Author: Avery Wilhite

Avery Wilhite is an alumnus of the University of Mobile. Avery graduated from the School of Business in 2022 where he earned his Bachelor of Science in digital media and advertising. He is an active member at East Pointe Baptist Church and has a passion for helping churches better understand and communicate to their audiences. In his free time, Avery enjoys photography/videography, as well as spending quality time with friends.

University of Mobile Business Office Collects Toys for the Magical Christmas Toy Drive

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – The Business Office at the University of Mobile collected and delivered new, unwrapped toys in partnership with the 2021 WKRG News 5 Magical Christmas Toy Drive.

The toy drive’s emphasis is to ensure every Gulf Coast child has a present under the tree. UM’s business office spearheaded the campus-wide emphasis to collect toys.

Kim Setser, Accountant for Financial Aid and Federal Programs, said, “All of us in the business office have either children or grandchildren. And the thought of any child not getting a toy on Christmas Day is disheartening. So, we wanted to help provide toys for underprivileged children.”

Collecting toys for the Magical Toy Drive is one of many outreach efforts of the UM’s Christ-centered approach to spread the love of Christ to the surrounding community.

She added, “In the spirit of October’s UM Project Serve and with the holidays around the corner, we thought this would be a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer and the love of Christ throughout the community. We are thankful for everyone at the university who donated toys for this emphasis.”

University of Mobile’s Project Serve is a day where faculty, staff, and students take off from work and school to participate in a community-wide service effort. Teams from the university volunteered at over 30 locations.

For more information about University of Mobile’s Project Serve, visit umobile.edu/projectserve

For more information about the Magical Toy Drive and for a list of items and drop-off locations, visit wkrg.com.

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 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.

University of Mobile Presents Homeschool Photography Exhibit

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile presents the Homeschool Photography Exhibit on display in the foyer of the Ben May Building from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2021.

The free exhibit is open to the public and is presented by University of Mobile Professor Steven Carey’s Alternate Photography class for homeschool students.

The photography class, one of the several workshops offered to homeschool students during the fall semester, is a part of the South Alabama Homeschooling University of Mobile Homeschooling Alliance program.

As part of the class, students learn how to make cyanotype, lumen, photogram, and oil transfer prints, as well as how to prepare and exhibit a gallery print. Additionally, students learn how to make prints of their photographs without the use of a darkroom or expensive equipment.

“The students demonstrated an enthusiasm and creativity beyond my expectation,” said Carey.

The second part of this class will be offered during the spring semester where students will expand on the techniques already learned and will be introduced to other ways of making art prints.

For more information about classes for homeschool students, contact Dr. Katherine Abernathy, professor of English, in the College of Arts and Sciences at kabernathy@umobile.edu

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 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.

Q&A with UM Mathematics Professor Troy Henderson

by Avery Wilhite

Ever wondered if there is a proper way to light your Christmas tree? When it comes to Christmas, most people don’t immediately think of mathematics. University of Mobile Professor of Mathematics Troy Henderson does.

One of Henderson’s passions is to show students just how much mathematics is involved in daily living. His website that calculates the exact spacing for lights on a Christmas tree (using the diameter, length, and height) is one of the many fascinating examples of the practical uses of mathematics. He also has a mathematical model for equally spacing Christmas tree ornaments and another for the cooking process of smoking barbecue.

But Henderson teaches more than math problems. He also strives to help students understand what the true meaning of success really is.

“Success from the perspective of the world is much different than success from the Lord’s perspective. It is my goal, as a mathematics professor at the University of Mobile, to ensure that mathematics majors understand the difference,” says Henderson.

Read more to learn what it means to this College of Arts and Sciences professor not only to teach about a subject he loves, but also to disciple students in their walk with Jesus Christ.

Q: You have taught at UM since 2007. What is your background?

A: I hold a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas A&M University. I also hold a Master of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, both from The University of Alabama. Prior to coming to the University of Mobile, I taught at the United States Military Academy (West Point) in New York.

Q: Why should someone choose to study Mathematics?

A: Mathematics is a discipline that primarily focuses on problem solving. If one is fascinated by the development of problem solving skills, then studying Mathematics will certainly promote this development.

Q: What courses do you typically teach?

A: I teach algebra, precalculus, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, number theory, modern algebra, applied mathematics and financial mathematics.  Calculus and linear alegebra are among my favorite courses to teach due to their foundational nature in applied mathematics.

Q: UM offers “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” What does that mean to you?

A: Mathematics is the means for which the Lord has provided me to engage students with the truth of the person of Christ. I do not simply want my students to see me as their mathematics professor, but rather a faithful follower of Christ who happens to teach mathematics.

Q: What do you like most about UM?

A: I love working with faculty, staff and students who profess faith in Christ and strive to know Him more.

Q: What are some of your interests?

A: I enjoy serving in my church, woodworking, and smoking (and eating) BBQ.

University of Mobile Professor of Music Kadisha Onalbayeva Inducted into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile Professor of Music and Steinway Artist Kadisha Onalbayeva has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.

The director of piano studies and professor of music in the university’s Alabama School of the Arts was nominated by the Steinway Piano Gallery in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

“Your passionate commitment to teaching and inspiring young people in their study of piano music is commendable and rare,” said Steinway & Sons Americas President Gavin English.

