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 President Lonnie Burnett Announces Retirement in May 2024

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Lonnie A. Burnett, fifth president of the University of Mobile, announced today that he will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. Burnett, who became president of the Christian university in 2019, made the announcement at the conclusion of the opening session of the institution’s annual faculty and staff convocation gathering.  

A 1979 graduate of what was then Mobile College, Burnett has spent 45 years working in all levels of education, the last 20 at the university where he has been a professor of history, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and, for the last five years, president.

Dr. Lonnie Burnett

In making the announcement, Burnett said that, when he became president, he had several goals for the university including providing a quality academic, spiritual and social experience for students; ensure financial stability; increasing faculty/staff salaries; maintaining positive relations with Alabama Baptists; improving facilities and implementing new academic programs. Burnett said he is most proud that these goals have been realized, even while navigating the school through a global pandemic and the resulting disruptions in the national economy and workforce. 

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my alma mater in this role,” Burnett said. “The people I have had the good fortune to work with, as well as the exceptional students I had the privilege to teach in my time here, have made this a wonderful experience. I have appreciated the friendship and support of our Board of Trustees, the Alabama Baptist churches, our alumni, faculty and staff.”

UM Board of Trustee Chairman Terry Harbin said “Dr. Burnett has brought vision and clarity to the mission of the University of Mobile while adding strength and stability up and down the organization. I know I speak for the entire Board when I say the university has been served extremely well by his time as our president.”

Dr. Ted Mashburn, senior faculty member, said, “Lonnie is an excellent teacher, careful scholar and sagacious counselor whose motivation for life comes from a deep and abiding love of God, others and the world. This university is a better place because of Dr. Lonnie Burnett.

“One of the really amazing things about Lonnie is that he is a tireless worker, who seldom asks anyone to do anything he hasn’t already done. From overseeing building renovations to developing academic programs to complying with accrediting agencies to simply moving chairs for the graduation ceremony, Lonnie has always been down in the trenches doing the heavy lifting. There is so much admiration I have for Lonnie Burnett,” Mashburn added.

Burnett said there is still much work to be done during his last academic year as president, particularly in completing the university’s SACSCOC 10-year reaffirmation process and launching the university’s new “Experience the Difference” campaign. The campaign celebrates UM’s culture of mentoring, quality academics and vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” 

Burnett’s last day as president at the University of Mobile will be May 30, 2024. 

Harbin said a transition team will be appointed to represent the interests of university faculty, staff and students and announced at the upcoming board meeting in October.

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 Partners for Purpose Luncheon Features ‘Italian Stallion’ Johnny Musso

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Johnny Musso, former star running back for the University of Alabama and Chicago Bears who earned the nickname “The Italian Stallion,” will be the featured speaker for the Partners for Purpose Luncheon, a fundraising event for the University of Mobile.

The Partners for Purpose Luncheon will be held Thursday, Oct. 19 at 12 p.m. at College Woods Center on the university campus. A silent auction featuring autographed footballs and prints will start at 11:15 a.m. Prior to the luncheon, a VIP reception with Musso will be held for event sponsors

Tickets are available now at umobile.edu/purpose. Proceeds from the Partners for Purpose Luncheon support scholarships for University of Mobile students.

“We are thrilled to feature Mr. Johnny Musso at our Partners for Purpose Luncheon and continue UM’s tradition of hosting outstanding leaders who share their wisdom and insight with our community,” said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement.

“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Musso to our campus, as well as raising funds for student scholarships at the University of Mobile,” Boyle added.

For more information about the Partners for Purpose Luncheon or other opportunities to support the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/advancement or call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2585.

Johnny Musso

About Johnny Musso

Musso was born in March of 1950 in Birmingham, Alabama. Nicknamed “The Italian Stallion,” he was a star running back at Frazier Banks High School in Birmingham. After graduating high school, Musso joined the Crimson Tide football team at the University of Alabama, where he played for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant as a three-year starter at halfback.

Known as a “bulldozing blocker and breakaway runner”, Johnny was a part of the now famous “switch to the wishbone” in 1971, famously upsetting USC with Musso scoring two touchdowns in the win.

Record-Setting College Career

Musso was twice an All-American and a three-time All-Southeastern Conference player. As a senior, he finished fourth in the voting for the 1971 Heisman Trophy and was named “Player of the Year” by Football News, The Miami Touchdown Club and the Touchdown Club of Atlanta.

