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.

New College Woods Center Opens for Events at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile announces the opening of College Woods Center, a new event space for the university that is also available to the Mobile area community.

The first public event at College Woods Center is the university’s Alabama School of the Arts production of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, “The Sound of Music.” Performances begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1, and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 2. Tickets are available at umobile.edu/pas.

College Woods Center is located adjacent to the university campus on College Woods Parkway, off I-65 at Exit 13. The facility features College Woods Auditorium and meeting rooms providing flexible spaces that can be arranged to offer a variety of seating options.

In addition to serving as a venue for theatre and music performances, the space offers the Mobile area community a new site to book for corporate meetings and conferences, as well as church and community banquets and events.

UM President Lonnie Burnett said the university initially purchased the former College Park Baptist Church facility with 13 acres in 2012, then leased the 28,400-square-foot building. In May 2022, the university began major renovations to create an on-campus performance space, additional classrooms and offices for faculty and staff. 

The creation of College Woods Center also expands options for event spaces in the Mobile area that are available for rent. Catering services are available through MMI Dining, the university’s food service provider.

“College Woods Center provides opportunities for the University of Mobile to partner with the community by providing flexible spaces at a reasonable cost for businesses, community groups, churches and more,” Burnett said.

College Woods Center includes:

  • College Woods Auditorium – A 400-seat auditorium with stage featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The auditorium may also be arranged to accommodate banquet seating for over 200.
  • Central Meeting Room – A large meeting room offers seating for up to 150, or banquet seating for 120.
  • Breakout Rooms – Smaller rooms provide space for break-out sessions or small group meeting spaces.
  • Catering Services Available – Catering is available through the university’s food service provider, MMI Dining.

The university continues to renovate additional areas to provide more classroom and office space, plus create new spaces that can be booked for community use.

For more information on the College Woods Center, visit umobile.edu/cwc. To book a space, call 251.442.2201.

For more information about 2022-2023 Performing Arts Series presented by the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu/pas. 

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.

University of Mobile Freshman to Compete in XII South American Games in Paraguay

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile freshman Fedra Florentin didn’t throw a shot put until high school, when all students were required to try every sport one time. Her first throw went two meters further than anyone else’s – and changed the direction of her life.

On Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, she will represent her home country of Paraguay in the shot put competition at the XII South American Games.

It will be the largest multi-sport event in the history of Paraguayan sport. Florentin is “a key athlete for us in our competition plan,” the Paraguayan Olympic Committee wrote to UM, requesting the student-athlete’s attendance. 

The 21-year-old holds the national record in Paraguay for the shot put in the under-23 category, at 14.22 meters. This will be her sixth time competing on the Paraguay National Team in the South American Games – she started competing at age 16 – but it’s the first time the games will be held in her home country. 

“To compete for my country is an honor for me, and at the same time it’s a responsibility. I want to put my country in a good position. It’s not just me – I represent my whole country,” Florentin said.

She is also a standout on the University of Mobile’s outdoor track and field team. Her personal best at UM for shot put is 13.77 meters. Last spring, she qualified for the national championship tournament for the NAIA and was named Field Freshman of the Year for the SSAC.

“We have a reputation at the University of Mobile of having a very successful program in the NAIA,” said Andy Canegitta, head men’s and women’s cross country/track & field coach. Having an elite athlete such as Florentin on the Rams team “solidifies the message that this is a program that will be competitive each year. We bring in the top athletes from everywhere and develop them to be successful in the sport and academically.”

A friend on UM’s track & field team told her about the Christ-centered university in Alabama, and Florentin was offered a scholarship.

“I like it a lot. People here are nice. They are helpful. It’s easier to be so far from home because the people here, they are kind,” she said.

Florentin’s goal is constant improvement. When spring semester and UM’s track and field season ended in May, her season started in Paraguay. This summer she threw her best mark, a national record – again.

Dr. Lori DeLong, dean of the School of Health and Sports Science where Florentin majors in exercise science, described her “a very focused and determined student-athlete. She began her career at UM last spring setting athletic records, and she brings that same passion to her academic career.”

Coach Canegitta said Florentin is not only a top athlete, she is “a very funny person. She’s a joy to be around, and she’s a friend to everyone. And she’s strong – really strong.”

To prepare for the South American Games, Florentin practices throwing one hour a day, then lift weights at the university’s new J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center.

“I enjoy training on the weights, to be better and better every day. It’s a healthy way to live,” she said.

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.

Q&A with UM English Instructor Amy Burdette

by Kathy Dean

There are a lot of misconceptions about majoring in English – that it simply consists of writing too many papers and reading very old pieces of boring literature.

