Author: 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.

University of Mobile Announces Scholarship Auditions for Alabama School of the Arts

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile announces its 2023-2024 audition schedule, offering aspiring undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to pursue their passion for the arts at a Christian university known for quality academics and unique performance opportunities.

The first audition day is Friday, Nov. 17.

“Pursuing the arts in college should not mean sacrificing academics, performance opportunities or your faith,” said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts. 

“Whether you are a vocalist, instrumentalist, actor, dancer, production technician or worship leader, here you will receive expert guidance, both in the classroom and on the stage, so when you graduate, you have everything you need to not only succeed but to thrive.”

100% Receive Scholarships

All undergraduate students who audition will receive an ASOTA scholarship when they audition, apply and enroll at the University of Mobile. ASOTA scholarships are available for those who major or minor in any of the more than 20 programs offered in the performing arts. Undergraduate degree programs in the Alabama School of the Arts are listed at https://asota.umobile.edu/degrees/. 

Graduate students interested in enrolling in ASOTA’s master’s and doctoral level programs are invited to audition for acceptance into the program. To receive first consideration for assistantships, graduate students should audition no later than February 2024. Graduate degree programs are listed at https://asota.umobile.edu/degrees/graduate/.

For the full list of more than 75 programs at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/areasofstudy.

2023-2024 Audition Schedule

The 2023-2024 audition schedule is:

  • Friday, November 17, 2023
  • Saturday, January 27, 2024
  • Saturday, February 17, 2024
  • Saturday, March 23, 2024

For information about the audition process and to schedule an audition, visit umobile.edu/audition. Private auditions may be scheduled by request.

Audition requirements vary depending upon the area of study. Requirements are listed at umobile.edu/audition for instrumentalists, vocalists, theatre and production technology.

The Audition Experience

ASOTA audition coordinator Kaelyn Floyd said, “Students who audition can expect a supportive, encouraging environment with faculty who are excited to hear your potential.” 

Vocal performance major Nathan Blake agreed.

“I was extremely nervous waiting for my audition time to arrive. The friendliness of the staff and students helped me to calm down before I went in to audition. Their loving presence assisted me in performing my best in the audition,” said Blake. 

Lauren

Since enrolling at UM, he has been involved with the University Singers and performed in Christmas Spectacular, an annual seasonal extravaganza that draws audiences of over 8,000 and is broadcast worldwide.

Lauren Routledge, a musical theatre major, said visiting the University of Mobile campus and her audition experience made her college decision easy.

“I remember, after I visited, I felt at home and felt incredibly valued as an individual,” said Routledge.

About ASOTA

The Alabama School of the Arts combines quality academics with unique performance opportunities in a Christian environment at a university named #1 Best Small College in Alabama in 2023 by Niche.com

“Our students benefit from comprehensive across styles training that cultivates skills and techniques spanning a diverse range of performance styles or genres,” said Dr. Lori Guy, associate dean.

Across styles training provides graduates with a broad skill set that can be applied to different performance contexts. That gives ASOTA graduates career advantages by equipping them to find opportunities in various types of productions and developing the versatility to be well-rounded and adaptable in their craft, she said.

In addition, ASOTA students have extensive opportunities for gaining on-stage and back-stage experience.

“With a wide range of ensembles and performances each year, our students have the advantage of honing their craft on stage while also experiencing classroom instruction from faculty mentors who bring decades of experience in teaching and performance,” Guy added.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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

400-Year-Old Bible Finds New Home at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – A 400-year-old King James Bible has a new home at the University of Mobile, thanks to the generosity of 1975 alumnus Dr. Leslie Holmes and his wife, Barbara.

The 1627 Bible was on display during a reception Sept. 26 at Lyon Chapel where Holmes shared the story of its journey from “bits of a Bible in a box” filled with loose pages through a restoration process that spanned Ireland, Scotland and England. 

Holmes also spoke of the couple’s own journey from northern Ireland to the United States, and from self-described “non-committed Christians” to serving over 50 years in Christian ministry.

