Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
3 generations went to the same local college—why they love it
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The Taylors have been taking one local college by storm for 75 years now. From working in healthcare and finances to marketing and local music, they’ve improved North Alabama and beyond.
Read on to learn more about their experiences at The University of North Alabama (UNA) and an inside look at what the youngest Taylor is up to today.
Meet the three generations
The first Taylor to attend UNA was Dr. Lee Taylor, a ’63 graduate who attended the university when it was still called Florence State Teacher’s College.
He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Alabama, serve in three branches of the Armed Forces for a total of 27 years, start his own medical practice and take on many healthcare leadership positions.
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David graduated in ’83. After graduating with a history degree, he went to New Orleans Theological Seminary and now works as a Financial Advisor.
After graduating with a history degree, David went to New Orleans Theological Seminary and now works as a Financial Advisor.
Lee graduated in 2010 with a degree in Commercial Music, an experience that eventually lead him to becoming Director of Enrollment Marketing at UNA—a testament to how he and his family continue to love and invest in the university.
In his free time, Lee continues to put his musical background to use in various projects and is an avid pizza baker. His favorite pie is a unique apple, bacon and goat cheese combo based on a popular local sandwich.
The perfect city for new opportunities
By the time the youngest Taylor attended UNA, the family had moved away from Florence and was living in the Florida panhandle. Lee had heard stellar reviews of the university from his grandfather and dad.
“At first, I wasn’t convinced the community would be the right fit for me. I had this connotation of my grandparents living there my whole life.
However, the cost of living was affordable, and there were so many opportunities for me to play music and connect local musicians and creatives. Florence turned out to be an amazing city for me; it was the perfect fit.”
Lee Taylor, Director of Enrollment Marketing, UNA
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Because of Florence’s proximity to larger cities and its dedicated community, the city has experienced sustainable, steady, growth, maintaining a small-town feel while enjoying a lot of the same amenities as their larger neighbors.
“I think of a lot of what has contributed to the creative energy of UNA and Florence is the low cost of living that’s attracted the arts culture. Every day, I’m surrounded by great artists and business owners.
Lee Taylor, Director of Marketing, UNA
Set up for career success
Although the youngest Taylor started his career as a musician, he’s been able to pivot to new ventures due to the skills he gained at UNA.
After graduation, Lee began working in creative media before eventually becoming the Creative Director at a video agency in Florence. While working with UNA as a vendor, he accepted the invitation to join their enrollment marketing and digital communications team.
“The skill of communicating and collaborating with different types of people that I learned at UNA was just as important as the curriculum. I learned what creative work looks like in the professional world and how to market yourself as a creative.
At the end of the day, your job as a creative person is to sell that you have what it takes to solve a problem.”
Lee Taylor, Director of Enrollment Marketing, UNA
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Lee’s learnings on the creative strategies and marketing prowess have led him to his success in his current role as the Director of Enrollment Marketing at UNA, and the innovative spirit of the university still inspires him today.
“UNA is at the heart of Florence’s culture, providing an output of young, creative and hungry people who want to try new things. That hunger invigorates the culture.”
Lee Taylor, Director of Enrollment Marketing, UNA
Book your tour of UNA today
Whether you’re looking for undergraduate, graduate or online programs, UNA is known for being a best of both worlds choice—it’s not too small or too big.
“If you want to hang out in The Commons, have small class sizes and be just a short walk away from downtown Florence, UNA offers that experience. It’s a great mix of taking it easy and having exciting opportunities. It’s the perfect college experience.”
Lee Taylor, Director of Enrollment Marketing, UNA
Looking for the right university for you? Check out UNA today.
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