Pinned
Business Administration • 2029
Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team found its rhythm after a competitive opening set, defeating Montreat College 3-0 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play at the Dome on Friday, October 16.
The Rams won the match by scores of 28-26, 25-16, and 25-19, using a strong offensive performance and consistent defensive play to secure the straight-set victory.
The Cavaliers challenged the Rams early in the opening set, forcing Bluefield to play beyond the standard 25-point finish. The Rams ultimately pulled away to win 28-26, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Business Administration • 2029
Bluefield University’s women’s volleyball team opened play with a commanding first-set performance but could not sustain the momentum, falling 3-1 to Truett McConnell University on Saturday, October 17 at the Dome Gymnasium.
The Rams took the opening set 25-14 before the Bears responded with three consecutive set victories to claim the Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup. Truett McConnell won the final three sets 25-21, 25-23, and 25-19.
Bluefield looked sharp early, building a 4-0 first-set lead with kills from Morgan Wigg and Chesed Russell. The Rams continued applying pressure at the net, eventually building enough separation to win the set by 11 points.
Business Administration • 2029
Bluefield University’s men’s soccer team struggled to generate scoring opportunities, Friday, October 16, falling 4-0 to Columbia College at East River Soccer Complex.
Columbia dominated the contest offensively, finishing with 27 shots, including 15 on goal. Bluefield managed three shots, including one on goal, as the Rams were unable to break through against the visiting defense.
The Rams kept the match close during the opening stages, but Columbia broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Carlos Vazquez scored off an assist from Matthias Dennis to give the Koalas a 1-0 advantage.
Bluefield goalkeeper Canaan Newman helped prevent the deficit from growing before halftime, making several saves as Columbia continued to attack. Newman finished the match with nine saves, keeping the Rams within striking distance despite the visitors’ offensive push.
Theatre and Digital Marketing • 2027
This weekend, Bluefield Youth and Community Theatre will present their production of “Smoke on the Mountain,” directed by alumna Tiffany Carter. The show follows the Sanders Family Singers on their first night in five years performing at a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a small Baptist church in the Smoky Mountains. The show includes classic hymns such as “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” and “I’ll Fly Away,” with rousing monologues from each character. The show will open on Thursday, October 15, and run through Sunday, October 18.
The show has been a collaborative effort between alumnae Ashley Burton-Pruitt and Tiffany Carter. Both directors share a vision and heart for the show. Pruitt and Carter have worked together for a long time, making the process of this show seamless and enjoyable for them.
“It’s like a beautiful breeze,” said Carter. “I’ve known her a long time so there is a natural comfort and understanding of what she needed me to do. Everything she does is lovely and it has been a joy to join her in this show.”
English • 2027
In August, Rilla Cooper joined the inaugural class of BU’s online doctorate in education. She is one of five Bluefield employees and 21 total students enrolled in the first course of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program this semester.
“It’s one of the few programs I feel like I could do a doctoral level program and work full-time and have kids full-time and do it all together,” said Cooper, who serves as director of student success. She also teaches University Foundations classes, which replaced Career Pathways.
Bluefield University was approved as a level five institution in June, which allows it to offer up to three doctoral programs. Currently, the university offers the EdD Cooper is working toward, as well as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Dr. Shellie Brown, who founded and teaches in the EdD program, said working toward doctoral programs was the primary motivation for Bluefield College changing its name to university in 2021.
undecided • 2030
Bluefield University recently launched its first-ever doctoral programs: a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with seven concentrations and a Doctor of Education (EdD) with three concentrations.
According to the Bluefield University website, BU has integrated a wide variety of new doctoral programs that will help workers boost their average salary by $22,776. The doctoral programs in business include seven concentrations in finance, health informatics, healthcare management, human resources, justice administration, leadership, and sports management.
“Bluefield University having doctoral programs opens up the university to offer even more programs to help students reach their goals [and] enables the university to have degrees at all three levels [bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral],” said Dr. Shellie Brown, founding director of the EdD program.
Graphic Communication • 2030
For many college students, graduation means saying goodbye to the campus that has been a huge part of their lives for years. However, for two Bluefield University alumnae, graduation didn’t mean leaving behind BU. Instead, it meant returning to campus in new roles.
For Abbie Justis and Elle Gunter, their journeys at BU have come full circle as they have gone from students to staff members. Although their paths to BU were different, both found opportunities at the university that encouraged them to stay after graduation.
For Gunter, Bluefield has always felt like home. When she was looking to transfer from her previous school, BU was willing to work with her even though she was transferring in late. While convenience played a part in her decision, her experience at BU quickly became about much more than just that.
Magazine Rack
Latest Issue
October 2026
Issue 28 • October 2
- 12
- 16
- 22
- Natural Love Letters
- Football Preview
- New Band Director
- 4
- 7
- 12
- 15
- 19
- 22
- Opinions
- Stories
- Artwork
- Sports
- Students
- Faculty Features