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Laurel Hall Dobbins, assistant director of Alumni Affairs.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I’m from Hoover, and I currently reside in Calera with my husband, Jason, and our cat, Lucille.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Montevallo.
How long have you worked here?
I arrived back home to Montevallo over three years ago.
What brought you to Montevallo?
As a student, I started exploring colleges, and like many alumni, the moment I set foot on campus and walked the brick streets, I knew I had found my home. After graduating, I was certain I wanted to return to Montevallo someday. I hoped to find a way to give back to the place that had given me so much.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
The best part of working at Montevallo is not just the students, but also the alumni. Through my role, I have the privilege of watching students in the Future Alumni of Montevallo (FAM) program grow into remarkable young alums who are eager to give back to the University after they graduate. I’ve had the opportunity to meet alumni I never would have encountered otherwise, thanks to my return to Montevallo. Our alumni are as unique as the University itself, and when you meet a Montevallo alum, there’s an immediate connection — whether through discussions about College Night, Greek Life or even their majors. Montevallo remains a home for our alumni, and they carry the experiences and love for UM with them throughout their lives.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
As a student, I held several jobs — from working in the President’s Office during my freshman year, to managing the Ramsay Conference Center and Lodge Hotel, to being part of Palmer Staff. As a freshman, I was searching for my place, and I found it with Palmer Staff. There, I developed a deep passion for College Night. It taught me the value of teamwork, how to delegate and how to stay resilient during those long, sleepless weeks.
Since returning to Montevallo as the assistant director of Alumni Affairs, one of my favorite memories has been Homecoming. It provides an opportunity for alumni to return to the bricks and reconnect with those we haven’t seen in years. It’s a special time to share memories with the Montevallo community.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one accomplishment during my time at Montevallo. Whether it’s connecting with alumni at Homecoming and other events, working with UMNAA scholarship recipients or seeing the growth of our student alumni association, FAM, from eight to 75 members in just three years — each moment has been rewarding. One of the highlights has been helping the Junior Board of Directors endow their Advocate for Change Scholarship, which provides support to students who are committed to making a difference in their community. Being in this role allows me to help students connect with alumni and alumni reconnect with each other. Witnessing the magic of the Montevallo family is truly special.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I belong at Montevallo because I truly believe in the power of a liberal arts education. As a student, I was fortunate to be guided by amazing mentors who played a pivotal role in my growth. I often think about how I wouldn’t be the person or professional I am today without the support and guidance of Montevallo’s faculty and staff. The University instilled in me a strong sense of purpose, a deep connection to community and the value of giving back. It gave me the tools and mindset needed to overcome any challenge I might face.
Anything else you want to say?
To UM students, join FAM! FAM provides an excellent opportunity for current students to connect with alumni, build relationships with peers and transition into impactful young alumni. FAM’s mission is to select students for this honorary group to represent the association at alumni events on and off campus, participate in new student-alumni events, engage in fundraising and help strengthen the alumni network. It’s an ideal way to meet alumni in your career field who can offer guidance both during your time at UM and beyond.
To UM alumni, join us at our events! I can promise you’ll meet fellow alumni, even those you haven’t met before, who share your love and passion for UM. We host club events in various locations, happy hours, and, of course, Homecoming. The first step is simply getting involved again, and I guarantee you won’t regret it. As alumni, you still have a place at Montevallo, which will always be your home.
