Author: Ashlyn Nichols

Ashlyn Nichols is a senior at the University of Mobile majoring in communications and minoring in French. She is an intern with UM’s Office of Marketing and Public Relations, and she works as the communications coordinator at Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama. She was the 2018 Distinguished Young Woman in Missouri and competed in the national finals in Mobile, where she first visited the University of Mobile. Ashlyn is a UM Ambassador and on the UM tennis team. She enjoys hiking the trails on campus, playing the violin, and spending time at the beach.

Two Sisters, One Story

by Ashlyn Nichols

It is not every day you come across two college students with the same major, same sport, both transfer students, and both from the same hometown 5,000 miles away.

Meet Emily and Paula John; two friendly, talented sisters from Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Emily and Paula transferred to the University of Mobile from separate colleges. Head tennis coach Uwe Tittl recruited both girls, and they instantly fell in love with the beautiful campus and Southern hospitality.

“It was a little weird at first because people were so friendly,” Emily laughed. “The longer I have been here, though, I really like it. It’s so easy to approach people at UM.” Paula added that although the food is good, she misses German food the most.

Still, both girls love the University of Mobile.

They spoke highly of the tennis team and commended the positive atmosphere. They said they appreciate how much Coach Tittl cares for the team and how well the team has bonded.

When they aren’t on the tennis courts, the girls take advantage of the amenities that UM has to offer. They enjoy studying in Bedsole Commons, playing ping pong and going on walks around campus.

“I think it’s great to go to a university with your sibling because you always have a little bit of home. If you have fights with your friends, there is always a person to go back to,” Paula joked. “It depends on the siblings, but I think it’s good that we are suitemates, not roommates, so we still have space.”

Currently, Emily and Paula are majoring in Business Management in the School of Business and are in the 5-year graduate program. Emily is pursuing her Master of Science in Leadership and Communication, and Paula is in the Master of Business Administration program.

Emily said, “The professors actually care. They put in a lot of work; they make you work, but you benefit from it. I really feel like I am going to go out in the business world and know what I am doing.”

Emily and Paula will graduate in May 2022 and play one more season of tennis at UM. Although they are unsure about what their plans are after graduation, Emily would like to work in human resources, and Paula plans to pursue a career in logistics.

“Paula and I are just so thankful for everyone who works here,” Emily said. “Everyone is helpful and cares about you as a person.”

University of Mobile Presents ‘The Tempest’ March 28-30

by Ashlyn Nichols

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will perform the William Shakespeare classic “The Tempest” March 28-30.

Performances will be held March 28 at 4 and 7 p.m. and March 29-30 at 7 p.m. on the Martin Hall lawn on the University of Mobile campus.

“The Tempest” is a timeless story about a man, Prospero, living in exile on a remote island with his daughter, Miranda. On the island, Prospero learns magic, using it to shipwreck those responsible for his exile.

Tickets are $15 and in-person seating is unlimited since the play is outdoors. The show will also be livestreamed. Both tickets and livestream information are available at umobile.edu/pas. A limited number of chairs will be provided, so attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs.

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, State of Alabama and University of Mobile mandates, face masks or face shields will be required at the production. For more information on COVID-19 guidelines, visit umobile.edu/coronavirus.

For more information on “The Tempest” or other Alabama School of the Arts 2021 Performing Arts Series events, please visit umobile.edu/pas.

Safe at My College Home

by Ashlyn Nichols

There is no better feeling than driving onto the University of Mobile campus at the end of a long day, where I am greeted by the smile of a security guard as I turn in at the gated entrance onto Pollock-Altmayer Drive.

Niche has ranked UM as the #1 or #2 safest campus in Alabama over the past few years, and I have certainly found my own niche here. I am always at ease on every corner of campus, and I am confident that I will receive immediate assistance if I need it. Knowing that I am safe away from home is the best feeling. Because of the excellent security team, faculty, and staff, every day at the University of Mobile feels like that.

A security guard sits at the entrance to campus 24/7. They wave students with parking tags through, and they stop unknown visitors to document their license plate numbers. With only one entrance onto campus, anyone who steps foot on campus must have authorization.

