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 is proud to announce the President’s List for the fall semester of 2023. The President’s List consists of students who received a 4.0 GPA with at least 15 credit hours. The students who received this honor are listed below.
Karli Alaniz Hanna Alexander Rachel Allen Morgan Atchison Claire Atkins Elizabeth Barber Jaylin Baxley David Beasley Skylar Bennett Gianmarco Bertolini Bailee Best Nathan Blake Jane-Marie Botts Carleigh Bowden Kathleen Bowden Kennedy Bradford Aryany Breek Harrison Bridges Pierson Brown Gabriel Bryars Grace Burchell Alejandro Chumacero Navarro Jordan Clark Jessica Clements Christopher Conger Madison Cooley Erin Cooper Breyton Cornelius Jordan Crane Jamie Criswell Natalie Criswell Delainy Cunningham Dazsha Dean Alainah Diaz Lilie Dickerson Wyatt Dickson Louis Dolcini Alanna Donaldson James Driver Rachel Dunaway Abby Eddins Ebba Elweroth Baleigh Essary Sydnee Fitzgerald Kimberly Foster Morgan Franklin Collin Gibbons Gracie Giles Alexis Gillette Thiago Giri Rodrigues Mello William Givens Abdullah Hamid Avery Harrell Shelby Harvison Brinkley Hearn Tempest Hebert Andrew Henley Rebecca Hii Madison Hill Andrea Hughes Latavia Jack Erica Jackson Caroline Johnson Allie Kelley Bethany Kilgore Anna King Ruthie Knight Heather Knowles Emma Landry Cayson Langham Lillie Lanham Karen Lathan Raegan Latiolais Jessef Leslie Claire Lewis Logan Lipke Madison Lipke Katelyn Lippold Guilherme Lopes Alexandria Lopez Amanda Majors Sean Mason Michael McCrary Ezra McKenna Lauren McLean Rachel McMullan Emma McPherson Caitlin McRee Madison Moore Esmeralda Morataya Annsley Myers Lexi Myers Joshua Naman Joshua Naqvi Caiden Necaise Lydia Nicholson Blakeley Norris Anna Olsen Emily Osborne Tabitha Ott Emily Otts Meredith Peacock Ellie Powell Olivia Quiroz Dallas Renzi Waelyn Richardson Zoe Richardson Jillian Robinson Quintino Saggiorato Meagan Sellers Faye Sherer Courtney Sides Emily Silbernagel Jacylin Smith Kylee Stewart Bryna Stokes Bryant Story Samantha Tedder Abigail Thibodaux Emily Thullesen Dallas Trehern Johnathan Turner Sarah Tyler Haley Vanderford Taylor Vice Rebekah Waldo Rose Wallace Jordan Ward William Wayne Anna Wiggins Luana Wild Elise Williams Lora Williams Tanaja Williams Joy Wilson Carlee Wyatt
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.
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 is proud to announce the Dean’s List for the fall semester of 2023. The Dean’s List consists of students who received a 3.50 GPA or higher with at least 12 credit hours. The students who received this honor are listed below.
