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.

Be Passionate: Katie Wilkinson

by Kathy Dean
Katie Wilkinson

Katie Wilkinson, MSN-FNP
Neurology/Neuroendovascular CRNP
Mobile Infirmary Medical Center 
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner ’19

Although nothing could have prepared me for actually treating COVID, the confidence the University of Mobile School of Nursing instilled in me, and my faith, got me through every day.
– Katie Wilkinson ’19

Little did the University of Mobile know when I graduated with my MSN-FNP that they were setting me up to literally work the front lines of the pandemic for the city of Mobile.

I was hired to be a neurology CRNP at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center – I did that for a few weeks before I was pulled to help with COVID for almost 2 years. It will forever be the work that I am most proud of. It was one of the most trying and darkest times of my life. I leaned heavily on Jesus. I know now, more than ever, that life is short and we are not promised tomorrow. Every single day is a gift. I want to live a purpose-driven life, and COVID made all of that crystal clear for me.

Q. How did UM prepare you for this experience?

A. Although nothing could have prepared me for actually treating COVID, the confidence the University of Mobile School of Nursing instilled in me, and my faith, got me through every day. Graduating with my Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner has opened countless doors and career opportunities. The University of Mobile and the faculty in the College of Health Professions helped me better myself and take my career to the next level.

Q. Tell us about your job.

A. My job is cool – it’s never the same thing twice. I am now officially with neurology full time and work in the clinic five days a week. I also help with the neuroendovascular side of things. I am still learning every day. I do most of the stroke hospital follow-ups. I treat patients mostly for migraines, stroke, trigeminal neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, TIA, memory loss, dementia, lumbar/cervical radiculopathy, syncope, Parkinson’s disease…that’s the basics. I also work with our new neuroendovascular doctor – I am on the clinic side of things. We treat/manage/monitor brain aneurysms. My job is never boring.

Neurology is challenging because there are not a lot of happy endings, but when there are –  man, oh man, it is definitely worth celebrating. Every success story is such a rewarding experience. I am thankful that my patients let me take care of them.

Q. You have scripture that keeps you motivated. What is it?

A. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23.

Q. What advice would you give to UM students following in your footsteps?

A. If you’re going to do an accelerated program, you better buckle up. UM’s accelerated program taught me that I HAD to be organized, prioritize and learn excellent time management skills.

Q. Any final words for students considering a career in health care?

A. Be passionate. I am passionate about being intentionally positive and grateful – it just makes everything for everyone BETTER. I am passionate about learning how to do things the right way, so you never cut corners. I am passionate about treating each and every patient like they are my family. I am passionate about LISTENING – because sometimes all my patients need is a good listener. I am passionate about using my hands for the glory of God ­– because to me, that is what this is all about. I am still passionate about being a bedside nurse! I just can’t give it up – I love using my hands to heal! I pick up shifts on the weekends here and there to get my fix.

Katie Wilkinson in office

Practical Mathematics: Noah Whittington

by Kathy Dean
Noah Whittington

Noah Whittington
Financial Controller, Altaworx
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics ’20

The University of Mobile was a great springboard into my career. I learned all the tools I needed to get started, and many professors offered advice and helped me make professional connections. I even got started in my career through networking at a UM event.
-Noah Whittington ’20

Inspired by University of Mobile mathematics professor Troy Henderson who teaches by applying mathematics to real-life problems, Noah Whittington wanted to solve real-life problems using his skills in mathematics and analytics.

“That led me to finance and accounting. From my first finance class, the concepts clicked,” said Whittington, who graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics through the College of Arts and Sciences.

An avid golfer who started swinging a club as a toddler, Whittington earned a golf scholarship to the Christ-centered university with one of the largest athletic programs in the NAIA.

Now, as financial controller at the telecom company Altaworx, he has recovered thousands of dollars in billing disputes, led the transition to a new company retirement plan, and manages compliance with local and federal telecom regulations.

“I joke about looking at spreadsheets all day, but it’s so much more than that. I love getting to see both the macro and micro aspects of the business. As my boss says, what really makes a difference is working ON the business, not just working IN the business,” Whittington said.

Q. How did your UM experience impact your life?

A. You feel like you belong when at UM. Christ is what unites so many of us on campus, and that creates an atmosphere not often replicated. For me, that enabled me to learn, grow, and be challenged in many areas of my life.

Q. What is a typical workday like?

A. Working in a small business, I wear many hats, which provides a great boost for whatever my career holds in the future. I handle accounts payable, which includes managing invoices and ensuring vendors bill us properly. I also oversee payroll, employee benefits, and local and federal telecom compliance. There are duties that I attend to every day, but it’s the opportunities to grow that make the job rewarding. That’s one of the great things about Altaworx; I am consistently challenged to learn more.

