Author: Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.– The University of Mobile School of Nursing degree programs have been granted the maximum 10-year accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The prestigious accreditation will extend through June 30, 2035, for UM’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program.

“This achievement reflects the exceptional quality and mission-driven leadership of our faculty and students in the School of Nursing,” said University of Mobile President Charles Smith.

“It reaffirms what we already know – that the University of Mobile is preparing nurses who are not only highly skilled but also grounded in faith and compassion as they care for others. Accreditation at this level confirms our continued excellence in academic preparation and our mission of multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world,” Smith said.

Validation of Excellence

UM’s School of Nursing dean, Dr. Sarah Witherspoon, said receiving the full 10-year accreditation is a powerful validation of the hard work, innovation and dedication that define the undergraduate and graduate programs.

“Our students graduate ready to lead in healthcare settings, with the confidence that comes from rigorous training, supportive faculty and a Christ-centered approach to nursing,” she said.

Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean in the School of Nursing, said, “CCNE Accreditation calls schools and programs of nursing to the highest level of educational nursing excellence, and it was a privilege to lead our team through the process. The collaborative effort of the faculty and staff is a testament to the strength of the School of Nursing team.”

Recognized Success

The University of Mobile School of Nursing, part of the Christian university’s Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, prepares students for careers in one of the most in-demand fields in the nation.

UM’s nursing programs are known for producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has earned recognition as the #1 BSN program in Alabama. Both the BSN program and the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program have a consistent 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam and 100% job placement ratefor graduates.

Comprehensive Degree Options

Undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Online RN to BSN

Graduate programs include:

• Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
• Master of Science in Nursing Leadership
• Post-Master’s APRN Certificate
• Nurse Educator Certificate
• Post-Master Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post-Master’s

Rigorous Accreditation Standards

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is a national accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.

The accreditation process includes a self-study and site visit to ensure each program’s quality and effectiveness, focusing on four key areas:

• Mission and governance
• Institutional commitment and resources
• Curriculum and teaching-learning practices
• Assessment and achievement of program outcomes

The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted UM’s accreditation during its meeting April 29-May 1, 2025.

Learn More About the School of Nursing

Learn more about the University of Mobile School of Nursing at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of Mobile are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

About the University of Mobile

 

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

 

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile has launched a dynamic new website at umobile.edu, giving visitors a welcoming and user-friendly digital experience reflecting the Christian university’s mission of equipping Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.

University of Mobile President Charles Smith described the new umobile.edu website as “a digital front door into the life and mission of the University of Mobile.”

“Our new website offers a way prospective students can begin to experience the warmth, purpose and Christ-centered community that make the University of Mobile so special,” Smith said. “Every page invites students into a community where they are known, equipped and sent out to live the Great Commission with excellence in every calling.

“We want every visitor to umobile.edu to see clearly that we exist For Christ & His Kingdom, and that students here are prepared to make an eternal impact through their work, witness and calling.”

A Welcoming, Intuitive Online Experience

The launch on June 23, 2025, follows nearly a year of strategic collaboration between the university’s Office for Marketing & Public Relations and agency partner Hummingbird Ideas. The result is a site that is both visually inspiring and functionally powerful, providing a user-friendly approach to ensure each visitor has a more intuitive, personalized experience from the moment they land on the homepage.

Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and communication, said the website redesign is more than simply a fresh look — it captures the heart of the university in a digital space.

“Our primary focus was creating a welcoming and intuitive online experience for prospective students. We wanted the site to reflect the vibrant campus life and Christ-centered values they will experience when they visit in person,” Moore said.

Easy navigation, clear pathways to key information like academic programs and admissions, and an overall design that feels light, modern and visually engaging were top priorities throughout the process.

“The new website is a true extension of our mission to honor Christ in all we do,” Moore said. “Every element – from the clean design to the thoughtful content and imagery – was crafted to highlight our commitment to faith, learning and community. Visitors will immediately sense who we are: a Christ-centered university that equips students to become leaders who make a difference For Christ & His Kingdom.”

Moore noted the timing of the redesign aligned with a season of renewal at the university, including the introduction of the new tagline For Christ & His Kingdom and the leadership of a new university president.

“It was the perfect time to realign our digital presence with our mission, messaging and vision for the future,” she said.

User-First Design for a Mobile Generation

Heath Vester, associate vice president for creative services, said the new design ensures the site performs well across all devices, especially smartphones and tablets, which are often the first point of contact for prospective students. A redesigned navigational structure curates content based on audience needs.

