Hannibal-LaGrange University

08/31/2026

We cannot thank HNB Bank enough for sponsoring this year’s Booster Night event. Their continued support of HLGU has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for their continued partnership.

HNB Bank is proud to return as the major sponsor for HLGU’s Booster Night on November 7th, 2026. This year’s Booster Night will be featuring Christian artists and hymnwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty. It will be a great night, and we are excited for the continued opportunity to support it. Pictured from left to right are Jim Millan, EVP and Chief Lending Officer with HNB Bank, Dr. Robert Matz, President of HLGU, John Zimmer, President and CEO of HNB Bank, Hal Benedict, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of HNB Bank, and Dr. Ray Carty, VP for Institutional Advancement.

08/31/2026

During today’s chapel service, Dr. Joseph Garner, Vice President of Academic Administration & Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies & History, challenged us from 1 Samuel 28:3-20 with a message titled “A Crown Without a Kingdom.”

Dr. Garner reminded us that a crown often claims authority over things we do not truly possess, and that a hollow crown can lead us to give authority to the very things we were meant to have authority over. He warned that even good things can become destructive when we love them more than the God who gave them.

As followers of Christ, we were made for authority, but only under the ultimate authority of Jesus. When we submit every area of our lives to Him, we are freed from the empty promises of lesser “crowns” and empowered to live faithfully in His Kingdom.

May we be a community that keeps Christ at the center, stewarding His gifts well and living under the authority of the one true King.

08/30/2026

Congratulations to Mrs. Kacie Woodmansee on her promotion to Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physical Science!

Over the past four years, Mrs. Woodmansee has faithfully served Hannibal-LaGrange University, first as an adjunct instructor for mathematics and physics before joining the faculty full-time as an instructor. Her promotion to Assistant Professor recognizes her commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.

Before coming to HLGU, Mrs. Woodmansee worked as a research associate in an electrical engineering design lab and spent eight years teaching high school math and science, bringing a wealth of experience to the classroom.

Reflecting on her advancement, Mrs. Woodmansee shared:

"I was excited for the opportunity to join Hannibal-LaGrange University where I could live out my calling to not only teach math and science but to also make disciples. I'm thankful for this rank advancement to show my commitment in being a part of carrying out HLGU's vision of impacting eternity for Christ through higher education."

Dr. Joseph Garner, Vice President of Academic Administration & Dean of Faculty, shared:

"Mrs. Kacie Woodmansee has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and student learning through her work in mathematics and physical sciences. Her ability to connect with students while maintaining high academic standards has made her a valued educator and colleague. We are pleased to recognize her promotion to Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physical Science and look forward to her continued contributions to HLGU."

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Woodmansee on this well-deserved achievement and thanking her for her faithful investment in students both inside and outside the classroom.

08/30/2026

Congratulations to Mrs. Tammy Walsh on her promotion to Assistant Professor of Art!

For the past five years, Mrs. Walsh has faithfully served Hannibal-LaGrange University as Head of the Art Department and Director of the Hagerman Art Gallery, investing in students through both creative excellence and Christ-centered mentorship.

One of the accomplishments she is most excited about is the return of the Art Education major, a program especially meaningful to her because of her passion for teaching art and preparing future educators.

Reflecting on her journey to HLGU, Mrs. Walsh shared:

"Around 20 years ago, I brought student artwork to the HLGU Hagerman Art Gallery for a local art competition. Right when I walked in, I knew this place was special. Not only did my students do well, but even after I moved away, the memory of HLGU and the beautiful sculpture in the Roland Fine Arts Center stayed close to my heart. So, when the Art position opened here and many local friends encouraged me to apply, I knew God had prepared me for this job. Now, both of my children attend HLGU, and I absolutely love my job and the wonderful people I get to work alongside."

Dr. Joseph Garner, Vice President of Academic Administration & Dean of Faculty, shared:

"Mrs. Tammy Walsh has brought exceptional creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Art Department and the broader HLGU community. Through her teaching and leadership of the Hagerman Art Gallery, she encourages students to develop both their artistic abilities and their understanding of how the arts can be used to serve others. Her promotion to Assistant Professor of Art reflects the significant impact she has made on our students and university."

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Walsh on this well-deserved achievement and thanking her for the creativity, passion, and leadership she brings to the HLGU community!

08/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Melanie Smith on her promotion to Professor of Teacher Education!

Since joining Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2014, Dr. Smith has faithfully invested in the next generation of educators. Throughout her 12 years at HLGU, she has served as a faculty member in the Education Division, Field Experience Coordinator, Director of Student Teaching, and Chair of the Education Division.

Prior to HLGU, Dr. Smith spent ten years teaching first and second grade and two years serving as an elementary principal. During her time at HLGU, she helped write and secure two grants from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Language, Diversity, & Literacy Studies from Texas Tech University in 2022.

