Author: Amber Kelley

MOBILE, Ala. – Pursuing a graduate degree is a great next step for an individual who is wanting to stand out in the career market.

The University of Mobile offers graduate programs in some of today’s most in-demand fields, such as business, education, nursing, healthcare, ministry and the arts.

UM’s graduate programs are designed with the working adult in mind, offering online courses or evening in-class schedules that make it possible to work on your degree without leaving your job. You can live your life while pursuing your degree.

Highly experienced faculty who are leaders in their fields, an academic support network that is available to all of our students, and a solid Christian environment that encourages leadership development while instilling students with sound biblical ethics, are just some of the characteristics of a University of Mobile education.

Apply at umobile.edu/apply. To learn more about graduate and undergraduate programs, visit umobile.edu/areasofstudy or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile celebrates the class of 2020! Graduates will be honored with an on-campus ceremony on Dec. 12, 2020. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held on the university lawn, where graduates from both spring and fall semesters will be recognized. Information on graduation is at umobile.edu/graduation.

Graduates, by their hometowns, include:

Alabama School of the Arts, Master of Music

Houston, Texas – Eric Ryan Botto, Master of Music, Vocal Performance;

Huntsville, Alabama – Demi Alexandra Vanderwerff, Master of Music, Vocal Performance;

Jacksonville, Florida – Haley Latham Cox, Master of Music, Vocal Performance;

Mobile, Alabama – Mark Renardo Moore, Master of Arts, Worship Leadership and Theology;

Semmes, Alabama – Yuliya Ugay Brown, Master of Music, Piano Performance;

College of Health Professions, School of Allied Health, Master of Arts

Coden, Alabama – Henry Emanuel Patronas, Marriage and Family Counseling;

Mobile, Alabama – Katherine Becerly Rogers, Marriage and Family Counseling;

Saraland, Alabama – Amy Leigh Goff, Marriage and Family Counseling;

College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing 

Chickasaw, Alabama – Amy Kilgore Taylor;

Mobile, Alabama – Miranda Jacqueline Carr; Elizabeth Irene Naman; Jana Renee Carter Sims;

Saraland, Alabama – Alisha LeShae Hudson Adams;

Semmes, Alabama – Tameka Jackson Bolden;

School of Business, Master of Business Administration 

Almaty, Kazakhstan – Bauyrzhan Doszhanov;

Birmingham, Alabama – Daniell Womack;

Bruce, Florida – Rebecca Lynn Whaley;

Daphne, Alabama – Heather Renee Halla; Evelynn Annette Wren;

Dothan, Alabama – Caleb Alan Cox;

Mobile, Alabama – Gerald D. Drakeford;

New Port Richey, Florida – Leah Marie Ford;

Pensacola, Florida – LaTonya Jackson Perkins;

Satsuma, Alabama – Leith Allen Rawson;

School of Christian Studies, Master of Arts

Tallahassee, Florida – Justin Daniel Dillenschneider, Biblical/Theological Studies;

School of Education, Master of Education

 Calvert, Alabama – Dasha Witherspoon;

Mobile, Alabama – Erica Renee White;

Prichard, Alabama – Silvia Sophia Pettway;

Alabama School of the Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science

 Axis, Alabama – Kaitlyn Michell Goram, Bachelor of Arts, Art;

Blackshear, Georgia – Lauren Rebekah Graham, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Carrollton, Texas – Jordan Christine Vandiver, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre, Magna Cum Laude;

Creola, Alabama – Parker Brandon Gallups, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies;

Daphne, Alabama – Vannie Bohlen, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Magna Cum Laude; Travis Ward Higginbotham, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies, Cum Laude;

Decatur, Mississippi – Olivia Jill Vaughn, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award;

Eight Mile, Alabama – Corali Jiménez, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Fort Payne, Alabama – Julianna Nacole Roberts, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership, Magna Cum Laude;

Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Samuel Camp Burchell, Bachelor of Science, Music Non-Certification;

Gulf Breeze, Florida – Skye Lynn DuMont, Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance;

Gulfport, Mississippi – Olivia Ann Russell, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award;

Hampton, Georgia – Thomas Edward Rawls, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies;

