Student spotlight – Manuel Munoz - University of Montevallo

July 22, 2021

During his time at the University of Montevallo, rising sophomore exercise and nutrition science major Manuel Munoz hasn’t just found a college home – he’s found a family.

From the first moment he arrived on campus, Munoz knew it was where he belonged.

“When I first stepped on the bricks to do a campus tour, I knew that this was the place for me,” Munoz said. “The people made me feel so welcomed, as if I was at home. The student body and faculty members wanted to interact and get to know me better because that is just how Montevallo is. We are a family.”

Since becoming a UM student, he has been heavily involved in many aspects of campus life. During his freshman year, he was involved in Freshman Forum, M.A.D.E., the Fiji fraternity, Baptist Campus Ministries, I Am Second, intramurals, Gold Side athletics and he interned in the athletic training room.

He currently serves as an orientation leader and is involved with an undergraduate research project with Dr. Curtis Fennel, assistant professor of exercise and nutrition science. Through the research project, Munoz aims to discover how two different types of warmups affect a young male’s muscle response when performing deadlifts. The results of the research could lead to the development of safer, more effective warmup methods.

In the fall, Munoz will be a resident assistant at Napier Hall, a M.A.D.E. ambassador and a peer coach for Trio SSS.

Munoz has also seen significant academic success, making the President’s List both semesters of his freshman year. His experience so far at UM has laid a solid foundation for his future plans to attend graduate school and later become a physical therapist.

“Montevallo has pushed me to be better and has taught me a lot about myself,” Munoz said. “Being at Montevallo has helped me find out who I am as an individual and how I want to make an impact within my community.”

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