“This user-centered approach ensures each visitor has a more intuitive, personalized experience from the moment they land on the homepage. Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, parent, alumni or supporter, the navigation adjusts to highlight the most relevant information for your needs,” Vester said.

The site makes it easy for users to take the next step — whether that’s scheduling a visit, starting an application or discovering campus life, he said.

A Collaboration of Vision and Excellence

UM marketing vice president Moore said the university chose Hummingbird Ideas to bring the design to life because of their reputation for creativity, quality and personalized service.

“As a boutique agency, they took the time to truly understand our goals and values,” Moore said. “We’ve partnered with them before and knew we could count on Hummingbird Ideas to deliver a beautiful, functional site with heart behind it. Their communication throughout the project was exceptional, and it was a joy to work closely with their team.”

Whitney Christopher, agency director for Hummingbird Ideas, said, “The UM marketing team came in with a strong vision and trusted us to bring it to life, turning that vision into a design, the design into development, and development into a fully launched website.”

The sheer scale and complexity of the build set this project apart, she said.

“With over 290 pages designed and developed, it was one of the most extensive higher education sites we’ve worked on. Balancing that volume with a clean user experience, strong brand presence and clear conversion paths made it both a challenge and a rewarding opportunity,” Christopher said.

“We designed the University of Mobile’s new website to lead with its Christ-centered identity, clearly communicated across every page. The aesthetic is light and airy, utilizing open layouts with generous whitespace and incorporating light neutrals with the branded UM Ram Red as an accent color. We also incorporated faith style elements and authentic photography to support the university’s Christian mission,” she said.

Check It Out!

Check out the university’s new website! Visit umobile.edu and learn more about the University of Mobile, a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom” with a vision of multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.

 

Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

 

About Hummingbird Ideas

With over 20 years of experience, Hummingbird Ideas is known for elegant execution, creativity, and dynamic strategy throughout the southern regional market. To learn more, visit hummingbirdideas.com.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile has established a new articulation agreement with Bishop State Community College, creating a streamlined path for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Child and Social Development. This agreement allows Bishop State students to transfer up to 62 credit hours toward the 124-credit-hour degree at the University of Mobile, significantly reducing both the time and cost needed to complete their four-year degree.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students in our community,” said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile. “Together, we are opening doors to careers that will have a lasting impact on children, families and communities.”

A Seamless Transfer to a Career-Ready Degree
Students who complete the required coursework at Bishop State and meet UM’s admissions criteria will benefit from a seamless and supportive transfer process into the University of Mobile School of Education’s Child and Social Development program.

UM’s Bachelor of Science in Child and Social Development is a non-certification degree that prepares graduates to teach and lead in Pre-K programs in private, religious and federal sites. Graduates may also pursue careers in civic, social or religious organizations; hospitals or non-profit organizations; or family and community services.

“We are excited to welcome Bishop State students to the UM family,” said Dr. Ashley Milner, dean of the UM School of Education. “This partnership signifies our commitment to young children and families as we work together to prepare high-quality early childhood professionals.”

Equipping Students for In-Demand Jobs
The agreement comes at a critical time as the region and nation face a shortage of early childhood education professionals. It strengthens the workforce by encouraging and supporting students pursuing a four-year degree in child and social development while promoting collaboration between both institutions to ensure a quality higher education experience.

“Students who take advantage of this transfer opportunity will receive a faith-based, academically rigorous education that equips them to serve children and families with compassion and excellence,” Milner said.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Child and Social Development at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/child-social-development.

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

 

About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. – Lives are being transformed this summer at the University of Mobile, where more than 2,400 middle to high school students are arriving for MFuge – week-long camps centered on missions, worship and spiritual growth.

Youth groups and leaders from 103 churches across 13 states are taking part in the summer camp program at UM operated by the Southern Baptist Convention’s Lifeway Christian Resources.

Dr. Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile, said MFuge embodies the university’s mission to glorify God and serve others.

“When thousands of students gather on this campus to serve our city and grow in their faith, we are witnessing the next generation of Kingdom leaders in action,” Smith said. “It’s a powerful expression of what it means to live ‘For Christ & His Kingdom.’”

Last summer at UM, the impact was clear: 90 salvations, 66 recommitments to faith and 41 calls to ministry were recorded, according to Melina Baird, event coordinator for MFuge.

A Legacy of Ministry and Missions

The Southern Baptist Convention’s FUGE Camps youth ministry program started in 1979 and now includes two primary tracks: MFuge, which incorporates opportunities for service with worship and Bible study; and Centrifuge, which focuses on recreation, Bible study, worship and topical tracks. The University of Mobile has been hosting FUGE Camps since 1981. In 1996, UM became one of the first sites to host MFuge and today is the longest-running MFuge location in the nation.

