Author: Kathy Dean

While she was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the School of Nursing’s rigorous academic program at the University of Mobile, Debra Story also was pursuing her calling. 

“After spending every summer during college either overseas or working with refugees in the states, God kept confirming His calling on my life that at some point I would be overseas. After graduating and getting a few years of nursing experience in Mobile and then in Nashville, I started looking into how I could get to the mission field overseas. Fast forward, and now I have been in Tanzania for almost three years,” she says. 

First, she learned Swahili and cared for premature babies on the pediatric ward of the local hospital. Now she serves in nearby lake villages, using community health as an entryway to build relationships with women and their families. In her newsletters, Debra shares the joys and challenges of daily life on mission to Tanzania. Here are excerpts. 

Our First Road Trip Adventure 

“A teammate and I got to go on our first Tanzanian road trip to help with a women’s health teaching in a Maasai village. We were in an extremely dry bush village for a week, doing this teaching, with a group of 30 incredible Maasai women. I did not really have many expectations for this week and was just going to go and be open and flexible to help out in any way I could. From my experience with women in the rural town I live in, I did not expect these Maasai women to be super engaged or want to really participate, but they proved me wrong! They welcomed us in with open arms and trusted us with sensitive topics. 

It truly encouraged my heart and has me excited and motivated to bring what I learned in this village back to my area! We also saw giraffes and zebras every day on our drive out to the village, so that was pretty awesome!” 

Prayer Request: To keep my focus on Christ and His call that brought me to Tanzania, even when things around me seem to always be changing. 

Answered Prayers 

“Since the beginning of October, a teammate and I plus 11 national partners, give or take each week, have been taking a boat out to a lake village called Kigalye. This village is primarily Muslim and mainly consists of fishermen and their families. At the center of the village is a mosque and right beside the mosque is the health clinic. Every other week, we have been teaching a health lesson at the clinic to the women of Kigalye and telling a Bible story at the beginning of the lesson.” 

Prayer Request: That I will abide in Christ every day. 

God is With Us 

“This week we have started going by foot to the lake villages of Kigalye and Kagongo twice a week. With the blessing of the local doctor and the Muslim village leaders, we are allowed to visit the homes of the pregnant women and newborns. We are praying this will give us the opportunity to build relationships with the women and their families, as that was really hard to do when we were doing the health teachings at the clinic. After just one week, we can see this is going to be challenging and hard, but we have hope and we know that God is with us through it all.” 

Praises: The blessing from village leaders to continue working in Kigalye and Kagongo.

Patience and Perseverance 

“This has been a very slow process, but the Lord is teaching us what it looks like to persevere and be patient. Within the past couple of months, though, we are beginning to see little bits of interest to the Gospel, and one lady in Kagongo received Christ! She is now meeting weekly with two of her neighbors and a couple of the girls on our team, learning how to read her Bible and studying through the commands of Christ. Our team has even been able to show the Jesus Film in both Kagongo and Kigalye recently, which has initiated a lot of Gospel conversations.” 

Praises: For the Tanzanian youth who hike out to the lake villages every week to share the gospel. For their health and safety, and that they will abide in Christ and be obedient to what God has called them to. That their churches would come alongside them to encourage, pray and support them. 

To Hear and Respond 

“A teammate and I and a team of national partners are continuing to hike to the lake villages of Kagongo and Kigalye. Twice a week we start our mornings by making the rounds to pick up the team, then we drive out to another village where we park our car. As we set out on our hikes, we make sure everyone has water, say a prayer, and then we begin our journey down to the village. There are two different paths that we use depending on which village we are going to that day, so the hike is anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour. During our hike we either review and practice sharing the Gospel or our testimonies, learn a Bible story, or as of lately, we have been learning the stories in the book of John when 

Jesus says, “I Am,” or we discuss commonly asked questions like, “Is Jesus God?” Once we reach the bottom of the mountain, we divide into smaller groups and go door-to-door with the Gospel, Bible stories, and a few of us continue doing women and children home health visits. Then on our hike out of the village, we take the time to pray by name for those whom we had the opportunity to meet.” 

Praises: It has been so fun being able to see those on our team learn and grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and grow in their love for their Tanzanian brothers and sisters to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the true Gospel. 

ABOUT DEBRA’S MISSION 

Based out of a small rural town in Tanzania, on the shore of one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, the Lake Tanganyika Basin Team uses a variety of strategies to share the gospel and make disciples, including home visits, hospital and clinic-based medical care, evangelistic film showings, healthy church trainings and community health evangelism. We partner with the local church to reach unreached people groups up and down Lake 

Tanganyika, as well as nearby towns. Like much of Africa, Islam heavily permeates our region along with animism/spirit worship, the prosperity gospel and nominal/cultural “Christianity.” Our people are small-scale farmers, small business owners and fishermen, many of whom make only enough to live day to day. Most families are large, with an average of seven to eight children. Diseases caused by unclean water, as well as malaria and malnutrition, cause significant issues in many families. 