Jacksonville, Florida – James Callahan LaBiche, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Magnolia Springs, Alabama – Grace Elizabeth Mattox, Bachelor of Arts, Music, Magna Cum Laude;

Mobile, Alabama – Abigail Joy Brock, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies, Magna Cum Laude; Jacob Adam Burkhardt, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Magna Cum Laude; Kaitlin Nicole Finch, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership, Magna Cum Laude; Grayson LaDon Holt, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership; Andrew Charles Franklin Paxton, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies; Brady Shaw Romine, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Nauvoo, Alabama – Jacob Alexander Guthrie, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

New Orleans, Louisiana – Sydney Angelle Myers, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design;

Opp, Alabama – John Calvin Adams, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Pinson, Alabama – Nathan Andrew Lewis, Bachelor of Science, Music, Magna Cum Laude;

Satsuma, Alabama – Erica Danielle Burleson, Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Semmes, Alabama – Abigale Marie Wincel, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design;

Tampa, Florida – John Michael Matheou, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Theodore, Alabama – Cheyenne Elizabeth Cumbie, Bachelor of Science, Worship Leadership;

Thomasville, Alabama – Mallory Hanni Broadus, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre, Magna Cum Laude;

Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Cameron Slade Smith, Bachelor of Science, Worship Technologies;

College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science

Bay Minette, Alabama – Kenneth Cody Floyd, Public History, Summa Cum Laude; Philessa Thompson, Biology;

Birmingham, Alabama – Maggie Katherine Jones, Communication, Summa Cum Laude; Kendra Patrice Langham, Biology, Magna Cum Laude; LaJayveus M. Leonard, Sociology;

Columbus, Mississippi – Tyler Andrew Whitley, Psychology;

Cullman, Alabama – Charis Olivia Brown, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Caitlyn Marie Hall, Biology;

Dadeville, Alabama – Katelin Shay Lynn, Psychology;

Dauphin Island, Alabama – Anthony Lester Ray Edwards, Biology;

Evergreen, Alabama – Noah Vinson Whittington, Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude;

Fairhope, Alabama – Ethan Louis Lafont, History, Cum Laude;

Foley, Alabama – Jonathan Andrew McLain, Psychology;

Gautier, Mississippi – Eukeisha LaNaé Lankford, Psychology;

Grand Bay, Alabama – Matthew Douglas Taylor, Psychology;

Hartselle, Alabama – Hope Danielle Cain, Pre-Health Biology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Herrick, Illinois – Hannah Christine Senteney, Biology;

Jacksonville, Florida – Avery Denise Wasdin, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude;

Jackson, Mississippi – Kora Robinson Thompson, General Studies;

Jasper, Alabama – Anna Claire Harris, Communication, Magna Cum Laude;

Lincoln, Nebraska – Rachel Erin Garbe, Marine Science, Magna Cum Laude;

Magnolia, Texas – Emily Ann Kelleher, Government and Law, Cum Laude;

Millry, Alabama – Daisy Breanna Steiner, Communication, Cum Laude;

Mobile, Alabama – JyWeslon Denise Howze-Perine, Biology; Brittney Shanta Miller-Rand, Psychology; Alena Denise Oger, Criminology; Makayla Nakyia Skinner, Psychology; Christian Lee Springer, Mathematics; Amy Marie Wight, Psychology, Cum Laude; Abriana Hope Wright, History, Magna Cum Laude;

Navarre, Florida – Jordyn Nicole York, Psychology;

Niceville, Florida – Jacqueline Olivia Beauchamp, Psychology;

Ormond Beach, Florida – Aaron James Nipper, Biology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Oshkosh, Wisconsin – Adam Jay Olszewski, Psychology, Cum Laude;

Panama City, Florida – Steven Kenneth Grothman, Communication;

Saraland, Alabama – Austin David Henson, History; Shawndel-Lorenzo Lisondra Hope, Communication; Savannah Grace Woodruff, Criminology, Cum Laude;

Satsuma, Alabama – Alexandria Lynne Sutherland, Mathematics;

Semmes, Alabama – Dunkin Ann DeMouy Friedlander, Biology;

Silverhill, Alabama – Olivia Marlene Finley, Mathematics;

Theodore, Alabama – Callie Marie Edwards, Pre-Health Biology; Maranda Leigh Kirk, Organizational Leadership, Magna Cum Laude; Noah Mcdade Palframan, Mathematics, Honors Program Graduate;