Over the past three years, I have built relationships with the security team. They go above and beyond to ensure my safety, and every action they take is geared toward protecting my UM family.

One time, I lost my keys, and a security officer helped me look for them until I found them. Another time, my car’s battery died, and an officer did not hesitate to jumpstart my car. My favorite memory of all is when an officer helped me surprise my boyfriend for his birthday. Last June, I was at home in Missouri due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hadn’t seen my boyfriend in months, so I flew to Mobile to surprise him. The security officer stopped my boyfriend at the guard shack and told him that the chief officer needed to speak to him… much to his surprise, that “chief officer” was me. I look back on that memory with laughter and fondness.

Not only that, but UM’s faculty and staff ensure the safety of students’ health in light of COVID-19. Masks are required in all buildings, and tables and chairs are taped off in order to maintain social distancing. The cafeteria staff wear masks and gloves while preparing our cuisine. To-go boxes are available in the cafeteria for those who are uncomfortable eating in public, and sanitizing stations are available in several locations.

One of my favorite resources for health safety is the UM Campus Wellness Center. Services are provided by an RN, and students have access to free, basic healthcare treatment. Temperature and blood pressure can be taken, and students never have to leave the comfort of campus.

It has been an abnormal season, but UM has adapted to make my experience safe and enjoyable. A global pandemic has not stopped UM’s devotion to help students achieve their dreams. I am truly grateful for UM’s desire to maintain a safe atmosphere where students can eat, sleep, study, and live life to the fullest.

Where will your degree take you? Bella Sanders

by Ashlyn Nichols

The University of Mobile equips students with the skills necessary to pursue their careers locally, nationally and even globally.

Bella Sanders is one of those students who has the opportunity to do just that. Bella graduated from UM with her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies and is now pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies. Recently, Bella was accepted into Hebrew University in Jerusalem after Dr. Doug Wilson, dean of the UM School of Christian Studies, encouraged her to apply.

“My favorite class at the University of Mobile is Hebrew, or translation theory and applied linguistics. I want to be a professor of Hebrew and cognate languages, and Dr. Wilson is the one who pushed me to apply for Hebrew University because I wasn’t going to. I never thought I would get in there,” Bella said.

Bella credits her career preparation to UM’s small class size, strong community and the intentionality of her professors. Over the course of her time spent at UM, she has received personalized instruction and assistance, allowing her to build lasting relationships with her professors.

When Bella decided to pursue her master’s degree, she did not think she could afford it. However, UM provided her with a generous scholarship to assist her in pursuing her dream of becoming a professor. As Bella recounts the past few years, she says that she is thankful for the ways UM has invested in her spiritually.

“The Lord and the atmosphere on this campus has helped me… my favorite part about UM is how the professors pray over you and guide you with Scripture. I am thankful for the time I have spent here,” Bella said.

An Ambassador for Christ

by Ashlyn Nichols

Whenever the spring semester arrives at the University of Mobile, flowers bloom near the sidewalks. The sun beams upon the campus, and the oak trees wave as they welcome students back to school. Friends reunite and anticipation is in the air. With the new semester comes athletic events, concerts, and one of the most highly-anticipated events… the selection of the University of Mobile Ambassadors.

Three years ago, I entered the program as a sophomore; last year I entered as the secretary; and this year I enter as the vice president. Over the course of my time at UM, it is safe to say that I have “grown up” with the program.

The UM Ambassador program has gifted me with the opportunity to refine my leadership, interpersonal and professional skills. My favorite part about the program is getting to build relationships with people both inside and outside UM. I have met people of diverse backgrounds and ages, and I love hearing their unique stories.

When I first visited UM, the ambassadors went above and beyond to make me feel right at home. When I committed to UM only two weeks before classes started, they were right there to answer my questions. Becoming a UM Ambassador has given me the chance to give back to the same community that I fell in love with at 18 years old. Entering college can be a daunting process, but that is where the ambassadors come in.

