Author: Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – It started like many college projects do — with a deadline and a dream.

In the fall of 2024, two University of Mobile seniors, Joshua Trimble and Will Wayne, needed a capstone project to complete their worship leadership degrees at the Baptist university. The two friends decided to combine their efforts into a joint project.

The result is “Take All of Me,” an EP by Latreo, a new band composed of University of Mobile students and alumni. Now available on all major streaming platforms, the EP also is being shared with congregations through worship resource platforms.

What began as a class requirement for UM’s Alabama School of the Arts degree programs became something much bigger – a ministry, a band, and a testimony to how God provides when His people step out in faith.

“The Lord provided all that was needed,” Wayne explained.

A Shared Vision

It started with a group of songs Wayne had written over the years – words and notes he hoped one day could be used to encourage other believers and churches. That day arrived when their capstone project proposal was approved by Abbie Maggio, assistant professor of worship leadership.

Soon, Wayne, Trimble, and a team of fellow students were rehearsing with the goal of one day recording the original songs.

“The band did not yet have their name, nor did they have the certainty than any music they were working on would be shared,” Wayne said.

This is how Latreo began – a band formed entirely of University of Mobile students and alumni. Drawn from the Greek word “latreuo” — meaning “to serve, to worship” — the name perfectly captured both their purpose and their journey. The name also had a UM connection – many of Latreo’s current members had once played in a UM campus ministry teams worship band of the same name.

There were alumni and students who already were making an impact beyond campus, including in local ministries and churches. Among the Baptist churches represented are Cottage Hill, Moffet Road, Spring Hill, Tillman’s Corner, Bay Family and Thomasville.

Collaboration Brings Music to Life

Students practiced and perfected the original songs throughout fall semester 2024. When the band realized they lacked the funds and production support to bring their songs to life, provision came from unexpected places — and familiar faces.

Logan Lipke, a close friend and fellow student, needed a senior project for his degree in musical arranging and composing. The timing was perfect. Lipke stepped in to record and produce three of the band’s songs, while Connor Duckett, Wayne’s suitemate, produced another.

And when one more song remained unproduced, UM instructor Chris Springer, who teaches in the production technologies program, joined the effort — with funds generously provided through supporters connected to Wayne.

The Heart of the Project

Trimble said a desire to provide churches with a resource for worship remains the heart of the project.

“We wanted – and still want – to produce music that is edifying to the church and glorifying to Him,” Trimble said.

“When we finally got the band together to work on these songs, it was evident that the Lord’s hand was upon us. Not only were we able to write and produce music, but we were able to worship with some of our closest friends.

“It is an experience we will always cherish and glorify God for,” Trimble said.

The Sound of Worship

In Spring 2025, they used the university’s professional Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio to lay down the tracks. By the start of the 2025 school year in August, Latreo had fully produced and released five original worship songs:

The EP “Take All of Me” includes:

• Beloved (Mephibosheth)
• There Is a God
• Take All of Me
• Grace Upon Us
• Hope in God (Psalm 43)

Each song reflects the band’s heart for authentic worship and biblical truth, blending thoughtful lyrics with fresh musical arrangements.

Every member involved — including Madison Lipke, Lyla Stokes, Emory Cooper, Kaden Kuglar and others — contributed to the writing, arranging and recording process.

Additional UM students such as Yonan Hanna, Taidi Vielza, Addie Lentz, Cody Green and Camille Edgar joined along the way, making Latreo’s debut a true campus-wide collaboration.

From the Studio to the World

What began in a University of Mobile practice room has now reached listeners far beyond campus. Latreo’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, and Amazon Music, and the group is in the process of uploading worship materials for churches on SongSelect and MultiTracks.

But they aren’t finished yet.

Latreo is already writing new music and preparing for a second album — this time featuring songs from multiple writers, including Trimble and Stokes. Their mission remains the same: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through songs grounded in Scripture and filled with hope.

To learn more, follow Latreo on Instagram: @latreo_official and on Facebook at Latreo.

Multiplying Kingdom Leaders

Tim Adams, vice president for student development and collegiate athletics, said the story of Latreo is one of many that illustrates how God is using the University of Mobile to make an impact.

“The University of Mobile exists to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. Latreo is a perfect example of what that looks like – students using their gifts to serve the church, encourage believers and share the gospel through music,” Adams said.

Student Life Director Jared Baria remembers Wayne as a freshman just beginning to discover his calling. Today Wayne serves as a graduate assistant helping Baria direct the type of Christ-centered campus programming that aims to nurture and disciple the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

“Will has a heart to see the gospel go out,” Baria said. “He’s a talented singer-songwriter who doesn’t want to take the glory for himself but give the glory to God, and I think that’s evident by doing a project like this. It’s more than music – it’s ministry.