Q. What do you love about studying mathematics?

A. Math is a beautiful thing. It brings clarity to everyday problems. It teaches one how to think through several steps at a time, enabling one to analyze the cause and effect of different scenarios. Studying math definitely prepared me to find my passion for finance and to thrive in the business world.

Noah sitting at desk
Noah at desk

Insuring Success: Laurel & Kimberly

by Kathy Dean
Insuring Success: Laurel & Kimberly

Laurel Flowers and Kimberly Coleman are two sisters who have found success through service. The University of Mobile graduates used their degrees from the Grace Pilot School of Business, combined with their passion for serving others and their communities, to build award-winning careers as agents with State Farm Insurance. 

Laurel is the agency owner of Laurel Flowers State Farm in Saraland, Alabama. Her older sister, Kimberly, is the owner of Kimberly Coleman State Farm a few miles down the road in Mobile. Both are heavily invested in their communities – Laurel is president elect of the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kimberly is a chamber ambassador with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the alumni board at UM.

Their time at the University of Mobile is the common factor in each of their success stories.

Laurel Flowers

Laurel Flowers
Owner, Laurel Flowers State Farm
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics ’14
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Finance ’14
Master of Business Administration ’14

I’d just love to say ‘thank you’ to the staff and professors at UM for loving us students and going the extra mile to help whenever they can. They are what makes the University of Mobile what it is today. – Laurel Flowers ’14

Laurel’s Story

After graduating in 2014 from the University of Mobile’s 5-year Integrated Master’s program (with two bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business administration/finance and a Master of Business Administration), Laurel trained with an agent in Nashville, Tennessee. She returned to Saraland, Alabama, and opened Laurel Flowers State Farm in 2017. Since then, she has earned some of the highest honors in the company, including Chairman’s Circle, Ambassador Club and Top 100 New Agents. 

“I wanted to be a business owner to have the flexibility with my job to be there for all of my family’s special moments, and to plug into the community any chance I could get. I am a big believer in giving back, and my goal when launching my business was to be considered among the most generous people in my community. Insurance not only gave me that opportunity, but on top of that, my job was literally to step in when things didn’t go as planned for my customers,” Laurel said.

“I remember driving to a home that was still smoking from a total loss house fire to bring a State Farm check for $10,000 to the family so their immediate needs were taken care of, like clothing, toothbrushes, and a place to stay for the night. I’ve had a classmate and single mom that passed away in a tragic car accident and I was able to step in with a check for life insurance to make sure those babies were taken care of. It makes my job easy when I know we are selling a product that helps our customers protect their families.”

Kimberly Coleman
Owner, Kimberly Coleman State Farm
Master of Business Administration ’10

Being a part of the master’s program at the University of Mobile helped me in all facets of my business. – Kimberly Coleman ’10

Kimberly Coleman

Kimberly’s Story

Kimberly worked for a Farmers Insurance agent throughout her college career. After graduating with a Master of Business Administration from UM, she maintained her license requirements for 15 years while also building a career at Coca Cola Bottling company. There, she held several roles from sales analyst to marketing, covering many regions and working out of the corporate headquarters. Recently, she was offered a position back in insurance and, in 2021, opened Kimberly Coleman State Farm. Her team of four has held a top 10 position in a territory that includes over 46 tenured agents. 

“My job as an insurance agent is to mitigate risks for my customers and make their uncomfortable circumstances a little more comfortable. Beyond that, insurance agency has given me the platform to share my testimony in ways my prior role could not. I can bring community initiatives and business together and help more people than in my prior career. State Farm has been a great support in providing resources to allow us to engage with our communities more than ever before,” Kimberly said. “I learned a lot working for corporate America; stewardship programs were something I knew I wanted to replicate.  It is so rewarding to know that what you are doing is making an impact in the local community. I love to be out in the community, so often you will find me at an event or sponsored on a sports banner.”

Q: How did your University of Mobile experience impact you?

Laurel: The University of Mobile was such a unique experience compared to most universities. My classes were small enough where my professors and classmates knew who I was. The students and staff saw when I opened my agency, and many of them are now my customers. I’d just love to say ‘thank you’ to the staff and professors at UM for loving us students and going the extra mile to help whenever they can. They are what makes the University of Mobile what it is today.

Kimberly: Being a part of the master’s program at UM helped me in all facets of my business. From the accounting and finance courses helping me to understand the basics of balancing expenses, with net income, to the marketing courses that led me to discover there was more to investing in a business than just a billboard, to business classes that helped with a general scope of managing and running a company, these have all led and directed me to be a successful business owner. I don’t think you can ever fully prepare for managing people, especially through a pandemic, but through the courses and instruction at UM, I was able to smoothly navigate through being a confident business owner. 

