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.

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.’”

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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.

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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

National Broadway Tour: Addison Garner

by Kathy Dean
Addison garner

Addison Garner
Actor
National Broadway Tour of Hairspray
Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre ’14

Those I encounter know that my faith is what I found my life upon, and when I love on people the way Christ loves us, I am able to shine my light for Him. 

– Addison Garner ’14

Addison Garner has always had a passion for music and dance. She fell in love with theatre when she was 10 years old and debuted as Little Orphan Annie in the musical Annie.

She pursued her passion at the University of Mobile. As a student in the Alabama School of the Arts, Addison took full advantage of the many opportunities to expand her talents. From representing the Christ-centered university as Miss University of Mobile to acting on stage in ASOTA productions and singing with Voices of Mobile, Addison added to her skillset with additional training in ballet, jazz, tap and music theory. 

Now, this 2014 University of Mobile graduate lives in New York City and performs across the United States as Velma Von Tussle on the national Broadway tour of Hairspray. 

“What I love most about my job is that I get to tell a story every day that changes people’s lives. Being onstage is always where I have always felt most at home, and I feel so very blessed that I get to wake up and live my dream daily,” Addison says.

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

addie2

A. I have performed all over the country at various regional theaters such as Virginia Samford Theater, Sharon Playhouse, Red Mountain Theater, and Theater by the Sea as well as traveled the high seas in the inaugural cast of Hairspray on RCCL Symphony of the Seas and the Norwegian Star. My theater teacher in high school, Revel Gholston, is a huge part of my success and someone I give a lot of my career credit to, as well as my professors at UM. 

Q. What is a typical day like? 

A. Crazy! Tour life is wild. Every week I am in a new city across the country where I am responsible for showing up every night at the theater Tuesdays through Sundays. Mondays are our off days, but we typically spend them traveling to each new venue. I start my day with a local cup of coffee, a run and my quiet time. Then I am able to sightsee, rest up and teach voice lessons before heading to the “office” (the theater) each night. 

Addie

Q. With such a busy schedule, how do you recharge?

A. When not on the stage, to fuel my creative side, I find baking to be very therapeutic. I also really enjoy pretty things, sweets and all things cheese, so I decided to create my own charcuterie and cookie business, “Little Happies.” Growing up, my mom would always send us treats in the mail when off at camps or away at school, or we’d often come home to find goodies on our beds. She would call them “little happies.” I thought this to be the perfect name for my small business. 

Q. What is something are you passionate about?

A. Changing lives through the relationships I am fortunate enough to cultivate is something I am very passionate about in my profession. Being in a field where I am constantly surrounded by new and lost people, I really try to take the time to love on people and create solid relationships where I am then able to have Christ lead conversations that I hope and pray will change their lives. Those I encounter know that my faith is what I found my life upon, and when I love on people the way Christ loves us, I am able to shine my light for Him. 

Q. How can we follow your career?

A. You can see some of my work on my website, addisongarner.com. Better yet, check out our schedule of performances at hairspraytour.com and enjoy the show!

addie 1

3 Generations: The Bruns Family

by Kathy Dean

John Bruns ’78, RN, CRNA 
Alex Bruns ’00, RN, CRNA 
Johnathan Bruns ’02, RN, CRNA 
Amanda Rouse Bruns ’03, RN, CRNA 
Maryann Bruns Dean ’04, RN, CRNA 
Kendall Bruns ’22, RN, MSN-FNP 

We all received a great education from caring professors that made a difference in our lives. It is a great honor for us to have graduated from such a highly regarded institution as the University of Mobile.

-John Bruns ’78

If you have had surgery in Mobile, Alabama, chances are one of the last things you saw before the anesthesia took effect was a member of the Bruns family. This family of five Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and one Family Nurse Practitioner got their start at the University of Mobile School of Nursing. 

John Bruns wasn’t expecting to start a family tradition when he enrolled at then-Mobile College back in the ’70s. He had earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Citadel in 1972, then he and Cindy married. After four years serving in the United States Army, John decided to pursue a career in health care, and the couple moved to Mobile where Cindy had family. 

John completed UM’s associate degree in nursing in 1978, becoming a registered nurse. That education provided him the foundation to pursue additional training as a nurse anesthetist. Their children – Alex Bruns ’00, Johnathan Bruns ’02, and Maryann Bruns Dean ’04 – followed in their father’s footsteps, each graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Their daughter-in-law, Amanda Rouse Bruns ’03, met Jonathan at the University of Mobile while both were in the BSN program. Alex’s daughter, Kendall Bruns, took a different path in the health care field and graduated in 2022 with a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner. 

family photo

That made three generations of the Bruns family to graduate from the University of Mobile School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions.

“We all received a great education from caring professors that made a difference in our lives,” John said. “It is a great honor for us to have graduated from such a highly regarded institution as the University of Mobile.”

The Christ-centered foundation they received in the University of Mobile School of Nursing prepared them to care for the whole person – to comfort patients emotionally and spiritually while also responding to their physical needs.

Maryann said the caring attitudes of her instructors at UM have had a great impact on the way she has taken care of her patients and their families throughout her career.  

“I feel that God has placed us all in the health care field for a reason, and I am honored He chose this path for me and our family,” Maryann said.

University of Mobile Presents 2023 Weaver Awards to Cory Anderson and Jamie Peters

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile presented its two top student awards, the William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award and the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, to Cory Anderson of Saraland, Alabama, and Jamie Peters of Daleville, Alabama.

The awards were presented during graduation ceremonies held on the university campus May 6, 2023.

The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating male senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of the University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service. The award presented to Lenjamin Cory Anderson II is named for the university’s founding president and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile male senior.

Cory Anderson
The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award – Lenjamin Cory Anderson II 

Cory Anderson is described by his professors in the Alabama School of the Arts as a servant leader who is passionate about the Lord. He pursues his calling with excellence, having made the Dean’s or President’s lists throughout his college career.

This multi-talented student was cast in a lead role in the Fall 2022 production of “The Sound of Music.” He serves faithfully at Rise Church in Mobile as a keyboard player on the worship arts team and is involved in planning special services and events.

Anderson is a godly father and husband, often working two full-time jobs to provide for his family while studying for classes. A former student worker now on staff as coordinator of academic services in the Alabama School of the Arts, he has assisted faculty members and led many administrative practices for the National Association of Schools of Music 10-year review.

Anderson graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance.

The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating female senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service. The award presented to Jamie Danielle Peters is named for B Weaver, the university’s first “First Lady,” and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile female senior.

Jamie Peters
The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award – Jamie Danielle Peters

Jamie Peters is described by her professors in the College of Arts and Sciences as an excellent embodiment of Christian values who has made it her mission to honor God through fellowship, discipleship and service.

She maintained a 4.0 grade point average in the rigorous Honors Program, served as a teaching assistant in the English Department and led the university’s Gamma Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society. She was a tutor in the writing center and assistant director of the UM Brain Battle scholar’s bowl competition for high school students. In addition, she served as an adult choir leader in several local churches and volunteered for Vacation Bible Schools.

With her exceptional writing skills and passion for literature, she produced a thesis paper that her professors called “extraordinary.”

Jamie Peters graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Honors Program with Thesis, and received the President’s Scholastic Achievement Award.

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.

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