The University of Mobile played a central role in their journey. 

group

‘Thank You’

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett thanked the couple for the gift, which is now the oldest Bible in the university’s collection. It will be on display in the Center for Christian Calling in the School of Christian Studies at the Baptist-affiliated university.

“Imagine somebody in the 1600s with this very Bible in their hands, reading it,” Burnett said. “When you think about it, if that were a science book that was 400 years old, what a person read that day would be true – but it would not be true today, because we have found out more things. But what a person read (in this Bible) on that day is still true today.”

Holmes said the gift is a way to say “thank you” to the university as well.

“I said to Barbara, I want to give this to the University of Mobile. They took me in when nobody else wanted me. And I want to give it in honor of Col. Ira Matthews.”

Preach the Gospel

When Holmes was applying to Mobile College – after being turned away from three other universities because his Belfast educational credentials weren’t recognized by U.S. colleges – his Belfast accent sparked an encounter with Matthews, who was then assistant to the Mobile College president. 

The retired war hero had flown out of Belfast over Germany during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Forces’ 40thBombardment Group. A conversation about Belfast, and a longer conversation about Holmes’ desire to preach the gospel – coupled with Matthews’ belief that the university “could not turn away a man God has called to preach” – paved the way for Holmes to enroll on academic probation. He thrived, graduated in 1975, then pursued graduate training in theology and psychology. 

A Scholar-Pastor

speaking

For over 40 years, Holmes was a solo or principal pastor, leading congregations from 30 to 4,300 members in Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, California, Pennsylvania and South Caroline. Later, he served as provost/CEO and professor of preaching and pastoral theology at Erskine Theological Seminary and moderator of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Former U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie called Holmes “One of America’s foremost scholar-pastors.” He has been invited to speak, teach and present at preaching and leadership conferences as well as on university campuses and at churches on six continents. Having been published on both sides of the Atlantic, he is the author or contributing editor of 20 books and hundreds of articles and has offered the opening prayer for a session of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. His latest book is “Leading the Way: Principles of Leadership Excellence for All Believers.” 

A Salvation Story

In another connection to the university, Holmes shared his salvation story, his call to ministry, and his wife’s initial reluctance to “be a preacher’s wife.” Then the young couple went to a concert in Mississippi, heard the gospel, and Barbara committed her own life to Christ.

The concert featured one of the very first contemporary Christian groups – TRUTH. The person sharing that message was TRUTH’s founder, Dr. Roger Breland, who now serves as executive director of UM’s Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts. At the reception, Breland learned for the first time of the role he played in Barbara’s life-changing commitment to Jesus Christ.

See What God Has Done

Holmes said he has kept up with his alma mater through the years.

“Over the years, I have watched the school grow, grow, grow. It’s a real privilege to stand here as an alum and see what God has done,” he said. 

“I am honored and delighted and thrilled that Barbara and I can give this to the school and say ‘Thank you,’” he added. “Because if you hadn’t taken us in, our lives would have been a whole shape different than what they have been.”

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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.

Baker High Wins UM’s 5th Annual Brain Battle 

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile campus was the site of an epic intellectual battle on Thursday, Sept. 14 when students from Mobile and Baldwin Counties competed in the fifth annual UM Brain Battle Tournament. 

At the end of the day, Baker High School students held the coveted trophy, along with the title of UM Brain Battle Champions. Daphne High School earned second place honors at the event. The UM Brain Battle is a qualifier for NAQT’s High School National Championship Tournament.

Tournament coordinator, Amy Burdette, said the University of Mobile Brain Battle brings together some of the best and brightest students from the community for a day of mind-stretching fun.

More than 70 students from eleven high schools gathered on the UM campus to compete. Proud parents, grandparents and a select few high school students joined as spectators for the event.

Participating schools also included Bayside Academy, Elberta High School, Alma Bryant High School, Gulf Shores High School, Barton Academy, Cottage Hill Christian Academy, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Faith Academy, and UMS-Wright Preparatory.

