Students and Teachers React to UMOM Building

By Nick Raymond

This fall, the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences found a new home in University of Montevallo on Main, or UMOM. The department, which houses fives majors (History, Sociology, Social Science, Social Work, Political Science) was previously located in Jeter Hall.

 

Having been built in 1915, Jeter Hall has been in need of renovations for years. Dr. Scott Turner, Professor of Political Science, said that the building was leaky and that there were sometimes animals in the attic. Action was finally taken this year when the town of Montevallo purchased the Alabama Power Company building on Main Street.

Dr. Ruth Truss, Professor of History and Chair of the BSS Department called UMOM an improvement over Jeter Hall and that students seem to be enjoying the "fresh, new, clean space."

One possible disadvantage of the new addition to the campus is the distance between UMOM and the other school buildings. University of Montevallo student Trevor Jones said that whatever limited inconvenience that comes from it is balanced out by the advantages, such as UMOM's handicap accessibility. Dr. Truss said that at Jeter, classes would have to be moved to other buildings in order to make accommodations for handicapped students.

Having UMOM on campus also provides benefits for the town. Its location brings students closer to Main Street businesses. Dr. Turner says that the addition of UMOM is a sign that Montevallo is growing.