Author: 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.  

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: 

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.