Over the course of the summer, Judson College has welcomed many faculty and staff members on its campus, faces both old and new. Courtney Tindale, director of Student Activities and Resident Director of WMU, is a face most third and fourth years will recognize, along with a majority of Judson’s faculty and staff members.
Growing up in Bremen, Alabama, in Cullman County, Tindale graduated from Cold Springs High School and attended Wallace State Community College before transferring to Judson for her last two years of undergraduate school. While here, she received degrees in Music and Psychology. Out of all of her classes, Tindale most enjoyed Counseling Principles and Practices with Dr. Harold Arnold and her private piano lessons with Mr. John Robertson. Before she came to Judson, she could not play piano at all, but as she explained, Dr. Robertson pushed her to do her best and helped her realize what she is truly capable of doing.
During her time at Judson, Tindale was a member of the Octopus family; her Little is Xandria Keylor (a current senior at Judson), and she considers her Big to be her best friend and fellow graduate, Christina Blain. Her favorite tradition would definitely be Hockey Day because of the opportunity to get to know people from other classes. Tindale surmised, “My favorite thing about Judson is the fact that it wasn’t ever just school, and it isn’t just a job. I have so many opportunities to serve in the Judson College community and the Marion community and to serve God.”
Many of the faculty and students who knew Courtney when she still attended Judson are happy to see her again. Senior Jordan Ross reminisced on the memories she made with Tindale and explained that “Courtney’s journey back to Judson has provided several moments of self-reflection for me. It is very interesting to have someone back on campus who observed you as a Freshwoman but will now be observing you as a Senior. I can only pray that she has seen some promising changes and growth in the Freshwoman that she once knew.”
Upon graduation, Tindale served in Miami at a church plant called Christ-Centered Church. Her favorite memories were getting to spend time with the Judson missions team last Spring Break and something her host family did called House Church. Because of how large the population of Miami is, it is difficult to have a church close enough to every resident. Tindale’s family hosted church in their home instead, welcoming people from the community every Sunday night for food, fellowship, and Bible study. Tindale found her time at Miami to be very rewarding, and if given the chance she would go back and possibly even serve in New York, where Judson alumna Brittany Hall is currently doing mission work.
Tindale didn’t plan to return to Judson, but according to her, “God was definitely behind it.” She loves the fact that she can be a Christian unapologetically and truly believes this is where she belongs. During her time here, she plans to make a difference in the lives of students while following God’s plans for her life. Her word of advice to the new students this year is to never be afraid to ask questions; she explains, “There are so many people who work at Judson that would love to help you in any way they can.” So, if you’re needing your access card fixed, or you want to participate in field hockey, or you simply want to get to know our newest Student Life staff member better, don’t be afraid to go and see her for yourself!