He led the Southeastern Conference in rushing two years and in scoring (100 points) in 1971. He set a school record for rushing touchdowns (34) that lasted 28 years. His career rushing yardage of 2,742 was also a school record.

Musso’s big games included 221 yards against Auburn in 1970 and four touchdowns against Florida in 1971. Musso holds an Alabama team record for most rushes in a game; 42 in the 1970 Iron Bowl. He was a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete and an NCAA postgraduate scholarship winner.

Johnny Musso

Professional Football Career

Musso was selected by Chicago in the 1972 NFL draft but chose instead to play for the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions (1972 – 1974) where he ran for over 1,000 yards in 1973 and was a West All-Star. In 1975 he returned to Birmingham as a member of the World Football League’s Birmingham Vulcans. That fall he began a three-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

Musso was inducted into the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes Hall of Fame in 1971, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2007 he was awarded the Legend of Birmingham Award during the Papa Johns.com Bowl at Legion Field.

Johnny Musso

Business & Ministry Leader

After retiring from football, Musso became president of the Schreiner-Musso Trading Co., a commodities firm serving as an independent trader at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Musso served in urban ministry, working with underprivileged youth. He served on the local and national boards of the youth ministry groups Young Life and Kids Across America.

He and his wife, Tanner, have four sons and one daughter.

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.

Gulf Coast Pianists Perform at Carnegie Hall

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Talented young pianists from around the Gulf Coast region enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they performed at Carnegie Hall, New York, on June 13.  

dr kadisha

Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music at the University of Mobile, led the group of students throughout their visit to New York. Onalbayeva is also the founder and current president of the Gulf Coast Steinway Society. The purpose of the Society is to further music education of young musicians along the Gulf Coast region which is based in Mobile, Alabama. 

The students had competed for a spot on the Carnegie state at the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition VIII, held Feb. 4, 2023, at the University of Mobile. The competition brought 75 young musicians from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Georgia to the UM campus.

The 19 competition winners were invited for a rare opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. In addition, students also toured the famed Steinway Factory in Queens, New York.  

Onalbayeva said, “It was a very successful Winners Concert. This concert was a sold-out event. Each young musician should be congratulated for their part in bringing the best of the Gulf Coast to New York!  We are looking forward to our ninth annual GCSS Music Competition on Feb. 10, 2024, and the Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall on June 19, 2024.” 

The winners who performed in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall are: 

students

Michael Ding – Vestavia Hills, AL

Anastasia Wade – Gulf Breeze, FL

Lynn Kim – Pike Road, AL

Parker Wolf – Pensacola, FL

Brandon Shin – Birmingham, AL  

Henry Hewitt – Mobile, AL

DaTong Liu – Midland, GA

Autumn Kim – Pike Road, AL

Richard Chen – Montgomery, AL

Reena Chen – Montgomery, AL

Ethan Kuech – Spanish Fort, AL

Anna Elliott – Montgomery, AL 

Paul Nguyen – Mobile, AL

Ruthie Sommer – Tuscaloosa, AL

Claiborne Davis – Tuscaloosa, AL

Becca Harrison – Tallahassee, FL

Noah Keyes – Tallahassee, FL

Joseph Ensminge – Pensacola, FL 

Rebecca Reed, piano – Chickasaw, AL

After the evening at Carnegie, performer Parker Wolf from Pensacola, Florida, said, “The concert event was much more than just a concert. It was about comradery and growth as an artist, and it is exciting to know that our concert is now a part of Carnegie Hall’s history!” 

Rebecca Reed, pianist from Chickasaw, Alabama, also noted, “I will always be grateful to the GCSS for gifting me the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform with other great young artists on the famous Weill Hall stage.”

About the Gulf Coast Steinway Society

The Gulf Coast Steinway Society is a non-profit organization formed by Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and other individuals united in their devotion to strive to promote fine music through education and performance. 

The GCSS offers the following: music scholarships, the annual Gulf Coast Steinway Piano Competition and support for under-funded music programs in schools and universities. The Society also produces musical events throughout the year, at no charge, including recitals, concerts, workshops and master classes.

To learn more about the programs they offer, please contact 

Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva at gulfcoaststeinwaysocietyinc@gmail.com  or visit www.gulfcoaststeinwaysociety.org

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.

Forbes Lists University of Mobile Among ‘America’s Best Small Employers 2023’

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile has been named one of “America’s Best Small Employers” for 2023 by Forbes. The Christian university in Mobile, Alabama, is among only 300 companies nationwide and is the only educational institution in the state selected for inclusion from an initial pool of over 10,000 businesses.