University of Mobile Announces Academic Updates

by Kathy Dean
Debra Chancey
Joyce Woodburn
Todd Hicks

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile announced several updates in academic leadership as Spring Semester 2023 begins on Jan. 9.

Dr. Debra Chancey has been named associate vice president for institutional effectiveness in the Office for Academic Affairs. Previously, she served as dean of the School of Education.

Dr. Joyce Woodburn, associate professor of education, has been named dean of the School of Education. 

Dr. Todd Hicks, professor of nurse anesthesiology, has been named to the new position of executive dean of the College of Health Professions. The College of Health Professions encompasses UM’s School of Nurse Anesthesia, School of Nursing, and School of Health and Sports Science. Hicks will continue to serve as director of the School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Dr. Jessica Garner, assistant professor of nursing, has been named graduate dean for the School of Nursing.

Dr. Doug Wilson, professor of biblical studies, has been named to the new position of executive director of the Center for Christian Calling in the School of Christian Studies. The Center for Christian Calling coordinates experiential learning and church outreach, including internships and mission trips. The School of Christian Studies (previously known as the Center for Christian Calling) moves to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Jessica Garner
Presidential Seal
Doug Wilson

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.

Learn to Lead: Lorie Bush

by Kathy Dean
Lorie Bush

Lorie Bush, BSN, MSN
Maternal Child Nurse Manager
Springhill Medical Center
Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’14
Master of Science in Nursing ’16

My time at the University of Mobile helped me become the leader I am today.  UM’s School of Nursing program instilled not only the skills I needed for nursing, but also the faith-based leadership skills needed to lead – not just manage.
-Lorie Bush ’14 & ’16

As maternal child nurse manager at Springhill Medical Center, I manage the Labor and Delivery, Mother-Baby and Nursery along with post-op GYN patient care. On a typical day, I help to lead what I consider the best group of nurses in Mobile in caring for mothers and babies. 

On the best days, I get to be at the bedside with moms and their partners, personally helping them start or expand their family. On what others may think of as the “bad” days, I get to love them through their grief during a loss.

Learn to Lead: Lori Bush

Q. What inspired you to become a nurse?

A. Going into health care started with my high school health occupations teacher, Debbie Galloway.  Mrs. Galloway gave us all a basic understanding of health care, along with great life lessons. My focus on nursing came from the many nurses in my life – my grandmother, my aunt and my mother-in-law. I was fortunate to work as a student nursing assistant in a post-partum unit, which led to my passion for women’s health care.  

I love everything about women’s health care. My passion is Labor and Delivery, helping parents through the process of childbirth and what to do with their new family. I strive to help bring quality health care to women during childbirth and for GYN care through continuous education of staff, staying up-to-date on all new evidence-based practices, and always having a willingness to learn.

Q. How would you say your time at the University of Mobile School of Nursing helped prepare you?

A. My time at the University of Mobile helped me become the leader I am today.  UM’s School of Nursing program instilled not only the skills I needed for nursing, but also the faith-based leadership skills needed to lead – not just manage. I also learned the importance of continued learning – gaining the knowledge that learning never stops and research is always changing. The instructors are always pushing you to look at the most up-to-date research.

Learn to Lead: Lori Bush

Q. How do you put those lessons learned into practice in your career?

A. I have continued to work at Springhill Medical Center since graduation. We remodeled our Labor and Delivery and Nursery and grew our unit. I have been certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring and teach fetal monitoring to other labor and delivery nurses. I am on the Infant Mortality Committee and am always trying to improve our women’s health care, specifically in labor and delivery through continuing education with staff.

Q. What do you like most about the UM School of Nursing?

A. I love the size of UM. It’s personal; the instructors know you – they are there for you and love you all the way through school.

Q. What advice do you have for students in the School of Nursing?

A. My advice to new students would be to soak it all in and learn everything you can, but enjoy your experience. For adult learners like I was, I would say – you’re going to make it, you will figure out work, life and school balance.

Army Chaplain Corps: Jim Fisher

by Kathy Dean
Jim Fisher

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.

Army Chaplain Corps: Jim Fisher
Army Chaplain Corps: Jim Fisher

“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.

Army Chaplain Corps: Jim Fisher

“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!”

University of Mobile Adds New Cybersecurity Concentration for High-Demand Career Field

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Looking for a career that’s a sure thing? The University of Mobile is offering a new cybersecurity concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program. The new offering prepares graduates for careers in a field that is growing 4 times faster than the average, with a median salary of over $90,000. 

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.

With Great Sadness, the University of Mobile Announces the death of Dr. Randy Craig

by Kathy Dean
Randy W. Craig

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.

UM Partners with Strength to Stand Ministry to Award Scholarships

by Kathy Dean

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.

Request Information

weaver hall building