“Will, along with each one of these students and graduates, understands that their lives are a boast of Christ alone. They are truly living ‘For Christ & His Kingdom.’”

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 School of Education received an Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) Program Improvement Grant from the Alabama State Department of Education to enhance teacher preparation and strengthen literacy education in Alabama classrooms.

The grant, awarded through the Alabama Reading Initiative under the direction of ALSDE Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, supports educational preparation programs implementing the Alabama Literacy Act, a statewide effort to ensure every child reads proficiently by the end of third grade.

“At the University of Mobile, we’re deeply committed to preparing educators who teach with excellence and compassion. By immersing our students in best practices aligned with the Alabama Literacy Act, we are ensuring every UM graduate enters the classroom ready to foster literacy success in every child,” said Dr. Ashley Milner, dean of the School of Education.

Grant Funds Hands-On Literacy Tools for Future Teachers

The grant fund sthe purchase of hands-on, multimodal instructional materials and resources for teacher candidates enrolled in literacy courses and field experiences. These resources – such as alphabet arcs, Elkonin box floor mats, magnetic letters, and hand mirrors – will help future teachers learn and apply strategies rooted in the science of reading, enabling them to teach literacy through interactive and evidence-based methods.

“This grant will enhance the implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act in our schools by preparing our teacher candidates to utilize research-based, foundational strategies steeped in the science of reading,” said Dr. Kelly Lomax, assistant professor of education and National Board Certified Teacher who secured the grant.

“We’re equipping our students not just with knowledge, but with the tools and confidence to make an immediate impact in their future classrooms.”

The grant builds on a previous ARI award that enabled Lomax to provide teacher candidates with high-quality children’s literature tied to the four strands of social studies, promoting English language arts integration across the curriculum.

Courses Aligned with Alabama Literacy Standards

In addition to materials purchased through the grant, UM’s School of Education recently revised its literacy courses in collaboration with Dr. Lauren Brannan, regional literacy specialist with the Alabama Reading Initiative. These revisions align with the newest state standards and emphasize cross-curricular, engaging approaches that connect literacy instruction with other core subjects.

Preparing Exceptional Educators for Alabama Classrooms

UM’s School of Education maintains a 100% pass rate on the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) for graduates, and 100% of Early Childhood and Elementary Education majors exceed the minimum passing score on their first attempt. A job placement rate of 100% means most education students have a teaching position lined up before they graduate.

The University of Mobile’s Christ-centered School of Education prepares future teachers through hands-on learning, small class sizes, and personalized mentoring from professors who are leaders in the field. Graduates are known for their professionalism, effectiveness, and heart for serving students and communities throughout Alabama and beyond.

To learn more or apply for admission, visit umobile.edu/um-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. – The University of Mobile announces a new Pell Promise Scholarship to help freshmen with financial need pursue a Christ-centered university education at UM, one of the Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America.

UM’s new Pell Promise Scholarship is available beginning Fall 2026 for new freshmen who are eligible for federal Pell Grants. The Pell Promise Scholarship will fill the gap between a student’s Pell Grant, merit awards, Alabama state grant (if applicable), and any additional University of Mobile scholarships.

The Pell Promise Scholarship ensures an eligible student’s tuition costs are fully covered at the University of Mobile.

University of Mobile President Charles Smith said the new Pell Promise Scholarship allows even more students to access the kind of Christian higher education UM offers that equips graduates to impact the world For Christ & His Kingdom.

Bridging the Tuition Gap

“We know that many students with great potential and strong academic records qualify for federal Pell Grants but still face a gap in covering tuition. This scholarship is our promise to help them bridge that gap and make a UM education possible,” Smith said.

“Through the Pell Promise Scholarship, we are investing in students who will go on to live out the Great Commission in every field — from business, education and health care to ministry, the arts and more.”

Scholarship Eligibility

The Pell Promise Scholarship is available to new Fall 2026 freshmen who meet the following criteria:

• Have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Submit a valid 2026–2027 FAFSA showing eligibility for a federal Pell Grant
• Meet other University of Mobile admissions requirements

Students receiving athletic or arts scholarships are not eligible for the Pell Promise Scholarship.

Over $14 Million in Scholarships

Charity Wittner, vice president for enrollment management and student success, said the Pell Promise Scholarship reflects UM’s mission to provide higher education that is academically strong, spiritually rich and accessible to students from all backgrounds.

“We see the incredible potential in students who want to grow academically and spiritually but wonder if a Christian college is financially possible,” Wittner said. “This scholarship is a tangible way we can say, ‘Yes, you belong here — and we’re going to help make it happen.’”