“The English Department at the University of Mobile is here to shatter those misconceptions,” says Amy Burdette, instructor of English in UM’s College of Arts & Sciences.

Studying English at UM is fun – and it is relevant, she says.

“We make it fun – and busy – for our English majors. You can truly find your people, here, and have the best experience. There are opportunities for travel, scholarship, creative writing, fun events (Bad Poetry Night), and university-wide exposure (our annual read-a-thons).”

Burdette says studying English nurtures your curiosity and gives you the critical reading and writing skills to apply and use throughout your life. Also, considering the flexibility of an English degree in the professional world, it opens the door for a plethora of job opportunities — editing, teaching, communication or public relations roles, law school, technical writing, grant proposals and much more.

Read on to learn more about majoring in English at the University of Mobile.

Q. What do you love about your field of study?

A. I love that the human condition has never changed, and we can still equate our own human experiences today with literature that is literally thousands of years old. It’s awesome to make those connections with my students, which allows me to get to know them on a deeper level. I hope to spread my passion for literature and writing by making it interesting, fun and lively in the classroom. That is why I have students who stick with me from EN 101 all the way into their upper-level literatures.

Q. What is your favorite literary work?

A. My absolute, all-time favorite piece of literature is anything by Tennessee Williams, especially A Streetcar Named Desire. I even teach it in EN 102, and my students love it!

Q. Why do you choose to teach at UM?

A. We are a small-knit community and know our students on a more personal level. This, in turn with smaller class sizes, allows us to work closely with our students to ensure their success in any one of our specialized programs.

I honestly love the camaraderie I have with my fellow colleagues. Some of them have turned out to be my closest friends. Our children are even close. This couldn’t be a better work environment as far as people go. The inclusiveness and approachability of faculty and staff make this a truly special place to work.

Q. UM offers “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” What does that mean to you?

A. My favorite scripture is Numbers 6:24-26 – “We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith. Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach” (Romans 12:6-7).

Look, I know they say, “Those who can’t, teach.” Yet, my outlook on this is far different. I can do which is why I teach. I can give my students the belief that literature is, in fact, relevant, especially regarding the human condition and universal experiences. I can help my students become comfortable in open classroom conversation. I can ensure they walk away having learned at least one thing, even if it’s that “Orgon (from Moliere’s Tartuffe) has drunk the Kool-Aid” or “Who names their kid Hamlet?”

The point is, Higher Education at the University of Mobile becomes inspirational for our students and allows them the confidence to feel accomplished in their lives not only academically and professionally, but spiritually as well. They remember their professors and will hopefully look back with a humble graciousness to serve the Lord and their communities.

Q. What is your academic background?

A. I received my Bachelor of Arts in theatre from the University of South Alabama where I also minored in English. After graduating cum laude, I earned a Master of Liberal Arts from Spring Hill College with a 3.94 GPA in under two years.

Q. What are some of your interests?

A. I enjoy spending time with my family and watching a good documentary. I also love to work out and go for long runs. It is such a great stress reliever for me ,and I hope to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle for my babies. I thrive on family time and travel. I have been married to my husband, Evan, for over 10 years and we have three beautiful children to show for it.

University of Mobile Leadership Banquet set for Oct. 25 with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Emmy Award winner and former Fox & Friends co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will be in Mobile Oct. 25 as the featured speaker for the 16th University of Mobile Leadership Banquet.

Tickets are available now for the university’s main fundraising event of the year set in downtown Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. Students from the university’s Alabama School of the Arts will perform as supporters gather to celebrate the university founded in 1961 as Mobile College.

The UM Leadership Banquet begins with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The banquet starts at 6:30 p.m.  Individual tickets are $150 and sponsorships start at $1,500. Higher-level sponsorships include an opportunity to meet Hasselbeck during a VIP reception prior to the banquet, with priority seating at the event. 

Tickets and sponsorships are available at umobile.edu/banquet, or contact the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2587.

‘Partner for Purpose’

The evening is a celebration of the Christ-centered university founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. 

“When you partner with the University of Mobile by becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the Leadership Banquet, your support helps students fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. You become a ‘Partner for Purpose,’” said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement and a graduate of the university.

Survivor: The Australian Outback

Hasselbeck graduated from Boston College in 1999, where she played Division I softball and majored in studio art. After graduating, she designed footwear for PUMA. In 2002, she competed in the popular television reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, taking fourth place.

For the next 10 years, she co-hosted the daytime talk show, The View, on ABC and became an Emmy Award recipient. In 2013, Hasselbeck joined FOX & Friends where she served as a co-host for two years.

