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.
Lt. Col. Jim Fisher, Ph.D. Board Certified Chaplain Chief, Strategic Initiatives U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Bachelor of Science in Religion ’94
The University of Mobile was essential in providing ministry academia preparation and practical experiences. The professors were seasoned in ministry and shared real-world wisdom. They spurred us on to godliness and seminary preparation. -Jim Fisher ’94
An Army Chaplain is a first responder – called to care for soldiers, their families and Army civilians in a variety of circumstances ranging from times of peace to periods of conflict. For Lt. Col. Jim Fisher, the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is the mission field where he is called to serve God and country, through the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The University of Mobile graduate is in a unique position to make a positive impact on the spiritual readiness of the men and women who lay their lives on the line each day to keep Americans safe and secure.
After years of concurrent pastoring and reserve Air Force chaplaincy, Fisher entered the Army Chaplain Corps on active duty in 2007, including assignments with Army Watercraft, Military Intelligence (Afghanistan), Sustainment, the Chaplain School and Network Enterprise Technology.
He is a senior leader in the Chief of Chaplains Office, having served as deputy chief for strategic initiatives and research and development chief. As the lead collaborator in New York City, Fisher identifies strategic religious support needs for the Department of the Army, develops partnerships, and implements initiatives and pilot programs, among other areas of leadership.
“My primary work over the last few years has focused upon reaching the 18–25 age group in the Army with spiritual conversations and connectivity. The Army places a high priority on spiritual readiness, as it is one of the five pillars of holistic health,” said Fisher.
Now, as a U.S. Army War College Fellow, he is one of only two high-ranking officers in a prestigious year-long research program at Columbia University in New York City. His work focuses on building a holistic Senior Leader Care Program for the Army. He returns to strategic initiatives as chief in June 2023.
Foundation for Ministry
The foundation for his ministry was laid at the University of Mobile, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Religion (now called a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry). He then earned a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has taught adjunctively at three colleges and two seminaries.
“The University of Mobile was essential in providing ministry academia preparation and practical experiences. The professors were seasoned in ministry and shared real-world wisdom. They spurred us on to godliness and seminary preparation,” Fisher said. His own pursuit of a Ph.D. was fueled by many hours of conversing with his professors, long after he had graduated from UM.
“I am grateful for these ministry mentors and spiritual giants. They all provided individual attention, exemplifying the call of shepherding. I pray that their investment in me has proven their calling to teach and that I have shared their wisdom with my own parishioners and students,” he said.
Calling and Integrity
Relationships built during the college years with students, staff and faculty are important for the future – you will need each other in the various seasons of life, he added.“The stable and reliable foundation of UM will be a stronghold of calling and integrity for the rest of life. Honor it, protect it, and cherish it. One day, you may well send your children. Two of our three are UM grads!”
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.
Applications are being accepted now for students interested in the cybersecurity concentration and any of the over 75 academic programs offered at the University of Mobile.
“Cybersecurity is a high-growth field with a huge demand for talent. Simply put, everyone and every business needs their systems, networks and programs protected against digital attacks. The University of Mobile’s new cybersecurity concentration prepares graduates for key certification exams that employers want,” said Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business.
Dunning said the outlook for cybersecurity jobs only gets better in the future – by 2025, there will be 3.5 million unfilled jobs in the industry, according to estimates.
Information on the cybersecurity concentration is at umobile.edu/cybersecurity. Apply for admission at umobile.edu/apply.
To learn more about the University of Mobile, schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit or contact the Office for Admissions at 251.442.2222 to speak with an admissions counselor.
UM’s cybersecurity concentration offers project-based classes that give students real-world experiences at a Christ-centered university where students are known by their professors. It prepares graduates for three key certifications:
Certified Computer Forensics Examine (CCFE)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)*
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)*
*Additional work experience is required for CEH and CISSP certification.
