April 15, 2025

For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | hcnews@hawks.huntingdon.edu | 334-833-4563

Class of 2025 Ivy Hawks

Montgomery, AL – The Huntingdon College Class of 2025 already has some exciting next steps for careers and graduate programs on the horizon.  As they count down the days to their walk across Top Stage, the College has already begun to celebrate their legacy at Huntingdon and what lies ahead.

Today’s feature includes two outstanding women from this class that have received their acceptances to several outstanding graduate programs, including Ivy League institutions. Meet this year’s Ivy Hawks, Kenry Malone and Savannah Smith, and get to know their Huntingdon experience and plans for the future in their own words.

Kenry Malone

Kenry Malone is a Cellular Biology/Pre Health major from Crossville, Tennessee. While at Huntingdon, she has been part of the Volleyball team, SGA, Circle K, Future Physicians of America, and Beta Beta Beta Honor Society. After Huntingdon, Kenry plans to pursue a direct-entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). She has been accepted to Yale University, the Harvard University affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital Institute, and Vanderbilt University.

How has your calling led you to pursue this next step in your education?

“I once wanted to be a biomedical engineer, but after working as a Nursing Assistant in a memory care facility, I discovered that I wanted to become a clinician and take care of people directly.”

What is your future career plan?

“To become a Nurse Practitioner and have the opportunities to be a professor, research, and be a clinician with my doctorate.”

How has Huntingdon prepared you for the next steps?

“All of my biology classes, Future Physicians of America Club, and being able to be a part of a team has prepared me for the next steps in my education.”

What people on campus have helped you with your next steps?

“My professors, specifically Dr. Dudley (my advisor), Dr. Hare, and Dr. Fremlin, guided me through this process and have mentored me towards a better future.”

What is it about Huntingdon that helped you reach this point?

“Huntingdon’s great reputation in medicine and the connections it carries.”

Why did you pursue the graduate programs you chose?

“I wanted to further my education to the best of my abilities at the best programs possible.”

What advice do you have for Hawks that are interested in pursuing a similar field or applying to similar graduate programs?

“Make sure you get experience in the field and make personal connections with your Huntingdon professors because they are the link to your success in furthering your education.”

Any final thoughts or advice to share?

“The specific path I chose is new and upcoming. A lot of people do not know these programs are available. But they are becoming more popular. If a Huntingdon student is interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner directly out of undergrad, please contact me and I’ll be happy to share my experiences and the process in more depth.”

Savannah Smith

Savannah Smith is a Religion and History double major from Mobile, Alabama. While at the College, she has been a member and officer in Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, former President and Vice President of Community Service for the Panhellenic Council, a Judicial Board Justice, Presidential Scholar, Student Recruiter, Huntingdon College Ambassador, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega, and Alpha Beta Gamma honor societies. Savannah plans to pursue a Master of Divinity (MDiv) after graduation. She has been accepted to Perkins School of Theology, Truett Seminary, Wake Forest Divinity, Duke Divinity, Yale Divinity School, and Princeton Theological Seminary.

How has your calling led you to pursue this next step in your education?

“I love the church! Big C universal Church and the local church. It has shaped my mind and life. My deep love for the church led me to believe my call was tied to the church in some way. I also love school and have found joy in academic challenges. Freshman year of high school my two loves were blended, and I decided that I wanted to be a theology/religion professor. This is not the most common aspiration from a fourteen-year-old, but I take this as evidence of God writing the idea on my heart! My time at Huntingdon has only grown my love for theology as an academic discipline and my desire to serve the church.”

What is your future career plan?

“My goal is to teach theology at an undergraduate institution. My dream would be to come back and teach at Huntingdon!”

How has Huntingdon prepared you for the next steps?

“The classes I have taken in the religion department have given me a great academic base. They have helped me develop skills to study religion in an academic context and sharpened my writing skills, while also nurturing my faith.”

What people on campus have helped you with your next steps?

“Huntingdon has been immensely helpful in preparing me for my calling. My professors at the College have taken the time to get to know me and provided encouragement every step of the way. My academic advisor and mentor, Dr. Stephen Sours, has provided me with so much wisdom throughout my Huntingdon career, especially through the process of choosing a graduate program. He has taken the time to explain the intricacies of academic life and helped me discern my personal beliefs. I have also received so much encouragement from the staff at Huntingdon; Dr. Sarah Sours allowed me to do a religion departmental honors research project this semester, President Anthony Leigh wrote recommendation letters, Laura Marie Brelsford’s personal wisdom, Sherry Leigh Farquhar’s help with my Curriculum Vitae, and so many more! There has never been a lack of love and encouragement during my time at Huntingdon. Every member of the faculty and staff has been willing and ready to lend a helping hand, give a word of advice, or be a listening ear.”

Why did you pursue the graduate programs you chose?

“I decided to pursue these programs because they will best prepare me for PhD studies. I specifically chose Princeton Theological Seminary for its immense resources, ecumenical focus, and the opportunity to see the church function in a different part of the country.”

What advice do you have for Hawks that are interested in pursuing a similar field or applying to similar schools?

“My two biggest pieces of advice would be to seek out a mentor and know your “why”. You need someone older and wiser in the field you are interested in to encourage you, correct you, and serve as a fountain of wisdom and connection for you. You also need to know why you are applying for a degree program and how the specific graduate school you are applying to will best help you achieve your goals. Your “why” should not be the flashy name or grandeur reputation – it should be rooted in God’s call for your life. Having a mentor in your life can help you discern what graduate programs and schools will be the best fit for you!”

Any final thoughts or advice to share?

“My gratitude for Huntingdon College. I would not have had any of these successes without the support system I have had here. I am forever indebted to the institution and the people who make it home! I know I will graduate in May and leave more confident in my calling and with a deeper love of God than I had when I was a freshman because of the Huntingdon community!”

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