Alex Abernathy Gabrielle Adams Savanna Adams Dario Ajdini Vic Allo Miguel-Abdiel Alonzo Mary Katherine Alums Abigail Amick Bryson Anderson Shelby Armstrong Jacob Arnold Trinity Barden Alexia Barnett Benjamin Barnett Hanna Barnett Diamond Bass Elizabeth Bedford Tatum Beech Laura Belk Sadie Bell Pritchett Katie Benoit Madison Blackledge Ian Blair Sydney Bodiford Gabriel Boone Andrew Bosarge Josie Braly Kaleb Brantley Alyssa Brashier Amanda Bream Sharterica Bridget Cameron Brock Ashlyn Broussard Kayley Burgess Isabella Cameron Ashtyn Cammon Grayson Cannon Anna Carlock Nina Carpenter Lily Caswell Hunter Chapuis Alyssa Cherry Mattie Chestang Roman Chiosa Grace Chisholm Joshua Clackler Elaina Cobb Audrey Coker Annalaura Colbert Samuel Colbert Tina Coleman Kimberlyn Colyer Lillie Conner Adam Cooil Emory Cooper Jennifer Cope Emily Creamer Brianna Crim Jaxson Crisler Bethany Dean Lindsey Dearing Kadence Dedeaux Erin Degruise Madalyn Dillard Matthew Dimmick Brendan Dobbs Claire Dodson Daniel Doherty James Doherty Cooper Douglass Connor Duckett Rebecca Duncan Dalton Eddington Camille Edgar Hannah Edge MacKensey Edmond Shawnessy Edwards Linda Ethridge Mattie Evans Leonardo Fiorotti Da Silva Madelynn Fleming Precious Florence Taylor Fowler Caroline Frederick Caroline Frye Fisher Fuller Anna Geter Sidney Gipe Grace Girdley Alexandria Godwin Alex Gordon Abigail Gorum Luke Graham Tschneisha Gray Breanna Green Taylor Greene Nicole Griswold Tyler Grondin Mason Guffey Ekhlas Haddad Madison Hager Regine Hall Emma Hampton Yonan Hanna Jacob Harned Stephen Harrington Cartez Harris Taylor Harris Will Harris Dawson Harrison Emily Hatcher Lacy Hawthorne-Abrams Lillie Hawthorne-Abrams Lanee Hayes Steven Hazewinkel Brianna Hendricks Olivia Henley Jessica Herrington Ellie Hicks James Higdon Nathan Higginson Dustin Hill Morgan Hill Robin Himstedt MaKala Holland Goodwin Holley Emma Hollingsworth Marcella Holsonback Harrison Hood Hayleigh Hopper Ruth Idemudia Elizabeth Ivey Abigayle Jackson Thomas James Amy Jernigan Jenna Jiles Jamie Johnson Kayla Johnston Ivan Jolivet Haley Jones Aleah Kennedy Maggie Kenyon Miya Kimber Rodney Kinsey Kaden Kugler Adele Kuhn Erin Laffitte Kensley Lambert Zachary Landrum Amy Lankford Chamberlyn Lentz Reagan Lentz Meredith Lewis Kamirra Logan Michael-Christian Lopez Emma Lowe Porsha Lynch Haylee Lynd Jada Lynd Teagan Lynn Jennah Lyons Jacob MacKe Kimberly Madison Rachael Malawey Ayanna Malone Marc Marquis Emily Martin Jocelyn Martin Rylee Martin Guillermo Martinez Katelyn Maten Kristyn Maten Dalton Mathis Evelyn May Kathleen McCarthy Megan McCartney Jessica McCovery-Williams Abbie McLaney Joseph McMahon Braylee McMath Bai-Lee McNair Marina Mellado Baron Henrique Mendes Elyssa Messick Amy Milam William Mims Alexcia Min Jaylee Miracle Logan Mitchell Madison Mitchell Stephen Mixon Marlee Montalvo Matthew Morgan Saige Morgan Karis Morrison Karolina Mrowiecova Katie Murphree Kelly Murphree Jordyn Myles Benjamin Naman James Naman Kayleigh Nelson Campbell Newell Brady Northam Madison Northcutt Joao Okano Miriam Oldacre Peter Olsen Cooper Oman Samantha Ott Lauren Overstreet Emma Owen Logan Pack Erin Parker Jessica Parker Emma Kate Patterson Liam Patterson Haley Pauley Latonya Payne Matthew Payne Brenden Pearson Miguel Pereira Gabriel Perkins Abby Peterson Destiny Pettway Nicholas Pierce Emaleigh Poiroux Claire Powell Pierocarlo Previte William Pruitt Brooke Rachel Allison Ramey Rebekah Ramirez Kirsha Rankin Racheal Reeves Nathaniel Reynolds John Rice Victoria Richardson Jamecia Robbins Sophie Roberts Madilyn Robertson Joi Robinson William Roley Sarah Rose Clayton Russell Cassie Ryals Catherine Sanders Steven Sandlin Jeb Scarbrough Jenna Schuliger Hayden Seale Davide Sedini Gabrielle Sheffield Kourtney Simpson Kaitlyn Skrove Cecil Smith Dylan Smith Lillian Smith Rodney Smith Guido Solaro Fatoumata Sonko Nicholas Spears Tiffany Spencer Asya Stanislaus Joseph Stevens Lyla Kae Stokes Sean Stone Brooklyn Strevel Samuel Stronge Alison Strunk Jailyn Swink Austin Taylor Faith Taylor Connor Thomas Emma Todd Za’Kiya Tolbert Kaelyn Tolley Joshua Trimble Anna Trinh Terrance Trussell Alaina Turnbow Brooke Turner Sabrina Turner Morgan Varnadore Juliana Vasko Nicolai Vasko Layne Vidich Layne Vidich Scout Waldrop Keon Walker Gracie Warriner Molly Watkins Karlie Welch Alayah Wells Juliana Wells Samuel Werry Erika West MacKenzie White Benjamin Whittington Macayla Wiggins Kylie Wilkerson Emma Wilkins John Willard Christina Williams Emily Williams Kaylee Williams Brayden Wilson Haileigh Wolfe Jordan Wood Henry Woodall Ziyue Yu
