Author: Anna Wiggins

Anna Wiggins is a junior at the University of Mobile pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in both Theology and Communication. She is serving as an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing & Public Relations to broaden her skills in the public relations field. She is a member of the school’s ministry team and serves on UM’s FCA leadership team. Anna first fell in love with the University of Mobile after a tour in the Spring of 2020. Ever since then, the Lord has provided exceedingly and has confirmed that this university is exactly where she is supposed to be. Anna’s time at the university has strengthened her faith, provided her with lifelong friendships, and given her the opportunity to be mentored by intentional and wise professors. 

Driven to Serve: Kaileigh Bodle

by Anna Wiggins

Kaileigh Bodle 
Case Manager 
Baldwin County Council on Aging 
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology ’19

I can be the hands and feet of Jesus every day in this field…I am serving exactly where the Lord wants me to be.

-Kaileigh Bodle ’19

From a young age, Kaileigh Bodle possessed the desire to serve others. She has a passion for people, especially those underprivileged and unable to help themselves. Now, she does just that, every single day.  This University of Mobile graduate is living a dream that only the Lord anticipated for her, all because she took a step of faith.

After graduating from the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology,  Kaileigh started her career as an exercise physiologist doing cardiac and pulmonary rehab.  Through her work with older adults, she discovered a passion for helping senior citizens. Today, she is a case manager at the Baldwin County Council on Aging, serving the Lord using skills enhanced through her college experience at UM.

Q. What did you like most about UM?

A. Like many others, the University of Mobile felt like home to me, and the people became family. While attending UM, I connected with fellow students as well as professors. The community at the University is unlike any other because they genuinely care about you and your well-being. To this day, I still talk to some of my UM professors because of the impact they made on my life. Christ is the center of everything at UM, which made my time there special. 

Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience?

A. Through my time at the University of Mobile, I realized who I am in Christ and the path that He has paved for my life. As Isaiah 55:8-9 illustrates, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”  I saw in my own life that though His plans are not my plans, they are far greater than the ones I had for myself. God was preparing me through everything I learned in my season at UM for where I am today. 

Q. What have you been up to since leaving UM? 

A. Following graduation from UM, I began working in the ProHealth Fitness Center at Mobile Infirmary. From there, I transitioned to Providence Hospital as an exercise physiologist doing cardiac and pulmonary rehab. I was there for two years and loved every minute of it.  I was then drawn to the Baldwin County Council on Aging (a hidden treasure) because I have always loved and had a heart for the elderly. I took a leap of faith and changed the direction of my career. 

I am now a case manager and have been here for two years. I could not have asked for anything better; this is my calling. I can be the hands and feet of Jesus every day in this field. My qualifications, school experiences and minors are utilized every day in this field of work. 

Q.  What do you love about your work? 

work in the community

A. I was very intrigued by the Council on Aging when I discovered more about its mission. I have loved the elderly ever since I was younger, having learned so much from their wisdom and incredible stories. I feel like I learned more from them than they ever could from me.

As a case manager, I wear many hats. In the office, I guide clients to find suitable insurance and help them locate the resources they need. Outside of the office, I visit clients in their homes and see how they live every day. This aspect of the job allows me to help people who are unable to help themselves. I have assisted a large scale of elderly patients, from those living lives in safe and sufficient environments to those confined to homelessnes 

I love the people I get to work with every day and the relationships I have established with my clients. I am serving exactly where the Lord wants me to be.

Q. What are you passionate about?

A. I am passionate about people and am driven to serve the underprivileged, those who are unable to help themselves and those in need of guidance. My heart goes out to the elderly in Baldwin County. Many seniors do not have anyone to turn to for help, but here at the Council on Aging, I can be that someone for them.

UM Presents ‘Eclectic Music’ Concert April 18

by Anna Wiggins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents the ASOTA Piano Festival Chamber Music Concert “Eclectic Music” on April 18 at 7 p.m. The free concert will be held in Moorer Auditorium, Thomas T. Martin Hall, on the university campus.

The program will feature classical, romantic and contemporary repertoire by the classical masters, and features original works by University of Mobile student composers Benjamin Naman and Luke Graham.

Naman is a freshman Piano Performance major. He is working to enhance his passion for composing music under the guidance of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva. When he graduates, Naman wishes to compose soundtracks for film and television. He will perform his original piece, “A Day at Steventon for Two Violins.”

Similarly, Luke Graham is also a freshman Piano Performance major. Graham is from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and is a part of the piano ensemble, Elite 88. His favorite composers are Chopin and Debussy, and he enjoys improvising jazz. His composed work is titled, “Treading on Clouds.”

Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and UM professor of music, says, “We are giving our ASOTA piano students a very different and challenging opportunity of performing with other instruments. They are able to experience the joy of performing and collaborating with others. This is helping our students prepare and succeed on the professional level for a chamber music performance.”

UM Presents ‘Eclectic Music’ Concert April 18

Performing artists are:

Vocalists: Savannah Brannen, Abigail Anderson, Cory Anderson

Piano:  Luke Graham, Alison Strunk, Gaukhar Kenessova, Rebecca Reed, Christopher Conger, Luke Killam, Tiffany Aikens

Composers: Benjamin Naman and Luke Graham

Violin: Nina Carpenter, Alison Strunk, Christopher Conger

Trombone: Andrew Sandlin

Trumpet: Hanna Kinsley Alexander

Clarinet: Jack Mims

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Retiring ASOTA Dean Conducts ‘Saviour’ in Career Finale 

by Anna Wiggins
Dr Miller

MOBILE, Ala. – The story of God’s passion for His people – “Saviour, a Modern Oratorio” – will be presented by the University of Mobile’s Alabama School of the Arts and conducted for the final time by Dr. Alan Miller at 7 p.m. on April 11.  The concert will be held at First Baptist Church Fairhope and admission is free.  

This performance of Saviour is particularly special as it will be the finale of Miller’s 20-year career at the University of Mobile, where he has served as dean of the Alabama School of the Arts and professor of music.

Saviour is a musical journey through the Bible from creation to the resurrection, focusing on God’s redemption of man. The theme: “God’s passion for His people” is set in an oratorio style where the choir and orchestra provide the foundation and soloists tell the story. 

Miller said this presentation of Saviour will be a magnificent production with a 75-piece orchestra, 200 voice choir and soloists, and outstanding stage presentation, audio and lighting, focused on displaying the glory and majesty of Christ with the aim of having an eternal impact in the lives of the audience.

Miller has cherished the musical composition since he first heard it 30 years ago.  

“I’ll never forget the first time I heard a recording of the musical work, SAVIOUR. I was emotionally and spiritually moved by the musical presentation which fused classical and contemporary sounds,” Miller said.

He first introduced Saviour to the University of Mobile when he arrived 20 years ago and added UM’s own special touch. 

Through UM’s adaptation of Saviour, Miller says that “above all, the Lord has been glorified in the presentation of Saviour at UM, and lives have been changed. It is the worship of the Living God for what He has and is doing for his people. It is scripture in song. It is the story of God’s redemption for man. The Holy Spirit has and continues to move the hearts of people during these presentations.” 

While it is Miller’s last Saviour performance in his UM teaching career, it is also the first time this particular group of students has presented the musical work at UM, due to the pandemic and scheduling conflicts. Miller said he is excited that this generation of students will experience the love of singing and performing the music of Saviour.

“The greatest joy for me and all of us in the Alabama School of the Arts is to see lives changed and transformed to His image. I’m praying we will all experience and act on God’s great love for us and recognize the great passion He has for His people,” Miller said.

Reflecting on his impact at the university, Miller added, “If we are seeking recognition on our own merits, we have missed the mark. What good is it to leave a legacy of success unless one has done all to the glory of God? The students I have taught may not always remember me, nor do I want them to do so. They will, however, remember the SAVIOUR, to whom I hope I have helped point them. Nothing else matters.”

How to Follow Christ in College 

by Anna Wiggins

Most challenges that first-time freshmen face stem from the shock of transitioning from lives under their parents/guardians’ guidance to living with personal freedom and responsibility.

It can be easy to backslide in your faith due to an unestablished walk apart from your parents. 

However, there are many steps you can take to guarantee you firmly establish your walk with the Lord in a new season of life. 

Looking back at my own first semester of college, I realize now that I missed many opportunities to grow in my faith. I learned that though it can be more comfortable to hide out in your room and waste time scrolling on social media, it is so worth it to step out of your comfort zone and make the most of your time at the University of Mobile. Here are some things I recommend:

Spend Time Alone with the Lord 

One hard adjustment to life as a residential student is the lack of alone time. However, if you intentionally choose a specific time throughout your day to devote to the Lord, then you will grow in closeness with Him. 

A person’s spiritual well-being is greatly influenced by their time spent in the Word and in prayer. I know I depend on this time with Him each day. Regularly, I sit outside on the Bedsole Student Commons patio to spend time in the Word and in prayer. This is a sunny place with smiling faces and a beautiful view of the university campus. 