– International Mission Board 

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

Joe Espada’s workday begins with an afternoon meeting for Houston Astros players and staff, followed by a video review of their opponent. 

“There’s a lot of coordination and collaboration that goes on prior to the first pitch, so it is imperative that I set a clear vision on how that day would look like. Right before our pre-game workout, I speak with the media to answer questions about that day’s game. Players take the field, do their warmups and take batting practice. Once game time approaches, I quickly meet with my staff to go over strategy. It’s a 162-game season, so you want to stay creative to keep players motivated and focused during that long journey. As manager, my job is to create a process that allows our players and staff to be in the best position to succeed.” 

That process is working. In just his first year as manager, Joe led the Astros to the playoffs as American League (AL) West Champions. 

The Rookie Years 

Before Joe was named Houston Astros manager in November 2023, before he began his Major League Baseball coaching career with the Miami Marlins and then the New York Yankees, before he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics and played a decade in the minor leagues, he was a Mobile Ram. 

A student-athlete from Puerto Rico, Joe made his mark on the UM Baseball program as a middle infielder. He was named a three-time Gulf Coast Athletic 

Conference (GCAC) First-Team All-Conference selection and a two-time GCAC Baseball Player of the Year. Additionally, he was selected as an NAIA Baseball Second-Team All-American following the 1995 and 1996 seasons. During the 1996 season for the Rams, he hit a program-best .442 on the year with 13 home runs and 38 stolen bases. Following that same season, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the second round as the 45th overall pick. 

“God surrounded me with some amazing people during my years at UM. Coaches, teammates and faculty members who solemnly cared about making my experience one that I would cherish for the rest of my life.” 

“But it all started with Coach Mike Jacobs. A man of unwavering faith. A man of Christ, whose sole mission was to make sure his players knew that God had a purpose for our lives and that integrity is a fundamental value that will shape our characters for the rest of our lives. It was not easy making the transition from Puerto Rico to Mobile, so learning the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely care about us was a lesson that I quickly learned at UM.” 

A Team Commitment 

The bonds formed during Joe’s time as an athlete and student were strong, and those connections have only strengthened and grown over the years. 

In Fall 2019, Joe returned to Mike Jacobs Field for a reunion of former Rams Baseball teammates and a ceremony retiring his No. 6 jersey. In April 2024 he returned again to his alma mater and was inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by the UM Athletic Department. He also was presented the Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree recognizing his accomplishments and unwavering support of his alma mater. 

The degree was announced during commencement on May 4, but Joe wasn’t able to be there to receive it. As over 300 new UM graduates received their diplomas, he was at Minute Maid Park (now Daikin Park) where the Astros were hosting the Seattle Mariners. A few weeks later, Voices of Mobile was on that same field in Houston, singing the National Anthem. It was the second time they performed at Joe’s request, and they are scheduled for a third appearance this May. 

“My commitment to the university is endless. Giving back so others can experience and cherish the same opportunities that the university provided for me 25 years ago is something that I care deeply about. Extending my hand to help student athletes understand that through sports God reveals His plan and love for us. He did it with me and can do it for them. Watching the Voices of Mobile perform at Minute Maid Park is one of my favorite days of our season. It makes me proud, and it also shows the talent and the extraordinary people who attend our university.” 

Joe notes he is the second person in his family with a doctorate – his wife, Pamela, earned a doctorate in pharmacy. 

“I’m married to an amazing, loving, caring, supportive, strong woman. Pamela is the perfect role model for my two daughters, Eliana, 13, and Viviana, 9. When the university granted me this honor, I was humbled and grateful that both Pam and I can set an example for our daughters. My family is my source of strength and emotional support. Every single day I thank my Lord for giving me the opportunity to love and be loved by three amazing girls.” 

Faith and Purpose 

Joe’s family and faith are the sources of strength that hold him steady in the high-pressure world of Major League Baseball. 

“There can’t be a testimony without a test. I’ve been tested and I love sharing my testimony. We must use our platforms to share the word and power of God. We are here to serve. Mark 10:45 says ‘For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’ During victories and trials, God wants us to let the world know that He is in control and has equipped us to sustain and fight the enemy with peace and grace that only God can provide for us.” 

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

To celebrate her 35th birthday, Kala Hembree turned the oven in her home micro-bakery to 450 degrees and slid in the first batch of sourdough bread. 

By day’s end, 35 freshly baked loaves are ready – cooled, bagged and tagged “The Giving Loaf.” They’re delivered to Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning, the family business where husband Josh is general manager. Volunteers are already on their way, ready to grab a free loaf and deliver it to someone they know who needs a blessing. 