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett was surprised with the 2024 Alumni of the Year award in a ceremony Feb. 1 that also recognized alumnus Ronald Moore as the 2024 recipient of the Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence.
In recognition of Burnett’s lifelong dedication to the university and the unique role he has played as a student, alumnus, professor, dean, senior administrator and, since 2019, as president, the name of the award that will be given each year is the “Dr. Lonnie Burnett Alumnus of the Year Award.”
Director of Alumni Relations Haley Haney said the Alumni Council recommended Burnett be honored in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the various roles he has served his alma mater since graduating in 1979.
Burnett said, “Being an alumnus here is something I’m proud of. This is a special place.”
Burnett plans to retire as UM president on May 30. After graduating from UM, he taught history for 25 years in the Mobile County Public School System. Upon his retirement from the MCPSS, he joined the University of Mobile faculty as a professor of history, eventually serving as executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, associate vice president, and president.
Along the way, he compiled an impressive scholarly research record that includes two books published through the University of Alabama Press. He continues to be active in the community, where he has served as a member of the Saraland City School Board since 2011 and was named to the 2017 All-State School Board by the Alabama Association of School Boards.
His wife, Lynne, and daughter, Lauren Wetzel, are also UM graduates.
For information about the University of Mobile Alumni Association and the Alumni Council, visit umobile.edu/alumni.
Pictured from left are Erin Harris, alumni council chair; Dr. Lonnie Burnett, Haley Haney, Charlie Brown, alumni council.
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile awarded the 2024 Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence to 2002 alumnus Ronald G. Moore in a ceremony held Feb. 1 in Lyon Chapel on the university campus.
Also during the ceremony, the university presented the alumni of the year award to outgoing university president Dr. Lonnie Burnett, a 1979 graduate who also served as a professor, dean and senior administrator during his 20-year tenure with the university. The award was named in his honor, and the Dr. Lonnie Burnett Alumni of the Year Award will be presented annually to an outstanding alumnus.
Moore serves as a member of the UM Board of Trustees and is a principal market specialist with Alabama Power Company.
“The University of Mobile is a very special place to me. It is with gratitude and humility that I accept this honor. This award means I can be recognized and associated with a man that pursued excellence in academics and in his professional career,” Moore said.
The Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence was established in 2019 to honor the life of the late Samuel M. Boykin, the first African American graduate of the University of Mobile. The award recognizes outstanding African American graduates of UM who reflect the ideals of virtuosity, faith and charity that Boykin exemplified through his career, family and community.
Past medal of excellence recipients are 2004 alumnus Ira Bates Jr., 2011 alumnus Treii Pace, and 2002 alumna Dr. Tracey Henry.
Moore has been married for 22 years to his college sweetheart, Shay Moore. They have three children: Blake, Brooke and Briley. Blake is a freshman at UM.
“We’re happy about our son being here because we want the Christian component to be a part of his education. We also knew that he would get the skills he needs to be successful in his professional career. Once he visited the campus and saw how beautiful it was, and he met the faculty and staff, he knew this was where he wanted to go to school,” Moore said in a video posted on the University of Mobile YouTube channel. Watch the video here.