“At the University of Mobile, we believe we can make a difference in our community, and we are dedicated to serving our city and its young scholars,” said Burdette, English faculty member in UM’s College of Arts & Sciences.

University faculty served as moderators for the event. 

“No tournament is successful without amazing moderators,” Burdette said. “Our faculty brought energy, excitement, pizazz, poise and incredible enunciation skills to the table!”

UM students volunteered to serve as scorekeepers and timekeepers.

“All the student volunteers were invaluable to this tournament’s success. Our UM students truly embody service in Christ and in our community,” Burdette said.

Burdette said Chick-fil-A joined the tournament as a corporate sponsor.

CFA

“They generously provided 150 chicken biscuits to our competing scholars, coaches and volunteers,” Burdette said. “We are so blessed that our tournament is becoming more successful every semester.”

For more information about the University of Mobile Brain Battle, visit umobile.edu/brainbattle.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

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.

University of Mobile Hosts ‘UM Day’ Sept. 29 with $2,000 Scholarship Offer

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile invites potential students to “Experience the Difference” of UM’s Christ-centered higher education and earn a $2,000 scholarship for visiting campus on an upcoming UM Day. The next UM Day is set for Friday, Sept. 29.

UM Days give potential students and families an opportunity to tour the University of Mobile campus, speak with professors, meet current students, learn about financial aid and submit a free application. New traditional undergraduate students who attend a UM Day will also receive a $2,000 scholarship when they visit campus, apply and enroll.

RSVP for UM Day

To RSVP for UM Day on Sept. 29, please visit umobile.edu/umday or call 251.442.2222. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. in Ram Hall on the University of Mobile campus, 5735 College Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36613. 

Other UM Days scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year are:

  • Monday, Oct. 9, 2023
  • Friday, Nov. 17, 2023
  • Friday, Feb. 16, 2024
  • Friday, March 22, 2024. 

To RSVP for a future UM Day, visit umobile.edu/umday.

Schedule a Private Tour

Personalized, private tours also may be scheduled for Mondays through Fridays. Students who attend a private campus visit also will receive a $2,000 scholarship when they apply for admission and enroll. 

To schedule a private campus tour, please visit umobile.edu/visit for more information.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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 Nursing Earns 100% NCLEX Score for 2nd Consecutive Year

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – For the second consecutive year, the University of Mobile School of Nursing scored a perfect 100% pass rate for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates taking the NCLEX national licensure examination.

“For the second year in a row, the hard work of our nursing faculty, as well as the diligence of our students, has paid off in a 100% success rate. The University of Mobile continues to be a leader in health care education,” said University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett.

Nursing graduates are required to pass the NCLEX to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the United States and Canada. The standardized test assesses a candidate’s competency and ability to provide safe, effective nursing care prior to entering the profession.

In addition to earning a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate for students taking the exam in 2023, UM was the only school in Alabama to receive a 100% pass rate for BSN graduates during 2022. While UM’s 2023 scores are complete, scores for various other schools will not be final until the 2023 calendar year ends.

Dr. Sarah Barnes-Witherspoon, dean of the School of Nursing, said earning back-to-back perfect NCLEX scores is a “win-win for our nursing students, nursing faculty and the University of Mobile.”

“The nursing faculty works as a team to ensure our students are well-prepared for the NCLEX exam. Our students are outstanding health care professionals who are extremely knowledgeable and committed to delivering compassionate care in our community and beyond,” Barnes-Witherspoon said. “The favor of God is incredible. I give all of my praise to Him.”

The UM School of Nursing is part of the College of Health Professions, which also includes the School of Nurse Anesthesia and the School of Health and Sports Science. 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is one of many professional degree programs offered in the School of Nursing, including the online RN to BSN program and a new five-semester Associate Degree in Nursing. 

Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, Master of Science in Nursing Leadership, and Post-Master’s APRN Certificate. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice programs include BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master’s DNP.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia will graduate its first class in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program in May 2024. UM’s DNAP program is the first and only DNAP program in Alabama, Mississippi, Lousiana and Georgia.