The camps are held on 24 university campuses and 11 retreat/conference centers across the United States. At the University of Mobile, students and church youth group leaders get a taste of college life – living at Alabama’s #1 safest college campus with the #1 best dorms and enjoying campus amenities including sand volleyball courts, outdoor pool, disc golf and pickleball courts.

Serving the City Through Hands-on Ministry

MFuge introduces students to real-world ministry opportunities throughout the Mobile area. Campers choose from four types of service: painting, construction and yard work; children’s ministry; games and recreation; and social ministry sites such as soup kitchens, clothing closets and nursing home visits, among others. Children’s and recreation ministries are held in area parks and at organizations such as Boy’s & Girl’s Clubs. Each night, they gather in Ram Hall for worship.

“This summer during daily Bible study, students will learn about how to own their faith and not just ride the coattails of the parents’ faith,” said Joe Hicks, FUGE Camps manager. “Then in the afternoon, they will learn how to put this faith into action as they serve the greater Mobile community.

“Our desire is that FUGE Camps are truly a life-changing camp for all who attend this summer.”

Churches Return for Relationships and Impact

This year, church youth groups are coming to Mobile, Alabama, from as far away as Texas, Missouri, Illinois and North Carolina.

Baird said it’s common for churches to return year after year to the University of Mobile.

“We have multiple churches that come back to the University of Mobile each year based on the relationships they’ve established with ministry sites in the greater Mobile area,” Baird said.

Spiritual Growth that Lasts Beyond Camp

Campers aren’t the only ones impacted by the MFuge experience. Micah Steadham, a University of Mobile graduate, served as an MFuge staff member for three years at various sites. Now UM’s videographer and photographer, he reflected on seeing this summer’s first wave of campers and staff arrive.

“It brings back memories of how the Lord worked and what He did through FUGE Camps – in the lives of thousands of students and in my life,” Steadham said. “It brings a sense of joy to get to see these MFuge staffers experience what I experienced.

“My prayer for them is that they would come out of this summer with a deeper understanding and love for Jesus and for the Gospel and take that back home with them – to their churches, their communities and their everyday lives.”

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile welcomed a record number of new students to Ram Ready registration, paving the way for a record-setting freshman class in August as new students continue to enroll for fall semester at the Christian university.

“I’m profoundly grateful for our teams here at UM,” said President Charles Smith. “This record event is the result of months of hard work and dedication and sets the stage for a very strong fall semester.”

Ram Ready is UM’s annual new student registration and orientation day held each spring. At Ram Ready, new students are advised by faculty, select their dorm room and join current students on The Great Commission Lawn for UM’s annual crawfish boil.

Over 400 students and families attended Ram Ready in April, marking a 15% increase over the university’s previous record, said Charity Wittner, vice president for enrollment management and student success.

“If this Ram Ready is any indication of our new cohort, we are looking forward to an exciting fall,” Wittner said.

Still Time to Apply; Scholarships Available

The university continues to accept applications and award scholarships to new students planning to start fall semester 2025. 

Students who apply now still have time to complete the FAFSA for financial aid offers.

“There is still time for new students to apply for admission to UM and be eligible to attend the next New Student Registration Day on June 30,” said Wittner. 

Next New Student Registration Day is June 30

The next New Student Registration Day will be held on campus Monday, June 30. 

Students who attend New Student Registration Day will receive a free UM sweatshirt, meet faculty and future classmates, build their class schedule, get their student ID, and connect with Financial Aid, Housing and Student Life teams.

Students who have already applied and been accepted to UM may sign up for New Student Registration Day. Sign up at umobile.edu/registration.

Students who have not yet applied and been accepted to UM should first apply for admission. Apply now at umobile.edu/apply. 

Dorms Near Capacity

Wittner said campus housing is still available, but students should move quickly to secure their dorm room.

“We are nearing capacity in our female dorms, so I would encourage any student looking to live on campus to complete that application process as soon as possible,” she said.

Jump-Start College with Summer Classes

Wittner said students can get a head start on their college career by taking summer classes during mini-terms offered in June and July. 

For information on summer classes, or to learn more about admission and registration, call the Office for Admissions at 251.442.2222 or email umenrollment@umobile.edu.

Learn More About UM

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

Learn more about the University of Mobile or plan a campus visit at umobile.edu/um-info, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.