Over 98% of freshman at the University of Mobile receive financial aid and scholarships. Each year, UM awards more than $14 million in scholarships.

UM is named among the Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America in the 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings. UM also holds the #1 spot in Alabama for the best dorms and safest campus.

Learn More & Apply

For more information about the Pell Promise Scholarship and admission at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/um-info or contact the Office of Admissions at umenrollment@umobile.edu or 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. – Thanks to a historic multi-million-dollar investment by generous donors, the University of Mobile is pleased to announce plans to establish the Tom Elliff Center for Missions. Launching in the Fall of 2026, the center is designed to equip students to live out their Great Commission calling around the world.

The university will name the center in honor of Dr. Tom Elliff, a pastor, preacher and missionary advocate whose ministry shaped churches and mission efforts throughout the world. During his tenure as president of the International Mission Board, he strengthened missionary care, renewed the IMB’s focus on prayer, and championed the call to reach the world’s unreached peoples. His legacy continues to inspire young men and women who sense God’s call to serve the nations.

Equipping Kingdom Leaders

“I am deeply grateful for the supporters who made this historic investment in our institution,” said University of Mobile President Charles Smith. “Though these dear friends insist on remaining anonymous, the Lord knows their name and continues to use them to advance the gospel around the world.”

Smith said the Elliff Center will help the university fulfill its Great Commission calling.

“At its core, this new center stands at the heart of our mission to equip Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. Mobilizing our students for missions remains central to that calling, and our prayer is that this center will equip and encourage every UM student to embrace their Great Commission calling,” President Smith said.

A Great Commission University

For decades, the University of Mobile has cultivated a strong Great Commission tradition — beginning each academic year with President’s Commissioning and culminating at graduation with a charge to serve Christ faithfully in every vocation and corner of the world. This heritage has shaped generations of UM graduates, reinforcing the conviction that every Christian is called to live on mission.

The new Elliff Center enables the university to deepen and expand this tradition by providing focused training, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for students, including weekly gatherings that equip them for missions, quarterly forums with well-known missionary leaders and scholars, and mission trips that offer meaningful cross-cultural ministry experience.

Through this center, the University of Mobile strengthens its long-standing commitment to Christ-centered excellence and prepares graduates to serve faithfully in churches, communities and nations across the world.

The University of Mobile will soon begin a national search for the director of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, a leader who will guide the center’s vision and oversee its programs.

President Smith noted that the university is seeking “a gifted and godly leader with extensive missions experience and a deep passion to equip our students to reach the nations for Christ.”

Those who wish to apply — or to submit letters of recommendation — may email a cover letter and résumé to humanresources@umobile.edu.

For more information, contact the Office for Institutional Relations at 251.442.2913 or visit umobile.edu.

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 Board of Trustees celebrated a season of growth and momentum at its Fall 2025 meeting Oct. 24 as university officials reported that record enrollment, campus improvements, new academic leadership, and thriving chapel and student life programs are igniting a spirit of excitement and purpose on campus.

University of Mobile President Charles Smith began the plenary session with a powerful devotional from Hebrews 1:1-4 that underscored UM’s unique moment, message and mission.

“Though our context is always evolving, our message and mission remain the same — we exist For Christ & His Kingdom,” Smith said.

With this as his backdrop, Smith introduced several new strategies and initiatives designed to propel the university into a new season of Kingdom impact.

“Every one of these principles, and every one of these projects, is designed to make a difference in and through the lives of our students,” the president said.

“I could not be more thankful for the ways God is blessing the work of countless leaders across campus,” Smith said. “From record enrollment to new programs to athletic accomplishments and much more — God is using this team to make an impact For Christ & His Kingdom.”

Trustees Welcome New Academic Leader

During the meeting, President Smith appointed Dr. Jason K. Lee to the new position of provost and vice president for academic administration. Lee will serve alongside Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller, vice president for academic affairs, starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Sharing his excitement, President Smith said, “Dr. Lee’s academic expertise and administrative experience will serve our students and faculty well as we continue advancing the University of Mobile’s mission to exist For Christ & His Kingdom. Together, this new administrative team brings both continuity and fresh vision for the next chapter of the University of Mobile.”

Lee said the opportunities at UM for innovation and stewardship in academic programs are exciting.

“The holistic nature of education for Christ and His Kingdom poises the University of Mobile to continue the life-changing effect on students that I received as a student at the university,” Lee said.

Currently, Lee serves as professor of theological studies and director of the Center for Biblical Integration at Cedarville University, where he equips faculty to integrate biblical truth effectively within their fields of study.