In addition to his MBA from the University of Mobile, Moore holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Talladega College. He is active in the Christian Business Men’s Connection, Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation, Mobile Chamber – Growth Alliance Task Force, and Jubilee Youth Service & Leadership Academy.
Moore said he knew his University of Mobile experience would be different from his first class in the MBA program – business law.
“The professor was a local attorney, and he began every class with a prayer – which is and was very countercultural,” Moore said.
“I developed lifelong relationships with my classmates, the faculty and staff. There was a Christian component to the education I received at UM, which is one of the reasons my experience was so unique.”
Pictured from left are UM President Lonnie Burnett, Ronald Moore, Alumni Director Haley Haney.
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile dedicated the nationally accredited Dr. Randy Craig Gross Anatomy Lab and awarded the Dr. Randy Craig Memorial Scholarship to one of his outstanding students in a ceremony held Jan. 23 in Weaver Hall.
University of Mobile faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests remembered the beloved professor with stories, laughter and tears as Dr. Ashley Lindsey, who succeeded Craig as director of the lab, presented the memorial scholarship to Aryany Breek of Mobile, a senior majoring in biology pre-health with a chemistry minor.
The Dr. Randy Craig Memorial Scholarship honors the academic achievements of a student who is also contributing to their education, family and community through employment and volunteer work.
A Driving Force
Craig was the driving force behind the creation and establishment of UM’s nationally accredited gross anatomy lab. Not only was he involved in the planning and paperwork required to create the lab, but Craig personally constructed many of the tools and devices that are imperative to the functioning of the lab each day, Lindsey said.
At the time of his death on Dec. 10, 2022, the professor of biology was chair of the Department of Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was a longtime practicing veterinarian with specialties in veterinary orthopedic surgery and equine nutrition and a background that included stints as a thoroughbred jockey and champion bull-rider and steer-roper. (For more about Dr. Craig’s life, read Q&A with UM Biology Professor Randy Craig.)
‘Always Teaching, Always Helping’
Patti Craig said her late husband loved to teach – it was something he did naturally in everything he did.
“He would be truly honored,” she said as the lab was officially dedicated.
Lindsey said Craig was “always teaching, always helping. Just by him talking and thinking out loud, I was learning.”
UM President Lonnie Burnett said Craig was proud of the lab and the opportunity it provided for undergraduate students to work with cadavers in an environment usually reserved for graduate students.
“He was all about the students,” Burnett said.
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Matthew Downs said Craig “was always thinking about what was best for students. Everything he did, he did for them. He was like that with faculty, too. It is such an honor to dedicate a space in his honor that is for students.”
A Vision for the Future
Lindsey said Craig had specific instructions for her as the next director of the lab he created.
“He said, ‘I don’t want you to do it the same; I want you to do it better,’” Lindsey said.
In honoring that wish, Lindsey said her vision is to make the state-of-the-art lab an interdisciplinary environment that provides learning opportunities for UM students in a variety of majors, while also expanding partnerships in the community.
To learn more about the Dr. Randy Craig Gross Anatomy Lab and partnership opportunities, email Lindsey at alindsey@umobile.edu.
Dr. Randy Craig Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship recipient Aryany Breek plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in May 2024 and is applying to graduate programs for a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. She has maintained a 3.9 cumulative GPA while holding constant employment at her family’s Honduran restaurant, Las Catrachas, and volunteering at the Mobile International Festival and Victory Health Partners.
During the Mobile International Festival, she values educating others about her cultural background. Victory Health Partners is a nonprofit healthcare organization established to provide affordable quality of care for the low-income uninsured population of the greater Mobile area. Aryany included the following statement in a patient advocacy essay written about her experiences at Victory Health Partners: “Advocacy in my role as a volunteer involved bridging communication gaps and ensuring the patients felt heard, understood and supported through their visit at the clinic.”