“This concentration was developed in collaboration with Fortune 500 companies. It is a low code, project-based curriculum designed to give students strong critical thinking and practical cybersecurity skills,” said Dunning.
Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in cybersecurity. Students have a fast-track option of earning both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration in only five years, through UM’s Integrated 5-Year MBA program.
The cybersecurity concentration is the first of many academic offerings that will be introduced through the University of Mobile’s new partnership with the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) and Rize Education. The LCMC is a strategic partnership of private colleges and universities across the country that collaborates with Rize Education to gain access to cutting-edge curriculum that prepares students for successful careers.
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
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. – With great sadness, the University of Mobile announces the death of Dr. Randy Craig, professor of biology. Dr. Craig was chair of the Department of Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences and directed the university’s nationally accredited cadaver lab.
He died on Dec. 10, 2022, after a short illness.
Announcing the tenured professor’s passing to the university family, UM President Lonnie Burnett said, “The university has lost a dedicated employee; his family has lost a loving husband, father, and son; our students have lost a caring teacher, and many of us have lost a dear friend. I am comforted by the fact that we serve a God who is most present at times of great loss.”
Randy W. Craig, BS, DVM, was a mentor to UM students, especially pre-health students aimed at careers as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians or researchers. A veterinary surgeon with over three decades in private practice and 25 years as an orthopedic surgeon, he continued to perform complex surgeries that students were invited to observe. He spoke about the importance of mentoring the next generation on a university “Be Known” video.
In a February 2022 profile on the university website, Dr. Craig said his favorite classes to teach were anatomy and physiology. He also taught genetics, microbiology, general physiology and human gross anatomy.
He brought a wealth of life experiences to his role as a professor, with stints as a champion bull-rider and steer roper, a rodeo clown and a thoroughbred jockey. He was also a certified private pilot.
“We all are gifted by God with special or particular talents. We are to use those talents or skills for God’s purposes,” Dr. Craig said in the profile.
He shared the story of his decision to pursue veterinary medicine, a journey that ultimately led him to the Christ-centered University of Mobile.
I grew up in rural farm and ranch areas of Texas and have been involved extensively with animals my entire life. I was on the rodeo circuit awhile after high school. I won the All-Around award several times for bull riding and steer roping. Later I got into riding thoroughbreds, starting out as a warm-up rider, then became a jockey. I could wear a helmet and hold my saddle and weigh less than 120 pounds back then. I traveled around riding for various owners and earned my pilot’s license to make traveling quicker. After I won the Raton Thoroughbred Derby in New Mexico…After getting banged up a lot – I went to the hospital to see my daughter being born and had both arms taped to my body because of two broken shoulder blades – I decided it was time to do something different.
Dr. Randy W. Craig
He earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology at Texas Tech University; and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, both at Mississippi State University. His particular area of interest and special training was in veterinary orthopedic surgery and equine nutrition.
He spent more than 25 years as owner/clinician of the Animal Medical Center Inc. He maintained two full-time veterinary hospitals in Mississippi and Alabama as a mixed-animal veterinarian. Since his semi-retirement from private clinical practice, Dr. Craig continued as a contract referral orthopedic surgeon for veterinary hospitals in Mississippi and Alabama.
He began his teaching career as an associate professor at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, prior to joining the University of Mobile faculty in 2014.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the American Wind Power Museum, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Unit and the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association. Dr. Craig was a United States Department of Agriculture Accredited veterinarian and a U.S. Drug Enforcement licensed practitioner.
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
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. – Thousands of students from sixth grade through college will gather in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, starting in December 2022 and January 2023 for an experience that will challenge them to go beyond the surface of casual Christianity and bring them into a lifetime commitment to Jesus Christ.
It is the Strength to Stand conference, a ministry of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association, and the University of Mobile is the exclusive university sponsor.
Juniors and seniors in high school who attend a Strength to Stand conference will have the opportunity to earn a $20,000 scholarship to the University of Mobile. Admissions counselors will be on hand to share information about the Christ-centered university and its more than 75 academic programs.
