Over 30 years ago, I was a senior at Talladega High School in the process of making one of the most important decisions in my life: selecting a college. I was a student athlete, and was fortunate to have scholarship offers from academic institutions throughout the Southeast. I wanted to attend an institution where I could balance my pursuit of academics and athletics without sacrificing the opportunity for spiritual and social growth. My trusted high school coach felt that BSC would be well-suited to my goals. BSC had just won a national championship in basketball and was known as one of the top academic institutions in the State. Needless to say, my coach was right.

However, it did take some time for me to appreciate the full value of my educational experience. I must admit that I was slightly intimidated upon arriving on the beautiful campus, being surrounded by the nation’s top academic achievers. The transition to college life was made easier by access to welcoming groups which made social interaction simple. A Bible study led by Ralph Watson included diverse students from across BSC and allowed me to grow while making me feel like I was at home. Groups like this one were open to anyone on campus to foster connections within the BSC family.

“The liberal arts experience at Birmingham Southern is an excellent fit for someone wishing to gain a quality education while getting prepared to meet real-world challenges.”

The liberal arts focus allowed me to explore a variety of academic areas from theology to science, literature, and the arts. While I majored in Business, many of the concepts learned from other disciplines enhanced my understanding and experience in my core business courses. I gained transferable skills that have been beneficial to my career, having worked in marketing, operations, customer service, economic and community development, and external affairs. Small classes created an intimate culture which afforded the privilege to be instructed by experienced faculty members who were always willing to provide guidance outside of the classroom. These instructors demanded hard work which they paired with enough attention to help us excel. Many of the relationships with faculty members such as Dr. Byron Chew and Dr. Jack Taylor have gone far beyond my years at BSC.

Athletically, I was fortunate to play on teams that won 100 games over four years. I learned the importance of preparation, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Above all, I cherish the memories of playing with individuals of high character and integrity.

Working on community service projects and engaging with youth reinforced my desire to be part of a team that serves people. Since BSC, I have enjoyed the pleasure of working in the energy industry for nearly 27 years, teaming up with others who are elevating the state of Alabama by providing solutions that make a positive difference.

I took a chance by accepting the admission to BSC in that I had no prior connection to the school, and none of my friends from high school were joining me on the adventure. Yet I graduated from college with a well-rounded education that continues to serve me to this day, an experience that helped me find purpose and relationships that will last for the rest of my life. I am grateful for my time on the Hilltop.

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Terry L. Smiley ’94 serves as vice president of the Eastern Division at Alabama Power Company.

This story was included in a special business and economics edition of From the Hilltop, Birmingham-Southern’s alumni email newsletter.

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