West Chicago, Illinois – Emily Kathryn Ruff, Psychology, Cum Laude;

Wilmer, Alabama – Elizabeth Marie Laster, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude;

College of Health Professions School of Health and Sports Science, Bachelor of Science

Cypress, Texas – Samantha Lynn Nichols, Kinesiology;

Dothan, Alabama – Chrislyn Alexandra Whaley, Kinesiology, Cum Laude;

East Brewton, Alabama – Dalton James Shell, Kinesiology;

Irvington, Alabama – Jordan Kevin-Wayne Taylor, Kinesiology;

Jacksonville, Florida – Genelle Kay Boyer, Kinesiology, Cum Laude;

Las Vegas, Nevada – Janae Nichoelle Tyree Strode, Kinesiology;

Midland City, Alabama – Maegan Mikaela Walding, Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude;

Mobile, Alabama – Dalton Timothy Becker, Kinesiology; Ryon Douglass Depinet, Kinesiology and Mathematics, Cum Laude; George Harrison Harvell III, Kinesiology; Brittney Maria Williams, Kinesiology;

Orange, California – Kianna Rae Snow, Kinesiology;

Saraland, Alabama – Jordan O’Neal Hall, Kinesiology, Cum Laude; Jacob Glenn Warren, Kinesiology;

College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

 Axis, Alabama – Kaleigh Faith Chisholm, Cum Laude;

Bay Minette, Alabama – Christine Bernadette Eleogo;

Crystal Springs, Mississippi – Tori Marie Clement, Cum Laude;

Cullman, Alabama – Savannah Elizabeth Moss;

Daphne, Alabama – Madison Conrad Taylor, Cum Laude;

Gulf Breeze, Florida – Shelby G. Roberts, Magna Cum Laude;

Huntsville, Alabama – Chelsea Michelle Kendall; Kirstie Michelle Ruff, Magna Cum Laude;

Irvington, Alabama – Ashton Shainae Shepherd;

Midlothian, Texas – Casey Ann Lunceford, Magna Cum Laude;

Mobile, Alabama – Jennifer Nicole Bosarge; Matthew Gary Cooper; Shelby Nicole Davison; Ginger Graf Dunaway; Shelby Caroline Eiland-Galmiche; Charon Lashea Farmer; Christina Pippins French; Dwanna Rena Graham; Demetrice Z’Jahmal Jones; Shantavia Monique McCants; Holley Lavenia McCarroll; Darion LaRay Mickles; Jessica Anne Morie; Morgan Elaine Walley; Courtlyn Carlissa Winston;

Montgomery, Alabama – Ashley Tatum Barrentine, Cum Laude;

Moss Point, Mississippi – Kristen Cameon Williams;

New Orleans, Louisiana – Shan’te Aurora Johnson;

Pensacola, Florida – Hannah Elizabeth Goalen, Cum Laude;

Saraland, Alabama – Ashley Lauren Scott;

Satsuma, Alabama – Brelee Nichole Yarber, Magna Cum Laude;

Spanish Fort, Alabama – Shelby Ray Van Sickler;

Troy, Alabama – Lindsay Corrine Lee;

Wilmer, Alabama – Ashley Rae Kurth; Heather Danielle Partin;

School of Business, Bachelor of Science

Alberta Canada – Heidi Samaja Giles, Accounting, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Birmingham, Alabama – William Andre Stanford, Accounting;

Chatom, Alabama – Colby James Lucas, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

Castanhal, Pará, Brazil – Mayron Victor Pimentel, Management;

Daphne, Alabama – Evelynn Annette Wren, Business Administration;

Dothan, Alabama – Caleb Alan Cox, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude;

Elberta, Alabama – Kenneth Joseph Kaiser III, Business Administration, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award;

Hampshire, United Kingdom – Lukas F. Burt, Accounting;

Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Brandon Thomas Williams, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

McIntosh, Alabama – Lazarus O’Neal Lang, Computer Information Systems;