Learn more about the Strength to Stand Conference and evangelist Scott Dawson, who also serves as a member of the UM Board of Trustees, at strengthtostand.org.
See a video message from University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett and Scott Dawson below.
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
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.
Treii Pace Physical Education Teacher – Saraland Elementary Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science ’11 2021 Teacher of the Year, Saraland Elementary 2022 Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence, University of Mobile
“God led me to the University of Mobile; He led me to seek a career in education because of my love for kids and gift of patience. He receives all the glory for the position I am in today. My years at the University of Mobile are where I began to see how God has blessed me over the course of my life.” -Treii Pace ’11
Treii Pace is an award-winning physical education teacher at Saraland Elementary and a recipient of one of the University of Mobile’s highest alumni honors, the Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence. But when he graduated from high school in 2004, he didn’t have any plans for his future. Here is Treii’s story of how God’s plan for his life led him to the University of Mobile to pursue his calling.
Q. What happened after you graduated from high school?
A. I graduated from Satsuma High School in 2004 without any plans for my future. I played basketball in high school, so when I received a basketball scholarship to attend a local community college, I was eager to accept the offer. However, that was put on hold due to a broken finger that I sustained before the tryout day. Therefore, I was ineligible to receive the scholarship to that particular college that year.
The coach encouraged me to try out again next year, which (in hindsight) was the best thing for me. I used the time off to develop a plan for that year. I began working as a landscaper and continued to train until the following year. I was very thankful that the coach kept to his word and held a spot for me on the team.
A. Upon my completion at the community college, I was left again with the realization that I still had not thought about my career path. I had an opportunity to work with kids, which sparked an interest in teaching. I decided to continue working and saving money to help pay for school. In the spring of 2008, I was playing pickup basketball on the campus of the University of Mobile. UM’s basketball coach happened to be in the gym watching the guys play, and he asked me to meet him in his office the following day. That encounter led to a scholarship to help further my education.
Q. Tell us about your faith journey.
A. Growing up, I attended church regularly and have always had an idea about God but never fully submitted myself unto Him. I was always a kind to others, but I always knew that was not enough.
It was through a close friend of mine where I realized this internally. That friend said to me, “You are a really nice guy, and you show the love of Christ through everything you do.” That statement struck me because I felt unworthy of such words, because I knew that I did not have a deeper connection with Christ.
After that conversation, I began reading and attending church more frequently. I began to learn more about God’s sovereignty.
Q. How did you see God move in your life at the University of Mobile?
A. God led me to the University of Mobile; He led me to seek a career in education because of my love for kids and my gift of patience. He receives all the glory for the position I am in today.
My years at the University of Mobile are where I began to see how God has blessed me over the course of my life. He also showed me that the trivial things that I complained about were not a big as the hardships other people have encountered. God has always been there listening and answering my prayers, even when I did not realize it.
The course of my life: attending the University of Mobile, the professors, coaches, friends, campus life and administration, all tested me in ways to build my character and to reveal how God moves in the lives of others.
Q. Where are you now?
A. In 2011, I earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise science in the School of Health and Sports Science. I started teaching in 2011 and have been at Saraland Elementary since 2014. I have coached the girls’ basketball team at the high school and am currently the coach of the girl’s middle school team.
I was named Teacher of the Year for my school and the district. I also met my amazing wife, Ursula, who is also a teacher at Saraland. Where I am now, I give all glory to God, because I would not be sharing this with you today had it not been for Him.
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.
If you were to describe Jessica Freeland in one word, it would be “creative.”
“If it’s considered creative, I probably do it. Even as a child, I enjoyed activities like drawing and singing, and have since expanded my creativity into activities such as playing guitar, songwriting, sewing, jewelry-making, poetry and short story writing, painting, and this past summer I built a loft bed from scratch for my son,” said the assistant professor of education in the University of Mobile School of Education.