“We are immensely honored and proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Small Employers for 2023. Being the sole educational institution in the state to make the list is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire university community,” said UM President Lonnie Burnett, an alumnus of the Alabama Baptist-affiliated university founded in 1961.

“This recognition is a reflection of our university-wide commitment to creating a supportive campus community where everyone is family, and that translates into an exceptional educational experience for our students,” Burnett continued.

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. 

The university employs 185 full-time and 75 part-time faculty and staff, with an addition 80 to 90 student workers during the academic year. UM offers over 75 academic programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. 

A four-day work week, a generous holiday schedule that includes three days at Thanksgiving and nearly two weeks at Christmas, excellent employee benefits, plus free tuition for employees and immediate family are among the factors that impact employee satisfaction, according to UM’s human resources department.

“Our motto of ‘Know & Be Known’ describes a Christ-centered community in which students, faculty and staff are known. That translates into a culture of caring in which faculty and staff are personally invested in the success of students,” Burnett added.

Classes start Aug. 14 for Fall Semester 2023. Admission information is available on the website at umobile.edu, or call 251.442.2222.

The America’s Best Small Employers ranking reviewed employers with more than 200 employees but fewer than 1,000. According to Forbes, the assessment considered:

  • Anonymous surveys of employees and public opinion data
  • Tracking of job-related websites to gauge employer reputation, engagement, retention, benefits and more
  • Social listening text analysis of news websites and blogs as well as platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to assess the company’s relationship with its employees.

Forbes says the industry that is most represented is education, with small colleges and private schools accounting for 20%.

UM was ranked No. 230 on the list announced July 18, 2023. Only three other Alabama companies were included in the list: two aerospace/defense businesses (Avion Solutions and Qualis Corp.) and one engineering/manufacturing company (Thompson Engineering). The full list can be viewed on the Forbes website.

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.

‘You CAN Achieve Your Dreams’ Says UM Alumnus/Songwriter

by Kathy Dean
Blake

MOBILE, Ala. – Blake Walker knows dreams can come true – especially when you follow the advice of your college mentor.

“Dr. Roger Breland used to tell us that, ‘God didn’t call us to be famous, He called us to be faithful,’” Walker recalled. “Dr. Breland said, ‘If you remain faithful in the small, God will be faithful in the large.’”

The University of Mobile 2015 alumnus points to that advice – and his experience as a student in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile – as a factor in his latest success. Walker co-wrote a southern gospel song that is being considered for nomination as the Inspirational Song of the Year in the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

“What the Soldiers Didn’t See” recorded by The Kramers reached #1 on Affirm Southern Gospel Radio chart and made the Singing News Top 20 and Power 50 charts in recent weeks. The GMA Dove Award ceremony honoring outstanding achievements and excellence in Christian and Gospel Music will be held Oct. 17. 

“I remember turning on the radio in my truck one day and hearing it on the radio and thinking to myself, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it!’ Whether it makes the full nomination or even wins, I know in my heart that it’s a win because God is using it to encourage people and draw people closer to Him,” Walker said.

A Songwriter’s Journey

As a student at the University of Mobile, Walker traveled and performed with the elite ensemble Voices of Mobile. Among his mentors was Dr. Roger Breland, executive director of the university’s Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts and founder of TRUTH, one of the first contemporary Christian recording groups.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Worship Leadership with an emphasis in church ministries, Walker served two years as worship leader for a Southern Baptist church in Houston, Texas. In 2018, he moved to Washington, D.C., to sing in a group that performed at the Museum of the Bible, while also helping with a church plant. 

After his contract with the museum ended, Walker returned to Mobile and recorded a worship choir-driven EP called “Generation to Generation.” A month after its release, he signed a publishing and songwriting deal with LifeWay Worship. Then, Walker was invited to a writing retreat.

“I went not knowing any of the writers, except knowing their names and songs. All of the writers are drawn at random, and they picked me, Belinda Smith and Tim Lovelace. We sat down and Tim had this idea that we talked through and prayed through, and we just watched God orchestrate this beautiful song,” Walker said.

Now, Walker writes for Sunset Gallery Music while pursuing a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership and Theology at UM. He said being on the ballot for consideration for a Dove Award “is something I never thought would happen in my lifetime – just something that people like me dream about. It’s been a crazy journey watching this song go from the first time we ever sang it to hearing the Kramers record it and sing it all over the country.”

Follow Your Calling

As for the future, Walker is working with a variety of songwriters, many of whom already have Dove Awards to their credit.