Pictured from left are Dr. Matthew Downs, Dr. Lonnie Burnett, Aryany Breek, Patti Craig, Dr. Ashley Lindsey
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – Lyon Chapel holds a special place in the hearts of University of Mobile students and alumni. For 1997 alumni Alison and Adam Creel, it is “a little heavenly haven” where they grew together in their faith.
“We spent countless hours on the front steps of the chapel reading our Bibles, praying together and discussing our future together,” recalls Alison. “On particularly hard days, we knew we could find one another along the front or back stoop of that dear old church. We knew God would meet us there.”
Those memories came flooding back on Christmas Day 2023 when Alison’s father, Pastor Harold Fanning, put his woodworking hobby to the test and created a special present for the couple. Using photos of Lyon Chapel for reference, he constructed a 12-inch-by-14-inch oak model of the historic building that represents the university’s Christ-centered foundation and Alabama Baptist heritage.
“We are a family that loves the University of Mobile,” says Fanning, a past member of UM’s Board of Regents and retired chaplain. “Building a scale model of Lyon Chapel proved to be more challenging than I realized. It is not perfect by any means, but it does serve as a reminder of those precious days at the university.”
Alison says her father’s gift captures the charm and simplicity of the 140-year-old structure that once served as First Baptist Church of St. Stephens, Alabama, before being moved to campus and restored in 1988. The chapel is named in memory of Willie Mae Lewis Lyon, a founding trustee of then-Mobile College.
“I think most UM students have a certain affinity and appreciation for Lyon Chapel. It serves as a standard on campus, reminding students every day to live missionally, stay rooted in faith, and live out a Christian worldview,” Alison says.
A Challenging Project
Fanning comes from a long line of woodworkers – one grandfather was in the logging trade, another was a professional carpenter, and his own father was a woodworker.
But Fanning’s calling was to ministry. He served Alabama Baptist churches for over 40 years before retiring from the pastorate in 2010 and becoming a chaplain for Alacare Hospice and Home Health. Since retiring again in 2019, he has served as interim pastor in numerous churches, currently at New Market Baptist Church in New Market, Alabama. Between retirements, he took up woodworking.
“I enjoy the challenges of working with wood – each piece brings its own set of challenges. For me, overcoming these challenges is part of the lure. Whether you are trying to make a precise cut or figuring out how to join two pieces of wood together, I love the sense of accomplishment when I finally get it right,” Fanning says.
It took Fanning approximately three weeks to build the oak model of Lyon Chapel in the workshop behind the home in Hartselle, Alabama, that he and his wife, Debbie, share.
A Family in Ministry
Since graduating, Alison and Adam have put their University of Mobile experience to work in ministries of their own. Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a religion minor and now serves as business administrator at Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He is one of the lead pastors on the church ministry staff, oversees the financial health of the church, negotiates contracts and other legal business documents, and manages the church’s human resources department. In addition, he teaches a weekly small group, leads a men’s discipleship group, serves as the pastor liaison for the church’s homeschool ministry, and recently completed a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in church administration.
Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and journalism with a music minor. She is a contracted writer and content editor for Lifeway Kids and serves on the Bible Studies for Life team, writing and editing preschool and children’s worship curriculum. She also teaches a second-grade class at Whitesburg Baptist Church.
They have three daughters: Audrey, Anna and Adeline.
A UM Day Reunion
The Creel family will have a chance to meet on the steps of Lyon Chapel again on Feb. 16 when their youngest daughter, Adeline, visits campus for UM Day. During UM Days, prospective students experience the university, tour campus, meet faculty and current students, and learn about academics, campus life, scholarships and more.
To RSVP for an upcoming UM Day or schedule a campus visit at another convenient time, go to umobile.edu/umday.
Alison says the couple is thrilled that Adeline is visiting their alma mater and considering enrollment.
“We are forever Rams fans, but more than that, we trust UM. We know the quality of education Adeline would receive, the caliber of professors she would study under, and the intensity with which she would be challenged in her faith…it is exciting to think about the prayers SHE would pray on the front steps of Lyon Chapel. Adam and I sat there and prayed for her before we even knew she’d be born to us,” she says.