Her penchant for creativity also helps her to be a creative problem-solver and, ultimately, to add a creative edge to her classes.
Now, as the new program coordinator for UM’s instructional design and technology program, Freeland teaches others how to use emerging technologies in innovative and creative ways to educate and train educators, business leaders and employees in a variety of fields.
Q. Why should someone choose to study Instructional Design & Technology?
A. Instructional Design is basically about identifying gaps in learning or performance and designing instruction or training to close those gaps. The great thing about instructional design though, is its versatility. While many people think it is synonymous with education or teaching, it can actually be applied to a variety of fields ranging from military training, the healthcare industry, human resources or corporate training. Additionally, its emphasis on technology gives those in its field an edge in new and emerging trends in the workforce.
The University of Mobile’s Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology is an online master’s degree program that prepares graduates for training and development leadership roles in every industry, from K-12 to the corporate world.
Q. This is your first year at UM. What is your background?
A. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of elementary education, which I put into use teaching elementary school in Biloxi and Mobile for six years. I had the opportunity to serve as grade level chair, PowerSchool/Schoology Lead Teacher, and as a mentor teacher to student teachers.
My specialty is arts integration, and I served as the coordinator for the Arts in Education professional development program at the University of South Alabama for over seven years, where I also gained experience in developing and administering grants.
I completed my doctorate in instructional design and development, during which time I was named the 2022 Outstanding Graduate Student for my program. I was recently named the new program coordinator for UM’s instructional design and technology program, and I look forward to seeing the program grow.
Q. Your dissertation was about how the COVID-19 pandemic was anticipated to change the use of educational technology among teachers. What drew your interest to that area of study?
A. Teachers are often hesitant, sometimes even resistant, to learning new technologies and using them in their classrooms. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a situation where teachers had to learn and use new technologies in their classrooms, as well as had to quickly pivot to online learning – something that hadn’t been done at the elementary level.
Personally, I used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to learn about new educational technologies that I could apply in the classroom. As such, I was curious to see if, since teachers had to start using new technologies, due to both district mandates and necessity, whether they would be more likely to continue to use the technologies once the pandemic was over or if they would drop the new technologies at the first opportunity and go back to the way they taught prior to the pandemic.
I found that there was projected to be a significant increase in post-pandemic technology use among elementary teachers, compared to their use before the pandemic. While demographics did not contribute to this increase, personal innovativeness, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness were all significant predictors of post-pandemic intended use.
Q. You are passionate about arts integration. Tell us about it.
A. I’ve always been passionate about the arts themselves, but when I learned that the arts can be integrated into other subject areas to make learning more engaging and memorable for students, I was hooked. I spent seven years coordinating an arts integration professional development program for K-12 teachers, during which time I developed countless hours of arts integration activities ranging across subjects and grade levels.
Once I was back in the elementary classroom, I was able to bring these activities to my own students, and I loved seeing their excitement when they got to do an arts integration activity, and their anticipation waiting for the next one.
Now, I’m excited to share these activities and strategies with my own pre-service teachers so that they can share those exciting learning experiences with their own future students.
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 teachers you can count on for an “easy A” are always popular with students.
But teachers like University of Mobile English professor Dr. Frances A. Garner – the stern ones who keep you after class and demand you do better – are truly loved.
For evidence, just look at the name on one of three buildings in UM’s Academic Park. Frances Garner Hall, a 5,500-square-foot classroom and office building, is home to UM’s English department and World Languages and Studies faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences. It is one of only two structures on campus named for a faculty member who has served at the Christ-centered university – Rosemary Adams Hall is the other.
The story behind Frances Garner Hall begins with a petite powerhouse professor who wasn’t afraid of anything.
Born to Teach
Frances Adrien Garner always knew she would be a teacher – it was in her blood. Her parents were teachers, as were most of her nine aunts and uncles.