Most importantly, this program has deepened my understanding of what it means to live out 2 Corinthians 5:20. This verse encourages believers to be “an ambassador for Christ” first and foremost. Being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to showcase the love of God toward prospective students, faculty and staff.

One thing I love about the program is that we are ambassadors at events, but we are also ambassadors when we are studying in our sweatpants when the day ends. We eat together at fancy dinners, but we also grab lunch in the cafeteria between classes. The UM Ambassadors have become my second family, and they are the most genuine group of people. They are the first to fill a need, the first to encourage others, and the first to ask “what can I do?” Their dedication extends beyond the program and into daily life; there are many times they have helped me on some of my toughest days.

If you’re an ambassador, each day is different. Some days, we arrive at events in our freshly-ironed suits and heels, and other days, we drive golf carts in our khakis and tennis shoes. We can be found greeting our generous donors, giving campus tours, setting up chairs for graduation, and even taking care of real rabbits at the annual Easter Egg Hunt!

The supervisor of the UM Ambassadors program is Allie Ratcliff, director of alumni relations and community engagement in the Office for Advancement. I am thankful for her servant heart. Her dedication to the program is evident in the way she encourages us spiritually, brings us Chick-fil-A for lunch, and even invites us to her home for dinner!

I encourage every student to apply. Each prospective student is looking to feel connected, and you could be the reason why somebody decides to attend UM.

Dr. Robin Williams to Perform in Piano Festival Series at University of Mobile

by Ashlyn Nichols

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Robin Williams, an acclaimed pianist, will teach a masterclass Feb. 17 and perform alongside University of Mobile’s Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva on Feb. 18, as part of the Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival Series.

The masterclass is titled “A Rite of Passage: Developing Relaxed, Coordinated Performances in the Intermediate Pianist Time.” Williams will teach UM students, and guests are invited to observe.

Admission to the masterclass and recital is free. However, due to COVID-19 guidelines, in-person seating is limited to 31 people for both events. Both events will be streamed on Zoom. To reserve your tickets or for streaming information, please contact Onalbayeva at 251.442.2383 or konalbayeva@umobile.edu.

Dr. Robin Williams

The masterclass will be held Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium, located in Martin Hall on the UM campus. The recital begins on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium.

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, State of Alabama and University of Mobile mandates, face masks or face shields will be required at the masterclass and recital. For more information on COVID-19 guidelines, visit umobile.edu/coronavirus.

Williams is president of the Northshore Music Teachers Association and former chair of the Department of Music at the University of New Orleans. She earned her Bachelor of Music in piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and both master’s and doctoral degrees in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

She will perform works from Stravinsky, Dvorak, Milhaud, Liszt, Onalbayeva and Coleman at the recital.

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.

The University of Mobile Chose Me

by Ashlyn Nichols

I always tell people that the University of Mobile chose me.

I made the decision to attend the University of Mobile just two weeks before classes began. I was the Distinguished Young Woman of Missouri in 2018, and I flew to Mobile to compete in the National Competition. It was during those two weeks that I visited UM. I fell in love with the school immediately, and they made it possible for me to attend through their DYW Scholarship.

I was committed to a school back home in Missouri, but UM’s intentionality brought me all the way to Alabama. UM helped me with last-minute details and scholarships, making the transition as easy as possible. I want incoming students to know that it is possible to commit later, be 12 hours from home, and still feel at home on the UM campus.

I love being a UM student because there are many opportunities to serve. UM is not only its own community, but it is a Christ-centered place fulfilling the Great Commission. As a follower of Christ, my purpose is to glorify God and make disciples. UM helps me achieve this purpose by loving others through events such as Project Serve and Focus Fridays.

UM is preparing me to succeed both academically and spiritually. As someone pursuing a career in journalism, I’m being equipped with challenging, rewarding classes. I’m also a UM Ambassador, so I have practical experience speaking to people outside the classroom. Through a faith-based curriculum, I am preparing to stand for truth in my field.

In my time at UM, I’ve learned that success is living for Christ and not myself, and that is the best way to be known.

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