“I’m super excited to see more of my songs get out there,” he said. “I have two songs coming out on The Erwins’ new record after Christmas, one of which I released as a single last year called ‘None But Jesus.’”

b lake

Walker said he hopes his story will be an encouragement to current and future University of Mobile students.

“I wouldn’t be the singer, writer or the person I am today if it weren’t for my time at UM. I hope my story can be an encouragement to students there today. You CAN achieve your dreams.”

In a blog published on the university’s website in 2020, Walker reflected on the role the University of Mobile played in preparing him to follow God’s calling for his life.

“I can’t say enough how thankful I am for UM,” he wrote. “My UM experience was vital to my spiritual and personal growth. I was challenged, encouraged and loved.”

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.

University of Mobile School of Nursing Announces Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Grant 

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile School of Nursing has been awarded a grant that provides up to 85% loan forgiveness for eligible students seeking a graduate nursing degree.

Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean of the University of Mobile School of Nursing, said the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) award is designed to help current nurse educators or practicing nurses obtain a graduate nursing degree. 

Students who enroll in any of UM’s graduate nursing programs may be eligible for up to 85% loan forgiveness for student loans accrued during their program. 

Grant recipients will complete graduate nursing education courses as part of their curriculum and will be eligible to become Certified Nurse Educators.

“This program is a great incentive for nurses who have a desire to teach in the future to take the next step in their careers and earn a master’s or doctoral degree,” Garner said. 

Applications are being accepted now by the UM School of Nursing for a variety of graduate programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The BSN-to-DNP Nurse Practitioner track is an online program with three on-campus intensives that allows nursing professionals to work full-time while earning a graduate degree. The program prepares nurse leaders to provide instruction for the next generation of nurses and provide advanced knowledge and skills to further their own careers.

Fall Semester 2023 classes begin Aug. 14. For DNP program information and to apply for admission the UM School of Nursing, visit umobile.edu/dnp or contact Garner at jgarner@umobile.edu or 251.442.2339.

Information about additional graduate programs in the School of Nursing that are included through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program loan forgiveness grant is on the UM website at umobile.edu/schoolofnursing. They include:

The grant award from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aims to address the growing national shortage of nurse educators. Recipients agree to serve as a nurse preceptor or nurse faculty member following graduation.

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 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.

University of Mobile Welcomes Super Summer Alabama!

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile welcomed over 275 high school students and 100 leaders from across the state for Super Summer Alabama 2023, a week-long leadership and discipleship camp of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett welcomed campers to UM, a Christ-centered university affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

“We are delighted to serve as the host for this week-long camp. Super Summer Alabama gives outstanding high school students a unique opportunity to spend a week focused on great Bible teaching, experience meaningful worship and build relationships with other students from across the state, while also experiencing campus life at the University of Mobile,” Burnett said.

Worship

University of Mobile students from the Alabama School of the Arts ensemble Ignite Worship have had the privilege of leading worship throughout the week, as well.

Super Summer Alabama was held July 10-14. The camp is designed for students who are leaders or potential leaders in their church youth groups who have a desire to learn, study and grow in their faith, said Denis Tanner, associate pastor of students and spiritual formation at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover, Alabama.

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 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.

University of Mobile Offers LIFT Scholarship for New Local Students 

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is pleased to offer the LIFT Scholarship (Learning Investments for Tomorrow) for new local students with significant financial need who enroll at the Christian university for fall semester 2023.

Now in its second year, this scholarship initiative bridges the financial gap between tuition costs and the amount covered by financial aid and scholarships.

The LIFT Scholarship is available to new students from Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke and Escambia counties who demonstrate significant financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

“The University of Mobile LIFT Scholarship serves as a bridge between tuition costs and available financial aid, easing the financial burden for deserving students who have the drive and potential to excel, but may face financial barriers,” explains Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile.

By offering this scholarship opportunity, Burnett says the University of Mobile aims to empower students in the local community to reach their full potential with a college experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom to nurture their faith, foster a deep sense of community, and prepare them academically to pursue their calling.

The University of Mobile offers over $12.5 million in scholarships annually, ensuring that 99% of UM students receive financial aid.

There are a limited number of LIFT Scholarships available. Interested students should apply now for admission to the University of Mobile. 

New students who apply for admission, meet the LIFT Scholarship requirements and enroll for fall semester 2023 are automatically considered for the LIFT Scholarship. There is no separate application for the LIFT Scholarship. 