“If you’re supposed to be a teacher, it’s something you can’t avoid. You might try, but it won’t work for long,” she was quoted at age 66 in an article published by the Mobile Press-Register in 1995.
Garner was 81 years old when she died on Jan. 31, 2010. Born on May 31, 1928, at her mother’s family farm in Morgan County, Alabama, she was raised in Mobile and graduated from Murphy High School in 1945. She attended Judson College, then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University. She taught in Mobile (Westlawn Elementary and Vigor High School), Maryland and – when it was still a territory – Hawaii. After earning a Master of Arts in English from Duke University, she returned to Mobile and took a chance on a new Baptist college that was set to open in the fall of 1963.
In a photo of the charter faculty and staff of Mobile College, now the University of Mobile, Garner is in the second row, fourth from the left. She stands directly behind Dr. Gene Perkins, the acrobatic professor who had the unusual ability to balance upside down by one finger on a block of wood.
Garner isn’t the only woman in the photo – but she was the only female faculty member that first year. The 1964 Rampage yearbook notes that she served as sponsor of the Young Women’s Auxiliary.
Later, Garner earned a Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Tennessee and rose through the ranks to full professor, becoming the first dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. She was selected by a faculty committee to receive the university’s prestigious Megginson Teaching Award in 1992 and retired in December 1996. A few months later, in April 1997, the UM Board of Trustees named her professor emeritus.
‘I’m Not Afraid’
Teaching English around the world wasn’t something she intentionally set out to do when she began her career in 1949. Some friends tried to discourage her globe-trotting.
“I’m not afraid. Something can happen to you wherever you are. I want to try to make a difference in the world,” Garner said in the Press-Register article.
She and her Mobile College colleague, Dr. Hazel Petersen (who became the first female academic dean in the nation at a Baptist college), were among the first American teachers to venture into war-torn Vietnam in 1989 following the Vietnam War. They had volunteered to teach English as a second language to Vietnamese educators.
Gun bunkers lined the airfield as she landed. The teachers lived in a state-run hotel where most of the other residents spoke only Russian. There was only one flush toilet at the school campus where they taught. Food was scarce and there was no telephone service. But this hard-working professor said she didn’t have time to think about being scared.
“You can’t live your life being afraid,” she said.
She would continue teaching English as a second language in more countries, including China and Nicaragua. While English was her passion, she was passionate as well about the need for Americans to become bilingual.
“If we’re going to live in a global economy, we’re going to have to learn how to speak different languages,” she said.
The Queen of English
Upon her retirement, Garner was conferred the title “The Queen of English” by students and faculty.
“She got this name because any time we (in the dean’s office) had a question about English grammar or usage, we would put it to Dr. Garner to resolve,” said Will Edmonds, then a recent graduate working for academic dean Dr. Audrey Eubanks.
When Edmonds graduated from UM in 1997 with a degree in global business, Garner presented him a copy of “Fowler’s Modern English Usage.”
“I knew it was the kind of gift that she gave, as it was an extension of who she was. I still have it and use it. I cherish her note and signature on the inside cover,” said Edmonds, now a National Board Certified Teacher of French at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. Recently, Edmonds was named Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year and Alternate State Teacher of the Year for 2022.
Dr. Audrey Eubanks, Dr. Frances Garner, Will EdmondsDr. William K. Weaver Jr., Dr. Frances Garner, B Weaver
“For me, Dr. Garner represented the heart of Mobile College/University of Mobile. She was concerned with not only the academic student, but the student as a whole. She impacted me and my time at UM even though she never taught me, which to me is all the more amazing,” he said.
A Teacher and Friend
“Effective teacher. Skilled administrator. Special friend of students.”
The plaque on Frances Garner Hall cites a few reasons the university named a building for the English professor.
Those she taught say her impact went even further.
“Dr. Garner was feared and loved. If you worked hard, she was your fiercest defender. Woe be to the person who didn’t give their best effort. Anyone that survived her class (and many did not), emerged as a much better writer,” recalled UM President Lonnie Burnett, a 1979 graduate of then-Mobile College.