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Smith shared:

"My connection to HLGU actually began through my best friend, Jennifer Cowart, who attended HLGU and always spoke so highly of the university and the people here. She encouraged me to apply in 2014, and I am so thankful she did. I have always been passionate about developing successful teachers, and HLGU has allowed me to pursue that passion in a place that aligns with my biblical worldview. I want future educators to see teaching as more than a profession. It is a life of service and a daily opportunity to be an example of Jesus Christ. Being advanced to Professor makes me especially grateful for the opportunity my friend encouraged me to pursue 12 years ago."

Dr. Joseph Garner, Vice President of Academic Administration & Dean of Faculty, shared:

"Dr. Melanie Smith's advancement to Professor of Teacher Education reflects her unwavering commitment to preparing future educators for lives of service and leadership. Her excellence in teaching, dedication to student success, and leadership within the Education Department have strengthened HLGU and positively impacted countless students who now serve in schools and communities across our region. This promotion is a fitting recognition of her outstanding contributions."

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Smith on this well-deserved achievement and thanking her for her faithful service to HLGU, our students, and the field of education.

08/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Eric Turner on his promotion to Professor of Greek & New Testament!

Over the past 12 years at Hannibal-LaGrange University, Dr. Turner has faithfully served in a variety of roles, including Assistant, Associate, and now Professor of New Testament and Greek. He has also served as Chair of Christian Studies, Chair of Arts and Humanities, and Director of Church and Denominational Relations. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Turner is the author of Hollow Gods: Idolatry in a Postmodern Context and serves as Program Chair for New Testament for the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS).

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Turner shared:

"I am grateful to have achieved the rank of full professor at HLGU, a space that has allowed me to flourish in my field and grow in my understanding of how to shape and send students into ministry."

Dr. Joseph Garner, Vice President of Academic Administration & Dean of Faculty, stated:

"Dr. Eric Turner's promotion to Professor of Greek & New Testament recognizes a distinguished record of teaching, academic leadership, and service to Hannibal-LaGrange University. Through his commitment to biblical scholarship and his investment in students, Dr. Turner has made a lasting contribution to both the Christian Studies Department and the broader university community. We are delighted to celebrate this significant professional achievement."

Join us in congratulating Dr. Turner on this well-deserved achievement and thanking him for his faithful service to HLGU and its students!

08/28/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. for a special Constitution Day event at Hannibal-LaGrange University.

HLGU's Free Society is honored to host Nick Freitas, a nationally recognized speaker, former Green Beret, and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Together, we'll explore the ideals of a truly Free Society and reflect on the enduring significance of Constitution Day through thoughtful discussion on liberty, civic responsibility, and constitutional government.

The event will take place in the Roland Fine Arts Center inside Parker Theatre.
Tickets are $10 each, with a special discount available for veterans. Purchase your tickets at www.hlg.edu. We encourage you to get your tickets early and arrive with plenty of time to find your seat.

We hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children."

Make a Will Month is the perfect time to think about how you’ll steward the gifts God has given you.

Let us help you get started with a free estate planning guide.

[email protected] | 573-629-3124

08/27/2026

New Podcast Episode Alert!

The latest episode of Scarlet, Blue, & You is here!

Hosted by HLGU Alumni Director Lauren Youse, Scarlet, Blue, & You keeps alumni and friends connected through campus news, upcoming events, HLGU traditions, and more.

In this episode, Lauren sits down with HLGU Volleyball Head Coach Kelsey Pollard and Assistant Coach Lacey Campbell to discuss team dynamics, preparations for the season ahead, and what fans can look forward to from Trojan Volleyball this year.

Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp5RJYTVDlM
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HahT7meuRJpDYJEVVvmsC
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c721d5be-ad15-49fd-91fc-83a7eb18c2bd
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-hannibal-lagrange-univers-247534118
PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3623807
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hannibal-lagrange-university-5927564
Boomplay: https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/117976
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hannibal-lagrange-university/id1784984950

08/26/2026

Hannibal-LaGrange University is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Wright as Director of Athletics and Jason Durst as Associate Director of Athletics, effective September 1, 2026.

Both Wright and Durst are longtime Trojan leaders who bring decades of experience in coaching, athletic administration, student development, recruiting, fundraising, and Christian higher education. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, discipleship, and the holistic development of HLGU student-athletes.

After more than 25 years of dedicated service to Hannibal-LaGrange University, Clay Biggs will conclude his tenure at HLGU at the end of August to pursue a new professional opportunity. We are deeply grateful for his faithful leadership and lasting impact on Trojan Athletics and generations of HLGU students.

As HLGU Athletics enters this new chapter, please join us in thanking Clay Biggs for his remarkable service and congratulating Chris Wright and Jason Durst as they step into these new leadership roles.

Read the full press release: https://www.hlg.edu/hannibal-lagrange-university-announces-athletic-leadership-appointments/