Applications for admission are being accepted now. Fall semester 2023 classes start in August. Apply today at umobile.edu/apply or schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit. 

For more information or to speak with an admissions counselor, call 251.442.2222.

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. The university offers on-campus and online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. 

About the University of Mobile

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.

A Passion for Art: Caroline Ennis

by Kathy Dean
sculpt

Caroline Ennis
Professional Visual Artist
Ceramics Instructor
Bachelor of Arts in Art ’16

The time and effort my professors devoted to me during my years at the University of Mobile was priceless.

– Caroline Ennis ’16

“All my life, I have been entranced by the beauty and excitement the water has to offer. Through my art, I express the passion I have for the water,” says award-winning visual artist Caroline Ennis, a 2016 graduate of the University of Mobile.

During her years as an art student at UM, Caroline experienced professors who challenged her to dig deeper into the ideas behind her art. She also had the advantage of studying at the 880-acre Christian university campus located just an hour from Gulf Coast beaches and minutes from the diverse ecosystem of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta known as “America’s Amazon.”

Today, Caroline teaches ceramics in Tampa, Florida, and creates works at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, Florida. She uses installation and sculptural methods that include ceramic, fiber, drawing and unfired clay to explore ways to reflect the coastline’s familiarity and the obscurity of deep water. 

“University of Mobile professors Phil Counselman and Megan Cary taught me skills that were important to my development as an artist. They taught me to dig deeper into the thoughts behind my work, how to install my work in a gallery, how to professionally showcase my work in a digital format, and how to give an artist talk. The time and effort they devoted to me during my time at UM was priceless,” Caroline says.

Q. What inspires you to create art?

A. Growing up near the Gulf of Mexico shaped my life from a young age. Activities such as offshore fishing, scuba diving, searching for seashells, reading stories or poetry about the sea, or just living near the water have influenced my life and art in many ways. The ideas in my art come from the appreciation and respect I feel for the water.

Q. What did you enjoyed about being a UM student?

object

A. I graduated from the University of Mobile in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and a minor in Graphic Design. From 2012-2016, I played on the UM Rams volleyball team under Coach Jon and Amber Campbell. Being a collegiate student-athlete was a very exciting and memorable time for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have continued my athletic career in college, and I enjoyed the challenge of being a student-athlete.

What I love most about UM is the faculty and staff! My instructors across all subjects at UM were so incredibly dedicated to forming my education. Most of all, I am so thankful for the immense support and one-on-one instruction and mentorship I received from Professor Phil Counselman and Professor Megan Cary. 

Q. What have you been up to since graduating from UM?

A. I attended Florida State University to work toward my Master of Fine Arts degree. Florida State University’s Art Department granted me a full tuition waiver and a paid graduate teaching assistantship. Some notable awards during my time at FSU include MFA Award (2019-2020), Ceramics Award (2020), graduate study travel grants, and a scholarship to an artist residency at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Maine. I graduated with my Master of Fine Arts in 2020 summa cum laude. 

My MFA thesis titled “The Gulf, the Shallows, the Deeps” centered around my passion for the water and my experiences growing up near the Gulf of Mexico. My thesis art installation included hand-cut fabric patterns resembling fishing nets and three large ceramic sculptures influenced by views of the seafloor through nautical charts and underwater sonar.

large

After my graduation from FSU in 2020, I accepted a ceramics teacher position at Land O’ Lakes High School in Tampa, Florida, and spearheaded a new 3-dimensional art program. 

Through it all, I continue to pursue my own creative work and participate in numerous group and solo art exhibitions. I have been creating work in a shared studio space at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg. I enjoy the community aspect of working in a shared studio and have made many great connections with talented artists. Currently, I have been working on sculptures resembling castles embedded in the seafloor and decorative pieces thrown on the pottery wheel adorned with hand-sculpted seashells. 

Q. How has the University of Mobile continued to be a part of your life after graduation?

A. In 2021, Phil and Megan invited me to install a solo show in the Marilyn Foley Gallery at the University of Mobile. My show was titled “Uncharted Blue” and included work I completed between the years of 2018-2021. 

with Megan and Phil

Q. What advice would you give to prospective UM students?

A. My advice is to take full advantage of the opportunities you have during your time at UM. Find it within yourself to independently put in the extra time it takes to hone your craft. Stay late in the studio, do internships, work closely with your professors and make connections with your peers. 

Q. Where can we see some of your work?

A. You can view images of my recent work on my website and Instagram art page. 

Website: www.carolineennis.com

Instagram Handle: caroline_ennis_art

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