A Lasting Reminder
More than 25 years later, Alison and Adam still proudly wear their UM jerseys and sport UM license plates on their vehicles. The model of Lyon Chapel is now a family treasure prominently displayed near their living room fireplace.
Seeing it every day brings to mind those long-ago college years – and something more.
“There is just something about it that draws you in,” Alison says. “It’s such a contrast to the modern buildings and fast-paced academic life that surrounds it. It has a way of quieting the chaos of life, reminding you of what’s important and what will last.”
A print of an original watercolor of Lyon Chapel by 2008 alumna Megan Dean Desko is available from the University of Mobile Store as part of The U’s “Mobile Makers” collection highlighting the work of UM alumni. Order a Lyon Chapel print at universityofmobilestore.com.
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.
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.
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, Feb. 16.
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 Feb. 16, 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.
The final UM Day scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year is:
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is ranked #1 in Alabama by the ranking and information site NursingEducation.org.
The site ranks the best nursing schools in Alabama based on each program’s pass rate for the NCLEX national licensure examination. The University of Mobile has had a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the past two consecutive years.
“The need for nurses continues to grow, making now the right time to pursue a career in nursing in the state of Alabama. With the RN workforce being projected to grow 6% nationwide between 2021-2031, there will be no shortage of nursing jobs to choose from,” the site states in its listing of Alabama’s top-rated nursing schools and programs of 2023. Click here to view the list.
NursingEducation.org noted that the University of Mobile offers several career paths to earn a nursing degree, including the traditional BSN program, the new five-semester Associate Degree in Nursing, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The university also offers master’s and doctoral degrees.
“Their facility offers a state-of the-art clinical simulation center to provide real-life scenarios that allow students to understand concepts they’ve learned in the classroom. They offer small class sizes to allow for personal attention and 1:1 faculty mentoring. The University of Mobile emphasizes a face-to-face NCLEX review, integrated specialty testing into their program, and added test-taking strategies to their curriculum to achieve a 100% pass rate of their graduates on the NCLEX-RN exam,” says NursingEducation.org.
The University of Mobile is accepting applications now for students interested in enrolling, and scholarships are available. Apply now at umobile.edu/apply.
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.
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.
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.
MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will celebrate its 8th anniversary as an All-Steinway School with a concert featuring students performing on the celebrated pianos.
The All-Steinway Concert program includes classical, romantic and contemporary music performed by undergraduate and graduate students majoring in piano performance. The free concert will be held Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on campus.
Works by Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel, Debussy, Rachmaninoff and original works by students Logan Lipke and Trenton McGuff will be performed. Pianists include Alison Strunk, Christopher Conger, Luke Graham, Benjamin Naman, Marc Marquis, Trenton McGuff, Logan Lipke, Rebecca Reed and Gaukhar Kenessova.
Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music, said the concert is an opportunity for audience members to experience the exceptional sound that talented students can create using pianos widely considered to be among the best in the world.
“Practicing on Steinway pianos has helped me achieve a level of playing I thought I could not reach. The sound quality and capabilities of a Steinway piano is unmatched, and the responsiveness of Steinway pianos helps me to clearly articulate and express every aspect of what the composer has written,” said Marc Marquis, a junior majoring in piano performance.
Rebecca Reed said having access to Steinway pianos is helping her achieve her goals as a pianist and become a better musician.
“Steinway pianos are proven to be high quality in their action and expressive range. This has been evident in the pianos that I have had the honor to practice and perform on through my undergraduate and current master’s degree. I have also been honored to work with a world-class Steinway artist, Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, who has used these beautiful instruments to instruct me in honing my craft,” Reed said.
Onalbayeva said the University of Mobile’s status as an official All-Steinway School is not only a dedication to a commitment of excellence, but it provides the world’s best instruments for student and faculty.
“Our All-Steinway Concert is a celebration of our students and a thank you to donors who helped make this evening possible,” Onalbayeva said. “Without generous donors it would not be possible for the university to be able to achieve its prestigious goals.”
The University of Mobile earned the All-Steinway designation in 2016 after the “All Steinway, All Together” campaign raised funds to update the university’s inventory of aging pianos.
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.
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.