Mobile, Alabama – Hunter M. Avery, Accounting; Bailey Powell Bannon, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Heather Annette Chastain, Business Administration; Devin Deondrae Curry, Business Administration; Laura M. Foots, Business Administration; Brooke Nychelle Freeman, Management; Martrisse Holliza Bernice Haynes, Business Administration; Rebecca Magdalena Leim, Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude; Joseph Alexander Puckett, Computer Information Systems, Magna Cum Laude; Reese Dominic Ruffin III, Business Administration; Sally Gayle Shoemaker, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Christine Evelyn Skipper, Business Administration; Elizabeth Caroline Smith, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;

Mogi Das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil – Emily Chang, Business Administration;

New Port Richey, Florida – Leah Marie Ford, Accounting;

Paradise, Texas – Colton Levi Wells, Business Administration;

Pensacola, Florida – Miranda Clarrisa Sprick, Business Administration;

Ringwood, Hampshire, United Kingdom – Sam Jake Chilman, Business Administration;

Sacramento, California – Christian Matthew Chastain, Business Administration;

Santiago, Chile – Guido Alessandro Evangelista Tapia, Business Administration;

Saraland, Alabama – Brandon Michael Bozeman, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

Satsuma, Alabama – Morgan Leigh Bryant, Business Administration; Carson Patrick Ludt, Accounting; Leith Allen Rawson, Business Administration;

Semmes, Alabama – Samantha Joanne Walker, Business Administration;

Spanish Fort, Alabama – Gunner Wade Hendrix, Business Administration;

School of Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Clanton, Alabama – Dallas Kent Dodson, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude;

Destin, Florida – Maya RosaLee Lewellyn, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Eclectic, Alabama – Isabella Camille Sanders, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical/Theological Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

Gadsden, Alabama – Marcus Chad Talley, Bachelor of Science, Christian Leadership and Ministry, Magna Cum Laude;

Grove Hill, Alabama – Emma Kathryn Schlehuber, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies;

Gulf Shores, Alabama – Madelynn Nicole Loette Coleman, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude;

Hannibal, Missouri – Laiken Danielle Gendregske, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies, Cum Laude;

Madison, Alabama – Ragan Jillann Bledsoe, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies, Cum Laude;

Mobile, Alabama – Michael Angelo Parks II, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies; Joshua Caleb Stroud, Bachelor of Science, Christian Leadership and Ministry;

Pelham, Alabama – Hannah Atkins Dodson, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude;

Pensacola, Florida – Jonathan Scott White, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies;

Saint Stephens, Alabama – Josie Shelby Busby, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies;

Saraland, Alabama – George Edmund Ewing II, Bachelor of Arts, Intercultural Studies, Cum Laude;

Satsuma, Alabama – Troy James McDonnell, Bachelor of Science, Biblical/Theological Studies;

School of Education, Bachelor of Science

Daphne, Alabama – Melyssa K. Hughes, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Cum Laude;

Fairhope, Alabama – Hannah Faith Ellis, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude;

Ingleside, Texas – Beverly Anna Carnahan, Child and Social Development;

Mobile, Alabama – Leon Bell Jr. Child and Social Development; Victoria Lowe Bolton, Child and Social Development; Trinishia James Clausell, Child and Social Development; Natalie Michelle Powe, Child and Social Development; Leah Olivia Walker, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Tanika Lasha Woodard, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude;

Montgomery, Alabama – Lindsey Brooke McDaniel, Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude; Sydney Michele Taylor, Child and Social Development;

Perdido, Alabama – Kylie Arean Boutwell, Child and Social Development;

Satsuma, Alabama – Samantha Brooke Sanderson, Child and Social Development;

Semmes, Alabama – Allicyn Paige Holderfield, Early Childhood Education;

Silverhill, Alabama – Jordan Alaine Johnson, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude;

Smyrna, Tennessee – Lauren Renee Coleman, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude;

Thorsby, Alabama – Abby Rebecca Garrison, Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;

Wetumpka, Alabama – Jennifer Michelle Meredith, Early Childhood Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude;

College of Arts and Sciences, Associate of Science, General Studies

Auburn, Alabama – Nisreen Kanaan;

Mobile, Alabama – Jennifer Appling Amacker, Cum Laude;

Satsuma, Alabama – Brandon Mills;

Tampa, Florida – Jamel Henry Clark

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

How can college students be successful in the midst of a world of uncertainty? “Mental Wellness Monday” on the University of Mobile’s Student Success Instagram page can give you some ideas. University of Mobile counselor Mary-Claire Marshall is sharing tips and news you can use each Monday, and we’ll recap her advice here each week. You can find the video on Instagram at @umobilessc.

