However, during his sophomore year at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Montgomery resolved to the fact that he simply did not fit in.
“I didn’t feel like I was able to express myself or my faith like I wanted to,” he said. “So I asked God to show me the way and not just a way.”
It was not long after that Montgomery said he received a call from David Minaya, Union’s men’s basketball graduate assistant, asking if he would be interesting in making a transition to Union.
“I love Union,” Montgomery said. “I feel like I am able to grow in my faith and basketball.”
Montgomery said he appreciates the Christ-centered atmosphere that Union provides.
“People here are more engaging and interactive,” he said. “I am even more attentive in class, and I actually enjoy class.”
Montgomery is a shooting guard for the men’s basketball team.
While here at Union, Montgomery says he aims to stay focused on his studies and basketball, and everything else will fall into place.
After Union, he hopes to play basketball overseas in Italy or Spain to earn enough money to pay for law school.
Montgomery, along with Emily Carter, junior social work major, are among the 2.5 million college students in the United States that transfer each year, according to the National Center of Education Statistics. About one-third of all college seniors have transferred to another school at some point during their college career.
Carter transferred to Union this fall from West Kentucky Community and Technical College, where she received her associate in arts degree.
“I have always had a strong connection to Union,” Carter said.
Her former pastor is Todd Brady, vice president for university ministries and assistant professor of ministry in the school of theology and missions. Brady and other Union alumni and students like Jenaye White, senior public relations major, helped to solidify her transition.
Carter said she was offered several college scholarship opportunities but ultimately decided to stay close to home. It was after graduating from WKCTC that she decided the time was right to transfer to Union.
“I visited Union several times and I fell in love with the campus,” Carter said. “I could tell a lot about the campus from people interaction.”
After going back and forth between majoring in education or social work and after several emails and personal visits, Carter said she felt drawn to social work.
While moving to Jackson is not a drastic change from living in Paducah, Carter said she misses the familiarity of home.
“I miss being able to get into my car and knowing exactly where I’m going and about four or five different ways to get there,” Carter said.
Nonetheless, Carter said she is assured that Union and Jackson is the right choice for her.
“I feel like Union can not only equip me for a career, but for a career that incorporates Jesus,” Carter said.
She plans to continue her education with a master’s degree in social work and hopes that God will use her degree as a vehicle to pursue her passion for both youth and sports.
One piece of advice that Carter says she would give any transfer student is to be brave.
“Be yourself and be brave,” Carter said. “You’re not going to meet people or be involved if you will not be brave enough to show people who you are.”