For more information about academic programs in the School of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, or to learn about any of the more than 75 academic programs at the University of Mobile, call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222 or visit umobile.edu.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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.

Record First-Year Student Enrollment Pushes UM Growth

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – A record-breaking number of first-time freshmen with an overall 14% increase in new students, plus an impressive 72% retention rate, pushed enrollment growth at the University of Mobile to 1,916 students for fall semester 2023. 

Here are enrollment highlights:

  • UM’s fall semester 2023 enrollment of 1,916 students is an increase from 1,851 total students enrolled for fall 2022.
  • The Christian university had a record-breaking number of first-time freshmen, with 288 enrolled. The previous record of 282 freshmen was set in 2015. 
  • Overall, the total number of new students including transfers was 418, up 14% from the previous year’s number of 369.
  • UM’s 72% retention rate is far above the Alabama average of 66.25% overall and 69.75% for private universities in the state. The national average for private colleges is 68%.

A Total Team Effort

UM President Lonnie Burnett announced the enrollment numbers to faculty and staff during a Census Day celebration Aug. 28 in Dorsett Auditorium on campus. Census Day marks the end of the add/drop period when colleges tally their official enrollment.

“These numbers are the result of God being faithful and a lot of hard work – a total team effort,” Burnett told university employees. “This level of success involves marketing, enrollment counselors and staff, financial aid, business office, student success staff, student life staff, faculty and coaches.”

Experience the Difference

Burnett said the University of Mobile attracts students who want to experience the difference of quality academics with a faith-based approach, where faculty and staff are committed mentors who know their students.

“Prospective students visit many schools, most of which are just alike. When they come here, they see something truly different that appeals to them. It’s because of our product, our people and our purpose – what we call ‘Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,’” Burnett said.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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 Receives Top Rankings for Student Life & College Food

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is ranked the #1 private college for Best Student Life in Alabama and also for Best College Food in the state, according to the 2023 Best Colleges rankings by Niche.

dorm

UM is ranked #4 overall among both public and private schools in both categories, according to the site that includes data for 4,136 colleges nationwide. Niche ranked colleges throughout the United States in more 50 categories, then broke those rankings down by state and city.

The University of Mobile also ranked #1 Best Small College in Alabama, #1 Best College Dorms in Alabama, #2 Safest College Campus in Alabama and #2 Best College Campus in Alabama, according to Niche.

UM earned national honors from the site that combines research with reviews to offer insight to help students find their ideal university.

Nationally, the University of Mobile is the #23 Best College Campus in America for 2023 out of 1,396 college campuses ranked by Niche.

University of Mobile residence halls are the highest nationally ranked dorms in Alabama and are named #17 Best College Dorms in America for 2023, out of 1,371 colleges ranked by Niche.

event

See all Niche rankings for the University of Mobile at https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-mobile/rankings/.

According to Niche, the 2023 Best Colleges rankings are based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Top-ranked colleges offer outstanding campus resources across classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food and recreational facilities, along with outstanding campus housing that is safe and clean with modern amenities at reasonable prices. 

To learn more about the University of Mobile, prospective students and families are invited to attend a UM Day or schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Introduces New Faculty for 2023

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile introduces six new faculty members for Fall Semester 2023. They are:

Kim

Kimberly Page Albins is assistant professor and program coordinator for marine science in the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Albins has a broad background in marine research, education, field operations and team management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and completed a Master of Science where she researched algal communities in remote coral reefs throughout the Pacific with the NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She led a physical oceanographic monitoring project off the Oregon Coast for five years, then returned to the Gulf Coast as the Gulf of Mexico Regional Coordinator for NOAA’s Marine Debris Division before joining NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration as their training coordinator.

Stephanie

Dr. Stephanie Archer returns to her alma mater as assistant professor of music and director of music education in the Alabama School of the Arts. 