Here are this week’s Mental Wellness Monday tips:

1. Evaluate how things are going

Have you been sleeping in too late? Staying up too late? Are you watching too much tv? Have you missed out on family time? What do you want to make a priority for yourself in the next few weeks?

Evaluate the things that are working and the things that are not working.

2. Self-talk

The way that we think and talk about the pandemic is important to our mental wellness.

Replace the thought of “I’m trapped inside my house,” with “Now is a good time to reflect, slow down and be myself.”

Replace the thought of, “Isolation is lonely and scary,” with “I can get creative with my social life, I can learn something new about connecting with others.”

Evaluating what’s working and trying to think and talk positively during this time will have an impact on your mental health!

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

How can college students be successful in the midst of a world of uncertainty? “Mental Wellness Monday” on the University of Mobile’s Student Success Instagram page can give you some ideas. University of Mobile counselor Mary-Claire Marshall is sharing tips and news you can use each Monday, and we’ll recap her advice here each week. You can find the video on Instagram at @umobilessc.

Here are this week’s Mental Wellness Monday tips:

Mary-Claire suggests making a self-care kit; this will allow you to personalize and get creative. Here are a couple things that Mary-Claire keeps in her self-care kit:

• Stress ball. You can make this at home using some ideas off of Pinterest.
• Bubble wrap. This acts as a great stress reliver.
• Whether it be essential oils, lotion or a candle, find some scents that calm you down.
• Eye mask and earplugs. Sometimes it’s good to quiet everything and get still!
• This can help you have something physical in your hand that you can work through.
• A little chocolate never hurt anyone!
• Coloring materials. Many people find it helpful to create when feeling stressed or sad.
• Coping skill ideas. Write down ideas on notecards that you can flip through and utilize those things when you’re feeling stressed. Some things Mary-Claire has on her cards are: praying, taking a walk, cooking, taking a hot shower, thinking about happy memories, calling a friend, having a dance party, exercising, writing, crafts, listening to music and chewing gum.

During this season, it’s important to know how to take care of yourself and propel forward when you’re feeling stressed. A self-care kit might be exactly what you need!

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

Because of COVID-19, this isn’t the school year that teachers expected. Despite the challenges of teaching remotely, teachers across the nation are stepping up to be the teachers that students and parents need them to be.

One of those teachers is Kendall Floyd, a graduate from the University of Mobile.

While this has been an emotional and wild ride for many teachers, Floyd’s gratitude for the opportunity to continue to teach her students stays high.

“This time has taught me so much about myself as a teacher and shown me exactly why God called me to this profession,” she says.

Floyd graduated from the University of Mobile in 2019 with a degree in early childhood education. She went on to begin her career as an Alabama First Class Pre-K teacher at Chickasaw Early Learning Center in Chickasaw, Alabama.

The Alabama First Class Pre-K Program is designed to get kids ready for school by focusing on literacy, mathematics, social and emotional skills like communication, cooperation and flexibility.

To adjust to the pandemic, CELC created packets to follow a specific theme for each week, with hands-on activities, ways to get kids moving, and ways to get them to be creative.

They have also posted videos online for their students to watch. Floyd has been reading books to her students via webcam. She starts off with breathing exercises and uses silly voices to engage with her students.

Floyd is finding ways to keep her head held high and her students engaged during this time. Part of her efforts include making a “mini-classroom” that looks familiar to her students. Even their class pet, Wanda the hermit crab, makes appearances in her videos.

She has found this time to be affirming in why she chose to be a teacher in the first place.

“I am proud to be a teacher during this time because it allows me to demonstrate that teaching is not a job to me, it is my mission. I’ve found that teaching is much more than what happens within the four walls of the classroom. My Christian worldview has shaped my response and my attitude during all of these changes. While everything may seem like it’s spinning out of control, I know my trust is in the One who is in control of it all. I serve a God who saw COVID-19 before we did,” says Floyd.

Floyd acknowledges that her Christian worldview also shapes the way she interacts with her students and their parents.

