11/03/2026
It's National Distance Learning Week!
HCU's DL program dates back to the 1980s, when VHS tapes were mailed to our students. Today, we are able to offer synchronous and asynchronous classes to students all over the world, and our DL team is a big part of that!
Autumn Richardson is the Director of Distance Learning at HCU. She has received a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from FHU and a Master of Ministry from HCU. She is a current Doctor of Ministry Student in the Leadership and Spiritual Formation Program at Portland Seminary. Advising her students is her favorite part of the job because she gets to meet with them to get to know them and learn about their families and ministries. Autumn has been married to Adam for 29 years, and they have 3 adult children (Kait, Logan, and Macey), a daughter-in-love (Ashley), and the most fun, beautiful grandkids.
Courtney Patterson is a Florence, Alabama, native. She is the Office Assistant in Distance Learning and the Kitchen Manager at HCU. Courtney graduated from the University of North Alabama with a major in culinary arts and a minor in business management. She has been married to her husband, Brad, for 17 years. They have 3 children, Cidney, Calleigh, and Chesney, who keep them very busy with all of their extracurricular activities. Their four-legged family includes 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 5 horses. The Pattersons attend Petersville Church of Christ, where they are also involved in the Lads to Leaders program.
Tonya Hayes works part-time as an Office Assistant in Distance Learning. She received her BBA in Accounting from UNA and then her Master of Accounting from UAB. She worked in public and private accounting for 12 years before deciding to stay at home with her daughters. She has been married to David for almost 18 years and has three daughters, Sidney, Cora, and Marlee. They attend Petersville Church of Christ and are involved with the New Members program, Lads to Leaders, and Tonya also helps in the women's ministry.
Thank you for all of your hard work in making sure our students have a great online learning experience!