The induction took place at the historic New York Steinway factory Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Onalbayeva is the first pianist from Kazakhstan to be named a Steinway Artist and is the founder and currently serves as president of the Gulf Coast Steinway Society, promoting the study of piano in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Onalbayeva started the Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival, a yearlong series of special events spotlighting ASOTA’s undergraduate and graduate programs in piano performance. Now in its fifth year, the Piano Festival is going strong with over 10 events featuring ASOTA’s piano ensemble Elite 88, as well as guest artists and professors.

For more information about the Piano Festival V and for a full list of events, visit umobile.edu/news.

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 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.

Good Work Agency Provides High-Quality, Low-Cost Marketing Solutions for Churches

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – The Good Work Agency is a student-run marketing agency at the University of Mobile that provides high-quality, low-cost marketing solutions for churches and non-profits.

The full-service marketing agency based out of the University of Mobile School of Business provides services including website development and design, branding and logo design, stationery design, graphic design, photography and videography, email marketing, and social media management for a price that will not break the bank.

In addition to the theory and coursework they learn in the classroom, the Good Work Agency provides practical application for students to take what they have learned and put it into practice. All proceeds from the students’ work go back into student development and scholarships at the Christian university.

“Our church partnered with Good Work Agency for a conference we hosted in January of 2020 called The Shift Conference. Their team did an entire branding campaign for us, built our website, and even set up and ran our social media pages for the year leading up to the conference. As a church doing a first-time conference, it was great to work with a team that made my life so much easier, but also made us look great! The conference was a success, and I believe we owe a huge part of that to the work of everyone at Good Work Agency,” says Whit Maxey at Midway Church in Villa Rica, Georgia.

School of Business senior Avery Wilhite says “Churches have one goal: to communicate and spread the gospel. At the Good Work Agency, we help communicators of the gospel market to their audience using 21st-century tools such as branding, social media, website, and much more. We want to see churches succeed in their goal, and we don’t want them to spend a fortune trying to do so.”

The name Good Work Agency and the motto “We do good works for those who do good work” comes from Ephesians 2:10 that states: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.”

For more information about the Good Work Agency at the University of Mobile, visit goodworkagency.org. To start a project, visit goodworkagency.org/start.

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 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.

Good Work Agency Offers University of Mobile Students Real-world Marketing Experience

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – The Good Work Agency is a full-service marketing agency based out of the University of Mobile School of Business that gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the realm of marketing before they graduate.

In addition to the theory and coursework they learn in the classroom, the Good Work Agency provides practical application for students to take what they have learned and put it into practice.

Types of work that students may work on include branding, graphic design, web development and design, social media management, email marketing, photography/videography and project management. All proceeds from the students’ work goes back into student development and scholarships.

Students from all degree programs who have an interest in the marketing field are welcome to join. Currently, the agency consists of students from the digital media and advertising, management, and graphic design disciplines.

School of Business senior Avery Wilhite says “Having been a part of the Good Work Agency from the very beginning in 2018 has been extremely special. Through it all, I have had the opportunity to work on challenging projects that have given me the real-world experience that employers look for. I have also made life-long friends and been able to make great connections within the marketing industry.”

For more information about the Good Work Agency, visit goodworkagency.org. Current UM students may apply to join the team at goodworkagency.org/apply.

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 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.

University of Mobile Presents ‘Uncharted Blue’ Art Exhibit by Alumna Caroline Ennis

by Avery Wilhite
Caroline Ennis ’16

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile alumna Caroline Ennis presents her free ‘Uncharted Blue’ art talk in the Marilyn Foley Art Gallery on Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.

The talk is the conclusion of her month-long exhibit located at Ben May Hall on the University of Mobile campus, 5735 College Pkwy, Mobile, Ala. 36613.

Caroline Ennis is a visual artist whose work stems from her life-long relationship to the Gulf Coast and the coastline of the northwest Florida Panhandle. She uses installation and sculptural methods that include ceramic, fiber, drawing and unfired clay to explore ways to reflect the coastline’s familiarity and the obscurity of the deep water.

Ennis completed her Bachelor of Arts in studio art from the University of Mobile in 2016 and Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University in 2020. In 2019, Ennis attended a funded artist residency at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. While at FSU, Ennis received the 2019 MFA Award, the 2020 Ceramics Award, the 2020 MFA Award, and was nominated for the International Sculpture Center’s Outstanding Student Achievement Award in Contemporary Sculpture.

For more information about ‘Uncharted Blue’ and other exhibits in the Marilyn Foley Art Gallery, please contact Phillip Counselman, associate professor of art at the University of Mobile, at 251.442-2283 or pcounselman@umobile.edu. For information about the University of Mobile, go to 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.

Tickets on Sale for Big Daddy Weave Concert at University of Mobile

by Avery Wilhite

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile invites the public to an outdoor concert featuring Big Daddy Weave on Friday, Oct. 1 on the campus lawn. Tickets are $5 each for the 7 p.m. concert featuring the Dove Award-winning Christian recording artists. Purchase tickets at umobile.edu/homecoming.

The concert is part of a year-long celebration of the University of Mobile’s 60th Diamond Anniversary.

Big Daddy Weave is an award-winning, contemporary Christian rock band formed at the University of Mobile by Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Joe Shirk, and Jeremy Redmon, all students who had a passion for leading worship. In 2013, Brian Beihl joined the group as drummer.

Big Daddy Weave, now based in Nashville, Tennessee, has released nine albums with over 100 songs and traveled all over the world, spreading the freedom they found in Christ.

In addition, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in more homecoming festivities throughout the weekend that include a disc golf tournament, soccer tailgate, and much more.

For more information about Homecoming Weekend Oct. 1-2 and to register for the concert and other alumni events, visit umobile.edu/homecoming.

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.

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