Welcome to Bluefield at 100! Bluefield College is celebrating 100 years and has undergone a name change! Each week, in honor of this milestone, The Confusing Middle will shine the spotlight on an individual who spent time at Bluefield University, giving them a chance to fill us all in on where they are and how they’ve been doing since the college years. I hope you’ll join us back here every week as we get reacquainted with some old friends!
This week we’re hearing from Courtney Hood!
- What have you been up to since your time in Bluefield?
Yes, we have returned three times and once was for a homecoming weekend. We took our oldest son by to walk around while driving back from a trip - Where are you living now? For how long?
We have been living in New River Valley for 6 years now. We wanted to get back to our mountains! - Did you pursue any education after college? If so, what degrees have you obtained?
I completed my masters at Lynchburg University and have completed the first year of my PhD studies at Regent University. - Where did you earn your first “grown-up” paycheck?
Pittsylvania County Schools - Who is your current employer and what is your job title?
I am a special education teacher with Montgomery County. - What are your hobbies? What do you end up doing in your spare time?
We love hiking and riding motorcycles. During the “shutdown” I started running. We don’t have a lot of spare time but usually end the day on the couch together. - Have you done much traveling? Where have you visited?
I have had the opportunity to do short term mission trips to Ukraine and Guatemala. We travel down the east coast frequently visit family in South Carolina and Florida. - Are you married? If so, who is your spouse?
Yes, I have been married to Jeremy Shane Hood for the past 22 years! - How did you and your spouse meet?
At Bluefield, we knew each other but got close after working together on a creative worship team. - Do you have children? What are their names/ages?
We have two guys, William (20) and Matthew (18). - Tell us a funny story about your kids…
Our youngest went through a Dr Who phase as we moved to the NRV and was ecstatic meeting one of the elders at Blacksburg Christian fellowship as he was a doctor with a strong English accent and a taste for bow ties. I still remember our then 12 year old running in and embracing him. The older man was not quite sure what to do with such an outburst of emotion. It was precious. - What was your favorite class at Bluefield?
I really enjoyed them all but I think I enjoyed New Testament Survey and Intro to Advertising the most. - Which teachers influenced your life and made a lasting impression? Why?
Dr. Carroll, Dr. Tresh, Dr. Massey and Dr. Lyle where major influences for me in shaping my priorities and work ethic. I actually started my formal education in the school where Dr. Massey was headmaster! It was great to reconnect as a young adult. Dr. Garret also encouraged me and I greatly enjoyed his classes! - What was your major and/or minor?
Major in Communications and Minor in Theater Arts - What did you want to be when your “grew up?”
A teacher or stage actor - What was your funniest moment in college?
Running around campus during pledge week when my Woodstock got stolen. - What was your most embarrassing moment?
Getting called on the rug for over witnessing to those around me. - What was the dumbest thing you did in college? Was it worth it?
Lean out of a vehicle while cruising the mall parking lot and no it was not worth it. - What is your most vivid memory from Bluefield College?
A snowy walk with my soon-to-be husband. - Was there ever something you wanted to do during your college days but never did?
I wanted to be in better physical shape and wished I had worked off campus to gain that experience. - What was your go-to during Late Night in the Shott Hall dining room?
I didn’t. One of my best friends (Lessa) and I went to bed early and got for breakfast EVERY morning. We still meet for breakfast several times a year. - Did you play any sports?
No - How about intramurals?
Nope - Did you pledge with a fraternity or sorority?
Yes, Kappa Psi Omicron - Were you involved in any other extracurriculars (theater, yearbook, clubs, etc.)?
I did theater productions each year. I was a resident advisor my first two years. I was also active in the Baptist Student Union. I also served on the Rampage - What on-campus events did you enjoy participating in or attending?
The coffee shops, especially the comedians - Did you jump into the mud pit on Mud Pig Day?
Nope - Did you have a work-study job on campus?
Yes, I was an assistant for Dr. Tresh - Did you have a job off campus?
No - Which dorm did you live in? Or did you commute?
I was in the gals dorm Cruise Hall and the off campus my last year with my husband. - Tell us your craziest roommate story…
I ordered a pizza and my roommate walked the room sniffing until it was found. - Which classmate influenced you the most?
Hands down, Jeremy, my husband (and yes we took several classes together) - What personal experiences since college would you like to share?
In 2015, I lost my sister to a heart attack. Sabrina attended Bluefield as well and graduated a year before me. She got so sick her freshman year with Lupus. Those effects definitely impacted her early departure. This first instance of real grief rocked my world and tested my faith. God is faithful even in our darkest times. I have also seen both my sons graduate high school and my oldest receives his associates this December. Time is truly the only non-renewable resource. - What plans do you have for the next 10 years?
Complete my PhD, keep walking in Spirit and Truth with Jeremy and see where the Lord leads us. - Give us a quote to live by…
Give yourself grace, some lessons only life can teach in time.
I want to thank Courtney for taking time to answer all these questions and for sharing with us this week! Come back next week when another Bluefield survivor takes the hot seat!
And if you spent time at Bluefield College and want to participate, please reach out to me at confusing.middle@gmail.com and I will send you the full list of questions! Until next time, GO RAMS!
The Confusing Middle 