The Heart Behind The Giving Loaf 

Kala’s post on her Facebook page, The Bread House with Kala, explains the mission: 

“The Giving Loaf is a free sourdough loaf, one that I need you to help me gift to someone who needs it. It could be for someone you know going through financial difficulty who could use some healthy bread to stretch the groceries out for the week. It could be someone going through a hard time emotionally, whether they’re experiencing loss or change or struggle. It could be someone who has blessed you in some way and whom you want to bless in return. I don’t have to know who or why – I just want you to come grab it and gift it. I’ll be the hands; you be the feet!” 

A Shift in Plans, A Step in Faith 

As students in the Honors Program at the University of Mobile, Kala and Josh had their career plans mapped out. Kala planned to be an English teacher or professor, and Josh prepared to practice law. 

Each fulfilled those early dreams – Kala earned a master’s degree and recreated her memorable UM Honors class experiences as a teacher in her own classroom at Bayshore Christian School, while Josh earned his juris doctor and practiced as an attorney in Montgomery. 

Then came the opportunity for Josh to take over the family business in Mobile. The careers they had planned out and relentlessly pursued suddenly changed. That’s when they discovered: 

“Having a plan is good, but trusting our good God is better.” 

Business as Ministry 

While Josh excelled at law, he thrived in business. Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning quintupled in size over the next five years, all while prioritizing people over profits and maintaining its close work-family atmosphere. 

Since he was a young boy, Josh had been told he would go into ministry – he even earned a ministry certificate a few years ago. But he discovered that ministry isn’t confined to working alongside a church; it can happen anywhere. 

“God can and does move in the hearts of people at their desks or on the field working their daily jobs,” he says. 

Josh also deeply cares about using his business to serve and enrich his community. He’s the vice chairman for the non-profit organization Baldwin Youth Services, 

actively involved in multiple business networking groups and the Chamber of Commerce, uses his HVAC company to support various charities, and leads the Legacy Team at his church – a group of people whose spiritual gift is giving – many of whom are business leaders in the area. 

A Calling to Teach – And Bake 

Kala has known since childhood that God placed the gift of teaching in her heart, and she puts it to use in her family and in her business. 

“My ultimate calling in this season is to teach the two most precious souls – our children, Eva and Brenton – about Jesus and to raise them as His disciples,” she says. 

Both Kala and Josh were homeschooled for most of their education, and her home micro-bakery, The Bread House, gives her the freedom to set her own schedule and prioritize her children’s learning. 

What started out as a side hobby selling bread at farmer’s markets quickly grew into something bigger. As demand increased, Kala began taking weekly orders. In February 2022, she taught her first bread class in a friend’s home. The response was overwhelming. 

“I wasn’t sure where I could host people with a large enough space to accommodate everyone wanting to learn. Then Josh suggested the company training room at his office, and I gave it a shot,” she says. 

Since then, Kala has taught 2,048 people, in person, how to bake 25 different kinds of breads. She’s taught classes on both sides of Mobile Bay and her students have come from as far away as Mississippi and Florida. Each Wednesday, she preps 25 to 50 loaves of sourdough and bakes them on Friday mornings, then holds weekly pickups at the Hembree office and stocks her local neighborhood market. She also participates each month in the Tanner Williams farmer’s market and teaches a Bake Around the World Club, where each lesson features a new bread from a different culture. 

Bread as a Blessing 

Kala picked up the idea for The Giving Loaf from a fellow micro-baker and has watched it grow into a ministry as God moves within a community of people who want to bake – and give. 

“Jesus is the Bread of Life. My ultimate desire is for The Bread House to point people to Him,” Kala says.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

The University of Mobile began a new chapter on March 21, 2024, when the Board of Trustees elected Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. as the 6th president of the Baptist university founded in 1961. 

In this exclusive TorchLight interview, President Smith shares his observations about the university’s unique culture and his vision for the future. 

From navigating the challenges facing Christian higher education to embracing new opportunities, UM’s new president offers insights into the leadership priorities that will shape UM’s path forward. 

Q. As the new president of the University of 

Mobile, you bring a fresh perspective to the institution. What have you observed about UM that those who have been part of the community for a long time might overlook? 

Smith: One of the first things I noticed about the University of Mobile is its stunningly beautiful campus. It’s a reflection of the intentional care and pride this community takes in creating an inspiring environment for learning and discipleship. Beyond the physical beauty, I’ve been struck by the depth of commitment and relationships here — students, alumni, faculty and staff genuinely care for UM and one another. This isn’t just a university; it’s a community united by a shared commitment to multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. It’s truly the privilege of a lifetime to join and serve this community. 