Additionally, I frequently spend time with the Lord while on walks around campus. I have prayed through situations, worshipped and listened to the wise words of heroes in the faith while walking through the beautiful scenery at UM.  

Find a Local Church 

It is important for first-year students to find a local church to get involved in if their home church is too far away. Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 12:27 establish that the believer is a part of a body and that fellowship with other Christians is beneficial for their spiritual life.

I encourage you to overcome your fears of discomfort and visit churches in the area so that you can find a church family to grow alongside each week. 

During Ram Rush week, the University of Mobile hosts an event called “Church Picnic” to help students find a church home. Much like speed dating, this event helps students to quickly connect with churches in the area and determine where they would like to visit. 

Similarly, Ram Rush groups will attend a local church together so that students can form deeper connections with a church body.  

Find Christ-Centered Community 

Starting at a new school with unfamiliar faces can be intimidating. It can be easy to become a recluse hiding away in your room and miss opportunities to build community. 

With that in mind, you must be intentional about finding a good Christian community to spend your time with. Sometimes it can be as easy as attending a school function or starting a conversation with the person sitting beside you in class. 

Other times, you may reach out to the Campus Pastor to get connected with a community group or discipleship partner. 

The community you establish on campus can be beneficial for accountability, discipleship and just doing life together. The Christ-centered relationships that I have established at the University of Mobile have enabled me to pursue Christ better and continue running the race of Christianity. 

Make the Most of Your Electives 

I recommend using elective opportunities to take Christian Studies courses that will enhance your spiritual life and grow your knowledge of the Lord. The School of Christian Studies seeks to equip each student for answering his/her service calling by cultivating a Heart for God, a Head for Gospel-integrated knowledge, and Hands for serving others. 

Courses such as Old Testament 201 and 211 have given me a passion for the Word of God and the Old Testament in particular. 

Christian Apologetics equipped me to defend my faith in a faithless world. 

Biblical Hebrew taught me the depths of God’s Word and has enhanced my time spent in it. 

Similarly, many other classes have helped strengthen my walk with the Lord in ways that I did not know I lacked before college. I believe that classes can impart wisdom to students so that they can take their faith seriously. 

Get involved in Ministry Events 

There are many ways to get involved at the University of Mobile. The campus ministries team facilitates worship nights called Make Much, which allow students from different churches to come together for a night of fellowship and exposes non-Christians to the Gospel.

There are also monthly prayer walks, where students, faculty, and staff gather to walk the campus in prayer for the university and those associated with it. Fellowship of Christian Athletes can be a great way for Christian athletes to connect with other likeminded believers. 

There are several additional events for you to meet friends, find a local church, and dive deeper into the Word. 

Manage Your Time 

Time management can make or break your college experience. Personally, I find that being on a schedule helps hold me accountable in my walk with Christ and keeps me from wasting precious time. 

I have seen much growth in my prayer life due to the setting of alarms to remind me to pray throughout my day. You can also use a planner, lists of goals for the week, or many other things to keep track of your time. 

Additionally, the university offers a course for all new students to help with the adjustment to college life, which includes time management. Students are given the opportunity to learn practical ways to effectively manage their time, despite their busy schedules. 

Similarly, the Student Success Center provides free resources for students to enhance their time management. I encourage you to use your resources to make the most of your time here at the University of Mobile. 

I believe the college experience can be one of the most fruitful times in your life if you are wholeheartedly pursuing the Lord. 

RSVP Now for UM Day on Feb. 10

by Anna Wiggins

MOBILE, Ala. – Want to see all the amazing things the University of Mobile has to offer? You’re in luck – UM Day is coming up! Join us Friday, Feb. 10, to get a feel for what life is like as a UM student!

UM Day allows potential students to tour campus, speak with professors, meet current students, work with financial aid and submit a free application. Prospective traditional undergraduate students who attend a UM Day can also receive a $2,000 scholarship when they enroll.

To conclude the day, enjoy A Night in the Psalms with none other than the contemporary worship band Shane & Shane. This free night of worship begins on campus at 6 p.m. on the Great Commission Lawn and will be a great time of fellowship with students, the community and you! 

Looking ahead, UM Day on March 24 will include an evening with hot air balloons and Spring Spectacular, an outdoor concert featuring ensembles from the Alabama School of the Arts.
 
Upcoming UM Days are:
February 10, 2023
March 24, 2023
 
For more information, to RSVP for a UM Day, or to schedule a private campus visit at another time, please visit umobile.edu/umday or call 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online associate’s, 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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