Hasselbeck is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children.

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.

More Than a Coach: Mike Jacobs

by Kathy Dean

For Coach Mike Jacobs, the University of Mobile baseball field was never just a baseball field.

“It was a mission field. He didn’t run a baseball program. He ran a discipleship program. Coach Jacobs always thought of the person first and the player second. He was preparing you for life,” said former player and current UM campus pastor Jared Baria ’09.

Jacobs Field and Archway

The University of Mobile’s beloved athletic director and head baseball coach passed away suddenly Dec. 3, 2019, after suffering a heart attack at the baseball field on campus that bears his name. He left a legacy as a man of faith and integrity who invested his life in the young men he coached, in his family, and in service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The baseball field at the University of Mobile was named Jacobs Field in 2011 after Coach Jacobs compiled 700 career wins. The Jacobs Field Archway at the entrance to Jacobs Field was dedicated in 2021 to honor his memory.

A Coach’s Calling

In a profile in the university’s TorchLight magazine, Jacobs spoke about his calling as a coach at the University of Mobile.

“I’ve always felt like this was a ministry for me, that God brought me here not only to coach baseball, but to mentor young athletes and prepare them for what life is going to bring them when they leave here. I try to be an example of what I feel God wants these students to see,” Jacobs said.

Overall, Coach Jacobs earned 993 total wins in 30 seasons while leading the University of Mobile Rams baseball program. He reached the 30-win plateau in 17 of his 30 seasons as head coach and led the Rams to seven conference championships and a berth in the 2001 NAIA World Series. Coach Jacobs was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018. In July of 2019, he was named athletic director at UM, leading one of the NAIA’s largest athletic programs.

He won Conference Coach of the Year three times in his career; in 1998, 2001 and 2008. He coached 20 total All-Americans, 88 First-Team All-Conference performers, 10 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 13 conference Gold Glove winners, and 102 conference All-Academic performers, and saw 35 players go on to sign professional contracts.

As a college player, Jacobs had an outstanding career as a four-year letterman at University of South Alabama and was the Jaguars’ leading hitter in 1976.

Coach: A Prayer

A prayer titled “Coach” written by Baria and read at Jacobs’ memorial service recalled familiar scenes at Jacobs Field, with the coach’s wife, Joy, in the stands.

O Lord in this brokenness, please calm the raging storms,
Just get me past the gate and let me make it past the dorms.

Where my heart is not so heavy, and loaded down with hurt,
Just take it out and leave it, upon the brick-crushed dirt.

Where everything was good and your children were at play,
Just take me back again, to another Saturday.

Where the fans are in their seats, hearing Mrs. Joy shout,
Just put me in the box when the wind is blowing out.

Where the grass is freshly cut, and the Rams always get the win,
Just put me there on second, and have Jacobs wave me in.

Where lives have been transformed and where baseball’s just a game
Just leave me there with him, on the field that bears his name.

Where a man lived out his faith and made the gospel known,
Just let me help to water, the countless seeds he’s sown.

Where he is right now, I can tell from all their faces,
Lord, let me stand beside him, when I’m finished running bases.

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.

Piano Teachers and Students Invited to ‘Sound Weight’ Workshop

by Kathy Dean
‘Sound Weight’ Workshop

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile invites piano students and teachers to “Sound Weight,” a pedagogy workshop taught by Barbara Laurendine, a nationally certified teacher of music.

“Sound Weight” explores how weight controls the sound value produced and promotes dynamic life in the music. The hour-long workshop is free and open to all piano teachers and students.

The workshop will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. in the newly renovated Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on the University of Mobile campus. The campus is located off I-65 Exit 13 at 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama, 36613.

“Piano teachers attending the workshop will learn how to help their students understand how to produce many facets of sound to correctly interpret many facets of style. Students who attend will learn what it means to produce a correct sound. We will focus on thinking ahead and listening to the sound produced,” Laurendine said.

ASOTA Piano Festival VI

The workshop is part of the 6th annual Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival VI, a year-long series of master classes and workshops, recitals by guest artists and faculty, and special performances by university students and Elite 88, UM’s piano ensemble. 

All Piano Festival events are free and open to the public and are held in Moorer Auditorium. The full schedule can be found on the university calendar at umobile.edu, or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.

Music Teacher of the Year

Named “Teacher of the Year” in 2001 by the Alabama Music Teachers Association, Laurendine taught piano at the University of Mobile while founding and directing the highly successful Summer Music Camp for 18 years.