Tim Hebson said Garner was an incredible advisor.
“I was not an English major, but I wanted her as my adviser because she demanded the best in all her students,” said Hebson, a 1981 graduate and dean of students emeritus at The University of Alabama.
Susan Thomas took English courses from Garner for four years and considered the teacher a mentor who was “real involved with all her students.”
“When I was in school, everyone knew you had to work hard to get good grades in her class. You couldn’t slide by in her class,” said Thomas, a 1977 graduate.
A Life-Long Impact
One story illustrates the impact a teacher can have in a student’s life – and demonstrates the caring and mentoring community that is still woven into the University of Mobile culture today.
Brian Boyle graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree from UM, and again in 2015 with a master’s degree. Now vice president for advancement, he said his freshman-year experience with the professor had a life-long impact:
As a freshman in my first year of college, I had the opportunity to take a literature class taught by Dr. Garner. Those who had her know of her distinct teaching style, and her high expectations. As someone who had typically done just the bare minimum to “C” my way through school, I thought I could do the same in her class. However, after turning in an essay assignment that I though was solid C work, she returned the graded paper with a bright red “F” written at the top. Further, she had written copious amounts of critical notes all over each page. You could actually feel the heat coming from the paper.
She asked me to stay after class for a brief word. I braced for what I knew would be a less-than-complimentary scolding. What I received instead, however, was something that literally transformed my thinking and my self-confidence. She told me that I could do better and that she believed I had a gift for writing. She encouraged me to take pride in my ability, and not waste it. That may not sound like much, but what I heard her say was that she, Dr. Garner herself, believed in me. The impact of that was profound and has carried with me all the years that have passed since then. I wanted to make her proud. I got an A in that class and took her classes again as often as I could. I will always be thankful for that exchange, and her belief in me. And I find myself still wanting to make her proud.
UM Legacy: People of the Halls
The UM Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the University of Mobile by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make UM what it is today. This story is part of the “People of the Halls” series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the University of Mobile. Read more UM Legacy stories at umobile.edu/umlegacy.
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.
Cody Floyd Intern in Kyrgyzstan, U.S. State Department Bachelor of Science in Public History ’20 Graduate Studies, Penn State School of International Affairs
The University of Mobile has a lot to offer the veteran community. The quality of the education, the sense of community, and the support structure all make UM ideal for veterans. I would encourage veterans to seriously consider making UM the next step in a life of purpose and service. – Cody Floyd ’20
I have been interested in international affairs since I first saw coverage of the Persian Gulf War at the age of six. I was further drawn into international affairs and U.S. foreign policy by my time in the U.S. Army and in Afghanistan. Being involved with the War on Terror made international affairs more than an academic subject; it became real and personal.
I am fiercely patriotic, and I consider the U.S. to be a major force for good in the world. God willing, I want to be a part of representing the U.S. abroad, where I can represent both Him and my country in some capacity.
I still believe in John F. Kennedy’s challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” We have, I believe, gotten away from this idea, and it shows in all aspects of American society.
This belief, along with God’s gentle nudges, has guided my path from the beginning. My decision to dive into international affairs was largely based on my desire to serve the U.S. on what has become an increasingly volatile world stage.
Q. What have you been up to since leaving UM?
A. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public History, I was offered and accepted a scholarship to the Penn State School of International Affairs, where I am focusing on international security and intelligence studies. I was recently offered an internship with the State Department that I believe will get my foot in the door with something big. I will graduate Penn State SIA in May 2023.
Q. How would you say your time at UM helped prepare you for this?
A. You might think that history and international affairs are two separate paths in terms of academics, but I consider them to be very much intertwined. How can one possibly understand the events of international affairs without first knowing the context in which they are happening?
