Donna Bell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor for Family and Consumer Sciences
(205) 665-6384
Dr. Donna Bell is an Associate Professor and serves as the program coordinator for the Family and Consumer Sciences department. She works directly with students in the Retail Merchandising concentration and FCS Education concentration at the University of Montevallo. She attended Auburn University, where she received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching in Career and Technical Education. Dr. Bell received her M.Ed in secondary education and her B.S. degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Montevallo. She has experience in the area of retail management and buying.
belldw@a220149.com
Laura Bloom, Ph.D.
Associate Professor for Family and Consumer Sciences
Director – UM Child Study Center
(205) 665-6388
Dr. Bloom serves as an Associate Professor for Human Development and Family Studies as well as Faculty Director for the Child Study Center on campus. She teaches child development and early childhood methods courses. Dr. Bloom also coordinates and supervises the HDFS internships. She serves as the Faculty Advisor for KON. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and obtained her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education. Dr. Bloom also received her M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from UAB and her B.S. degree in Home Economics with a concentration in Child Development/Family Relations with a double-major in Education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Dr. Bloom has experience as a child care teacher and director and worked in Daycare Licensing for the Department of Human Resources. She has experience in early intervention services and ran a child abuse prevention center for many years. Her professional interests include child development, developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education, family relations, and adoption.
blooml@a220149.com
Joelle Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences
(205) 665-6382
Dr. Joelle Smith is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies. She primarily teaches courses focusing on family relationships and functioning. Dr. Smith also serves as faculty advisor for the FCS Student Group. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Missouri. Additionally, she obtained an M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, and a B.S. in Psychology from Berry College. Dr. Smith’s professional interests center on the sociocultural factors which influence young adults’ attitudes towards interracial romantic relationships.
jsmit157@a220149.com
Mr. Withrow Newell
Instructor of Family and Consumer Sciences
(205) 665-6448
Mr. Withrow Newell serves as the Instructor of Hospitality and Tourism. Mr. Newell is a hospitality professional with a passion for film and music festivals. He has over ten years of experience in the event management industry, and has held positions in both the private and public sectors. He hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Charter Oak State College, a Master of Studies in Law from Cumberland School of Law, and is currently a master’s candidate in Hospitality Management at the University of Alabama. His thesis is based on his rigorous research of the film festival patron life cycle. Mr. Newell is a certified Hospitality Educator via the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and has completed Several executive hospitality related certifications at Florida Atlantic University. Mr. Newell began his career in the hospitality sector with the Walt Disney World College Program. He has since held a variety of hospitality positions including roles at the Sidewalk Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Oxford Film Festival and Samford University. Mr. Newell is clearly a lifelong learner, but is committed to serving his community. He currently serves on the executive board of the Sidewalk Film Festival and the Hoover-Ahead board.
wnewell@a220149.com
C. Amanda Grauel
Administrative Assistant I – Part-time
(205) 665-6385
Bloch Hall
cgrauel@a220149.com