Q. How has your professional journey and faith shaped your path to becoming a university president, and why did the University of Mobile stand out as the place where you feel called to lead? 

Smith: I’ve always wanted to live at the intersection of faith and formation. To serve at places that expose individuals to God’s beauty, wisdom and invitation to leverage the gifts He has given them to impact the world for Christ. That is why I was so excited to come serve at the University of Mobile. UM’s commitment to God’s Word, wisdom and mission has influenced generations of kingdom leaders and made a profound impact on the world. I’m honored to help continue this legacy into the future. 

Q. What is your definition of leadership, and what are your leadership priorities as president of UM? 

Smith: As a Christian, I believe leadership is fundamentally about stewardship and missional influence. It’s about following God’s call on our lives and being willing to take initiative for His glory and the good of the world. For me, that means leading with integrity and a commitment to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to our care. Here at UM, it means reaffirming our longstanding commitment to God’s Word and wisdom, serving and building trust with our students, staff, and stakeholders, and inviting our entire community to leverage their time, talent, and treasure For Christ and His Kingdom. As we look into the future, we are excited to expand programs, grow enrollment, and support our students as they impact the world around us. 

Q. What is your vision for the University of  Mobile as it seeks to impact students, the community and the world in the years ahead? 

Smith: Everything we do here at the University of Mobile can be summed up in five words: For Christ and His Kingdom. Indeed, this institution exists to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World.” To do that, we must continue to invest in the head, hands, and heart of every student at the University of Mobile. We want to be a place where great minds are challenged, gifted hands are strengthened, and all hearts are exposed to and inspired by God’s wisdom and Word. Not only would such an environment catalyze a new season of academic achievement and equip students for wherever God is calling them, it would also impact thousands for Christ. We are praying God would do even more than we ask or think for His Glory, our joy, and the good of the world. 

Q. You have outlined 5 Core Commitments for the university as we look to the future. Briefly, what are they? 

Smith: First and foremost is a winsome and sincere commitment to God’s Word, Wisdom & Mission. 

We are committed to nurturing a Healthy Culture, with a healthy and hopeful community of staff, faculty and students. We are focused on Our Students, with a growing student body that is developing and leveraging their gifts for God’s glory and the good of the world. We must have a robust portfolio of Academic Programs & Activities with vibrant student life and athletic programs. Key to achieving all of these is a commitment to Financial Stewardship, with a financial model that supports our students, blesses our faculty and staff, and extends our ministry far into the future. 

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Christian higher education today, and how will UM address them? 

Smith: Higher education, like so many other industries, faces significant challenges including inflation, increasing government regulation, decreasing birth rates, and questions of affordability and value. These challenges are an invitation for universities to reimagine their work and restate the value of higher education and the foundational economic and societal role universities play in the world around us. I’m convinced these challenges are also opportunities in disguise; invitations to depend on the God who can do “more than we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). By God’s grace, the University of Mobile is in a good place. But to stay there, we need to remain faithful to our vision and values while continuing to adapt to the changing world around us. 

Q. Looking ahead, what are the most significant opportunities you see for the University of Mobile to expand its influence and deepen its impact? 

Smith: The University of Mobile has incredible opportunities to expand its influence through strategic partnerships, program innovation and campus development. We are exploring ways to strengthen ties with key partners and stakeholders, expand online and graduate offerings, and invest in facilities that enhance the student experience. Our goal is to equip more students to make a Kingdom impact. By embracing these opportunities, we can solidify UM’s reputation as a leader in Christian higher education and deepen our impact locally, nationally and globally. 

Q. How can the UM community – students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors – pray for and support you as you lead the university into this next chapter? 

Smith: I invite the UM community to pray for wisdom and discernment as our leadership team leads, for a unified vision and passion in this new season, and for God’s favor over our initiatives. Your prayers are invaluable as we seek to honor Him in all we do. Additionally, your support through The Great Commission Fund can help us continue equipping students for lives of service and leadership. Together, we can trust God to do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine and write a new chapter in UM’s story for His glory. 

Meet the Smiths 

Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. stepped into the university’s top leadership post on May 6, 2024, upon Dr. Lonnie Burnett’s retirement after five years of distinguished service as UM’s 5th president. Burnett ’79 served over 20 years at his alma mater, rising through the ranks from adjunct professor to become president in 2019. 

Here are a few fast facts about our new president and his family: 

• Family: Charles and his wife, Ashley, are natives of Montgomery, Alabama. They have three daughters: Ellie, Annie and Susie. 

• Education: Bachelor of Science in business administration, Mississippi College; Master of Divinity in theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

• Before coming to the University of Mobile: Senior vice president of institutional relations and assistant professor of Christian leadership, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. 

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.