“Knowing that God is in control gives me a sense of peace and comfort that I am daily trying to pass on to my students and their families,” explains Floyd.

“I know I speak for most teachers when I say that had I known my last day at school was my last day, I would’ve hugged my students all a little longer and a little tighter,” says Floyd.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile professor and Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva will perform in the international “Outside In Online Festival” on April 11 at 2 p.m. CDT.

The concert supports classical music and Onalbayeva is among around 45 musicians  from 28 different countries that will be performing.

The concert can be watched live at outsidein.onlinefestival on Facebook or outsidein.onlinefestival on Instagram.

Onalbayeva will open her segment of the concert with her original arrangement of “Amazing Grace.”

She will also perform works by Moss, Coleman, Sieg and Uzenbayeva.

The “Outside In Online Festival” organizers said their mission is to encourage people to stay home and stay safe.

“Considering the hard and unexpected times that are affecting us, it is crucial to remember the power of art and especially music in order to overcome stress and get the energy for the upcoming difficulties,” say festival organizers.

Onalabyeva is the director of piano studies and a professor of music in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile.

For more information about the Alabama School of the Arts and music degrees, visit umobile.edu or call 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

How can college students be successful in the midst of a world of uncertainty? “Mental Wellness Monday” on the University of Mobile’s Student Success Instagram page can give you some ideas. University of Mobile counselor Mary-Claire Marshall is sharing tips and news you can use each Monday, and we’ll recap her advice here each week. You can find the video on Instagram at @umobilessc.

Here are this week’s Mental Wellness Monday tips:

Mary-Claire started out by reading Philippians 4:6-8 “… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

She gave students two tips that can help them practice thankfulness during this season.

1. Gratefulness journal  |  Document what you are thankful for to get your mind thinking about those things! Take questions and/or prompts and answer them. Here are a couple:

• Today I am grateful for…
• I really appreciate…
• I felt joy when…
• My favorite part of the day was…
• Today I showed gratitude by…
• What abilities are you grateful for?

You can find more of these type prompts and questions on Pinterest!

2. Prayer  |  During this time, it’s important to take time to pray. Get in a still, quiet place and thank God for the things that He has blessed you with. It might be useful to start a prayer journal during this time to keep record of when God answers a prayer!

During this time of uncertainty, it’s so important to remember the good. Find ways to be thankful this week and the coming weeks.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.

MOBILE, Ala. – Four University of Mobile business students are currently in 1^st place among 4,399 teams from 241 colleges/universities worldwide.

The team from UM is led by Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the School of Business and associate professor of accounting. The students that make up the team are Heidi Giles, an accounting major from Canada; Gunner Hendrix, a marketing major from Spanish Fort, Alabama; Morgan Bryant, a management major from Mobile, Alabama and Lukas Burt, an accounting major from England.

The BSG-Online program, also known as the Business Strategy Game, is a computer simulation of a multinational manufacturing corporation. When using this online exercise, members of the classroom divide into teams and are then assigned the task of managing the corporation through strategic expansion, offering generic branding, hiring, borrowing money, and managing foreign currencies, among other functions.

Each Monday of the starting week, BSG-Online compiles a list of the prior week’s best-performing companies worldwide based on each of the four measures: overall score, earnings per share, return on average equity and stock price.

The UM students generate the highest total scores for each of these metrics, worldwide.

Dunning uses the BSG-Online program to prepare her students for the business world. Dunning said she accomplishes this by using all aspects of manufacturing that are based on selling athletic footwear that mirror the real-world market. Her students are engaged in controlling the cost of production, outsourcing, cost of capital, pricing and product promotion.

UM students are getting practical business experience before even graduating.

“This business simulation puts our students in real managerial decision-making roles on a global platform. Managers at this level do not have the luxury of focusing on one item at a time, but must be constantly engaged in positioning their company to take advantage of opportunities to advance their company in the midst of global competition,” says Dunning.

For more information about the School of Business at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu or call 251.442.2222.

 About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Amber Kelley

Amber Kelley is the marketing communications specialist for University of Mobile. Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from UM. As marketing communications specialist, Amber writes press releases and other content for UM. She is passionate about serving in her youth group at Redemption Church. She enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book and watching romantic comedies on Netflix.