She was named one of “Mobile’s Most Influential People in the Arts” by Mobile Bay Monthly and received the Greater Mobile Arts Award for Outstanding Educator in the Field of Music for 2005. In 2001 during its national convention in Washington, D.C., The Music Teachers National Association established the Barbara Laurendine Foundation Fellowship Award in recognition of her contributions to the field of music instruction.

Currently, Laurendine maintains a private studio for both preparatory and adult piano students in the Mobile area.

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.

University of Mobile Enrolls Largest Freshman Class in 7 Years

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile enrolled its largest freshman class in seven years and residence halls are near capacity as the Fall 2022 semester gets underway at the Christ-centered university.

The university enrolled 273 first-time freshmen, making this the largest influx of new freshmen since 2015. Currently, 622 students live in residence halls the ranking site Niche rates as the #1 Best Dorms in Alabama.

In addition, UM’s new Associate Degree in Nursing program met its goal of 30 students for its first class. The five-semester nursing degree program aims to address the local and national nursing shortage by preparing nursing students to enter the workforce quickly. 

New Scholarships

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said new scholarships and partnerships contributed to the university’s gain in new student enrollment, an area that nationally has shown a decline. 

Burnett said the university worked with donors to develop the LIFT Scholarship (Learning Investments for Tomorrow) for new students from a five-county area who have financial need. The LIFT Scholarship fills a gap between the cost of tuition and the amount covered by financial aid and scholarships. 

New partnerships created this year with Infirmary Health and Springhill Medical Center provided new scholarships for School of Nursing students earning the Associate Degree in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“Our corporate partners and donors see the University of Mobile and the Christian higher education we offer as an excellent investment in our community. We are continuing to develop new partnerships that will expand opportunities for even more students,” Burnett said.

Charity Wittner, vice president for student affairs, said preliminary census figures show that UM mirrored national trends in some areas, while bucking trends in others.

“We went into the fall following national trends and anticipating anywhere from a 4-to-7% decline in new students. We ended up being 8% higher in new student enrollment for our traditional on-ground program,” Wittner said. 

Overall, preliminary census numbers show that UM was part of a national trend as total enrollment of 1,851 for Fall 2022 fell 3% below Fall 2021’s total of 1,911. Undergraduate enrollment for online programs increased by 18%, while enrollment declined for graduate programs. Final enrollment numbers are not yet available for dual enrollment and early enrollment, but officials expect a slight decline from last year.

College Visit Days

The university is already focusing on recruiting for Fall 2023. The next UM Day for prospective students is Sept. 23, and interested students are invited to RSVP at umobile.edu/umday. Private visits are also available. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to umobile.edu/visit or call Enrollment Services at 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.

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.

Virtuoso Pianists to Perform ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ for Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival VI

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – A suite of 10 piano pieces known as a showpiece for virtuoso pianists, “Pictures at an Exhibition,” will be performed by the University of Mobile faculty to open the 6th annual Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival.

The free concert set for Thursday, Sept. 15, features duets by Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music, and Greg Wiggins, instructor of music. Dr. Charlotte Hester, associate professor of music education, will discuss the 1874 suite that is the most famous piano composition by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. The suite musically illustrates the paintings and watercolors of the composer’s close friend, the architect and painter Victor Hartmann. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on the University of Mobile campus. The campus is located off I-65 Exit 13 at 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama, 36613. The concert and lecture will be live streamed at https://fb.me/e/3AhBucFdG.  

What is the ASOTA Piano Festival?

The Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) Piano Festival is a year-long series of master classes and workshops, recitals by guest artists and faculty, and special performances by university students and Elite 88, UM’s piano ensemble. 

Alabama School of the Arts Faculty

It was started by UM’s Steinway Artist and Director of Piano Studies Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva. Along with retired music professor Becky Fox, Onalbayeva was instrumental in leading the university to gain the prestigious status of All-Steinway School.

“The annual Piano Festival combines educational and performance variety, not just for pianists, but also for other instrumentalists and vocalists. Our students who study composition have performances of their original works. This year, we have workshops and master classes with international artists and educators from Kazakhstan, Belgium, Costa Rica and other countries,” said Onalbayeva.

All Piano Festival events are free and open to the public and are held on campus in Moorer Auditorium. The full schedule is below and can be found on the university calendar at umobile.edu/calendar, or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.

‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Lecture/Recital

The piano suite “Pictures at an Exhibition” represents a melding of Russian painting, music and culture, and also is a musical memorial to the common goals and friendship between composer Mussorgksy and architect/painter Hartmann, said Dr. Charlotte Hester, who will discuss the work prior to its performance.