Archer holds a bachelor’s degree from UM, a Master of Music in piano pedagogy from Louisiana State University, and a PhD in piano pedagogy from Florida State University. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Archer has presented workshops at state and national conferences for the Music Teachers National Association, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations. Her research has been published in journals such as the MTNA e-Journal and Florida Music Director.

claybrook

Dr. Kara Claybrook is Assistant Professor of Music in the Alabama School of the Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Taylor University, a Master of Music from Illinois State University, and a doctoral degree in voice performance with a cognate in musical theatre at the University of Mobile. Claybrook has extensive experience as a collegiate voice professor, choral conductor, opera director and minister of music. She has performed professionally with First Coast Opera, Opera Mississippi, Opera in the Rock, and Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. She made her professional stage directing debut with Opera in the Rock and has served as a directing intern and assistant director for the Harrower Summer Opera with celebrated opera director Carroll Freeman.

Carolyn

Dr. Carolyn Corliss returns to the School of Education as associate dean for accreditation and administration and professor of education.

Corliss holds a Bachelor of Science from Troy State University, a Master of Education from Auburn University in Mongtomery, and an EdD from Auburn University.

Littleton

Dr. Cynthia Littlejohn is assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts & Sciences. She holds Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Science, both from Jacksonville State University, and received her PhD from The University of Southern Mississippi. Previously, she was an instructor and assistant teaching professor of biological sciences at USM. Littlejohn earned several advanced certifications through the Association of College and University Education and is designation an ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholar. 

Moore

Dr. Michelle Moore is assistant professor of education in the School of Education.

Moore holds Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from The University of Georgia, and from The University of Alabama earned her master’s degree, an EdS and EdD. Moore has 31 years of experience in a P-12 setting and has served as a principal, assistant principal, elementary school teacher and owner of a Pre-K academy.

motley

Terry Motley joins the Grace Pilot School of Business as assistant professor of marketing. 

Motley holds a Bachelor of Science in international business from Spring Hill College, a Master of Business Administration from William Carey University, and currently is pursuing a PhD in business administration with a concentration in marketing at the University of South Alabama. He is a supply chain professional with over 20 years of industry experience in supply chain management and logistics, including at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi; as well as at FedEx Ground and United Parcel Service, or UPS, in Mobile.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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.

UM Alumni Organize Ram Jam Classic Disc Golf Competition Sept. 16

by Kathy Dean
disc golf 2

MOBILE, Ala. – The disc golf course on the University of Mobile campus will be the site for the second Ram Jam Classic competition on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The Ram Jam Classic is a C-tier PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament open to the public. Entry fees range from $45 to $60. The event is organized by 2017 UM alumni Logan Moore and Josh Hollingsworth as a fundraiser for the University of Mobile. 

Register for the tournament at umobile.edu/alumni-events. University of Mobile-branded drivers, putters, mini discs and backpacks are available prior to and during the tournament at The University of Mobile Store on campus, or online at universityofmobilestore.com in The Disc Golf Collection. 

Moore said the UM course was established in 2017 and quickly became a hit for both beginners and experienced players. Moore and Hollingsworth have been instrumental in developing their alma mater’s disc golf course and organized the first Ram Jam Classic in 2021. 

“This event will be a 2-round tournament that will include a film crew for the lead MPO card this year,” said Moore an operations specialist in cybersecurity for CrowdStrike. Moore has traveled for tournaments across the Southeast representing different sponsors over the years. Currently, Moore is sponsored by Flight Factory Disc and serves as CFO for the Mobile Area Disc Golf Association Board of Directors.

Hollingsworth has been a professional player since 2020 and has placed in the top 5 at multiple Southern Nationals Amateur Champions, 13th and 10th at the National Amateur Disc Golf Tour (NADGT) championships, and 3rd at the U.S. Amateur Match Play Championship.

“We are excited about the ability to showcase the university’s beautiful campus and also to introduce students and the community to the PDGA tournament scene,” said Hollingsworth, a project accountant for HDR Engineering Inc.

For more information and to register, visit umobile.edu/alumni-events.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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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