Dr. Matthew Downs and Dr. Michael Robinson in the College of Arts & Sciences transformed the way I looked at history by helping me understand that it is not a series of compartmentalized events, but a continuum. One small event has echoes that travel through the centuries. This is critical to understand in international affairs.
Additionally, Dr. Julie Biskner was phenomenal in her approach to teaching international affairs and comparative politics. She helped me not only understand how international politics work, but why. Just as important, she taught the subject of politics not by telling her students how to think, but by making us think about things from every angle — an increasing rare skill these days in her field of academia.
With this, my time at UM prepared me for where I am by helping me focus on the right things the right way. My professors set me up for success and continue to be supportive of my endeavors even two years after I left.
Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience?
A. The most important thing I gained from UM is confirmation that God will open doors for you if you don’t panic and just trust Him. I cannot emphasize this enough. I didn’t begin my journey through college until I was 31 years old, and it has not been easy. My time at UM allowed me to increase my patience, endurance and faith, and I am seeing the rewards of this every day.
Second, I gained wisdom from professors who are as caring and supportive as they are knowledgeable.
Q. What did you like most about UM?
A. I loved the small class sizes at UM and the Christ-centered mission there. Everything you do there is designed in a way to prepare you to do something to make a difference in the world. I also like that UM is veteran-friendly. I always felt that the perspective that I gained from military service that I brought to the classroom was appreciated by my professors and classmates. Even more, the staff at UM was always willing and able to help me understand my veteran’s benefits and make the most of them.
Q.What advice would you give to UM students?
A. First, never, ever give up on yourself. It doesn’t matter how bad it gets or how tired you are of fighting, don’t give up. Trust in God and His ability to use you, and He will open doors you never imagined possible. Stay the course.Second, it’s ok if you don’t have it all planned out. I’m 37, in graduate school, and I still have no idea where I’m going to end up.
The way I look at it — and how I would encourage UM students to look at it — is to imagine that you’re walking down a long hallway with countless doors on both sides. It’s not your job to stress about what door to open. All you have to do is keep moving forward and trust that God will open the door you are supposed to walk through. You’ll know it when it’s right.
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. – A few months after Dr. Lonnie Burnett was named the 5th president of the University of Mobile in November 2019, his administration faced an unprecedented challenge. A worldwide pandemic would change the way universities operate and, ultimately, cause many higher education institutions to close their doors.
But the University of Mobile did more than simply weather the storm. The Christ-centered university quickly adjusted to the new reality, reevaluated business models and practices, reduced expenses, added academic programs, completed new construction and major facility renovations, developed new corporate partnerships and strengthened its vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.”
Today, the University of Mobile Board of Trustees recognized Burnett’s leadership and voted unanimously to extend his contract through 2026, with an automatic one-year renewal each year thereafter. Burnett’s original five-year contract was set to expire in 2024.
“We are thrilled with what has been accomplished at the University of Mobile over the past three years,” said Terry Harbin, chair of the UM Board of Trustees. “Despite the turmoil across the world, the University of Mobile has been a place of great stability and growth. We look forward to all the university will accomplish in the years ahead under the leadership of Dr. Lonnie Burnett.”
UM President Burnett said, “I am both humbled by and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me. I look forward to laboring together as we educate and mentor.”
Burnett became the university’s 5th president in November 2019, after serving six months as interim. The 1979 graduate of then-Mobile College had a 25-year career teaching history in the Mobile County Public School system and has since served the university for 18 years as a professor, dean and administrator.
Burnett said the challenges of the past few years have only strengthened his two core beliefs about the University of Mobile.
“First, I felt like the people at the university were our greatest asset and, second, our God was faithful. At the end of this three-year period as the president of the University of Mobile, I am more certain of those beliefs than ever.
“Our people have gone above the call of duty to ensure that the university stays true to, and accomplishes, the mission. Likewise, God – unsurprised and unfazed by any of the disruptions – showed us new mercies each morning.
“I am excited about the next three years and beyond,” Burnett said.
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
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.