“As creative artists, both Mussorgsky and Hartmann were dedicated to the promotion of essentially Russian musical and artistic forms. Today, most of Hartmann’s paintings have been lost, whereas Mussorgsky’s suite remains as one of his most famous piano compositions,” Hester said.

Wiggins, who will perform with Onalbayeva, said the original work that was created in just two weeks for solo piano exploded in popularity.

“The extent to which this composition has reached the world is staggering,” said Wiggins. A 1922 orchestration from French composer Maurice Ravel became the standard for orchestras all over the world and has surpassed the original piano solo version in popularity. The 1970s rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer recorded a live concert of the work, incorporating their signature styles of progressive rock, jazz and folk music.

The Sept. 15 performance for two pianos was arranged in 2014 by Clemens Starybrat, who used Mussorgsky’s original composition as well as Ravel’s original orchestration as inspiration for his arrangement.

All-Steinway School Piano Festival

The university’s 6th annual Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival includes an annual celebration of the university’s status as an All-Steinway School. Events include:

Oct. 19, 3 p.m. – “Sound Weight” pedagogy workshop with Barbara Laurendine, nationally certified teacher of music and former adjunct music instructor at the University of Mobile.

Nov. 3, 7 p.m. – Elite 88 Piano Ensemble “Goes to the Opera.”

Nov. 9, 3 p.m. – Lecture/recital with Steinway Artist Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa, Orfeo Music Festival and Talis Festival & Academy, artist and faculty at American River College, Sacramento, California.

Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition VIII 

Feb. 6, 4 p.m. – “The Five Basic Motions of Piano Technique” pedagogy workshop with Dr. Marian Lee, associate professor of music and head of piano department at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa

Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – Guest Artist Recital with Dr. Marian Lee.

Feb. 8, 3 p.m. – Master Class and Workshop with Dr. Marian Lee.

March 21, 7 p.m. – “Music for Today and Tomorrow” ASOTA Piano Duet with Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and Greg Wiggins.

March 30, 7 p.m. – All-Steinway School Celebration piano department concert.

April 13, 7 p.m. – Elite 88 Piano Ensemble “Goes to the Symphony”

April 18, 7 p.m. – “Eclectic Music” chamber music concert by ASOTA students.

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.

Q&A with UM Chemistry Professor Wanda Jones

by Kathy Dean

From mixing chemicals in the lab to mixing ingredients in the kitchen for her signature BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Muffins recently featured in Mobile Bay Magazine, Wanda Jones loves to experiment.

Q&A with UM Chemistry Professor Wanda Jones

“Being in the kitchen, just like being in the classroom and lab, is one of my happy places,” says the assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Mobile. “Everything is made of atoms. How those atoms make different types of matter is so exciting to look at.”

Dr. Jones helps University of Mobile students catch that excitement and build a strong foundation in chemistry. She also encourages them to follow God’s calling for their lives – something she is passionate about for her own life.

“In James 1:27, it says to take care of the widows and the orphans. By being a foster and adoptive parent, I am living out the Gospel. When I volunteer to help others in the community, I am spreading the love of Jesus. When I teach, I am showing others to be like Christ. That is purpose…that is calling…that is my life,” she says.

Read on to learn more about Dr. Jones and what it’s like to teach and learn at the University of Mobile.

Q. You have taught at UM since 2019. What is your background?

A. My undergrad is in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. My PhD is in materials science and engineering. Materials science and chemistry are interdisciplinary and related like first cousins. 

I always tell my students that chemistry is my first love and engineering is my second love. I have always found it challenging and therapeutic to know that everything is made of atoms. How those atoms make different types of matter is so exciting to look at. We as humans are walking chemistry experiments. When students look at chemistry that way, it helps them to relate to the subject matter better.  

Q. Why should someone choose to study chemistry?

A. Chemistry is ever-changing. With all the advancements in technology, there are some basics that we all still must know. That is foundation. If you have a strong foundation, you will be able to adapt to the changes and face the challenges that come your way. 

Having a major in biology with a minor in chemistry is a very versatile degree.  You can teach, go into medicine, animal science, marine science, graduate school…the possibilities are endless. There are always opportunities in science.

Q. UM offers “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” What does that mean to you?

A. We know that our purpose must be found in Jesus Christ. Students are here to be educated to serve their purpose found in Jesus Christ. At the University of Mobile, faculty and staff are here to help our students find that purpose while being educated. 

Q. Why do you teach at UM?

A. I love the family-friendly atmosphere! I also enjoy having coworkers whom I can talk with and do life with. The class sizes are perfect and I get to know my students. Being in the classroom and lab is one of my happy places.

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