In addition to his academic career, Lee has served in various ministry positions, most recently as discipleship pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church in Springfield, Ohio. Among many publications, he is co-author of “Scripture and Scrubs: Health Care Practice as Servants of Common Grace” released this year by B&H Academic, and the forthcoming “Submitting to Christ Together: Baptist Dogmatics Ecclesiology” set for a 2026 release by Baker Academic.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in religion from the University of Mobile, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland. His doctoral theses in the field of religious history concentrated on early Baptist thought and hermeneutics.

Trustees Approve New Academic Programs

Trustees approved the following new academic programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity-to-Master of Business Administration (5-year integrated MBA)
• Bachelor of Science in Natural Science
• Master of education in Instructional Leadership (online)
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Practice

Enrollment, Campus Improvements and Rankings

University officials reported campus highlights, including record enrollment, campus improvements, national and state rankings.

• UM experienced a 14% increase in new students and residence halls are at capacity. UM surpassed its enrollment goal and welcoming 2,092 students for Fall 2025.
• Campus improvements to facilities and landscaping focused on strategic and high-traffic areas on campus to assure that students and guests feel welcomed, inspired and reminded that UM is a place where they belong. Updated areas include Ingram Dining Hall, Bedsole Commons, Weaver Hall/Enrollment Services, Martin Hall classrooms, landscaping at Ram Hall patio and throughout the grounds.
• 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings include: Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America, Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America, #1 Best College for Music in Alabama, #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama, #1 Best Dorms in Alabama.
• RegisteredNursing.org named the UM School of Nursing the #1 Nursing Program in Alabama.
• UM’s Chapel program is generating excitement and spiritual growth across campus as nationally recognized faith leaders from across Southern Baptist life deliver inspiring and challenging messages each week.
• A new partnership with C12, a national organization of Christian business leaders, brought a Faith at Work panel discussion to UM to explore the intersection of faith and work.
• A new Student Leadership Team has been created as the university focuses on expanding student leadership initiatives.

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. – High school juniors and seniors can experience college life at the University of Mobile during UM Day on Thursday, Nov. 20, and get a bonus opportunity to go behind the scenes of Christmas Spectacular with a VIP Backstage Pass the same weekend, Nov. 20-23.

UM Day is the university’s signature campus-visit event, offering a firsthand look at what makes UM one of the Top 100 Christian universities in the nation. Students can tour the #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama, explore residence halls ranked #1 Best Dorms, and meet professors and current students.

Earn a $2,000 Visit Day Scholarship

Students who attend UM Day, apply and enroll are eligible for a $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students.

RSVP now for UM Day on Nov. 20 at umobile.edu/umday-info or call 251.442.2222.

Why RSVP Now for UM Day on Nov. 20?

When you RSVP, you unlock exclusive opportunities and special perks that make your visit even more rewarding.

• Apply for Free at UM Day!
• Free UM Day T-shirt for students who apply for admission at UM Day!
• Free UM sweatshirt for students who make their enrollment down payment!
• $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students who visit, apply and enroll

RSVP for UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call 251.442.2222.

Bonus Experience: VIP Backstage Pass at Christmas Spectacular

Students visiting for UM Day can make their trip even more memorable by attending the University of Mobile’s Christmas Spectacular and signing up for a free VIP Backstage Pass.

With the VIP Backstage Pass, high school juniors and seniors get an exclusive look behind the scenes of UM’s annual holiday production, presented by the Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. Pass holders will meet current UM students and faculty, tour backstage, and join the full cast and crew for Prayer Room, a powerful time of worship before the show begins.

Christmas Spectacular has kicked off the Christmas season on the Gulf Coast for more than two decades and features over 200 students, faculty, staff and alumni. Students from all majors participate in the production.

The University of Mobile is ranked among the Top 100 Music Schools in America and the #1 Best College for Music in Alabama, according to Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges.

Performances are:

• Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 23 at 4 p.m.

VIP Backstage Passes are free for high school juniors and seniors and their immediate families. Guests also receive a discount on Christmas Spectacular tickets and are entered into a drawing for a half-tuition scholarship.

Register for the VIP Backstage Pass and purchase Christmas Spectacular tickets at umobile.edu/Christmas.

More UM Days & Private Visits

If you can’t attend the November event, more UM Days are planned for Feb. 5 and March 23, 2026. Private campus tours are also available year-round, and students who visit, apply and enroll through a private visit still qualify for the $2,000 Visit Scholarship.

Schedule your visit at umobile.edu/umday-info or call 251.442.2222.

What Happens at UM Day?

On your visit, you’ll:

• Tour our beautiful 880‑acre campus and see why our dorms are ranked #1 in Alabama on a campus ranked #1 for safety.
• Meet professors and current students who will inspire you.
• Learn how affordable a private Christian university can be.
• Apply for free — and take the first step toward your future.

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 equippingstudents 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.