Arson At Judson College

February 24, 2025 - MARION, AL - The Marion Fire and Rescue department was called out to the campus of the now defunct Judson College on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 at 3:15PM. As there was heavy smoke emanating from the Bowling Library building on the deserted campus. When the Marion police arrived upon the scene, they found that a man by the name of Micah Hester was still inside the library building, even though, it was on fire. The forty-four years old man had barricaded himself inside the library building and threatened the police to not approach him.

The Marion police called for backup from the Uniontown police and the Perry County Sheriff's Department. The officers were then able to successfully negotiate with Micah Hester to exit the building. The Marion Fire and Rescue department observed that the heavy smoke coming out of the building was originating from the floor of the basement and they requested aid for additional trucks and water from the Suttle, Vaiden, Uniontown, and Hamburg Volunteer Fire Departments. They also received assistance from the cadets from the Marion Military Institute who are also members of the institute's First Responder Fire Program. The fire and rescue department was then able to contain the fire to the basement with no injuries being suffered.

While the exact reasons for the fire being set are unknown, Micah Hester was taken into police custody and charged with second degree arson and third-degree burglary. He is being held in the Perry County Jail with no bond.

After the passing away of the college's much beloved and longtime president, Dr. David Potts, his successor, Dr. W. Mark Tew, recommended to the board of trustees that they vote to close down the college. Resulting in Judson College closing its doors to academic instruction on July 31st, 2021. Originally founded in 1838 by members of Siloam Baptist Church, in Marion, Alabama; Judson College was the fifth-oldest women's college in the country at the time it shuttered its doors to academic instruction. The campus has been uninhabited since that time.

Luisa Reyes is an attorney in Tuscaloosa with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Judson, a master's degree in library science, and a law degree from Samford's Cumberland School of Law. She is also a piano instructor and vocalist.